Alianza Inc., which enables service providers to offer a host of managed services via a cloud-based platform, has added Managed Specialty Lines to its portfolio. The offering provides service providers with an alternative to copper-based plain old telephone service (POTS) to support business-critical and safety-related communications systems, particularly as copper lines are retired.
While many business customers have switched to digital voice for their regular communications, applications such as blue light phones, elevator phones, fire alarms, burglar alarms, point-of-sale terminals, security gates, utility meters, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, and others still rely on separate copper-based POTS connections subject to certification by local authorities such as fire departments. However, with many service providers retiring their copper infrastructure (which can also be the infrastructure that other service providers are leasing to deliver their services), enterprises may be challenged to keep these building and employee security communications elements running.
Managed Specialty Lines, which Alianza developed alongside Albion Ventures and 10T Solutions, is designed to enable service providers to help their customers meet such challenges through a cloud-based managed offering that can be bundled with unified communications as a service (UCaaS; see "Alianza launches Business Cloud Communications for service providers") or as a separate product. Alianza supplies the cloud-based platform through which the service is delivered, while Albion supplies the necessary CPE, which can include an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), a specialized 10T Solutions Gateway, and a 10T Solutions LTE router that can be upgraded to 5G capabilities. Albion also performs systems and device monitoring. Installation at the customer site or sites, including liaison with local responsible authorities, is part of the package as well.
Managed Specialty Lines is currently available in the U.S. and Canada – in fact, Alianza already has three customers using it now, according to Justin Cooper, executive vice president of product and customer success for Alianza. Pricing depends on the number of ATA ports and locations and the number of lines required.
