Introduction
This short piece provides a brief overview of the three service affecting elements of any GCaaS (Group Communications as a Service) solution, namely Devices, Connectivity and the Service itself. To provide a GCaaS service that works well for its users, it is important to get all three elements right.
In the Devices space: GCaaS systems users need to buy devices that suit their requirements. The good news for GCaaS users is that there is a broad range of devices to choose from and these devices are made in quantities that make them economically efficient. In addition, by definition, GCaaS as a service will coexist on e.g. an Android device along with other apps, making it possible for the first time for a single device e.g. in the cab of a commercial vehicle to provide:
- Comms & Messaging
- Task management & Tracking
- Location-based alerts
- Lone Worker Protection
- Navigation; etc.
This is where GCaaS and PoC differ as the latter is a dedicated fixed service, but GCaaS will coexist with other apps.
Airsys.Cloud website products page offers a number of candidate devices for consideration. Other options will work.
Connectivity
As for Connectivity: Many PoC providers will suggest you use your own data plan or will provide a cheap single network SIM to provide connectivity. There are many pitfalls in this approach, not the least of which are resilience and a level of priority over on-net data traffic. A non-steered EU Data roaming SIM or eSIM out of the IoT or M2M camp will provide both. However, please note that unlike selling hardware and software, selling GCaaS services involves selling connectivity which may require changes to your terms and conditions to comply with regulatory requirements.
Airsys.Cloud website products page provides some connectivity options for our Airsys.Cloud GCaaS solution.
Service
Then there’s the Service: This will be provided by servers and it is important to understand how these servers are configured for redundancy, backup, availability, scalability etc. The server locations may also have a bearing on GDPR issues. Don’t forget to ask potential suppliers about server location, redundancy, backup, availability, scalability etc. and the SLA they provide.
The functionality of the service on offer will be dependent on the server software and client (field and command and control) applications. It is important to make sure the functionality available now and in the future addresses both your present and future needs.
Airsys.Cloud functionality
Airsys.Cloud GCaaS service is provided by Airsys as Software as a Service (SaaS) paid for by monthly subscription. Airsys.Cloud is hosted in UK ISO27000 approved data centres and provides a Best-in-class business critical, fully featured BBPTT solution offering:
- Group and individual calls
- Messaging including status messages
- Multi-listening (voice and messaging)
- Call queuing
- Emergency journal
- Event journal
- History replay (media & data including location)
- Emergency localisation
- Local map overlays
- Waypoints
- Geofencing
- Guard tours
- Remote listening/pictures (covert & overt)
- Comprehensive LMP bridging
- Teams & Rules
- OTA changes
Airsys.Cloud also offers a number of Bolt Ons:
- Lone Worker Protection (certifiable to BS8484:2016), includes emergencies triggered by:
- Man down
- Impact
- Lack of movement
- Periodic checks
- Connection & battery status
- Task Management, includes:
- Prioritorisation and tracking
- Up/download of docs including Proof of Delivery
- Tasks can be initiated by Dispatcher or field client
- Indoor localisation
- Push-to-Video/Video calling
Conclusion
In summary, that’s all there is to it.
If you need an economically efficient way to get started with GCaaS then Airsys.Cloud All-in-One solution, Airsys.Cloud LITE provides an entry point (including device, connectivity and service) to the full functionality of Airsys.Cloud so you can start to enjoy GCaaS now and exploit advanced functionality when the time is right for you.
Contact Us
Our dedicated team of Broadband Push-to-Talk specialists are here to work with you to deliver your needs, whatever your requirements.
Within the Broadband Push-to-Talk market, Airsys.Cloud has become an essential provider of telecommunications solutions. Discuss with our team today on how we can do more with what you have.