Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I've had my Univac-1 running since 1951 and other than the $6,000.00 a month electric bill it's been perfect for us. No need to change, as far as I can see. From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Scott Carullo Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 11:00 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just FYI... We use linux and windows. They all run for years without problems. Not sure what you guys are doing to cause any server to have problems once a week but its your problem not windows. Most likely hardware or lack of understanding of the person managing it. Its silly to think any main stream OS is incapable of operating properly and reliably. I use and support both OSs so don't let this spin out of control to an OS discussion. Scott Carullo Technical Operations 855-FLSPEED x102 http://www.flhsi.com/files/emaillogo.jpg _ From: Scottie Arnett sarn...@info-ed.com Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 12:35 AM To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I am way behind on this threadBut I can say I ran Windows servers from 1999 - 2008 for almost everything. I have moved everything to Linux in the last 2 years because of the problems I have had with Window's servers. The only system I still have running Windows is our billing server, and that is only because I have not taken the steps to go to a different billing system. I can say that I had at least 2 to 3(most of the time way more) notifications of Windows servers hosting web or mail BEING DOWN EVERY MONTH! Since I started hosting the websites and mail server on Linux in the last two years, I have never had a cell phone alert that anything is down! I have became a follower. I was one of those believers that though M$ was the $hit, wrong answer! The internet world was created on Unix and every server you have on the net should be Unix or a Linux variant! Scott - Original Message - From: Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:32 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnes st...@pcswin.com wrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at 700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
LOL! You didnt get the EC #OU812 added which lowers the electric usage? ;) On Fri, Dec 31, 2010 at 5:08 PM, Robert West robert.w...@just-micro.comwrote: I’ve had my Univac-1 running since 1951 and other than the $6,000.00 a month electric bill it’s been perfect for us. No need to change, as far as I can see. *From:* wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] *On Behalf Of *Scott Carullo *Sent:* Thursday, December 30, 2010 11:00 AM *To:* WISPA General List *Subject:* Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just FYI... We use linux and windows. They all run for years without problems. Not sure what you guys are doing to cause any server to have problems once a week but its your problem not windows. Most likely hardware or lack of understanding of the person managing it. Its silly to think any main stream OS is incapable of operating properly and reliably. I use and support both OSs so don't let this spin out of control to an OS discussion. Scott Carullo Technical Operations 855-FLSPEED x102 -- *From*: Scottie Arnett sarn...@info-ed.com *Sent*: Thursday, December 30, 2010 12:35 AM *To*: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org *Subject*: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I am way behind on this threadBut I can say I ran Windows servers from 1999 - 2008 for almost everything. I have moved everything to Linux in the last 2 years because of the problems I have had with Window's servers. The only system I still have running Windows is our billing server, and that is only because I have not taken the steps to go to a different billing system. I can say that I had at least 2 to 3(most of the time way more) notifications of Windows servers hosting web or mail BEING DOWN EVERY MONTH! Since I started hosting the websites and mail server on Linux in the last two years, I have never had a cell phone alert that anything is down! I have became a follower. I was one of those believers that though M$ was the $hit, wrong answer! The internet world was created on Unix and every server you have on the net should be Unix or a Linux variant! Scott - Original Message - From: Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:32 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnes st...@pcswin.com wrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at 700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Hell no. Boy tried to put the hard sell on me for that but I wasn't falling for it. We're cool. Had the electric co-op put in the aux sub-station out back, no issues. A waste, in my eyes. I'm not THAT flippin' stupid. From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of RickG Sent: Friday, December 31, 2010 6:49 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems LOL! You didnt get the EC #OU812 added which lowers the electric usage? ;) On Fri, Dec 31, 2010 at 5:08 PM, Robert West robert.w...@just-micro.com wrote: I've had my Univac-1 running since 1951 and other than the $6,000.00 a month electric bill it's been perfect for us. No need to change, as far as I can see. From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Scott Carullo Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 11:00 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just FYI... We use linux and windows. They all run for years without problems. Not sure what you guys are doing to cause any server to have problems once a week but its your problem not windows. Most likely hardware or lack of understanding of the person managing it. Its silly to think any main stream OS is incapable of operating properly and reliably. I use and support both OSs so don't let this spin out of control to an OS discussion. Scott Carullo Technical Operations 855-FLSPEED x102 http://www.flhsi.com/files/emaillogo.jpg _ From: Scottie Arnett sarn...@info-ed.com Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 12:35 AM To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I am way behind on this threadBut I can say I ran Windows servers from 1999 - 2008 for almost everything. I have moved everything to Linux in the last 2 years because of the problems I have had with Window's servers. The only system I still have running Windows is our billing server, and that is only because I have not taken the steps to go to a different billing system. I can say that I had at least 2 to 3(most of the time way more) notifications of Windows servers hosting web or mail BEING DOWN EVERY MONTH! Since I started hosting the websites and mail server on Linux in the last two years, I have never had a cell phone alert that anything is down! I have became a follower. I was one of those believers that though M$ was the $hit, wrong answer! The internet world was created on Unix and every server you have on the net should be Unix or a Linux variant! Scott - Original Message - From: Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:32 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnes st...@pcswin.com wrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at 700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Just FYI... We use linux and windows. They all run for years without problems. Not sure what you guys are doing to cause any server to have problems once a week but its your problem not windows. Most likely hardware or lack of understanding of the person managing it. Its silly to think any main stream OS is incapable of operating properly and reliably. I use and support both OSs so don't let this spin out of control to an OS discussion. Scott Carullo Technical Operations 855-FLSPEED x102 From: Scottie Arnett sarn...@info-ed.com Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 12:35 AM To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I am way behind on this threadBut I can say I ran Windows servers from 1999 - 2008 for almost everything. I have moved everything to Linux in the last 2 years because of the problems I have had with Window's servers. The only system I still have running Windows is our billing server, and that is only because I have not taken the steps to go to a different billing system. I can say that I had at least 2 to 3(most of the time way more) notifications of Windows servers hosting web or mail BEING DOWN EVERY MONTH! Since I started hosting the websites and mail server on Linux in the last two years, I have never had a cell phone alert that anything is down! I have became a follower. I was one of those believers that though M$ was the $hit, wrong answer! The internet world was created on Unix and every server you have on the net should be Unix or a Linux variant! Scott - Original Message - From: Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:32 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnes st...@pcswin.com wrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at 700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I am way behind on this threadBut I can say I ran Windows servers from 1999 - 2008 for almost everything. I have moved everything to Linux in the last 2 years because of the problems I have had with Window's servers. The only system I still have running Windows is our billing server, and that is only because I have not taken the steps to go to a different billing system. I can say that I had at least 2 to 3(most of the time way more) notifications of Windows servers hosting web or mail BEING DOWN EVERY MONTH! Since I started hosting the websites and mail server on Linux in the last two years, I have never had a cell phone alert that anything is down! I have became a follower. I was one of those believers that though M$ was the $hit, wrong answer! The internet world was created on Unix and every server you have on the net should be Unix or a Linux variant! Scott - Original Message - From: Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:32 PM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnes st...@pcswin.com wrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at 700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Wow. I didn't mean to start a flame war. We used Rodopi at lamere.net and AirNet Connect, because it had a ready built web interface. It had an interface for customers, customer service types and admins. It integrated with our payment processor and would work with any system (Windows/Linux/Unix) You set up your scripts however you wanted. It filled in the variables and then uploaded them to whatever server you wanted them uploaded to via ftp. You ran a shell script that looked for new scripts in a folder every 10 seconds and it would execute those scripts. I wrote all those scripts in Perl and those scripts also saved all the information to MySQL database. A quick perusal on the web site yesterday (I haven't run it for years, but not because I don't want to, but because of funding.) and it has plugins for lots of wireless gear and even does DOCSIS provisioning. Its a nice product. Its not cheap, but then neither is CPanel. The beauty of this one is that I could make it work with anything and it wasn't that difficult. I work for a company that does Windows. The systems are as secure as any other. You can change services to run with limited permissions, don't allow users to have administrative access to machines. Sure Windows requires reboots (I still can't get over the fact that it can't seem to unload and reload a driver or re-read the registry without a reboot) when patched. Is that the end of the world? no. Is linux better at patch management? yes. Windows has had a lot of improvements over the years and Server 2003 has been very stable. Sure it has ActiveX and thats a problem. Would I put it outside of a firewall? No way in hell. I'm very agnostic about these things. You use the right tool for the job. For the record, I'm LAMP guy. For the last two years, I've been working for a company that wants everything done in Visual Studio .NET and C#. Its a tolerable environment and it pays the bills. Use the right tool for the job. --Curtis On 12/7/2010 2:45 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: Who said it auto rebooted? I had it reboot the machine to apply the updates. I've had to reboot Windows servers for all kinds of things, even installing an application. I did not mean to reference Windows was slower, but rather required more administrative time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 2:14 PM, Scott Reedsr...@nwwnet.net wrote: So why do you have auto-update turned on? Why do you allow it to reboot the machine? This doesn't sound as much like a Windows issue as a SysAdmin issue. I have run a data center for a Fortune 100 company. We did a huge amount of real-time data collection using Windows applications to gather and Oracle on Unix to store. Can't say that we spent more time with one platform than the other. On 12/7/2010 1:32 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnesst...@pcswin.comwrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis On 12/2/2010 1:36 PM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance On 24-Aug-10, at 10:18 AM, Jon Auer wrote: Unfortunately that's a fact of life of enterprise software. Any sufficiently powerfully piece of software will require a lot of customization to do exactly what you want. Witness all the Oracle/PeopleSoft/SAP consultants. :-/ On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM, Dennis Burgessdmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthmanj...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM,tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis On 12/2/2010 1:36 PM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance On 24-Aug-10, at 10:18 AM, Jon Auer wrote: Unfortunately that's a fact of life of enterprise software. Any sufficiently powerfully piece of software will require a lot of customization to do exactly what you want. Witness all the Oracle/PeopleSoft/SAP consultants. :-/ On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM, Dennis Burgessdmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthmanj...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM,tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
