To be clear, this will not be a standard in any way. It's just to fill a need where I see one. Something for the little guys like myself. This will not be a solution for those big customers since it will be limited to billing/CRM.
I'm not doing this for profit. I'm doing this on the side and the numbers should make it break even. Eric, I really like that comic strip, it is exactly what I was thinking when I thought of doing this. Haha. There is NOTHING on the market like it though. Something that works, that is nearly free, that is for the very small guys where every single penny counts. If nobody in the world uses this system but me, then I'll still feel it was worth my time. My partners are volunteering their time and so am I, so our cost will be very low to develop this. Thank you, Brett A Mansfield > On Dec 9, 2015, at 10:30 AM, Josh Luthman <j...@imaginenetworksllc.com> wrote: > > Good luck. It certainly has been tried before... > > > Josh Luthman > Office: 937-552-2340 > Direct: 937-552-2343 > 1100 Wayne St > Suite 1337 > Troy, OH 45373 > >> On Wed, Dec 9, 2015 at 12:27 PM, Brett A Mansfield >> <li...@silverlakeinternet.com> wrote: >> So, after a lot of review of every billing solution I can find out there, >> I've come to the conclusion that there is no good billing system. Everything >> out there either requires you use their merchant, has a minimum monthly >> cost, or isn't really designed for the ISP. Even the stuff that has come out >> most recently isn't a good fit. >> >> For those of you who are smaller and don't want to pay a monthly minimum, or >> want to use your choice of merchant, or don't want to pay a per user charge, >> something new will be coming soon! >> >> I've spoken to a few proven software engineers in the financial side of >> things and we are partnering up to develop a new ISP billing software. It >> will be turnkey, very easy to use, and can be deployed either by you on your >> servers, or can be hosted on ours. It will only handle billing/invoicing and >> CRM/ticketing. Best of all, it's practically free! >> >> More details to come. I'll keep you posted when we have more info. >> >> Thank you, >> Brett A Mansfield >> >>> On Dec 7, 2015, at 5:58 PM, Mike Hammett <af...@ics-il.net> wrote: >>> >>> Welcome to 2014? >>> >>> >>> >>> ----- >>> Mike Hammett >>> Intelligent Computing Solutions >>> http://www.ics-il.com >>> >>> >>> >>> Midwest Internet Exchange >>> http://www.midwest-ix.com >>> >>> >>> From: "Adam Moffett" <dmmoff...@gmail.com> >>> To: af@afmug.com >>> Sent: Monday, December 7, 2015 1:32:33 PM >>> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Need new billing solution asap!!! >>> >>> Ubiquiti has a CRM? >>> >>> On 12/7/2015 2:27 PM, Brett A Mansfield wrote: >>> It's funny you mentioned waveapps. That is what I started out with. It was >>> a disaster. And the fact they don't allow multiple email addresses for >>> recurring invoices was a major deal breaker for me. >>> >>> I've since moved to UBNTs airCRM. It is an excellent setup on paper, but is >>> seriously lacking currently and is very erratic. I need something solid, >>> secure, and that I don't have to worry about all the time. >>> >>> Thank you, >>> Brett A Mansfield >>> >>> On Dec 7, 2015, at 12:08 PM, Joshaven Mailing Lists <lis...@joshaven.com> >>> wrote: >>> >>> Plat has excellent support >>> >>> In my opinion, the problems with plat are: >>> 1) The user interface is a pain in the butt and generally discouraging. >>> 2) The software depends on a Windows platform and even worse direct >>> database connections from the client. >>> >>> 1) In most places when you want to alter something like customer data you >>> have to click on the field to edit from a table and then go to the top to >>> make the change in something that is like an address bar… of course you can >>> get used to this but Plat is full of non-user friendly quirks like this. >>> It reminds me of what it feels like to go back and use Windows 95 or >>> Windows 3.1 when I am used to modern operating systems. The system feels >>> almost like directly editing a database except that the software does >>> enforce logical edits so it is not nearly as dangerous as direct database >>> minupulation. >>> >>> 2) If you want to run a good highly available platform then you will be >>> spending a lot on software licensing with Microsoft. What is the going >>> rate for a MSSQL cluster now of days? Of course you can throw this on old >>> rusty crusty in a closet and run the free version of MSSQL but we are >>> carriers not hacks right? Also you are depending on ODBC database >>> connections between your clients and the server. Opening direct database >>> connections to my billing server gives me the creeps even if it is only >>> open to a network under my administration. I’m a fan of local host db >>> access only except for database peers. I would really like to see ISP >>> billing software be web based using standard https protocols and having no >>> client side dependencies like odbc configurations and client executables. >>> Try using Plat on a tablet… I don’t want my billing platform holding back >>> my ability to creatively design my installation process… >>> >>> >>> I feel like I am ragging on Plat… maybe I am a bit but I want to underscore >>> their support. They are truly exceptional to work with and you can rely on >>> their platform. Just don’t expect to enjoy using it. If you like function >>> over form then you may be a perfect match for Plat… I just wish they would >>> do some magic to address the above two complaints. >>> >>> My recommendation to them is to become database & OS agnostic (at least >>> MySQL or MSSQL and run on Apache) and to make the client interface be 100% >>> standards compliment browser based. I suspect if they don’t do this they >>> will find themselves with a EOL product in the next few years. >>> >>> Right now there are really good options emerging like WaveApps. Wave >>> offers free billing including credit card processing at fair rates. They >>> don’t fit perfectly with an ISP (yet) but they are promising an API which >>> means that a good solutions provider can crank out an integrations solution >>> with Wave for front end billing. I am also super excited to see what Sonar >>> has to offer. I hope their offer is solid and we have a glorious solution… >>> >>> >>> At any rate I am waiting with bated breath to see where this lands over the >>> next few months. >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> Joshaven Potter >>> MTCNA, MTCRE, MTCWE, MTCTCE, UACA >>> Google Hangouts: yourt...@gmail.com >>> Cell & SMS: 1-517-607-9370 >>> supp...@joshaven.com >>> >>> >>> >>> On Dec 7, 2015, at 9:47 AM, Chuck Hogg <ch...@shelbybb.com> wrote: >>> >>> I can setup Platypus for billing only in less than an hour, including >>> setting up plans/rates/services/importing customers. >>> >>> Regards, >>> Chuck >>> >>>> On Sat, Dec 5, 2015 at 3:42 PM, Josh Luthman <j...@imaginenetworksllc.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> That get's to be a little in depth and probably a loaded question...but I >>>> know when we moved to Powercode the old team that wasn't very good had it >>>> done in one afternoon. This was from Quickbooks. >>>> >>>> >>>> Josh Luthman >>>> Office: 937-552-2340 >>>> Direct: 937-552-2343 >>>> 1100 Wayne St >>>> Suite 1337 >>>> Troy, OH 45373 >>>> >>>>> On Sat, Dec 5, 2015 at 3:37 PM, Ken Hohhof <af...@kwisp.com> wrote: >>>>> Are you including database conversion? Items, customers, current >>>>> balances, recurring billing, credit cards, etc. >>>>> >>>>> Then there’s setting up the online customer payment portal. Especially >>>>> if customers already had online accounts. And you need to hook it into >>>>> your merchant account, put your logo on it, test it, etc. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> From: Josh Luthman >>>>> Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2015 2:24 PM >>>>> To: af@afmug.com >>>>> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Need new billing solution asap!!! >>>>> >>>>> I'm simply saying 2 days is a long time to setup a billing system. For >>>>> someone that wants it running "immediately" 2 days is a LONG time. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Josh Luthman >>>>> Office: 937-552-2340 >>>>> Direct: 937-552-2343 >>>>> 1100 Wayne St >>>>> Suite 1337 >>>>> Troy, OH 45373 >>>>> >>>>>> On Sat, Dec 5, 2015 at 3:22 PM, Philip Rankin <wireless...@gmail.com> >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> Hey, I'm not in this for an argument. I am just offering to help a guy >>>>>> out if I can. I'll bow out of this conversation. >>>>>> >>>>>> On Dec 5, 2015 1:37 PM, "Josh Luthman" <j...@imaginenetworksllc.com> >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>> Two days??? Powercode takes like an hour. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Josh Luthman >>>>>>> Office: 937-552-2340 >>>>>>> Direct: 937-552-2343 >>>>>>> 1100 Wayne St >>>>>>> Suite 1337 >>>>>>> Troy, OH 45373 >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On Sat, Dec 5, 2015 at 2:34 PM, Philip Rankin <wireless...@gmail.com> >>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>> Guys, I am still a major believer in Tucows Platypus. Brett, I could >>>>>>>> have you up and running with Plat in under 2 days as long as you can >>>>>>>> answer speed and pricing questions as I ask them. And all I would >>>>>>>> need is remote >>>>>>>> access to a Windows 7 computer. Let me know if you are interested. >>>>>>>> Most of the training can be done remotely in less than a day, too. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Sat, Dec 5, 2015 at 12:55 AM, Simon Westlake >>>>>>>>> <simon@sonar.software> wrote: >>>>>>>>> I think it is still pretty early on. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On 12/4/2015 6:22 PM, Chuck Hogg wrote: >>>>>>>>> So I guess it does that...lol. I wasn't really expecting it to be >>>>>>>>> like that. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> It's not very baked ? or am I missing something? >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Regards, >>>>>>>>> Chuck >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Fri, Dec 4, 2015 at 7:07 PM, Chuck Hogg <ch...@shelbybb.com> wrote: >>>>>>>>>> I meant for the admin side? >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Regards, >>>>>>>>>> Chuck >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Fri, Dec 4, 2015 at 4:27 PM, Faisal Imtiaz >>>>>>>>>> <fai...@snappytelecom.net> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> Just guessing.... >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Drop down on top right, select signup/create account ! >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> :) >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Faisal Imtiaz >>>>>>>>>>> Snappy Internet & Telecom >>>>>>>>>>> 7266 SW 48 Street >>>>>>>>>>> Miami, FL 33155 >>>>>>>>>>> Tel: 305 663 5518 x 232 >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Help-desk: (305)663-5518 Option 2 or Email: >>>>>>>>>>> supp...@snappytelecom.net >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> From: "Chuck Hogg" <ch...