Callis Technologies solutions solve several problems for Broadband Internet access operators, transforming these technological inconveniences into business opportunities, with a prompt Return Over Investment.
- Callis Service Manager
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THE INTERNET ACCESS CHALLENGE
Independently from the Access Technology type (whether fixed or mobile networks), broadband service providers find themselves constantly under pressure from different fronts. Besides building a network that supports a growing number of users and a greater bandwidth demand, being able to personalize each user’s experience, depending on their expectations and meeting the price they are willing to pay is a must.
Download Callis Service Manager Brochure 
Not all network users behave the same way while using it, nor do they need the same kind of service or are willing to pay for it.
In this context, with a highly competitive and demanding environment, the possibility of providing differentiated services and the ability to personalize them for each network user with an adequate Time-To-Market are crucial for success.
To achieve flexible business models which will allow for the provisioning of added-value services to those who require them, maintaining the highest customer experience is indispensable, not only to distinguish each individual network user, but also the different applications they use.
On the other hand, new markets or un-attended sectors transform into an objective to capture with new and flexible commercial plans, before the competition does.
Callis Service Manager is an advanced Policy and Charging solution, able to manage both Wireless and Wireline networks, including functions such as PCRF, SPR, AF, OCS, PS, AM, RKS.
Amongst other services, Callis SM provides:
Web Portal for advanced Subscriber Self Care.
Prepaid and Postpaid services (time, volume and/or application constrained)
Easy administration of promotional plans
Bandwidth on Demand (Turbo Button)
Parental control
Personalized subscriber´s statistics
“OUT OF THE BOX” FUNCTIONALITY
CSM includes several modules, such as Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Application Function (AF), Subscription Profile Repository (SPR) and Policy Decision Function (PDF). Both online and offline charging systems make prepaid and postpaid service offering possible. CSM uses the Cisco Service Control Engine (SCE) as a powerful Policy Enforcement Point (PEP). CSM is compatible with 3GPP and Packet Cable Multimedia (PCMM) frameworks.
By using standard interfaces, quick integration with existing systems is possible. If not present in the service provider’s network, a basic built-in Prepaid Server makes offering this type of service possible in only a few days.
SUBSCRIBER SELF CARE PORTAL
Through standard interfaces, the CSM can be easily integrated with an existing web portal for subscriber´s self care services.
For ultimate convenience, a built-in subscriber´s WEB Portal is also provided, making “zero touch” provisioning of advanced services a reality, with an appropriate time to market.
For branding and marketing purposes, service providers can quickly customize this portal.
The Web Portal also provides personalized statistics with service usage and remaining service quota per subscriber.
ACCELERATED TIME TO MARKET FOR NEW PRODUCTS
With CSM, a deep technical knowledge is not required to define and establish Service Provider’s commercial offerings. The need for specialized engineering resources is minimized, bringing maximum flexibility for Service Provider´s product sponsors.
Service Provider´s administrators can easily define commercial plans: Postpaid or Prepaid, Volume or Time constrained, with or without initial assigned quota, application type (i.e.: email, MSN, Skype, Facebook, etc.) restrictions per package, Flat rate, etc. Commercial Plans are a few “clicks” away.
By using Promotional Test Plans (a powerful marketing and retention tool) a subscriber can test upgrades for the current plan before buying it (service provider has the ability to define timeframes, stock for promotional plans, etc.).
Subscriber accesses the personalized portal and chooses, at any moment, from the available plans or services having easy access to commercial promotions, with the option to buy an upgrade at the end of the test.
BANDWIDTH ON DEMAND
A “Turbo Button” service can be included in the Web Portal. When chosen by a subscriber, Turbo Button increases the speed for all or specific applications (e.g.: on activation, a subscriber with a 1 Mbps browsing plan can increases the speed up to 2 Mbps for Youtube viewing, during 1 hour or until 2 GBytes of traffic is transferred).
This tool has several modes: paid service, free testing mode, fidelity tool, etc. As an example, the Service Provider can make this tool available for free only for designed users, or a segment of users, limiting it by time of use, number of activations during a month, time of day, day of week, etc., or it can also be available as a prepaid or postpaid service.
ASSURED QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE
When CSM is used together with the Callis Traffic Congestion Manager (TCM), network resources are checked and/or enforced before service activation, allowing the Service Provider to assure the quality of experience for the customer.
Callis TCM is a powerful tool which modifies a congested networks behavior enabling networks resource usage optimization, while predefined business rules are enforced.
CISCO SERVICE CONTROL AND CALLIS SERVICE MANAGER: THE PERFECT FIT.