These days a cluefully run Windows system is no better or worse than a cluefully run *nix system... On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 9:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wi...@kpperformance.ca wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I have three Windows servers. - Win 2k - 5 years in production - Billing/Web Server - Win 2003 - 5 years in production - Exchange/SQL/Old PRTG install - Win 2003 - 6 mos in production - New PRTG install/AirView/some other tools They run and run and run. They key is to run software that is well designed and proven. - Jerry From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Shane MacDonald Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 7:47 AM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis On 12/2/2010 1:36 PM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance On 24-Aug-10, at 10:18 AM, Jon Auer wrote: Unfortunately that's a fact of life of enterprise software. Any sufficiently powerfully piece of software will require a lot of customization to do exactly what you want. Witness all the Oracle/PeopleSoft/SAP consultants. :-/ On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM, Dennis Burgessdmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthmanj...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM,tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at 700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnes st...@pcswin.com wrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at 700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
So why do you have auto-update turned on? Why do you allow it to reboot the machine? This doesn't sound as much like a Windows issue as a SysAdmin issue. I have run a data center for a Fortune 100 company. We did a huge amount of real-time data collection using Windows applications to gather and Oracle on Unix to store. Can't say that we spent more time with one platform than the other. On 12/7/2010 1:32 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnesst...@pcswin.com wrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- Scott Reed Owner NewWays Networking, LLC Wireless Networking Network Design, Installation and Administration Mikrotik Advanced Certified www.nwwnet.net (765) 855-1060 WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I never ever install any updates automatically, even critical updates. If you are not running in a virtual environment the recommendation is to do a backup of the OP system before any updates. This is for machines which are not clustered or have a spare. I have seen too many times where an update was pulled hours or even a day after it was released due to major issues with the software. There have been ³holy wars² over *nix vs windows vs whatever else over the years. My philosophy is use the tool you are most comfortable with. If that tool can¹t do the job then you need to learn a different tool or hire someone who knows it. I have seen Windows admins which run a solid and secure ship. Same for *nix. I personally am a mainly Linux guy, but that¹s because it¹s free. I have more access to something free. We had this discussion in a previous life when I was a network admin for a large school corporation. The argument was we paid for support with the Windows servers. Instead of spending 2 hours combing the Internet we simply called Microsoft. Lots of arguments for both sides. Justin -- Justin Wilson j...@mtin.net Aol Yahoo IM: j2sw http://www.mtin.net/blog xISP News http://www.twitter.com/j2sw Follow me on Twitter Wisp Consulting Tower Climbing Network Support From: Scott Reed sr...@nwwnet.net Reply-To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Date: Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:14:41 -0500 To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems So why do you have auto-update turned on? Why do you allow it to reboot the machine? This doesn't sound as much like a Windows issue as a SysAdmin issue. I have run a data center for a Fortune 100 company. We did a huge amount of real-time data collection using Windows applications to gather and Oracle on Unix to store. Can't say that we spent more time with one platform than the other. On 12/7/2010 1:32 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnesst...@pcswin.com wrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Who said it auto rebooted? I had it reboot the machine to apply the updates. I've had to reboot Windows servers for all kinds of things, even installing an application. I did not mean to reference Windows was slower, but rather required more administrative time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 2:14 PM, Scott Reed sr...@nwwnet.net wrote: So why do you have auto-update turned on? Why do you allow it to reboot the machine? This doesn't sound as much like a Windows issue as a SysAdmin issue. I have run a data center for a Fortune 100 company. We did a huge amount of real-time data collection using Windows applications to gather and Oracle on Unix to store. Can't say that we spent more time with one platform than the other. On 12/7/2010 1:32 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I'm sure many share my experience, similarly or identically. I have several Linux servers (http, monitoring, mysql/php, etc). Never an issue with any of them. One Windows server - for ONLY Quickbooks. I have issues with it at least once a week. Updates reboot it and configuration is lost. Rights to add a printer for the CPA. Rights for IE's security permissions. Disk filled up with 10 gigabytes of Windows junk (updates I'm guessing). It's just a mess. Defend Windows as much as you want, but you can't deny Windows servers tend to cost more time. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 1:26 PM, Steve Barnesst...@pcswin.com wrote: Very Well Said Mark Nash. All servers, OS, and software have a learning Curve. I know nothing of Linux. Not because the desire is not there, the time isn't. There are things that I could manage better with a few free apps and Linux servers. But to this point at700 clients I haven't needed it and I will be looking into that in the future. Steve Barnes RC-WiFi Wireless Internet Service -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 12:04 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Nice Shane... How about a server with no NIC. Now THAT would be a secure server, mostly. But what if a user got to the keyboard? Pull the power supply, now they'll surely not be able to break in... WAIT! There's still data on the hard drive! Better erase that... Dude, this is meant to be in jest, and to make a point. I don't currently run any Windows servers due to the engineer that we had in our office (which we now don't have so we have to rely on outside consultants for Linux expertise). But I ran on them for the first 7 years with our mail server, web server, DNS servers, etc. Anyway... Flame on about Windows servers, people, but the small business world runs on them. For those of you who own your WISPs and don't know anything about servers, don't listen to sensational hype. Take a sensible and tactical approach and do what's right for your business. Any server is just a tool. Pluses minuses. You have to do a cost/benefit analysis with a server just as you would which kind of radio to use in the field, or who to hire to answer your phones. On 12/7/2010 7:47 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: I get scared when I hear Windows and Software in the same sentence. Then when you add Server I usually run. Shane MacDonald KP Performance Antennas On 7-Dec-10, at 8:11 AM, Curtis Maurand wrote: We used Rodopi. If you can handle the fact that its Windows and ASP.NET and MSSQL server, its OK. It works very well and very configurable. We had it set up on Windows Small Business Server, that is the version with MSSQL server. For what its worth. --Curtis WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance On 24-Aug-10, at 10:18 AM, Jon Auer wrote: Unfortunately that's a fact of life of enterprise software. Any sufficiently powerfully piece of software will require a lot of customization to do exactly what you want. Witness all the Oracle/PeopleSoft/SAP consultants. :-/ On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM, Dennis Burgess dmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
To do everything at once, your options are Powercode and Azotel. Bits and pieces will require an expert on site (Freeside, Platypus, etc). Platypus is not a back end system so it doesn't compare to Powercode. Platypus only bills, but has some plugins to work with some things here and there. I am happy with Powercode. It does all the things you listed. Has really good tools for Ubiquiti and Canopy (auto provisioning, BAM, etc). Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 1:36 PM, Shane MacDonald wi...@kpperformance.ca wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance On 24-Aug-10, at 10:18 AM, Jon Auer wrote: Unfortunately that's a fact of life of enterprise software. Any sufficiently powerfully piece of software will require a lot of customization to do exactly what you want. Witness all the Oracle/PeopleSoft/SAP consultants. :-/ On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM, Dennis Burgess dmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Platypus 7 will be out in January and supposedly is going to include some of the things that have been missing. I know that Wombat (the help desk system) will now be built into it as opposed to being an add-on component. They are also touting improved services and features specifically for WISP's. Will have to wait until Jan to see I guess. I've personally been very pleased with Platypus for the past 6 years. I've been anxious for a new full-version since Tucows bought them to see what it will be like, and am really excited about version 7 coming out. I just hope I'm not let down too much... -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Josh Luthman Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 1:41 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems To do everything at once, your options are Powercode and Azotel. Bits and pieces will require an expert on site (Freeside, Platypus, etc). Platypus is not a back end system so it doesn't compare to Powercode. Platypus only bills, but has some plugins to work with some things here and there. I am happy with Powercode. It does all the things you listed. Has really good tools for Ubiquiti and Canopy (auto provisioning, BAM, etc). Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 1:36 PM, Shane MacDonald wi...@kpperformance.ca wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance On 24-Aug-10, at 10:18 AM, Jon Auer wrote: Unfortunately that's a fact of life of enterprise software. Any sufficiently powerfully piece of software will require a lot of customization to do exactly what you want. Witness all the Oracle/PeopleSoft/SAP consultants. :-/ On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM, Dennis Burgess dmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Hrm when it comes to sales I just call Kevin directly. That's like once a year. I call support very sparingly. In the last ~16 hours we've emailed back half a dozen times on three topics. Have you tried emailing them? Not saying they shouldn't answer the phone, but rather a solution to the problem. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 2:55 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Josh, I know that you I have had completely different experiences with them. No problem there, it is what it is. It sounds like you're experiencing what I had hoped to experience from them. My point is that I got very frustrated with their phone system being so made of bubble gum duct tape that it just furthered my already disgruntled impression of them. As a company. I'm looking to buy some of their BMUs. On 12/2/2010 12:00 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: Hrm when it comes to sales I just call Kevin directly. That's like once a year. I call support very sparingly. In the last ~16 hours we've emailed back half a dozen times on three topics. Have you tried emailing them? Not saying they shouldn't answer the phone, but rather a solution to the problem. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 2:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
It depends on how sophisticated a ticketing system you need and what you mean by monitor, but I really like my BillMax implementation and it does have hooks to do whatever else you want, or to integrate into other systems. It does not require an onsite person to get it setup and do the integration. On 12/2/2010 1:36 PM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance On 24-Aug-10, at 10:18 AM, Jon Auer wrote: Unfortunately that's a fact of life of enterprise software. Any sufficiently powerfully piece of software will require a lot of customization to do exactly what you want. Witness all the Oracle/PeopleSoft/SAP consultants. :-/ On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM, Dennis Burgessdmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthmanj...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM,tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
$800/mo buys you 10 hours of Freeside programming a month, and 30% discount beyond that... http://freeside.biz/freeside/services.html We've been using and contributing to Freeside for ~11 years now. Just my $.02. -Kristian On Thu, 2010-12-02 at 12:33 -0800, Mark Nash wrote: I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today!
