Overview: Avansu's billing and operational support system (B/OSS)

Businesses that provide telecommunications services to the public (wireline and wireless carriers) have very specific requirements for software that is used to manage their businesses. Telecom software packages are called Operation Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS). OSS software includes the functionality needed to manage and maintain the telecom network (inventory, failure monitoring, trouble ticket workflow, etc.). BSS software includes business functions such as customer billing.

Broadband Internet service providers (ISP's, WISP's) do not need the functionality (and expense) of telecom BSS/OSS systems. The Avansu Billing and Operational Support System (B/OSS) was designed specifically for low budget broadband Internet service providers (ISPs and WISPs) and businesses that operate hot spots, such as resorts and hotels. The Avansu software is affordable because no investment is required to purchase the software: customers use Avansu software through a subscription (Software as a Service).

The only investment a WISP needs to make is in wireless access points and routers. Until now WISPs had to purchase expensive equipment that included the functionality for BSS/OSS software. Not any longer: Avansu went one step further by providing firmware for the most popular low cost network devices. Now it is possible to truly build a WISP business on a very small budget.

The Avansu system has a very simple and intuitive Web based interface. Because all wireless and router nodes have Avansu firmware building a WISP network is plug-and-play: no complicated configuration steps are required.

WISPs add a new node to the virtual network by requesting an activation key, and then entering the key into the device firmware. From that point on the device communicates with the server and can be managed using all the Avansu features.