Cisco’s SCE is a Carrier-grade network element especially built to address “service-control” needs. With its Stateful Deep-Packet-Inspection, it is subscriber aware and provides a hardware platform for programmable classification & dynamic policy control.
With scalable hardware architecture and high availability features, Callis Service Manager is a complete application package that transforms the DPI technology into a business driven tool, generating new forms of revenues from both existing and new customers.
- Callis Traffic Congestion Manager
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THE INTERNET ACCESS CHALLENGE
Irrespective of the Broadband Service Provider’s Access Technology (whether fixed or mobile networks), or kind of Network, the existence of congestion points will have to be handled in an efficient way. Not doing this implies user complaints and poor network performance, creating opportunities for competitors.
Download Callis Traffic Congestion Manager Brochure One way to resolve this situation is to increase Network Access resources, for example, by installing new CMTS or more Access Interfaces in a cable network, increasing the amount of B Nodes in mobile access networks, or the amount of sectors in a WIMAX network. But, besides being expensive and slow to implement, these are temporary solutions and, with a growing amount of users and access speeds, they will be easily exceeded. So, even if Access Nodes are added to the Network, they will be shortly congested.
A congested interface behaves in a chaotic manner: packets get discarded without taking into account any business rule. So users with a “Premium” plan could, in fact, experience the same or even worse service than a “Basic” plan user.
MANAGING CHAOS
Callis Traffic Congestion Manager’s (CTCM) objective is to transform this chaotic behavior into a predictable one. This way, the Network Operator can apply business rules during Network congestions. Business rules such as reducing access speed for one or several users, or dropping bandwidth speed for certain applications for one or several users may be enforced.
As an example, basic plan users who, during the last hour, have been using the network with a speed greater than 80% of their original plan speed can be reduced their access speed by 10%, while “premium” users aren’t affected. If the network still remains congested, speed can be further reduced for these users until congestion disappears. If this is not enough yet, Peer to Peer applications speed could be diminished for “Premium” users, while maintaining their original speed for Web browsing and YouTube videos, keeping a good perception of the delivered service.
These examples show the solution’s capacity to dynamically model the network behavior during congestion, giving the Operator the chance to control how services are delivered to their clients.
CALLIS TRAFFIC CONGESTION MANAGER
The CTCM platform monitors network resources’ usage in real-time, detecting congestion points and determining which users are generating the congestion in a specific interface. For example, in a Cablemodem Access Network, when downstream traffic in a CMTS exceeding a certain threshold (set by the Network Operator) is detected, abusive users are punished by temporarily limiting the network resources assigned to them (according to business rules defined by the Service Provider). Once the usage level of such interface is below the threshold, the application decides that congestion is over, and service is re-established at the user’s original value. Many algorithms for selecting users and determining congestion are available to be selected by the Network Operator, according to what is best in each situation. Furthermore, calendar rules can be applied to change the way congestion is managed, based on time of day and day of week timeframes.
“OUT OF THE BOX” FUNCTIONALITY
The CTCM solution supports standard and proprietary interfaces so that its integration to the network can be made in a quick and simple way.
Once installed and configured, the CTCM starts acting immediately. Its actions can extend to the whole Network, or only to “conflictive” nodes, allowing for a controlled deployment of the solution.
HELPING TAKE DECISIONS
Through statistical information provided by CTCM’s report console the Operator may easily verify how traffic is modeled to maintain the interfaces at the predefined traffic levels. Analyzing network usage patterns enables informed decision making as to what resources need to be increased and which can continue providing a high quality service, properly managed by the CTCM.
ROI on access equipment is maximized, optimizing CAPEX, OPEX and network growth.
INTEGRATION WITH CALLIS SERVICE MANAGER
The Callis Service Manager (CSM) is a Broadband Policy Server for fixed and mobile networks, which includes advanced functions such as a Self Service Portal for network users, and a basic Prepaid Server to offer commercial plans in that format. The CSM includes, among other characteristics, the following:
Web Portal for advanced self service;
Pre and Postpaid Services (based on time and/or traffic volume, differentiated by application type);
Creation of Promotional Plans, with the option to deliver the new plan at the end of the trial period;
Advanced Services, such as Bandwidth on Demand (BoD) – Turbo Button (differentiated by service type);
Personalized user statistics.
When combined with the Callis Traffic Congestion Manager, the network resource availability and/or policy enforcement is done before the service activation, allowing the customer to have a high quality service experience.
CISCO SERVICE CONTROL AND CALLIS TRAFFIC CONGESTION MANAGER.
Cisco’s SCE is a Carrier-Grade network element specially designed to provide real-time Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) advanced services, by monitoring, classifying and applying real-time traffic flow policies, for networks which operate at several GB/s.