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
What issues with remote subnets? I have no issues with mine. There are missing classes and such that may be fixed soon. On Dec 2, 2010 3:35 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Bandwidth throttling does not work with remote subnets. We have to put in Mikrotik queues for any customer who has a remote subnet. Also delinquent customers do not get shut off if they are using a remote subnet. On 12/2/2010 12:50 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: What issues with remote subnets? I have no issues with mine. There are missing classes and such that may be fixed soon. On Dec 2, 2010 3:35 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, "Mark Nash" markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would "turn the corner" for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit "0" for the operator and you get "mailbox not set up". I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: This RULES and THIS SUCKS. Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about forget it in powercode is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Just remembered, BillMax is a WISPA member. On 12/2/2010 3:12 PM, Scott Reed wrote: It depends on how sophisticated a ticketing system you need and what you mean by monitor, but I really like my BillMax implementation and it does have hooks to do whatever else you want, or to integrate into other systems. It does not require an onsite person to get it setup and do the integration. On 12/2/2010 1:36 PM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance On 24-Aug-10, at 10:18 AM, Jon Auer wrote: Unfortunately that's a fact of life of enterprise software. Any sufficiently powerfully piece of software will require a lot of customization to do exactly what you want. Witness all the Oracle/PeopleSoft/SAP consultants. :-/ On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM, Dennis Burgessdmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthmanj...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hoggch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless- boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM,tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
That's what I was referring to, too. They aren't applied to a class. I was told that will be fixed. Glad there aren't MORE things to be concerned about. On Dec 2, 2010 3:54 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Bandwidth throttling does not work with remote subnets. We have to put in Mikrotik queues for any customer who has a remote subnet. Also delinquent customers do not get shut off if they are using a remote subnet. On 12/2/2010 12:50 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: What issues with remote subnets? I have no issues with mine. There are missing classes and such that may be fixed soon. On Dec 2, 2010 3:35 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List:
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
This is what I'm talking about though, Josh. We identified this problem late in 2009. We were told it would be fixed. I'm not trying to be sarcastic here, but I know that's how it sounds. There are no other words to use. On 12/2/2010 1:10 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: That's what I was referring to, too. They aren't applied to a class. I was told that will be fixed. Glad there aren't MORE things to be concerned about. On Dec 2, 2010 3:54 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Bandwidth throttling does not work with remote subnets. We have to put in Mikrotik queues for any customer who has a remote subnet. Also delinquent customers do not get shut off if they are using a remote subnet. On 12/2/2010 12:50 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: What issues with remote subnets? I have no issues with mine. There are missing classes and such that may be fixed soon. On Dec 2, 2010 3:35 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Oh I know what you mean. It seems they didn't care about anything until Simon showed up. I think we completed the 477 tool and I have seen a couple changes/corrections myself, do I feel a lot better in the last month or two. On Dec 2, 2010 4:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: This is what I'm talking about though, Josh. We identified this problem late in 2009. We were told it would be fixed. I'm not trying to be sarcastic here, but I know that's how it sounds. There are no other words to use. On 12/2/2010 1:10 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: That's what I was referring to, too. They aren't applied to a class. I was told that will be fixed. Glad there aren't MORE things to be concerned about. On Dec 2, 2010 3:54 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Bandwidth throttling does not work with remote subnets. We have to put in Mikrotik queues for any customer who has a remote subnet. Also delinquent customers do not get shut off if they are using a remote subnet. On 12/2/2010 12:50 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: What issues with remote subnets? I have no issues with mine. There are missing classes and such that may be fixed soon. On Dec 2, 2010 3:35 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I think it goes deeper than that. It seems that if Bertram Wireless can use it, it gets done. If UnwiredWest needs it, well they're just a paying customer... On 12/2/2010 1:15 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: Oh I know what you mean. It seems they didn't care about anything until Simon showed up. I think we completed the 477 tool and I have seen a couple changes/corrections myself, do I feel a lot better in the last month or two. On Dec 2, 2010 4:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: This is what I'm talking about though, Josh. We identified this problem late in 2009. We were told it would be fixed. I'm not trying to be sarcastic here, but I know that's how it sounds. There are no other words to use. On 12/2/2010 1:10 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: That's what I was referring to, too. They aren't applied to a class. I was told that will be fixed. Glad there aren't MORE things to be concerned about. On Dec 2, 2010 3:54 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Bandwidth throttling does not work with remote subnets. We have to put in Mikrotik queues for any customer who has a remote subnet. Also delinquent customers do not get shut off if they are using a remote subnet. On 12/2/2010 12:50 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: What issues with remote subnets? I have no issues with mine. There are missing classes and such that may be fixed soon. On Dec 2, 2010 3:35 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems?
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I disagree but I can't convince you why. Definitely see where you're coming from. On Dec 2, 2010 4:22 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: I think it goes deeper than that. It seems that if Bertram Wireless can use it, it gets done. If UnwiredWest needs it, well they're just a paying customer... On 12/2/2010 1:15 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: Oh I know what you mean. It seems they didn't care about anything until Simon showed up. I think we completed the 477 tool and I have seen a couple changes/corrections myself, do I feel a lot better in the last month or two. On Dec 2, 2010 4:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: This is what I'm talking about though, Josh. We identified this problem late in 2009. We were told it would be fixed. I'm not trying to be sarcastic here, but I know that's how it sounds. There are no other words to use. On 12/2/2010 1:10 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: That's what I was referring to, too. They aren't applied to a class. I was told that will be fixed. Glad there aren't MORE things to be concerned about. On Dec 2, 2010 3:54 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Bandwidth throttling does not work with remote subnets. We have to put in Mikrotik queues for any customer who has a remote subnet. Also delinquent customers do not get shut off if they are using a remote subnet. On 12/2/2010 12:50 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: What issues with remote subnets? I have no issues with mine. There are missing classes and such that may be fixed soon. On Dec 2, 2010 3:35 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Thought I would just chime back in a little bit on this subject: No experience with Powercode, but with Platypus we can do RADIUS (PPPoE) authentication and control the profiles from within Platypus with account types, assign the appropriate rate limiting, static IP addresses, etc etc - everything controlled within Platypus. Took a little tweaking to get this to work with VOP RADIUS and Mikrotik, but we made it happen (had more to do with Mikrotik and VOP than it did Platypus though). Probably going to move to FreeRadius sometime soon as VOPRadius is no longer a supported product. We're integrated with ModusMail as well, so all email management is within Platypus. We have been using Wombat for quite some time and love it. Fantastic that it's now going to be an integrated part of Platypus. Had a little learning curve at first, but the last revision of it made it WAY more user friendly. Using IPPay now for CC billing - integrated into Platypus. We use Tucows / Platypus for paper statements - click three buttons and our printing is sent off for us at VERY reasonable rates. Monitoring is still not there within Plat though, but I have a feeling it's just a matter of time. We've also had difficulty getting Plat to do everything we want with our web hosting customers from within Plat itself, but it's not that big of a deal to do the things we need to do manually for our size web hosting operation. If we had hundreds of customers we'd integrate with a control panel that works with Platypus as well. Online customer pages, online staff use pages, online knowledgebase, and more - all integrated with Platypus. Hope all this info helps out a little bit. From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 3:03 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: This RULES and THIS SUCKS. Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about forget it in powercode is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash mailto:markl...@uwol.net markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nash mailto:markl...@uwol.net markl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
the reports don't exisit. how does she get a list of paid checks out of the system to match up for a deposit? I would love to know that one! LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: "This RULES" and "THIS SUCKS". Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about "forget it in powercode" is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, "Mark Nash" markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would "turn the corner" for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit "0" for the operator and you get "mailbox not set up". I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe:
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Dunno man, and it's probably not worth bothering her over unless it's important to you to know how she does it (let me know if you'd like to know). I know that we don't record invoices or payments in Quickbooks. On 12/2/2010 2:48 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: the reports don't exisit. how does she get a list of paid checks out of the system to match up for a deposit? I would love to know that one! LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: This RULES and THIS SUCKS. Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about forget it in powercode is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ --
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
The problem I have with Radius is that you have no way to shut them off. You would have to change the profile (easy) and have the device reauthenticate (not as easy). Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 5:26 PM, Jason Hensley ja...@jaggartech.com wrote: Thought I would just chime back in a little bit on this subject: No experience with Powercode, but with Platypus we can do RADIUS (PPPoE) authentication and control the profiles from within Platypus with account types, assign the appropriate rate limiting, static IP addresses, etc etc – everything controlled within Platypus. Took a little tweaking to get this to work with VOP RADIUS and Mikrotik, but we made it happen (had more to do with Mikrotik and VOP than it did Platypus though). Probably going to move to FreeRadius sometime soon as VOPRadius is no longer a supported product. We’re integrated with ModusMail as well, so all email management is within Platypus. We have been using Wombat for quite some time and love it. Fantastic that it’s now going to be an integrated part of Platypus. Had a little learning curve at first, but the last revision of it made it WAY more user friendly. Using IPPay now for CC billing – integrated into Platypus. We use Tucows / Platypus for paper statements – click three buttons and our printing is sent off for us at VERY reasonable rates. Monitoring is still not there within Plat though, but I have a feeling it’s just a matter of time. We’ve also had difficulty getting Plat to do everything we want with our web hosting customers from within Plat itself, but it’s not that big of a deal to do the things we need to do manually for our size web hosting operation. If we had hundreds of customers we’d integrate with a control panel that works with Platypus as well. Online customer pages, online staff use pages, online knowledgebase, and more – all integrated with Platypus. Hope all this info helps out a little bit. From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 3:03 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: This RULES and THIS SUCKS. Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about forget it in powercode is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I don't use RADIUS for PPPoE, so forgive me ignorance, but isn't that possible with a CoA or PoD request... http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:RADIUS_Client#Change_of_Authorization http://forum.mikrotik.com/viewtopic.php?f=2t=20604start=0 -Kristian On Thu, 2010-12-02 at 18:00 -0500, Josh Luthman wrote: The problem I have with Radius is that you have no way to shut them off. You would have to change the profile (easy) and have the device reauthenticate (not as easy). Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 5:26 PM, Jason Hensley ja...