Cisco-based calling card solutions are not doomed by VoIP

Tom Keating had not used a calling card since his parents gave him one for college (to avoid his college's exorbitant per/minute fees), and today figured with unlimited cell phone plans, unlimited broadband VoIP plans (Vonage, Lingo, etc.), as well as software applications such as Skype, Gizmo, and now Google Talk, that calling cards were so passe.

Who needs calling cards, (including both post-paid and pre-paid calling cards) when you have so many competitive options that offer inexpensive calling, right?

Really, who wants to dial a an 11-digit access number then remember their calling card account number (or pull it out of their wallet/purse) and then enter the destination number as well as their PIN?

Well apparently, even with so many phone options these days, each vying for the same "limited" phone minute pie, there is still a huge market for calling cards. Go figure.

There are several calling card companies that have now extended into the VoIP realm, since obviously terminating via VoIP has much better margins than over the PSTN.

Turning to my Telecom resource, The Telecom Directory, sought to gather pricing information on a Cisco-based calling card solution.

The Calling Card Business is one of the most widespread markets of the VoIP Industry especially in countries where there are numerous immigrants and ethnic groups.

Furthermore, many companies and individuals have also shifted their services to prepaid basis so they can take advantage of the cost-effective solutions that Voice over IP has to offer.

Cisco-based calling card solutions allow you to position multiple Calling Cards in the market, route traffic to numerous carriers, benefit from real-time management and analysis of your operations and offer web access to your customers.

Modules that are included:
-Calling Card User Web-access Interface
-Basic Module (ANI/Caller ID included)
-Subscriber Web-access Interface
-Agent Interface for Calling Card and Home Services
-Calling Card On-Line Payment
-Rechargeable Calling Card
-Customized IVR Switching
-Bonus Points Module
-Snapshot Reports

Included:
-Custom Built Server (Can handle up to 1000 Concurrent Calls)
-Microsoft SBS (Windows 2000 Server and SQL Server 2000)
-Norton Antivirus Corporate Edition 8.1

Pricing which include Server, Support (3 Months), Training, Gateway, Install is as follows:

DS3: $77,220

Includes Cisco AS5400HPX-CT3 Gateway (648 Concurrent Calls)

How does this pricing compare to what you have seen in the Cisco-based calling card solution market?

http://www.BradReese.Com

• Data Center
• VoIP / Convergence