When Cisco’s SCE platform is used combined with the Callis TCM solution, the capacity to define how policies are enforced during network congestion can be made in an extremely granular way.
This way, Cisco’s SCE capacity to precisely model user’s behavior during congestion is added to CTCM’s native network element handling.
Besides complementing Cisco’s SCE (using standard or proprietary based interfaces), the CTCM takes part in its configuration, simplifying the network integration process.
- Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform
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The constant increase in Internet traffic, combined with the trends towards most popular content type consumed by subscribers (video and file downloads), face the Internet Service Providers with questions which couldn’t be answered effectively until now:
Can the User Experience be enhanced when accessing major interest content, without increasing bandwidth and network resources costs?
Is it possible to show users the convenience of subscribing to “Premium” packages, therefore making it possible to increase the Average Revenue per User (ARPU)?
Could costly investments in network resources be delayed or canceled, while optimizing the User Experience?
Download Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform Brochure Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform is the right answer to all of these questions.
CALLIS MULTIMEDIA DELIVERY PLATFORM
With Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform, most of popular content is placed close to the customer, allowing the Service Providers to deliver such content at the maximum speed allowed by their access network.
Using advanced and parametric algorithms that take into account subscriber´s content usage tendencies and user behavior, Callis Multimedia Platform determines, in real time, what is the most popular content in the network and saves it on the platform. When the rest of the users require it, such content doesn’t have to be transported from the origin server. Instead, it is delivered immediately to the customer, at access speed.
This way, a video downloaded from services such as YouTube, multimedia content from an online newspaper or a file downloaded from a repository such as Megaupload, Rapidshare, Megavideo or Windows Update, will be downloaded immediately, taking the user experience to new levels of satisfaction, while expensive internet access is not used when is not necessary.
BANDWIDTH SAVING
When a customer views certain content of interest, Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform saves it locally in the platform so that next time it is required by another customer it can be delivered without having to be downloaded from its origin again.
Internet bandwidth can be reduced considerably due to the fact that this kind of content is formed by several files of considerable size (many times tens or hundreds of Mbytes). User behavior regarding popular content usage, together with the traffic volume involved, assures that the platform generates easily about 30% additional “Virtual Bandwidth” over the real Internet bandwidth link.
By itself, this assures an excellent Return over Investment (ROI) when the Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform is integrated into the Network.
The virtually generated bandwidth, as perceived by customers, (which was not bought from an Internet access provider) and the consequent cost saving can be measured periodically.
Where:
BWg= % of bandwidth virtually generated by the platform
BWc= total bandwidth delivered to the users
BW I= bandwidth taken from the Internet.
IMPROVED USER EXPERIENCE
With the Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform, content is delivered to the final user at the maximum access speed the Network can handle.
Long waits to view a video or download a large file disappear, since the required content doesn’t have to be downloaded from its origin.
Besides the immediate and visible improvement in customer’s quality of experience, the fast delivery of content also helps decreasing congestion in upstream and downstream traffic interfaces within the access network.
NEW BUSINESS MODELS
The end customer’s Internet experience is formed by various factors, many of which are beyond the Service Provider’s reach. Variables such as congested links outside the network’s limits, or overloaded origin content servers conceal the efforts made to provide a differentiated quality of service according to each commercial plan. In consequence, the benefits of hiring a “Premium” service (which would generate a better income equation - ARPU) are hidden from customers.
Thanks to Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform, each customer receives the quality of service they pay for.
On the other hand, “Premium” content can be pre-positioned in the platform and delivered to these customers first, allowing a new source of income for the ISP, by offering new services to the content owners.
TRANSPARENCY
One of the main characteristics of the Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform is the way it behaves in the Network: neither the final user nor the producers of the content are aware of its presence. The only thing that is noticeable is a better service experience.
The platform is completely “transparent” and complies with all the necessary requisites to not interfere with any commercial tools used over the Internet (publicity, user authentication, measurements, etc.) and not infringe any laws regarding author’s rights:
It is invisible to both customers and content owners. Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform doesn’t have an IP address, nor does it modify the transfer of packets through the Network.
The platform only delivers the saved content if it is still available at its origin. For example, if a video or file was blocked or deleted at its origin for any reason, Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform will not deliver it to the customer, keeping complete coherence with current laws.
ARQUITECTURE, SCALABILITY AND HIGH AVAILABILITY
Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform has a highly scalable architecture, allowing an optimal implementation for every kind of customer: from small Networks with modest Internet connection capabilities to those with dozens of Gbps connectivity. By adding processors and/or storage resources, the solution scales in the most convenient way for any kind of Network.