@jaggartech.com wrote: Thought I would just chime back in a little bit on this subject: No experience with Powercode, but with Platypus we can do RADIUS (PPPoE) authentication and control the profiles from within Platypus with account types, assign the appropriate rate limiting, static IP addresses, etc etc – everything controlled within Platypus. Took a little tweaking to get this to work with VOP RADIUS and Mikrotik, but we made it happen (had more to do with Mikrotik and VOP than it did Platypus though). Probably going to move to FreeRadius sometime soon as VOPRadius is no longer a supported product. We’re integrated with ModusMail as well, so all email management is within Platypus. We have been using Wombat for quite some time and love it. Fantastic that it’s now going to be an integrated part of Platypus. Had a little learning curve at first, but the last revision of it made it WAY more user friendly. Using IPPay now for CC billing – integrated into Platypus. We use Tucows / Platypus for paper statements – click three buttons and our printing is sent off for us at VERY reasonable rates. Monitoring is still not there within Plat though, but I have a feeling it’s just a matter of time. We’ve also had difficulty getting Plat to do everything we want with our web hosting customers from within Plat itself, but it’s not that big of a deal to do the things we need to do manually for our size web hosting operation. If we had hundreds of customers we’d integrate with a control panel that works with Platypus as well. Online customer pages, online staff use pages, online knowledgebase, and more – all integrated with Platypus. Hope all this info helps out a little bit. From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 3:03 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: This RULES and THIS SUCKS. Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about forget it in powercode is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Normis says PPPoE doesn't support CoA, only PoD.. So you can do it with PoD I guess (which is new to me). How many devices support this? Seems it could be done from the server, but that's as much effort as just severing the pppoe session. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 6:10 PM, Kristian Hoffmann kh...@fire2wire.com wrote: I don't use RADIUS for PPPoE, so forgive me ignorance, but isn't that possible with a CoA or PoD request... http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:RADIUS_Client#Change_of_Authorization http://forum.mikrotik.com/viewtopic.php?f=2t=20604start=0 -Kristian On Thu, 2010-12-02 at 18:00 -0500, Josh Luthman wrote: The problem I have with Radius is that you have no way to shut them off. You would have to change the profile (easy) and have the device reauthenticate (not as easy). Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 5:26 PM, Jason Hensley ja...@jaggartech.com wrote: Thought I would just chime back in a little bit on this subject: No experience with Powercode, but with Platypus we can do RADIUS (PPPoE) authentication and control the profiles from within Platypus with account types, assign the appropriate rate limiting, static IP addresses, etc etc – everything controlled within Platypus. Took a little tweaking to get this to work with VOP RADIUS and Mikrotik, but we made it happen (had more to do with Mikrotik and VOP than it did Platypus though). Probably going to move to FreeRadius sometime soon as VOPRadius is no longer a supported product. We’re integrated with ModusMail as well, so all email management is within Platypus. We have been using Wombat for quite some time and love it. Fantastic that it’s now going to be an integrated part of Platypus. Had a little learning curve at first, but the last revision of it made it WAY more user friendly. Using IPPay now for CC billing – integrated into Platypus. We use Tucows / Platypus for paper statements – click three buttons and our printing is sent off for us at VERY reasonable rates. Monitoring is still not there within Plat though, but I have a feeling it’s just a matter of time. We’ve also had difficulty getting Plat to do everything we want with our web hosting customers from within Plat itself, but it’s not that big of a deal to do the things we need to do manually for our size web hosting operation. If we had hundreds of customers we’d integrate with a control panel that works with Platypus as well. Online customer pages, online staff use pages, online knowledgebase, and more – all integrated with Platypus. Hope all this info helps out a little bit. From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 3:03 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: This RULES and THIS SUCKS. Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about forget it in powercode is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Wouldn't it be up the the NAS (e.g. your MT PPPoE server) to support it? But yes, you could probably script something to remove the session directly on the NAS in the same number of lines of code as you could trigged the PoD from your RADIUS server. -Kristian On Thu, 2010-12-02 at 18:21 -0500, Josh Luthman wrote: Normis says PPPoE doesn't support CoA, only PoD.. So you can do it with PoD I guess (which is new to me). How many devices support this? Seems it could be done from the server, but that's as much effort as just severing the pppoe session. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 6:10 PM, Kristian Hoffmann kh...@fire2wire.com wrote: I don't use RADIUS for PPPoE, so forgive me ignorance, but isn't that possible with a CoA or PoD request... http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:RADIUS_Client#Change_of_Authorization http://forum.mikrotik.com/viewtopic.php?f=2t=20604start=0 -Kristian On Thu, 2010-12-02 at 18:00 -0500, Josh Luthman wrote: The problem I have with Radius is that you have no way to shut them off. You would have to change the profile (easy) and have the device reauthenticate (not as easy). Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 5:26 PM, Jason Hensley ja...@jaggartech.com wrote: Thought I would just chime back in a little bit on this subject: No experience with Powercode, but with Platypus we can do RADIUS (PPPoE) authentication and control the profiles from within Platypus with account types, assign the appropriate rate limiting, static IP addresses, etc etc – everything controlled within Platypus. Took a little tweaking to get this to work with VOP RADIUS and Mikrotik, but we made it happen (had more to do with Mikrotik and VOP than it did Platypus though). Probably going to move to FreeRadius sometime soon as VOPRadius is no longer a supported product. We’re integrated with ModusMail as well, so all email management is within Platypus. We have been using Wombat for quite some time and love it. Fantastic that it’s now going to be an integrated part of Platypus. Had a little learning curve at first, but the last revision of it made it WAY more user friendly. Using IPPay now for CC billing – integrated into Platypus. We use Tucows / Platypus for paper statements – click three buttons and our printing is sent off for us at VERY reasonable rates. Monitoring is still not there within Plat though, but I have a feeling it’s just a matter of time. We’ve also had difficulty getting Plat to do everything we want with our web hosting customers from within Plat itself, but it’s not that big of a deal to do the things we need to do manually for our size web hosting operation. If we had hundreds of customers we’d integrate with a control panel that works with Platypus as well. Online customer pages, online staff use pages, online knowledgebase, and more – all integrated with Platypus. Hope all this info helps out a little bit. From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 3:03 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: This RULES and THIS SUCKS. Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about forget it in powercode is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
We just recently switched to Freeside from Platypus. One of the reasons was to give more control over integration. Although the biggest complaint I had with Plat was that it took 10 clicks to get to the information I wanted... With Freeside, we have it set up to add entries into FreeRadius, assign IP addresses, and when it comes time to suspend, send that IP address to our walled-garden. Cancelling a customer releases the IP address, removes the radius entries, unprovisions email addresses, etc. All of this accomplished from within Freeside. Also have Freeside set up to provision email addresses on two different mail servers (one of which is a legacy system we are maintaining because it would be too much work at the moment to transition all of those users to the server we want to use going forward), have part of the self-service server provided by Freeside so that users can manage their own email accounts (reset passwords, provision email addresses for themselves up to the limit included with their account, etc With some of the stuff I have planned, Freeside will be central to virtually every aspect of customer management and provisioning. I am not sure how I would have accomplished it with Platypus, but believe it will be accomplished with Freeside. I think Freeside gives us much more control. It is not a piece of cake though. I do wish there was better (read... some) documentation. Although I do have to give credit to Kristian, one of the authors of Freeside, who answered questions I posted to a public list well enough to get me on the right track with a couple of issues. Platypus is an amazing piece of software, just didnt allow me to do things the way I wanted them done. I think if you are willing to do them the way Platypus wants, you may be OK. -- John On 12/2/2010 5:00 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: The problem I have with Radius is that you have no way to shut them off. You would have to change the profile (easy) and have the device reauthenticate (not as easy). Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 5:26 PM, Jason Hensleyja...@jaggartech.com wrote: Thought I would just chime back in a little bit on this subject: No experience with Powercode, but with Platypus we can do RADIUS (PPPoE) authentication and control the profiles from within Platypus with account types, assign the appropriate rate limiting, static IP addresses, etc etc – everything controlled within Platypus. Took a little tweaking to get this to work with VOP RADIUS and Mikrotik, but we made it happen (had more to do with Mikrotik and VOP than it did Platypus though). Probably going to move to FreeRadius sometime soon as VOPRadius is no longer a supported product. We’re integrated with ModusMail as well, so all email management is within Platypus. We have been using Wombat for quite some time and love it. Fantastic that it’s now going to be an integrated part of Platypus. Had a little learning curve at first, but the last revision of it made it WAY more user friendly. Using IPPay now for CC billing – integrated into Platypus. We use Tucows / Platypus for paper statements – click three buttons and our printing is sent off for us at VERY reasonable rates. Monitoring is still not there within Plat though, but I have a feeling it’s just a matter of time. We’ve also had difficulty getting Plat to do everything we want with our web hosting customers from within Plat itself, but it’s not that big of a deal to do the things we need to do manually for our size web hosting operation. If we had hundreds of customers we’d integrate with a control panel that works with Platypus as well. Online customer pages, online staff use pages, online knowledgebase, and more – all integrated with Platypus. Hope all this info helps out a little bit. From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mark Nash Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2010 3:03 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: This RULES and THIS SUCKS. Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about forget it in powercode is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Forgive me if it's changed in newer versions, on version 8 you would go to Reports | Financial | Query-based Accounting Reports, then fill in the start and end dates, select Payments and hit run. It's in there, it's a very common report that we run and it would be nice to have it be one button for the daily entries. -Kevin On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 3:48 PM, Tony C. Loosle wl-t...@loosle.com wrote: the reports don't exisit. how does she get a list of paid checks out of the system to match up for a deposit? I would love to know that one! LOL that reminds me of Beavis Butthead, where all things in the world are lumped into two categories: This RULES and THIS SUCKS. Tony, your network may be much bigger than mine so billing problems show up more frequently, but, IMHO, billing is alright, not great, not perfect, just good. It's not an accounting package, and our bookkeeper seems to get what she needs out of it to do the books every month. About half of my customers pay with a check, and we put it in through Powercode, so I think your comment about forget it in powercode is a little extreme. On 12/2/2010 1:00 PM, Tony C. Loosle wrote: Powercode may be great with the BMU, but as for a billing system is really sucks! Forget about basic accounting reports and simply things like a check deposit. Yes, customers still pay with a check. Forget about it in powercode! I agree. Do NOT even consider paying for Powercode unless you intend to integrate with the BMU (bandwidth) management. That's where the real power is, though we're having problems still, with about 5 percent of our customers (those who have remote subnets, like a /30 or /29 or /24). Also some little things. Don't get me wrong, the product is usable and valuable. It's just that with what they want to charge for it these days, I expect for EVERYTHING to work, in MY environment, and for there to be excellent support. We're talking over $1200/mo for the number of subs that I have. For that cost, I should have .15 of a programmer dedicated to fixing my problems, all day, every day. On 12/2/2010 12:28 PM, Josh Luthman wrote: I believe that a major turn will be the Maxx. I don't understand how so much could be done via shell to begin with (Imagestream). The bmu is what makes the product work for your business. If you just do tickets, bills and such you're wasting your money. I care most about getting it done. Phone, email, morse code I don't care. On Dec 2, 2010 3:12 PM, Mark Nash markl...@uwol.net wrote: Dude, talk with Josh more before you decide that you don't go with them. There's GOT to be something he's doing that I'm not. I've got alot invested in PowerCode, and I wish it would turn the corner for me but it hasn't. On 12/2/2010 12:03 PM, Jeremie Chism wrote: That is hilarious. I just tried it and you weren't joking. I was going to inquire about pricing but guess I won't. Sent from my iPhone4 On Dec 2, 2010, at 1:55 PM, Mark Nashmarkl...@uwol.net wrote: Man... Don't get me started on PowerCode today. I just tried calling their sales line. 920-351-1010. Go ahead, call it. I dare you. If I had a phone system like theirs I would have been out of business long ago... Their MAIN greeting sounds like it was recorded A) on a speakerphone and B) in a room with about 50 servers running with 10 fans each. Then you press 1 for Sales and go immediately to voicemail. Try to hit 0 for the operator and you get mailbox not set up. I've been using them for a few years now and have been pretty vocal on this list about them. On 12/2/2010 10:36 AM, Shane MacDonald wrote: Has any of you ever tired Powercode as a backend systems? Does anyone have experience with it compared to Platypus? We have a number of customers ranging between the 300 to 700 clients. I am trying to find a solution I maybe able to recommend them. Billing is an important piece but it also needs to have a ticketing system, be able to monitor clients, record history, etc. The two above I have received the most endorsements for and just wonder which maybe better. Shane KP Performance -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ -- -- WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ -- -- WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe:
