NetKit Broadband 6.0 installs easily on subscribers' computers, enables proactive technical support, and opens two-way link for connectivity management
Atlanta, GA (April 14, 2003) — Netsurfer, Inc., a leading developer of subscriber connectivity management software that makes Internet access easier, today announced the immediate availability of NetKitŪ Broadband 6.0, a product suite to help broadband service providers increase subscriber profitability.
Netsurfer's product suite is a rich assortment of diagnostic, service provisioning, and connectivity management tools. The suite helps broadband service providers enable new services easily, reduce help desk calls proactively, and perform remote diagnostics.
Unlike server-based support tools, NetKit Broadband 6.0 opens an economical "window" into client-side connectivity issues. By turning the subscriber's computer into a manageable network element, NetKit Broadband 6.0 facilitates all aspects of connectivity management, including diagnostics, content management, targeted messaging, and installation of new applications.
"Until now, gaining robust connectivity capabilities required broadband service providers to make extensive customizations to their support center infrastructure," said Stephen Walden, president and CEO of Netsurfer. "The market has been seeking advanced connectivity management functions with an easy-to-use client-side platform. NetKit Broadband 6.0 is Netsurfer's answer to these market requirements."
NetKit Broadband 6.0, Walden added, directly impacts all three ways for service providers to improve subscriber profitability: cost reduction, churn reduction, and revenue enhancement. The product's most significant innovation, he noted, is its strong emphasis on proactive problem resolution to reduce churn and cut support costs. "Our goal is to eliminate the need for many help-desk calls. NetKit Broadband 6.0 contains powerful tools, such as signal monitoring, context-sensitive online help and 'self-healing'tools, to resolve technical difficulties before they escalate into cancellations."
NetKit Broadband 6.0 consists of six components covering a broad range of subscriber connectivity management functions. The components enable service providers to configure services on the subscriber's desktop, maintain continuous two-way communications between the network support center and the subscriber, monitor connectivity, and provide online help and "self-healing" tools.
Components of the NetKit Broadband 6.0 product suite:
- NetQualifier – Verifies the computer configuration, monitors the CPE operation, and monitors LAN/WAN connectivity.
- ExpertProvisioner – Installs and configures required software, creates multiple e-mail accounts, configures all accounts settings and customer premise equipment, and facilitates activation.
- Self-Care Technician – Provides the network operator an alternative to costly technical support through online help and "self-healing" tools; restores lost connectivity and resets corrupted settings; and delivers service updates.
- NetPortal – Provides the network operator an intuitive, custom-branded interactive desktop portal to better manage the subscriber's experience with targeted messaging and links to favorite applications.
- SoftCastDirect – Provides the connectivity for delivering targeted subscriber messages, advertising, client updates, and third-party software downloads.
- SoftCastMonitor – Maintains a continuous communication link with the subscriber, enabling remote support management and QoS metrics to improve the subscriber experience.
About Netsurfer, Inc.
Netsurfer develops subscriber connectivity management software that makes Internet access easier for subscribers and more profitable for service providers. Broadband and dial-up Internet access providers use Netsurfer's sixth-generation technologies to maximize subscriber profitability through rapid provisioning, online diagnostics and support, and easy delivery of new services. This enables service providers to slash sign-up costs, cut churn, accelerate revenue, and enhance subscriber life cycle management. A few examples: Our customers are reporting or projecting up to 75 percent reduction in installation time, 55 percent reduction in churn rate, and 68 percent reduction in operational problem calls. Representative customers include Cablevision Systems Corporation, Knology, Americatel, NTT Data and McLeodUSA. For more information, visit www.netsurfer.com.