From a topological point of view, centralized or distributed Networks can be built.
The platform may be installed inline, or else traffic can be delivered to it by an appropriate network element (router, switch or DPI): in any case, not even a total failure of the platform (like an electrical power failure) would affect the Internet service. If any kind of problem appears, advanced control mechanisms activate a by-pass mode, making the problem unnoticeable for end customers.
CALLIS TECHNOLOGIES: A COMPLETE PRODUCT SUITE
Callis Technologies is a company oriented to build solutions that will benefit Service Providers, allowing them to face the business models of the new century.
Two other of Callis Technologies’ products may be integrated with the Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform. In this way, creative and lucrative business models over the Network are available.
The Callis Traffic Congestion Manager and Callis Service Manager, combined with the Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform add maximum possible flexibility in managing the user experience, the possibility of delivering innovative and highly personalized services, increasing earnings while lowering costs related to acquisition and operation of the Network.
INTEGRATION WITH CALLIS TRAFFIC CONGESTION MANAGER
The Callis Traffic Congestion Manager (CTCM) platform is in charge of monitoring the Network resource usage in real time, detecting congestion points, and determining which users are causing the congestion in a specific interface.
A congested interface behaves in a chaotic way: packets are deleted regardless of any business rule. As result of this, a “Premium” user might have the same (or even worse) quality of service than a regular user.
Callis Congestion Traffic Manager’s (CTCM) objective is to transform this chaotic behavior into a predictable one for the Network operator, so that business rules defined by the Service Provider are followed also during congestion periods.
Thus, when congestion is detected, access speed for specific customers can be reduced, or the bandwidth used by certain types of applications for certain users or groups of users can be decreased in order to mitigate interface congestion.
INTEGRATION WITH CALLIS SERVICE MANAGER
The Callis Service Manager (CSM) product is an advanced Policy and Charging Solution for fixed and/or mobile Access Networks that includes functions such as a self-service portal for Network users and a server which allows offering pre-paid services. The CSM includes several characteristics, such as:
Web portal for advanced self-service.
Pre and Post-paid services (based on time or traffic volume, differentiated by application type).
Creation of promotional plans, with the option to change plans at the end of the trial period.
Advanced services such as Bandwidth on Demand (BoD) – Turbo button (differentiated by service type)
Personalized subscriber usage statistics.
When the Callis Service Manager solution is used together with the Callis Traffic Congestion Manager, the Network resource availability verification and/or the policing are done before the service is activated, assuring the quality of experience for the customer. This way, services such as Bandwidth on Demand (BoD – Turbo Button) can be assured, obtaining the maximum possible quality.
HELPING MAKE DECISIONS
With the statistical information provided by the Callis Multimedia Delivery Platform report console (which may include information provided by other of Callis Technologies’ platforms), the operator may easily view which are the Network usage tendencies, the most visited sites, the Bandwidth consumption by user, % of virtually saved Bandwidth, how traffic is modeled to maintain the interfaces at predefined usage levels, etc..
The patterns delivered by the Network usage analysis allow the operator to make the right decisions regarding which resources need to be upgraded and which can continue delivering a high quality service.
The network access equipment utilization is maximized this way, optimizing operational and network growth expenses.
- Specific Solutions
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In addition to our Callis Technologies Solutions Portfolio, we develop specific or "taylor made" solutions, mainly focused on Telecommunication Service Providers or large enterprises.
As an example of these specific solutions, we can mention the following:
DPI Multigraph
This application communicates with the Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technological platform. It allows information to be grouped on one screen (seen as graphics), which the network operator can configure. These graphics show real-time consumptions of the Service Providers links, allowing the operator to view and understand their network's traffic in real time, analyze tendencies and anticipate problems that might affect their service.
ACS2CAR
Due to the different needs of telecommunication operators, in Callis Technologies we have developed this tool to migrate from Cisco's Access Control System (ACS) platform to their new Cisco Access Registrar (CAR) platform in a simple and rapid way.
Cisco Access Registrar is a high performance AAA server with great scalability, commonly used in the Telecommunications Service Providers market (fixed or wireless lines, CDMA, GSM or WIMAX).
Our customers have achieved a smooth transition between products, without affecting the end user's service, nor modifying the existing provisioning platforms. While new network users are supported, a great-scale cost reduction can be achieved.
Traffic Generation Tools
Some of our customers have required a traffic generation tool, capable of emulating an Access Service Network Gateway (main component in a WIMAX network). Callis Technologies has developed this testing platform, allowing the operator to analyze the network's functionality and scalability in a simple and secure way.
For more information about these products, or other special developments, please contact us at info@callistech.com.
