About Hosted IP Service
Here you find information about Hosted IP Communications, Product Description, Features and Benefits, Customer Service, and Pricing.
>> About Hosted IP Communications
Q. What is a Hosted IP Communication Service?
A. USA Datanet's Hosted IP Communication Service differs from traditional phone service in that the phone equipment is not located at the customer premise, but is managed by USA Datanet from a secure, centralized location. The ongoing management of the centralized equipment is performed by USA Datanet, while the customer gains control of the features and functionality of their phone service through an easy to use web interface.
Q. In what ways does a Hosted IP Service differ from a PBX, Centrex or Key System?
A. A Hosted IP Service is fundamentally different from, and preferable to, customer premise-based PBXs and Key Systems because it does not require a company to own or manage its own equipment. Capital expenditure is reduced or eliminated, maintenance contracts are unnecessary, and management is fully outsourced to a secure, central location. Because the service is hosted, the customer gains access to the latest upgrades in both hardware and software more quickly and easily than if they had to manage upgrades on their own.
>> Product Description
Q. What does USA Datanet’s Hosted IP Communication Service provide?
A. USA Datanet’s Hosted IP Telephone Service provides a complete IP-based communications solution that includes unlimited local, regional, domestic, and Canadian long distance calling, as well as toll free calling. (International long distance service is available at competitive rates.) Calling is secure, carried via a dedicated broadband connection that does not go over the public internet. And broadband Internet access is also an automatic part of the service, as are USA Datanet audio conferencing services. The system is hosted and maintained by USA Datanet, and on-premise equipment is minimal: the networking devices needed, as well as state of the art IP telephones for each user’s desktop. Lastly, enhanced key system features and functionality, for all aspects of administration, are controlled by the customer through an intuitive, easy-to-use web based interface. (To find out more, see the Hosted IP Product page .)
Q. What are the benefits for our company in using USA Datanet’s Hosted IP Communications Service?
A: This service provides small and medium sized businesses all the features and functionality that larger businesses are able to take advantage of, while also affording them substantial cost savings. Bundled pricing - from a single provide of all your telecommunications needs: local, long distance, toll free, Internet access - drives down communications costs and provides predictable monthly planning. Savings come from drastically reduced (or eliminated) capital expenditures for phone premise equipment (i.e. key systems, cards, servers, gateways, power supplies, UPS systems, etc); elimination of costly maintenance contracts with multiple vendors; and ongoing going operational costs associated with moves, adds, and changes. Customers are able to maintain control, administering features/functionality 24/7 through an intuitive, web-based interface (using non-technical, in-house staff). The service is easily scalable to meet growth needs, at a single location or via expansion to multiple locations. Built in obsolescence is eliminated, as USA Datanet provides equipment and software upgrades. (To find out more, see the Benefits page .)
>> Customer Service & Technical Support
Q. What are your Customer Service hours of operation?
A. Customer Support is available 24 hours/day, 365 days/year
Q. If my phone equipment stops functioning, what technical support can I expect?
A: Technical support is included in your monthly fee, and includes telephone and remote diagnostic support, as well as on premise support if necessary.
Q. What if the power goes out to my location?
A: If your location loses power, USA Datanet provides two alternatives. In the default alternative, your phone service will be reduced to one designated phone set that will always remain in service for emergency or any calls; or you may elect an optional USA Datanet service where battery back-up can be provided, allowing you to keep your phone service operational for a specified period of time.
>> Pricing
Q. What types of pricing options are available?
A. USA Datanet has several pricing plans from predictable monthly bundled pricing plans that include: all equipment and phones needed, local calling; regional/domestic US and Canadian long distance calling, and toll free calling; to a-la-carte plans, which provide flexibility to match a customers calling patterns.
Q. Are the IP phones included in the monthly fee I pay?
A: Yes, the IP phones and all customer premise equipment is included in their monthly fee.
Q. Are there any charges for maintenance support, beyond the monthly fees?
A. With our Hosted IP bundled pricing plan, there are no charges for maintenance support beyond your monthly fee.