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net http://www.linktechs.net/ LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training http://www.onlinemikrotiktraining.com/ - Author of Learn RouterOS http://routerosbook.com/ From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Unfortunately that's a fact of life of enterprise software. Any sufficiently powerfully piece of software will require a lot of customization to do exactly what you want. Witness all the Oracle/PeopleSoft/SAP consultants. :-/ On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 9:16 AM, Dennis Burgess dmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: This is where a single system still don't do everything needed. Kinda stinks. --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 5:51 PM To: WISPA General List Cc: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Wow. Really? I found the documentation on Plat to generally be understandable...enough that I was able to wrap my mind around it perform a conversion from QuickBooks. I implemented Plat in '07. Instead of just importing basic customer info starting balances (as recommended) I actually wrote code to import all historical data from QuickBooks into Plat. Past invoices, payments, etc biofiwere all re-created in Plat. I even tied in provisioning for most of our back-end services (email, DHCP, RADIUS, FTP, CPE ) into Plat after the initial import. -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 7:41, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I purchased platypus in 2007 and tried to implement it. It was rather difficult and cryptic. I abandoned the project. On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 5:23 pm, David Sovereen wrote: Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Oops. Dropped my iPhone and sent that out prematurely with some unfinished sentences. Oh well. Point is, Plat wasn't that difficult to grok. I think its a great platform to invest time and energy into. The documentation is pretty clear, and the support is good. I recommend it. It definitely helped us streamline our billing and account management, and continues to do so as we implement more of its features. The only issue I have with Plat is the service provisioning dialogs get messy very quickly when provisioning objects with quite a few service parameters. For example, I haven't found a clean way to manage customer DNS records from Plat, or WiMAX QoS profiles. Anyone using Plat should understand the particular limitations I'm talking about. *sigh* Perhaps I'm just looking to integrate too much… -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 8:11 AM, Blake Covarrubias wrote: Wow. Really? I found the documentation on Plat to generally be understandable...enough that I was able to wrap my mind around it perform a conversion from QuickBooks. I implemented Plat in '07. Instead of just importing basic customer info starting balances (as recommended) I actually wrote code to import all historical data from QuickBooks into Plat. Past invoices, payments, etc biofiwere all re-created in Plat. I even tied in provisioning for most of our back-end services (email, DHCP, RADIUS, FTP, CPE ) into Plat after the initial import. -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 7:41, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I purchased platypus in 2007 and tried to implement it. It was rather difficult and cryptic. I abandoned the project. On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 5:23 pm, David Sovereen wrote: Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe:
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
This may be getting a little off-topic, but this is a benefit of back-end systems: We have tiered service levels...the more you pay the faster you go. We have bandwidth caps (FAPs)...the higher level tiered service you pay for, the higher your FAP limit is so you can download more. About this time, we see customers getting slowed down because they hit their FAP. After we explain this to them, most of them opt for a higher level of service so they can download more. This nets us about $50-$60 a month in additional revenue EVERY MONTH for doing nothing but having the limits (and explaining it to them over the phone). No more equipment cost, no truck roll, no blah blah blah... This is for residential, BTW... Currently, business-class service levels currently do not have a FAP. We do get some customers opting for a business class service (higher price) to get no FAP limit. In any case, if this is something you are looking at doing (bandwidth caps), here's something in the Plus column... - Original Message - From: Blake Covarrubias bl...@beamspeed.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 8:19 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Oops. Dropped my iPhone and sent that out prematurely with some unfinished sentences. Oh well. Point is, Plat wasn't that difficult to grok. I think its a great platform to invest time and energy into. The documentation is pretty clear, and the support is good. I recommend it. It definitely helped us streamline our billing and account management, and continues to do so as we implement more of its features. The only issue I have with Plat is the service provisioning dialogs get messy very quickly when provisioning objects with quite a few service parameters. For example, I haven't found a clean way to manage customer DNS records from Plat, or WiMAX QoS profiles. Anyone using Plat should understand the particular limitations I'm talking about. *sigh* Perhaps I'm just looking to integrate too much… -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 8:11 AM, Blake Covarrubias wrote: Wow. Really? I found the documentation on Plat to generally be understandable...enough that I was able to wrap my mind around it perform a conversion from QuickBooks. I implemented Plat in '07. Instead of just importing basic customer info starting balances (as recommended) I actually wrote code to import all historical data from QuickBooks into Plat. Past invoices, payments, etc biofiwere all re-created in Plat. I even tied in provisioning for most of our back-end services (email, DHCP, RADIUS, FTP, CPE ) into Plat after the initial import. -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 7:41, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I purchased platypus in 2007 and tried to implement it. It was rather difficult and cryptic. I abandoned the project. On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 5:23 pm, David Sovereen wrote: Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Mike H, What do you want to do that Freeside can't? Wispmon is adding new tools and features almost weekly at this point. It was deisigned by guys running a wisp to encompass as many aspects of the industry in a single platform as possible. As far as I know, there isn't a more comprehensive product available and we'll hold your hand until the system is up and running. That is not to say that we will do all your all of your config for you, but we will certainly help you with everything on our end and we can provide a good deal of advice for the provisioning side of things on your end or point you to people who can help if you don't know what to do. Please hit me offlist to discuss the capabilities further. Regards, Cameron WispMon.com On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 12:16 PM, Mark Nash - Lists markl...@uwol.netwrote: This may be getting a little off-topic, but this is a benefit of back-end systems: We have tiered service levels...the more you pay the faster you go. We have bandwidth caps (FAPs)...the higher level tiered service you pay for, the higher your FAP limit is so you can download more. About this time, we see customers getting slowed down because they hit their FAP. After we explain this to them, most of them opt for a higher level of service so they can download more. This nets us about $50-$60 a month in additional revenue EVERY MONTH for doing nothing but having the limits (and explaining it to them over the phone). No more equipment cost, no truck roll, no blah blah blah... This is for residential, BTW... Currently, business-class service levels currently do not have a FAP. We do get some customers opting for a business class service (higher price) to get no FAP limit. In any case, if this is something you are looking at doing (bandwidth caps), here's something in the Plus column... - Original Message - From: Blake Covarrubias bl...@beamspeed.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 8:19 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Oops. Dropped my iPhone and sent that out prematurely with some unfinished sentences. Oh well. Point is, Plat wasn't that difficult to grok. I think its a great platform to invest time and energy into. The documentation is pretty clear, and the support is good. I recommend it. It definitely helped us streamline our billing and account management, and continues to do so as we implement more of its features. The only issue I have with Plat is the service provisioning dialogs get messy very quickly when provisioning objects with quite a few service parameters. For example, I haven't found a clean way to manage customer DNS records from Plat, or WiMAX QoS profiles. Anyone using Plat should understand the particular limitations I'm talking about. *sigh* Perhaps I'm just looking to integrate too much… -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 8:11 AM, Blake Covarrubias wrote: Wow. Really? I found the documentation on Plat to generally be understandable...enough that I was able to wrap my mind around it perform a conversion from QuickBooks. I implemented Plat in '07. Instead of just importing basic customer info starting balances (as recommended) I actually wrote code to import all historical data from QuickBooks into Plat. Past invoices, payments, etc biofiwere all re-created in Plat. I even tied in provisioning for most of our back-end services (email, DHCP, RADIUS, FTP, CPE ) into Plat after the initial import. -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 7:41, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I purchased platypus in 2007 and tried to implement it. It was rather difficult and cryptic. I abandoned the project. On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 5:23 pm, David Sovereen wrote: Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Wispmon seems great! Pricing, not so... Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Cameron Crum Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 2:41 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Mike H, What do you want to do that Freeside can't? Wispmon is adding new tools and features almost weekly at this point. It was deisigned by guys running a wisp to encompass as many aspects of the industry in a single platform as possible. As far as I know, there isn't a more comprehensive product available and we'll hold your hand until the system is up and running. That is not to say that we will do all your all of your config for you, but we will certainly help you with everything on our end and we can provide a good deal of advice for the provisioning side of things on your end or point you to people who can help if you don't know what to do. Please hit me offlist to discuss the capabilities further. Regards, Cameron WispMon.com On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 12:16 PM, Mark Nash - Lists markl...@uwol.net wrote: This may be getting a little off-topic, but this is a benefit of back-end systems: We have tiered service levels...the more you pay the faster you go. We have bandwidth caps (FAPs)...the higher level tiered service you pay for, the higher your FAP limit is so you can download more. About this time, we see customers getting slowed down because they hit their FAP. After we explain this to them, most of them opt for a higher level of service so they can download more. This nets us about $50-$60 a month in additional revenue EVERY MONTH for doing nothing but having the limits (and explaining it to them over the phone). No more equipment cost, no truck roll, no blah blah blah... This is for residential, BTW... Currently, business-class service levels currently do not have a FAP. We do get some customers opting for a business class service (higher price) to get no FAP limit. In any case, if this is something you are looking at doing (bandwidth caps), here's something in the Plus column... - Original Message - From: Blake Covarrubias bl...@beamspeed.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 8:19 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Oops. Dropped my iPhone and sent that out prematurely with some unfinished sentences. Oh well. Point is, Plat wasn't that difficult to grok. I think its a great platform to invest time and energy into. The documentation is pretty clear, and the support is good. I recommend it. It definitely helped us streamline our billing and account management, and continues to do so as we implement more of its features. The only issue I have with Plat is the service provisioning dialogs get messy very quickly when provisioning objects with quite a few service parameters. For example, I haven't found a clean way to manage customer DNS records from Plat, or WiMAX QoS profiles. Anyone using Plat should understand the particular limitations I'm talking about. *sigh* Perhaps I'm just looking to integrate too much... -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 8:11 AM, Blake Covarrubias wrote: Wow. Really? I found the documentation on Plat to generally be understandable...enough that I was able to wrap my mind around it perform a conversion from QuickBooks. I implemented Plat in '07. Instead of just importing basic customer info starting balances (as recommended) I actually wrote code to import all historical data from QuickBooks into Plat. Past invoices, payments, etc biofiwere all re-created in Plat. I even tied in provisioning for most of our back-end services (email, DHCP, RADIUS, FTP, CPE ) into Plat after the initial import. -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 7:41, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I purchased platypus in 2007 and tried to implement it. It was rather difficult and cryptic. I abandoned the project. On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 5:23 pm, David Sovereen wrote: Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Hello Mark, It is fairly easy to come up with a Perl script that outputs all of the customer radios into a text file that you can then parse and put into Nagios. We do that with Xymon for all of our customer devices, and it works very well.You can also come up with a pgsql request coming from your Nagios box that just extracts the wanted information out of the Freeside database and reloads Nagios. For inventory tracking, we have a separate item number for each radio type. Fairly easy to generate a report showing how many of each type of radio we have in the system, and we use the MAC address of the radio as the serial number. I do not use Freeside to keep track of inventory that is outside of the billing system, we have a separate program for that task. Freeside documentation is kind of lacking, and it takes some time to get figured out. Unfortunately, when you get to a certain size billing gets quite complicated and just about anything you use is going to be complex. I've been using Freeside for 8 years now.It is hands down better than all of the other billing systems that I have had direct experience with (Rodopi, Billmax, Emerald, Powercode) but I cannot give any recommendation one way or the other toward Platypus or Wispmon. Being able to modify it and adjust it to fit our needs is very important to me, and probably one of the biggest issues I have had with other billing systems. Once we got over the initial hump, it has been excellent for us. Matt Larsen mlar...@vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 10:57 PM, Mark Dueck wrote: I too have been working on putting up a billing system for over a year now. I have a working VM from Freeside, but it really seems like it's not a full install. I can't get anything to really work in it, or maybe it's just that there's no documentation and I don't know how to get it working. From what I've played with it, it does not have half the inventory tracking that I would like, and the whole table structure looks so darn complicated, it would take me a few full days studying all the tables to come up with a python script that would generate my nagios config file for my clients -- which are my full intentions for whichever system I put in unless it has it's own monitoring system. I found this page a few weeks ago: http://www.cio.com.au/article/324595/5_open_source_billing_systems_watch/ I've taken a quick look at each, and so far the CitrusDB seems to be the easiest one to work with and extent to what I would like to have. Unless we can put our heads together and document how to get freeside working because I've heard that you can without much effort extend it to do most anything. Mark WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Gino, Thanks for the endorsement. We of course believe that any cost of the product will be more than made up in productivity increases and cost savings the product produces for your overall business. With just the sales portion, we've been able to save some customers as many as 80% of their site survey truck rolls per month. If you are adding 20 customers per month and you survey 15 of them with a truck roll at a cost of $40/visit including gas/labor/maintenance/time, and 12 of those go away, then the product just saved you $480. At our current pricing structure, if you were spending $480/month on our PRO software that would mean that you had 600 customers. Of course you could realize those savings with JUST the sales portion of the program which does not incur a monthly fee. The cost savings of using the pro version and going from potentially several software platforms to a single integrated package could easily add multiples to the cost savings described above. We were able to run a 1200 customer wisp spread over about 1000 sq miles with myself, my partner, one installer/tech, and 2 customer support folks (1day/1 night) using the platform. And that was before we added the billing system, provisioning, and phone apps it has now. If you want to talk more about it and discuss pricing options hit me off list. I'd like to know what price point people are willing to pay for such a comprehensive platform. Regards, Cameron On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 1:51 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: Wispmon seems great! Pricing, not so… Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 -- *From:* wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] *On Behalf Of *Cameron Crum *Sent:* Monday, August 23, 2010 2:41 PM *To:* WISPA General List *Subject:* Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Mike H, What do you want to do that Freeside can't? Wispmon is adding new tools and features almost weekly at this point. It was deisigned by guys running a wisp to encompass as many aspects of the industry in a single platform as possible. As far as I know, there isn't a more comprehensive product available and we'll hold your hand until the system is up and running. That is not to say that we will do all your all of your config for you, but we will certainly help you with everything on our end and we can provide a good deal of advice for the provisioning side of things on your end or point you to people who can help if you don't know what to do. Please hit me offlist to discuss the capabilities further. Regards, Cameron WispMon.com On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 12:16 PM, Mark Nash - Lists markl...@uwol.net wrote: This may be getting a little off-topic, but this is a benefit of back-end systems: We have tiered service levels...the more you pay the faster you go. We have bandwidth caps (FAPs)...the higher level tiered service you pay for, the higher your FAP limit is so you can download more. About this time, we see customers getting slowed down because they hit their FAP. After we explain this to them, most of them opt for a higher level of service so they can download more. This nets us about $50-$60 a month in additional revenue EVERY MONTH for doing nothing but having the limits (and explaining it to them over the phone). No more equipment cost, no truck roll, no blah blah blah... This is for residential, BTW... Currently, business-class service levels currently do not have a FAP. We do get some customers opting for a business class service (higher price) to get no FAP limit. In any case, if this is something you are looking at doing (bandwidth caps), here's something in the Plus column... - Original Message - From: Blake Covarrubias bl...@beamspeed.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 8:19 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Oops. Dropped my iPhone and sent that out prematurely with some unfinished sentences. Oh well. Point is, Plat wasn't that difficult to grok. I think its a great platform to invest time and energy into. The documentation is pretty clear, and the support is good. I recommend it. It definitely helped us streamline our billing and account management, and continues to do so as we implement more of its features. The only issue I have with Plat is the service provisioning dialogs get messy very quickly when provisioning objects with quite a few service parameters. For example, I haven't found a clean way to manage customer DNS records from Plat, or WiMAX QoS profiles. Anyone using Plat should understand the particular limitations I'm talking about. *sigh* Perhaps I'm just looking to integrate too much… -- Blake Covarrubias On Aug 23, 2010, at 8:11 AM, Blake Covarrubias wrote: Wow. Really? I found the documentation on Plat to generally be understandable...enough that I was able to wrap my
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I'm not incredibly put off by the pricing, if I could use the subscription pricing on a box located on my network, under my control. - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/23/2010 2:33 PM, Cameron Crum wrote: Gino, Thanks for the endorsement. We of course believe that any cost of the product will be more than made up in productivity increases and cost savings the product produces for your overall business. With just the sales portion, we've been able to save some customers as many as 80% of their site survey truck rolls per month. If you are adding 20 customers per month and you survey 15 of them with a truck roll at a cost of $40/visit including gas/labor/maintenance/time, and 12 of those go away, then the product just saved you $480. At our current pricing structure, if you were spending $480/month on our PRO software that would mean that you had 600 customers. Of course you could realize those savings with JUST the sales portion of the program which does not incur a monthly fee. The cost savings of using the pro version and going from potentially several software platforms to a single integrated package could easily add multiples to the cost savings described above. We were able to run a 1200 customer wisp spread over about 1000 sq miles with myself, my partner, one installer/tech, and 2 customer support folks (1day/1 night) using the platform. And that was before we added the billing system, provisioning, and phone apps it has now. If you want to talk more about it and discuss pricing options hit me off list. I'd like to know what price point people are willing to pay for such a comprehensive platform. Regards, Cameron On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 1:51 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com mailto:g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: Wispmon seems great! Pricing, not so… Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com mailto:g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 *From:* wireless-boun...@wispa.org mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] *On Behalf Of *Cameron Crum *Sent:* Monday, August 23, 2010 2:41 PM *To:* WISPA General List *Subject:* Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Mike H, What do you want to do that Freeside can't? Wispmon is adding new tools and features almost weekly at this point. It was deisigned by guys running a wisp to encompass as many aspects of the industry in a single platform as possible. As far as I know, there isn't a more comprehensive product available and we'll hold your hand until the system is up and running. That is not to say that we will do all your all of your config for you, but we will certainly help you with everything on our end and we can provide a good deal of advice for the provisioning side of things on your end or point you to people who can help if you don't know what to do. Please hit me offlist to discuss the capabilities further. Regards, Cameron WispMon.com On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 12:16 PM, Mark Nash - Lists markl...@uwol.net mailto:markl...@uwol.net wrote: This may be getting a little off-topic, but this is a benefit of back-end systems: We have tiered service levels...the more you pay the faster you go. We have bandwidth caps (FAPs)...the higher level tiered service you pay for, the higher your FAP limit is so you can download more. About this time, we see customers getting slowed down because they hit their FAP. After we explain this to them, most of them opt for a higher level of service so they can download more. This nets us about $50-$60 a month in additional revenue EVERY MONTH for doing nothing but having the limits (and explaining it to them over the phone). No more equipment cost, no truck roll, no blah blah blah... This is for residential, BTW... Currently, business-class service levels currently do not have a FAP. We do get some customers opting for a business class service (higher price) to get no FAP limit. In any case, if this is something you are looking at doing (bandwidth caps), here's something in the Plus column... - Original Message - From: Blake Covarrubias bl...@beamspeed.com mailto:bl...@beamspeed.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org mailto:wireless@wispa.org Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 8:19 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Oops. Dropped my iPhone and sent that out prematurely with some unfinished sentences. Oh well. Point is, Plat wasn't that difficult to grok. I think its a great platform to invest time and energy into. The documentation is pretty clear, and the support is good. I recommend
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Cameron, I tried to contact you after the WISPA show, e-mailed a few times, and submitted something on your website, nadda on the call back dude :( --- Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net http://www.linktechs.net/ LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training http://www.onlinemikrotiktraining.com/ - Author of Learn RouterOS http://routerosbook.com/ From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Cameron Crum Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 2:34 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Gino, Thanks for the endorsement. We of course believe that any cost of the product will be more than made up in productivity increases and cost savings the product produces for your overall business. With just the sales portion, we've been able to save some customers as many as 80% of their site survey truck rolls per month. If you are adding 20 customers per month and you survey 15 of them with a truck roll at a cost of $40/visit including gas/labor/maintenance/time, and 12 of those go away, then the product just saved you $480. At our current pricing structure, if you were spending $480/month on our PRO software that would mean that you had 600 customers. Of course you could realize those savings with JUST the sales portion of the program which does not incur a monthly fee. The cost savings of using the pro version and going from potentially several software platforms to a single integrated package could easily add multiples to the cost savings described above. We were able to run a 1200 customer wisp spread over about 1000 sq miles with myself, my partner, one installer/tech, and 2 customer support folks (1day/1 night) using the platform. And that was before we added the billing system, provisioning, and phone apps it has now. If you want to talk more about it and discuss pricing options hit me off list. I'd like to know what price point people are willing to pay for such a comprehensive platform. Regards, Cameron On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 1:51 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: Wispmon seems great! Pricing, not so... Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Cameron Crum Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 2:41 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Mike H, What do you want to do that Freeside can't? Wispmon is adding new tools and features almost weekly at this point. It was deisigned by guys running a wisp to encompass as many aspects of the industry in a single platform as possible. As far as I know, there isn't a more comprehensive product available and we'll hold your hand until the system is up and running. That is not to say that we will do all your all of your config for you, but we will certainly help you with everything on our end and we can provide a good deal of advice for the provisioning side of things on your end or point you to people who can help if you don't know what to do. Please hit me offlist to discuss the capabilities further. Regards, Cameron WispMon.com On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 12:16 PM, Mark Nash - Lists markl...@uwol.net wrote: This may be getting a little off-topic, but this is a benefit of back-end systems: We have tiered service levels...the more you pay the faster you go. We have bandwidth caps (FAPs)...the higher level tiered service you pay for, the higher your FAP limit is so you can download more. About this time, we see customers getting slowed down because they hit their FAP. After we explain this to them, most of them opt for a higher level of service so they can download more. This nets us about $50-$60 a month in additional revenue EVERY MONTH for doing nothing but having the limits (and explaining it to them over the phone). No more equipment cost, no truck roll, no blah blah blah... This is for residential, BTW... Currently, business-class service levels currently do not have a FAP. We do get some customers opting for a business class service (higher price) to get no FAP limit. In any case, if this is something you are looking at doing (bandwidth caps), here's something in the Plus column... - Original Message - From: Blake Covarrubias bl...@beamspeed.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 8:19 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Oops. Dropped my iPhone and sent that out prematurely with some unfinished sentences. Oh well. Point is, Plat wasn't that difficult to grok. I think its a great platform to invest time and energy into. The documentation is pretty clear, and the support is good. I recommend it. It definitely helped us streamline our billing and account management
