1. What are the areas of business that Ascent Telecom caters to? How old is the organization?
   Ascent Telecom sells Softswitch, Softphone and Billing solutions. In combination, these components (and few others) make a full pre-packaged solution platform for IP Telephony services. Ascent Telecom does the customization work for it's offerings thus giving the customers exactly what they want. Ascent sells as well as provide service through it's hosted backend PoP of the same platform. Starting off in year 2000 Ascent has grown from being a Telecom Billing Solution organization to a complete IP Telephony Products, Solutions & Services organization.
    

2. What is the profile of employees working at Ascent Telecom?
   All the employees at Ascent are MCAs (Maters in Computer Applications) and MBAs (Masters in Business Administration). Since, Ascent work on Microsoft technologies hence majority of them are Microsoft Certified Professionals in their respective areas of expertise like RDBMS, Development Platforms etc. We also have certified network engineers on Quintum, Cisco range of gateways. We do have in-house expertise on protocols and networking concepts.
    

3. What is the geographical area of presence of Ascent Telecom's customer base?
   Ascent has global presence of it's customer base. Ascent's global customers are from USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Philippines, Middle-East etc.

Products

Ascent VoIP Billing v5.0

1. What is Ascent VoIP Billing v5.0?
   Ascent VoIP Billing v5.0 is a Real-Time Rating, Billing & Subscriber Management system. It supports voIP / IP Telephony services like Calling cards, PC to Phone, Device to Phone, Phone to Phone, IP to IP Wholesale Traffic Exchange. It's a web enabled system that allows you full control over your business.
    

2. Which platform does it run on, what backend database it uses & what technology has been used to develop it?
   Ascent VoIP Billing v5.0 runs on MS Windows platform with MS SQL Server as RDBMS. It has been successfully deployed and tested with whole range Cisco, Quintum voice gateways and SIP/H.323 Softswitch / GK.
    

3. What is the implementation timeframe & process?
   Excluding the modifications to be done and considering all the prerequisites like system requirements, internet connectivity, initial switch / gateway configuration have been met, the products implementation will not exceed 7 days at the maximum. On an average we have finished the implementation in 2-3 days.
    

4. Can I request changes or modifications as per my requirements ? How much time will it take to incorporate my requested changes?
   Yes. As per your specific requirements, anytime, you may request any changes. If the changes, to be incorporated, require special effort from our side then we would initiate a normal off-site development charges on basis of the time taken to implement the changes.
    

5. For which VoIP services can it be used?
   Ascent VoIP Billing v5.0 is a real-time billing, rating and subscriber management system. it can effectively support Calling Cards, PC to Phone, Device to Phone, Phone to Phone, IP to IP Wholesale, Callshop services. It supports both prepaid & postpaid modes and at the same time it can work with or without IVR scenario also.
    

6. What will happen to my existing customers and accounts data?
   For clients who are already in business, there is "Data Migration" that is performed. During this phase all the data of the existing customers and accounts is ported in to Matrix database. We make sure that no data loss happens. Also we understand the sensitivity of data and we maintain privacy & secrecy of client's data.
    

7. Where can I find more information about it's features, functionalities, capabilities etc.?
   You may have a look at the following page Ascent VoIP Billing v5.0. For further information please drop an email at solutions@ascenttelecom.com.
    

8. What are the System Requirements?
   One Server with configuration minimum of P IV, 2.8 GHz, Minimum 2 GB RAM, Dual Processor, 80 GB HDD, Microsoft Windows OS, Microsoft SQL Server Database.
    

9. How to Buy?
   Please fill the form on "Schedule a Demo" page OR send an email to us with your requirements and we will follow-up with you within one business day maximum.
   
    

Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0

1. What is Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0?
   Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0 is a customized telecom billing, Rating & Subscriber management system. It acts as an OSS (Operations Support System) for service provider and does provide comprehensive details for effective management of business. It has all the features & functionalities divided as per modules and each module like rating, customer provisioning, agents management caters to specific functions.
    

2. What services are supported by Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0?
   It is meant to support PSTN Telephony Billing for Local & Long Distance calling, Callback Services for Long Distance calling in PSTN, Wholesale Billing for Service providers. It also support "Telecom Billing Analysis - wherein service providers use billing system for performing analysis in the CDRs, rates etc", "Carrier Reconciliation - wherein service providers may use it to reconcile the data" and any other service. Since this is a customized solution so any kind of work may be incorporated on request.
    