@shelbybb.com> >>>>>>>>>>> To: af@afmug.com >>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Friday, December 4, 2015 4:25:07 >>>>>>>>>>> PM >>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Need new billing >>>>>>>>>>> solution asap!!! >>>>>>>>>>> Anyone know how to login to his demo? >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Regards, >>>>>>>>>>> Chuck >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> On Fri, Dec 4, 2015 at 11:28 AM, Simon Westlake >>>>>>>>>>> <simon@sonar.software> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> https://github.com/spencerlambert/wisp-central-control >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> On 12/4/2015 10:08 AM, Jeremy wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> Isn't Spencer Lambert's web front-end free? Last time I saw him >>>>>>>>>>>> at Animal Farm he was touting it and said he would help with setup >>>>>>>>>>>> and customization at a flat rate of $100/hr. He is located in >>>>>>>>>>>> Utah, also. If you want something cheap or free that may be an >>>>>>>>>>>> option. It would probably be worth contacting him. I recommend >>>>>>>>>>>> Powercode. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> On Fri, Dec 4, 2015 at 8:58 AM, Craig Schmaderer >>>>>>>>>>>> <cr...@skywaveconnect.com> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> I've been looking at https://www.whmcs.com/ >>>>>>>>>>>>> I have a friend that uses it for his ventrillo voice business and >>>>>>>>>>>>> it does auto billing and ticketing and is cheap. >>>>>>>>>>>>> I think you can get a >>>>>>>>>>>>> hosted solution if >>>>>>>>>>>>> you don't want to install it. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Craig schmaderer >>>>>>>>>>>>> Skywave Wireless, Inc. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> On Fri, Dec 4, 2015 at 7:41 AM -0800, >>>>>>>>>>>>> "Brett A Mansfield" >>>>>>>>>>>>> <li...@silverlakeinternet.com> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Here is what I've always said about quality, cheap and fast. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> You can only pick two. You will never have all three. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> For this I need fast and quality. Cheap >>>>>>>>>>>>> is relative in this case. I don't >>>>>>>>>>>>> have a lot of customers so the $200/mo min that visp requires is >>>>>>>>>>>>> about $100-150 too much for me. I'm fine with a reasonable one >>>>>>>>>>>>> time fee, but it must be reasonable. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> I used to use waveapps to just invoice >>>>>>>>>>>>> and then customers could pay using >>>>>>>>>>>>> the invoice. But if they didn't get the email or lost it, they >>>>>>>>>>>>> couldn't pay their bill. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> I appreciate everyone's input on this. I think I'm going with >>>>>>>>>>>>> platypus and pay someone to set it up. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> I like powercode, I just cannot justify the initial cost for my >>>>>>>>>>>>> small size operation. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Thank you, >>>>>>>>>>>>> Brett A Mansfield >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> On Dec 4, 2015, at 7:47 AM, Chris Fabien <ch...@lakenetmi.com> >>>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Good, cheap, and fast? You know what they say about that. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> We are reasonably happy with Powercode. Few gripes but it has >>>>>>>>>>>>> never double or triple charged our customers. >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> On Dec 4, 2015 1:35 AM, "Brett A Mansfield" >>>>>>>>>>>>> <li...@silverlakeinternet.com> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I'm looking for a good billing solution that is cheap and I can >>>>>>>>>>>>>> have up in running immediately. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I've had far too many issues with my >>>>>>>>>>>>>> current billing system. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I need something turnkey and cheap. My WISP is a fairly small >>>>>>>>>>>>>> operation. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I am not willing to pay per sub, especially if there is a >>>>>>>>>>>>>> minimum like visp. I don't want to buy any new hardware. I >>>>>>>>>>>>>> looked at platypus, but it cannot be deployed easily or quickly. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I looked at powercode, but I don't want to buy any new hardware. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Is there anything out there that might fit my needs? Or should I >>>>>>>>>>>>>> just go back to manual invoicing with quickbooks? >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Thank you, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brett A Mansfield >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>> Simon Westlake >>>>>>>>>>>> Skype: Simon_Sonar >>>>>>>>>>>> Email: simon@sonar.software >>>>>>>>>>>> Phone: (702) 447-1247 >>>>>>>>>>>> --------------------------- >>>>>>>>>>>> Sonar Software Inc >>>>>>>>>>>> The next generation of ISP billing and OSS >>>>>>>>>>>> https://sonar.software >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> Simon Westlake >>>>>>>>> Skype: Simon_Sonar >>>>>>>>> Email: simon@sonar.software >>>>>>>>> Phone: (702) 447-1247 >>>>>>>>> --------------------------- >>>>>>>>> Sonar Software Inc >>>>>>>>> The next generation of ISP billing and OSS >>>>>>>>> https://sonar.software >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> Philip J. Rankin >>>>>>>> Wireless Telecommunications Services >>>>>>>> PO Box 24 >>>>>>>> Pittsburg, KS 66762 >