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I'll hit you offlist. Cameron On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 2:47 PM, Mike Hammett wispawirel...@ics-il.netwrote: I'm not incredibly put off by the pricing, if I could use the subscription pricing on a box located on my network, under my control. - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutionshttp://www.ics-il.com On 8/23/2010 2:33 PM, Cameron Crum wrote: Gino, Thanks for the endorsement. We of course believe that any cost of the product will be more than made up in productivity increases and cost savings the product produces for your overall business. With just the sales portion, we've been able to save some customers as many as 80% of their site survey truck rolls per month. If you are adding 20 customers per month and you survey 15 of them with a truck roll at a cost of $40/visit including gas/labor/maintenance/time, and 12 of those go away, then the product just saved you $480. At our current pricing structure, if you were spending $480/month on our PRO software that would mean that you had 600 customers. Of course you could realize those savings with JUST the sales portion of the program which does not incur a monthly fee. The cost savings of using the pro version and going from potentially several software platforms to a single integrated package could easily add multiples to the cost savings described above. We were able to run a 1200 customer wisp spread over about 1000 sq miles with myself, my partner, one installer/tech, and 2 customer support folks (1day/1 night) using the platform. And that was before we added the billing system, provisioning, and phone apps it has now. If you want to talk more about it and discuss pricing options hit me off list. I'd like to know what price point people are willing to pay for such a comprehensive platform. Regards, Cameron On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 1:51 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: Wispmon seems great! Pricing, not so… Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 -- *From:* wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] *On Behalf Of *Cameron Crum *Sent:* Monday, August 23, 2010 2:41 PM *To:* WISPA General List *Subject:* Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Mike H, What do you want to do that Freeside can't? Wispmon is adding new tools and features almost weekly at this point. It was deisigned by guys running a wisp to encompass as many aspects of the industry in a single platform as possible. As far as I know, there isn't a more comprehensive product available and we'll hold your hand until the system is up and running. That is not to say that we will do all your all of your config for you, but we will certainly help you with everything on our end and we can provide a good deal of advice for the provisioning side of things on your end or point you to people who can help if you don't know what to do. Please hit me offlist to discuss the capabilities further. Regards, Cameron WispMon.com On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 12:16 PM, Mark Nash - Lists markl...@uwol.net wrote: This may be getting a little off-topic, but this is a benefit of back-end systems: We have tiered service levels...the more you pay the faster you go. We have bandwidth caps (FAPs)...the higher level tiered service you pay for, the higher your FAP limit is so you can download more. About this time, we see customers getting slowed down because they hit their FAP. After we explain this to them, most of them opt for a higher level of service so they can download more. This nets us about $50-$60 a month in additional revenue EVERY MONTH for doing nothing but having the limits (and explaining it to them over the phone). No more equipment cost, no truck roll, no blah blah blah... This is for residential, BTW... Currently, business-class service levels currently do not have a FAP. We do get some customers opting for a business class service (higher price) to get no FAP limit. In any case, if this is something you are looking at doing (bandwidth caps), here's something in the Plus column... - Original Message - From: Blake Covarrubias bl...@beamspeed.com To: WISPA General List wireless@wispa.org Sent: Monday, August 23, 2010 8:19 AM Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Oops. Dropped my iPhone and sent that out prematurely with some unfinished sentences. Oh well. Point is, Plat wasn't that difficult to grok. I think its a great platform to invest time and energy into. The documentation is pretty clear, and the support is good. I recommend it. It definitely helped us streamline our billing and account management, and continues to do so as we implement more of its features. The only issue I have with Plat is the service provisioning dialogs get messy very quickly when provisioning objects with quite a few service parameters. For example, I haven't found a clean way to manage
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.comwrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Dennis, I saw the one email about your desire to become a reseller and I passed that off to my partner who handles such things. He admits that it fell through the cracks...my apologies. I should have at least notified you that I got the mail and redirected. I'll be more vigilant in the future. We had an incredible response from the show and have literally been doing demos and new customer adds every day since. We have a structured program in place for distributors and I will get that info to you off list. If anyone else missed a reply from us, please hit me again. I found a couple mails in the spam folder, and thought I'd gotten back to everyone. Regards, Cameron On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 2:49 PM, Dennis Burgess dmburg...@linktechs.netwrote: Cameron, I tried to contact you after the WISPA show, e-mailed a few times, and submitted something on your website, nadda on the call back dude :( *--- **Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer** * *Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office*: 314-735-0270 *Website*: http://www.linktechs.net *LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training http://www.onlinemikrotiktraining.com/ - Author of Learn RouterOS http://routerosbook.com/* *From:* wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] *On Behalf Of *Cameron Crum *Sent:* Monday, August 23, 2010 2:34 PM *To:* WISPA General List *Subject:* Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Gino, Thanks for the endorsement. We of course believe that any cost of the product will be more than made up in productivity increases and cost savings the product produces for your overall business. With just the sales portion, we've been able to save some customers as many as 80% of their site survey truck rolls per month. If you are adding 20 customers per month and you survey 15 of them with a truck roll at a cost of $40/visit including gas/labor/maintenance/time, and 12 of those go away, then the product just saved you $480. At our current pricing structure, if you were spending $480/month on our PRO software that would mean that you had 600 customers. Of course you could realize those savings with JUST the sales portion of the program which does not incur a monthly fee. The cost savings of using the pro version and going from potentially several software platforms to a single integrated package could easily add multiples to the cost savings described above. We were able to run a 1200 customer wisp spread over about 1000 sq miles with myself, my partner, one installer/tech, and 2 customer support folks (1day/1 night) using the platform. And that was before we added the billing system, provisioning, and phone apps it has now. If you want to talk more about it and discuss pricing options hit me off list. I'd like to know what price point people are willing to pay for such a comprehensive platform. Regards, Cameron On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 1:51 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: Wispmon seems great! Pricing, not so… Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 -- *From:* wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] *On Behalf Of *Cameron Crum *Sent:* Monday, August 23, 2010 2:41 PM *To:* WISPA General List *Subject:* Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Mike H, What do you want to do that Freeside can't? Wispmon is adding new tools and features almost weekly at this point. It was deisigned by guys running a wisp to encompass as many aspects of the industry in a single platform as possible. As far as I know, there isn't a more comprehensive product available and we'll hold your hand until the system is up and running. That is not to say that we will do all your all of your config for you, but we will certainly help you with everything on our end and we can provide a good deal of advice for the provisioning side of things on your end or point you to people who can help if you don't know what to do. Please hit me offlist to discuss the capabilities further. Regards, Cameron WispMon.com On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 12:16 PM, Mark Nash - Lists markl...@uwol.net wrote: This may be getting a little off-topic, but this is a benefit of back-end systems: We have tiered service levels...the more you pay the faster you go. We have bandwidth caps (FAPs)...the higher level tiered service you pay for, the higher your FAP limit is so you can download more. About this time, we see customers getting slowed down because they hit their FAP. After we explain this to them, most of them opt for a higher level of service so they can download more. This nets us about $50-$60 a month in additional revenue EVERY MONTH for doing nothing but having the limits (and explaining it to them over the phone). No more equipment cost, no truck roll, no blah blah blah... This is for residential, BTW
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
We do that as well. Essentially you end up with Platypus as the billing/data core with a lot of value add off to the side. If you keep everything loosely coupled upgrades etc aren't a problem. So far we've always had at least one network and one customer service person that can program so when a efficiency gain can come by writing something they do it. Has been working out OK for the past 4 years even with turnover. On Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 3:38 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Chuck, would you be willing to share or sell your code? Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 23, 2010, at 4:48 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: Inventory stuff? Gerard has built some custom PHP scripts to do some neat things...and I have done some as well. Problem is, we keep saying ooh it'd be neat to do this... and then we go and do it. So our Platypus installation isn't the norm at all. Regards, Chuck Hogg Shelby Broadband 502-722-9292 ch...@shelbybb.com http://www.shelbybb.com On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM, Josh Luthman j...@imaginenetworksllc.com wrote: Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http
[WISPA] Backend systems
I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? -- - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Matt that seems a little harsh. I guess I would fall into the same category. I use Excel to track my billing. I send an email out on the 15th of every month to every customer. Most of my customers are billed the same amount. It takes me less than an hour each month to do my initial billing, and probably a couple hours more to chase deadbeats. I do no paper billing, it is all via email. I've been doing it for a few years now and don't feel like I'm destined for failure. Mike Gilchrist Disruptive Technologist Advanced Wireless Express P.O. Box 255 Toledo, IA 52342 239.770.6203 m...@aweiowa.com -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Matt Larsen - Lists Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:12 PM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
yikeS! How many customers? Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 2:02 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Matt that seems a little harsh. I guess I would fall into the same category. I use Excel to track my billing. I send an email out on the 15th of every month to every customer. Most of my customers are billed the same amount. It takes me less than an hour each month to do my initial billing, and probably a couple hours more to chase deadbeats. I do no paper billing, it is all via email. I've been doing it for a few years now and don't feel like I'm destined for failure. Mike Gilchrist Disruptive Technologist Advanced Wireless Express P.O. Box 255 Toledo, IA 52342 239.770.6203 m...@aweiowa.com -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Matt Larsen - Lists Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:12 PM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I bill around 200 invoices. I also have many who do a direct deposit. My bank set me up to do ACH transfers. I give those payors a $2.50 discount. The way I do it, I could easily do 500 or more. I use Outlook to send billing and stuff the addresses fro every customer meeting the same criteria into the BCC: field, and send a standard boilerplate. *Most* of my billing is done with that first email. Various others are a bit more complex. Mike Gilchrist Disruptive Technologist Advanced Wireless Express P.O. Box 255 Toledo, IA 52342 239.770.6203 m...@aweiowa.com -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 1:27 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems yikeS! How many customers? Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 2:02 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Matt that seems a little harsh. I guess I would fall into the same category. I use Excel to track my billing. I send an email out on the 15th of every month to every customer. Most of my customers are billed the same amount. It takes me less than an hour each month to do my initial billing, and probably a couple hours more to chase deadbeats. I do no paper billing, it is all via email. I've been doing it for a few years now and don't feel like I'm destined for failure. Mike Gilchrist Disruptive Technologist Advanced Wireless Express P.O. Box 255 Toledo, IA 52342 239.770.6203 m...@aweiowa.com -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Matt Larsen - Lists Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:12 PM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I would agree that there should be a cost effective system that can manage your customers, track tickets, and even help provision and redirect customers for payment. Without payments, well, we won't go there. The hard part is finding a software that does what you need it to do all of the time, an that is VERY difficult I have found. My business touches well over 1000 WISPs and operators around the world, but yet, I have not found a good software to be able to recommend, resell that simply works. I have seen some, but we need systems that can scale from 100 user networks, that are cost effective to run even at that low number to 10,000. So, thats what I have seen be the problem. If you have a suggestion let me know! --- Dennis Burgess, CCNA, A+, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 1:27 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems yikeS! How many customers? Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 2:02 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Matt that seems a little harsh. I guess I would fall into the same category. I use Excel to track my billing. I send an email out on the 15th of every month to every customer. Most of my customers are billed the same amount. It takes me less than an hour each month to do my initial billing, and probably a couple hours more to chase deadbeats. I do no paper billing, it is all via email. I've been doing it for a few years now and don't feel like I'm destined for failure. Mike Gilchrist Disruptive Technologist Advanced Wireless Express P.O. Box 255 Toledo, IA 52342 239.770.6203 m...@aweiowa.com -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Matt Larsen - Lists Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:12 PM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Mike, I did the same thing back in the dialup days - Excel, Access database, QuickBooks memorized transactions, etc etc.QuickBooks kept getting slower and we started to have problems with inconsistencies between all of the systems (people not getting billed, delinquent accounts that were still online, random jumble of email addresses, not knowing who they went to, etc etc) so we made a change when we were at about 600 customers in early 1998. By the end of 2001, we were billing over 4000. Having a robust and extensible backend system is critical if you are going to scale the business to an appreciable size. If you are only billing a couple of hundred customers, you can get away with QuickBooks and/or Excel and the like. Grow beyond that, and you better start looking for a good backend system. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 12:01 PM, Mike wrote: Matt that seems a little harsh. I guess I would fall into the same category. I use Excel to track my billing. I send an email out on the 15th of every month to every customer. Most of my customers are billed the same amount. It takes me less than an hour each month to do my initial billing, and probably a couple hours more to chase deadbeats. I do no paper billing, it is all via email. I've been doing it for a few years now and don't feel like I'm destined for failure. Mike Gilchrist Disruptive Technologist Advanced Wireless Express P.O. Box 255 Toledo, IA 52342 239.770.6203 m...@aweiowa.com -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Matt Larsen - Lists Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:12 PM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Platypus Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 22, 2010, at 3:24 PM, Dennis Burgess dmburg...@linktechs.net wrote: I would agree that there should be a cost effective system that can manage your customers, track tickets, and even help provision and redirect customers for payment. Without payments, well, we won't go there. The hard part is finding a software that does what you need it to do all of the time, an that is VERY difficult I have found. My business touches well over 1000 WISPs and operators around the world, but yet, I have not found a good software to be able to recommend, resell that simply works. I have seen some, but we need systems that can scale from 100 user networks, that are cost effective to run even at that low number to 10,000. So, thats what I have seen be the problem. If you have a suggestion let me know! --- Dennis Burgess, CCNA, A+, Mikrotik Certified Trainer Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik WISP Support Services Office: 314-735-0270 Website: http://www.linktechs.net LIVE On-Line Mikrotik Training - Author of Learn RouterOS -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 1:27 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems yikeS! How many customers? Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 2:02 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Matt that seems a little harsh. I guess I would fall into the same category. I use Excel to track my billing. I send an email out on the 15th of every month to every customer. Most of my customers are billed the same amount. It takes me less than an hour each month to do my initial billing, and probably a couple hours more to chase deadbeats. I do no paper billing, it is all via email. I've been doing it for a few years now and don't feel like I'm destined for failure. Mike Gilchrist Disruptive Technologist Advanced Wireless Express P.O. Box 255 Toledo, IA 52342 239.770.6203 m...@aweiowa.com -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Matt Larsen - Lists Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:12 PM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I use QuickBooks (the CC customers are auto billed through IP Pay) and manually add\adjust customers on the PPP user section of my MT boxes. Not as automated as I'd like, but other than folding and stuffing envelopes, only about a half hour a month for my current customer base. My goal was something that would keep a better log of customer issues and more closely link them together. - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 12:11 PM, Matt Larsen - Lists wrote: Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Check platypus Sent from my Motorola Startac... On Aug 22, 2010, at 6:00 PM, Mike Hammett wispawirel...@ics-il.net wrote: I use QuickBooks (the CC customers are auto billed through IP Pay) and manually add\adjust customers on the PPP user section of my MT boxes. Not as automated as I'd like, but other than folding and stuffing envelopes, only about a half hour a month for my current customer base. My goal was something that would keep a better log of customer issues and more closely link them together. - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 12:11 PM, Matt Larsen - Lists wrote: Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
At my previous WISP in Florida, I had a billing system - what a pain! At my current WISP, I dont - life is great! I only accept credit cards. Best thing I ever did! On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 1:11 PM, Matt Larsen - Lists li...@manageisp.comwrote: Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
+1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 -- *From:* wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] *On Behalf Of *David Sovereen *Sent:* Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM *To:* WISPA General List *Subject:* Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
That's a bit strong. Some of us operate on a shoestring budget and as long as we break even, it's all good! Bob- Also poor. -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Matt Larsen - Lists Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 1:12 PM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Not a damn thing wrong with that. -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 3:13 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems I bill around 200 invoices. I also have many who do a direct deposit. My bank set me up to do ACH transfers. I give those payors a $2.50 discount. The way I do it, I could easily do 500 or more. I use Outlook to send billing and stuff the addresses fro every customer meeting the same criteria into the BCC: field, and send a standard boilerplate. *Most* of my billing is done with that first email. Various others are a bit more complex. Mike Gilchrist Disruptive Technologist Advanced Wireless Express P.O. Box 255 Toledo, IA 52342 239.770.6203 m...@aweiowa.com -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Gino Villarini Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 1:27 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems yikeS! How many customers? Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 2:02 PM To: 'WISPA General List' Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Matt that seems a little harsh. I guess I would fall into the same category. I use Excel to track my billing. I send an email out on the 15th of every month to every customer. Most of my customers are billed the same amount. It takes me less than an hour each month to do my initial billing, and probably a couple hours more to chase deadbeats. I do no paper billing, it is all via email. I've been doing it for a few years now and don't feel like I'm destined for failure. Mike Gilchrist Disruptive Technologist Advanced Wireless Express P.O. Box 255 Toledo, IA 52342 239.770.6203 m...@aweiowa.com -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Matt Larsen - Lists Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:12 PM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Chuck - did you ever get an automated system for your network equipment? I thought you were working on something to do all that. Josh Luthman Office: 937-552-2340 Direct: 937-552-2343 1100 Wayne St Suite 1337 Troy, OH 45373 On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:45 PM, Chuck Hogg ch...@shelbybb.com wrote: We use Platypus as well. The cost is well worth it, and is cheaper than most. $100/mth for up to 1,000 customers, $200/mth for 5000 customers. It integrates with IPPay flawlessly. It has the capability to do a lot of customizing. $2000 for a full 2 day training course, in your office if you can't figure it out. On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 8:14 PM, Gino Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com wrote: +1 Gino A. Villarini g...@aeronetpr.com Aeronet Wireless Broadband Corp. 787.273.4143 From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of David Sovereen Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:07 PM To: WISPA General List Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Have you looked at Platypus? Costs less, does more, scales big, and is a proven solution (I've been using for 13 years, since 1997). Dave On Aug 22, 2010 7:50 PM, tfad...@coastinet.com wrote: I have been using Quickbooks memorized transactions since 2001, I added a JFFNMS monitoring server in 2004, a Scrutinizer Netflow server in 2007 We currently have 700+ customers My main problem with Quickbooks for billing is that it does not handle late fees adequately, so I don't charge them now. I have 300 customers I could charge a $5 late fee this month and about 40 people I could charge a $15 reconnect fee this month as well. That is over $2, 000: I know with late fees, this number would come down, maybe cut in half(which would mean I would get my money sooner). That is why I can cost justify moving to Powercode. I have seen enough improvement over the last year with Bertram buying them that I feel comfortable enough to move forward with them. My other problems are, call tracking for tech support, auto shutoff and auto reconnect. Online payment and transaction history for my customers, double data entry into Quickbooks and JFFNMS. Everything I need(still keep Netflow Server) to see would be on one system. My hope is that all the Azotel will continue to improve which should keep the Powercode folks focused on adding features and enhancements to their system. Competition is good for everyone! On Sunday 22/08/2010 at 3:33 pm, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
Gee Matt- I question whether I should be in this business every day! But not because of our billing system. Our billing system works great. Authorize.net and credit card payments. The entire network is a giant hotspot. I think we may have 3 manual bills and those are done by Email. Of course I would home grow a way before I'd pay 2 grand right now. Since 2K is such a small pittance, have you got an extra 2K I can borrow... or have? Big Grin and wink. Ralph -Original Message- From: wireless-boun...@wispa.org [mailto:wireless-boun...@wispa.org] On Behalf Of Matt Larsen - Lists Sent: Sunday, August 22, 2010 1:12 PM To: wireless@wispa.org Subject: Re: [WISPA] Backend systems Just a quick point here, because this is a key element for WISP operators Mike, if you are too poor to pay the $2000 or devote the time to setup a billing system then you should seriously question whether you should be in this business at all. Once the initial network deployment is completed, backend and billing is the most important element of a WISP business. Ignore it at your own peril. Spending too much on equipment and not enough on handling the a/r is the leading cause of bankruptcy and irrelevance among WISP operators. Matt Larsen vistabeam.com On 8/22/2010 7:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
Re: [WISPA] Backend systems
I too have been working on putting up a billing system for over a year now. I have a working VM from Freeside, but it really seems like it's not a full install. I can't get anything to really work in it, or maybe it's just that there's no documentation and I don't know how to get it working. From what I've played with it, it does not have half the inventory tracking that I would like, and the whole table structure looks so darn complicated, it would take me a few full days studying all the tables to come up with a python script that would generate my nagios config file for my clients -- which are my full intentions for whichever system I put in unless it has it's own monitoring system. I found this page a few weeks ago: http://www.cio.com.au/article/324595/5_open_source_billing_systems_watch/ I've taken a quick look at each, and so far the CitrusDB seems to be the easiest one to work with and extent to what I would like to have. Unless we can put our heads together and document how to get freeside working because I've heard that you can without much effort extend it to do most anything. Mark On 08/22/2010 04:16 PM, Mike Hammett wrote: I'm looking to have something completely in place by the end of the year. Because of the issues Matt pointed out, I don't want to really add much more until it's automated. Well, after I rebuild a bunch of backhauls and turn a new network into a routed one, the backends are next on my list. There sure isn't much information out there on Azotel. If I didn't get the Solutions4ebiz emails, I'd think it was a secret. I remember deciding against Platypus years ago, but now I don't remember why. Maybe I should revisit. The thing I don't like about WISPMon is that it's outsourced. Well, unless I pay $10k, which would be inappropriate for my size. I don't outsource my email, my DNS, my hosting, my lawn cutting, etc. Everything is in-house . - Mike Hammett Intelligent Computing Solutions http://www.ics-il.com On 8/22/2010 8:52 AM, Mike Hammett wrote: I've been setting up FreeSide... forever. 1) I'm too poor to hire it out properly. 2) I haven't had the time to dedicate to it to finishing it up. I remember seeing someone on here made a new backend system. I'm thinking it was WISPMon, but I'm not sure if there's another out there that a WISP made. It looks as though WISPMon certain does things that FreeSide doesn't and looks a hell of a lot better. However, does it do everything that FreeSide does? WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/ WISPA Wants You! Join today! http://signup.wispa.org/ WISPA Wireless List: wireless@wispa.org Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless Archives: http://lists.wispa.org/pipermail/wireless/