3. Is Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0 customizable or are modifications possible in Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0?
   Keeping in mind the nature of billing industry Ascent-Convergent Billing v5.0 has been developed in a modular architecture and hence is very easily customizable. Service providers can request any kind of changes in the solution as per their requirement.
    

4. What is the process of buying, implementation & delivery?
   In order to procure the solution the following steps should be followed: send us an email with your requirements in detail, we get back to you with our clarifications & queries, we agree with you on a defined set of your final requirements, we estimate the cost and commit on a time frame for implementation & delivery. We get in to support maintenance cycle after successful delivery.
    

5. If I migrate to Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0 then what will happen to my existing customer & accounts data?
   Ascent takes extra care with your existing customer's data. There is a process of Data Migration that is done in order to port the existing data, of the service provider, in to Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0.
    

6. What will be the 3rd party software and hardware that I need buy in order to run Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0? Will Ascent provide me 3rd party software and hardware?
   Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0 runs on Windows platform. You will need MS Windows 2000 Server or above and MS SQL Server 2000 or above. Along with them you will also need Anti-Virus software, Anti-Worm Software, and Firewall Software. Ascent can take the responsibility of providing you these software on payment. In any case Ascent does guide it's customers and assist them in procurement of these software.
    

7. How much it will cost?
   Considering the nature of Billing Solutions, it is not advisable to comment on the pricing as the price may vary greatly as per your specific requirement. Once your requirement details are provided then our Pre-Sales Analysis team will detail you about pricing.
    

8. Will I get the documentation & manuals along with Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0?
   Yes you will be provided with all the documentation & manuals along with the solution. These manuals will guide you in better understanding of the solution and also to get the best out of it. However, please note that since the solution is customized hence the some documentation will be done parallel and may take normal course of time.
    

9. What is the System Requirement of Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0?
   Ascent Convergent Billing v5.0 runs on MS Windows platform with MS SQL Server as RDBMS. It requires a minimum Intel Pentium IV processor with speed 2.0 GHz, 512 MB RAM and 80 GB hard disk. The hardware requirements will largely depend on the volume of traffic, number of customers etc.
    

Solutions

Complete Pre-Packaged IP Telephony (VoIP) Solution

1. What is Ascent One-Telephony?
   Ascent Telecom takes complete responsibility of setting up VOIP Network for their clients. Ascent provides complete consultancy under this service and also provide the VOIP components required in VOIP network through it's rich network of partners. Under this service we will guide you step by step in setting up your own VOIP Network.
    

2. Can I provide calling card, pc to phone, device to phone, phone to phone services?
   The benefit is of one stop window for all your queries. You do not need to run pillar to post for all the different components. This also removes all the compatibility issues between different vendor components. After handing over the charge to Ascent you can just dictate terms and setup your own VOIP network in very quick time.
    

3. Do I need to buy separate modules for providing each service?
   Yes.
    

4. What are the system requirements for the platform installation?
   It really depends on the network that is volume it's supposed to support, the locations to serve etc.
    

5. Which components are not provided by Ascent and what is their utility in the network?
   Yes they will be trained to handle the network and major sensitive issues. They will also be guided in usage of network for good upkeep of network.
    

6. What does the Ascent One-Telephony platform comprise?
   Yes they will be trained to handle the network and major sensitive issues. They will also be guided in usage of network for good upkeep of network.

Services

Hosted Softswitch plus Billing Platform

1. What is Hosted Ascent One-Telephony?
   "Hosted Ascent One-Telephony" is a hosted or managed softswitch plus billing platform. It is a set of components put together to form an IP Telephony Network and has been designed in such a way so as to be partitioned to use by more than one user. Each user uses their own secure web login to access from the internet and utilize their features to manage their business independent of others. It comprises SIP Proxy, H.323 GK, Protocol Conversion, IVR, Radius, Web Based Real-Time Rating, Billing & Account Management Server. Service providers may use this system as their backend network and may resell services under their own brand name to other resellers and customers.
    

