Telecom Configurations, a division of Computer Configurations (Pty) Ltd, has developed and implemented an interconnect accounting system that ensures secure and verified call information among operators. Based on information from the system, Vodacom claims call revenue from local cellular and fixed line operators.
"The system differs from any other solution available on the market in that it records information from two data streams rather than a single stream," explains Telecom Configurations developer, John Muller. "It summarises the billing tickets that are generated with each call, as well as the call volumes metered on Vodacom`s switches. This means that the two streams of data are reconciled, which ensures that the bill generated at the end of each month is accurate."
The system has been developed to suit the specific needs of local service providers. These include the community telephone service provided by Vodacom, where reduced rates apply. "In the past only high level summaries could be drawn on the switches, which did not indicate whether or not the calls were made from community cellular phones," expands Muller. "With the additional billing ticket summaries, Vodacom has the ability to drill down to a level of greater detail and identify the nature of the call."
This functionality can be applied to other services that Vodacom may introduce in the future, says Vodacom project manager, Judy Miller. "In addition to discounted community services, Vodacom also provides free calls to ambulance and emergency services. All these need to be monitored and summarised to gain accurate billings at the end of each month."
GloBILL, owned by Telecom Configurations, has designed this latest version to be compatible with Windows 98. Wizards have been developed to allow users to configure the system for multiple call rates.
Telecom Configurations GM, Rick Dekker comments that local telcos can benefit from using the services of local developers. "South Africa possesses a wealth of development talent which local companies should exploit.
"When using local software houses, the skilled staff are immediately available to resolve problems, design changes can be implemented quickly, and the costs are competitive with overseas rates.
"South Africa`s telecommunications industry has experienced unprecedented growth, and the local option, in many instances, is the best alternative when IT solutions need to be developed to support new and growing services."
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