Archive for July, 2012

New Bandwidth Management Option

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Automate the management and control over your network

For years, Platypus has been able to integrate with external systems, such as RADIUS, to manage bandwidth for end users. This could be done in various configurations, depending on the equipment present on the network. While this solution works well, it does have a learning curve that many WISPs do not have the manpower to master. In addition, it can’t be used to manage the bandwidth for the ENTIRE network and usage information isn’t always available.

In order to provide a bandwidth management service that is simple to use and deploy, Platypus has partnered with The Mesh Networks to provide a hardware solution called The NetProfit™ System that is capable of managing not only individual end users, but your network bandwidth as a whole. This hardware solution is deployed between the Internet and your end users and controls the speed at the head end of the network.  This system is fully integrated into the Platypus ISP Billing System and once installed the global settings for each tier can be a “Set & Forget” operation.

User Features:

  • Integrated Speed Control for Customers
  • Usage Tracking
  • Monthly Bandwidth Limits
  • Usage Notifications
  • Usage Based Billing
  • Automated Disconnects
  • Captive Portal for Non-Payment
  • IP or Username (DHCP) Based Configuration
  • Simplifies Customer Installation
  • Online Upgrade Capability for Customers

Network Features:

  • Gateway and Traffic Controller Hardware
  • Cloud-based Configuration
  • Increased Quality of Service (QOS) for All Users
  • Addresses Abuse Issues
  • Ideal for Enforcing Speed Limits with Mixed Equipment
  • Dynamic Quotas

We are currently looking for WISPs who are interested in deploying this system on their network.  As an incentive, we will provide the first 60 days of service at no charge to the first few eligible customers.  Please contact support or sales if you are interested in trying this solution in your environment.

Online Backup Now Available

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Over the course of 15 years, our support staff has often asked the question “Do you have a backup?”.  While the answer varies, the reality is that most customers aren’t backing up their Platypus data consistently in a way that allows them to resume normal business operations in a timely manner.  We have reconstructed data from print files, had customers re-key data based on printed hard copies of statements and worse yet, had to resort to calling customers to ask them for their information.

Platypus uses Microsoft SQL Server as the database for storing billing and authentication information.  If you are using Platypus and haven’t configured Microsoft SQL Server to backup the data on a regular basis to both a local and remote location, then your data could be in jeopardy.  In addition to configuring the backup, daily monitoring and periodic restorations are essential to knowing that the data you are backing up is current and valid.

That’s where the Platypus Managed Online Backup service can help.  In addition to remote backup configuration and cloud storage, Platypus technicians monitor your backup health, perform an initial test restore and alert you when failures occur.  In case of data loss or user error, our Platypus technicians are here to help you get your data restored quickly so that you can get back to running your business.

Don’t let your business be down for an extended period of time due to not having a backup.  Keep your customer data, tax data and customers online with Platypus Managed Online Backup.

Why protect your data?

  • Hardware failure
  • Viruses
  • Natural Disasters
  • Malicious Employees

Why Platypus Online Backup?

  • Professionals who understand what data to backup
  • Remotely Configured
  • Initial Test Restore
  • Regular Monitoring and Notification
  • Backup Troubleshooting Assistance
  • Assisted Restore
  • Access to the last 30 days of backup history

Pricing

  • Setup Fee: $125 – Includes setup and restore testing.
  • Monthly Rate:
    • $49.95 per Month – 5GB Online Storage
    • $1.49 per 1GB over 5GB
  • Restoration Fee: $125 per hour with 1 hour minimum, plus cost of media (if required)