2. Is it reliable & secure? What about backups?
   TIt's a distributed architecture of 6 servers with dedicated hardware firewall and private switches to manage the whole network. At the backend it is connected to the Tier 1 bandwidth carriers & uninterrupted power backup. With distributed architecture in place the backups are taken as part of regular system monitoring process and that makes it completely secure.
    

3. What are system requirements at my side to use the hosted platform?
   You ONLY need an internet enabled normal PC or laptop at any location in the world at anytime to manage your business. You do not need any additional software to install for managing the business.
    

4. Can I request changes in the solution interface, features and functionalities?
   Though the system has been put in place after quite a research but still if you want something to be incorporated then it can be done on request and it would come under chargeable category.
    

5. What services can be launched with hosted platform?
   At present you can launch PC to Phone, Callshop & Device to Phone services with this platform. Very soon we would be having IVR based authentication for calling and Wholesale (IP to IP) service features.
    

6. How many resellers and customers can be added?
   There is no limit to the number of resellers and customers. Infact you have n-level of reseller chain under you and they in-turn can manage the whole business just like you. You can also control the access that you want to provide to them.
    

7. Is there a limitation to the volume of traffic or number of calls?
   There is no limitation to this either, however, we would request you to be in constant communication with us so that we can provide you with ample bandwidth for your growth.
    

8. What is the pricing for this platform?
   Please mail us your requirements for pricing at solutions@ascenttelecom.com
    

9. How to move ahead and place the order?
   Simply drop an email at solutions@ascenttelecom.com and our pre-sales executive will get back to you within maximum one business day.

Support

1. What is your support process?
   Ascent Telecom offers support for all of it's offerings for smooth functioning of customer's business after sales. Minimum one engineer would be responsible for answering customer's queries as and when they arrive and also he would be responsible to resolve any errors or bugs in the system. Basic job would be to make sure that the system functions correctly and customer is able to get maximum out of the system. Support Engineer would be available on Chat or Email or Phone as per comfortable mode with customer.
    

2. What is the mode of providing support?
   The mode can be either Chat or Email or phone or all of these depending on the comfort of the client.
    

3. What all activities are covered in support?
   Query resolution, bug identification & resolution, Monitoring of regular system processes from time to time in order to make sure healthy functioning of the system.
    

4. Do you provide 24x7 support for all your products, solutions & services?
   We divide support issues in to two primary categories. One, Critical - when the system stops functioning for any reason whatsoever. Second, Non-Critical - all other issues apart from critical. We provide 24x7 support in case of critical issues. In case of non-critical issues we provide normal business hours support, however, customer may discuss his requirements of support and we may provide the required format of support to him.

Alliances

1. Is Ascent looking for resellers to expand the business?
   Yes. We basically look for two kinds of resellers. One, who work as our partners and assist us in selling the complete packaged IP Telephony platform, Ascent One-Telephony, to service providers across the globe. Second, who become our customers on our Hosted platform and resell the service to other resellers and customers in their territory.
    

2. What is the criteria for becoming Ascent's reseller?
   The only criteria is willingness to work and little bit of prior knowledge doesn't hurt either.
    

3. Is there any sign up fee for becoming a reseller?
   No
    

4. Will I be trained on your products & solutions?
   Yes
    

Clients

1. What is the nature of existing client base of Ascent?
   Existing clients are - ITSPs, ISPs, Broadband Service Providers, ILD Operators, NLD Operators, Providers gearing up to start Prepaid/ Postpaid/ Both Calling Card Business, Service Providers already offering IP Telephony (like Calling Card) Services, providers who are already offering services over switched Circuit network and now wish to deploy VOIP services, Carriers and Telecom Resellers seeking profit from Global Long-Distance Network, Broadband Providers, Wi-Fi Operators, Cybercafe owners, Call Shops Service Providers, and any other service provider willing to offer IP Telephony services. Telecom Billing Analysis, TDM Long Distance organizations also fall under our customer base.
    

2. In which countries has Ascent done the installation?
   Ascent has done the installation in 14 countries around the world. The countries are like USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Philippines, Middle-East etc.
    

3. What is the average size of Ascent's client base?
   It ranges from retail customers to Class A service providers & carriers.
    

4. How can I be sure that the Ascent has handled my kind of network with their existing client?
   We encourage you to ask for Referrals.