XOP Networks’ platform supports a number of capabilities that are important for Conferencing Service Providers and other Network Operators that offer hosted Value Added Services. These platform enhancements are bundled as part of ‘Service Provider Package’. Following items are noteworthy:
Virtual Conference Bridge
This allows the network operator to offer virtual USN and DCB. With this capability an end customer can purchase part of the system and use it as if it was deployed in-house without having to manage the equipment or the network facilities.
XML based Provisioning API
This allows a network operator’s CRM or other provisioning systems to send an encrypted message containing appropriate credentials to automatically add, edit or delete subscriber accounts.
CDR upload to external FTP sites
This allows the USN and DCB platforms to automatically upload the collected CDRS to external FTP site. The upload can be done on demand or at specified time intervals.
High Availability
A pair of redundant USNs or DCBs can be deployed at two different geographical locations. The database of both servers is kept in synchronization using bi-directional database replication. The two servers can operate in either active/standby or active/active load shared mode. The two servers present common URL for web access.
Enhanced Security
The USN and DCB support multiple enahanced security features that include use of digital authentication certificates, strong passwords, logging of all system access events etc.
Mobile Operators
XOP Networks’ platforms support as number of value added services for mobile operators. Its Voice Mail application supports legacy voicemail functions and also introduces several new enhancememnts, such as random access for voicemails via a web portal on a PDA, also known in the industry as as Visual Voicemail, ability to send a text message notifying the subscriber of a new message, retrieval of messages over the cellular data network, also known in the industry as Voice SMS, personalized Auto Attendant capability etc. After a voicemail has been deposited, a SMS text message can be automatically sent to the voicemail subscriber. The alert contains a link that points to the stored message. By clicking on the link the subscriber can pull the associated .wav file (if equipped with a data plan) over the cellular data network and instantly play back the voicemail message on a PDA. XOP Networks equipment also provides Group SMS application. This application can be used standalone or in conjunction with XOP Networks’ Mass Notification application. This allows thousands of SMS messages per minute to be sent to a large audience e.g., entire student body of an university.
IOCs & CLECs
Independent Operating Companies (IOCs) and Competitive Local Exchnage Carriers (CLECs) provide Firebar service. This service is typically used by a city’s 911 dispatch center personnel to pull designated first responders into a quick audio conference when faced with an emergency situation. Typically Firebar equipment is placed between a carrier’s switch (Line side deployment) and the first responder’s residence. This equipment is used to ring dedicated emergency ‘red’ phones installed at first responders residence. As the IOCs and CLECs install next generation VoIP based access and switching equipment, and more people embrace cellular and VoIP telephones, this legacy mode of operation becomes untenable. XOP Networks offers Enhanced Firebar application on its Universal Service Node platform. This equipment is typically placed on the trunk side of the carrier’s switch. Based on a incoming phone call, or based on a Web click, the platform can trigger outbound calls to first responders and call them on their landline phones, IP phones or cell phones. Based on built-in Find-you capability, it tries to reach the first responder at multiple locations and upon successful pick up and authentication, places them into an audio conference. In addition to the voice calls, the system can also send SMS text message with instructions for joining the ongoing audio conference, in case one needs to.
