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Buying Tips

n Maximum Services Support: Can RAS give something beyond data services, and provide voice services, enhanced data services, fax services, etc? RAS also needs to be a service-enabling device rather than just an access device. By having one platform for several services, the user can take cost advantages, in terms of additional services and simpler management. One must check out if RAS has universal service capability on all ports. This is to future-proof the network for service provisioning.

n Rapid Launching of Services: RAS should have the capability to launch more services in a short timeframe to gain market share quickly.

n Interoperability: Compatibility with TEC standards is necessary for connecting the devices to the government-owned operator’s networks. It must have multi-protocol support both the existing ones as well as the emerging ones SIP, MGCP, H.323, Megaco. RAS must work well with legacy networks and technologies both that of the home network and external networks interconnecting it.

n Maintenance and Operations: For using a single set of resources with minimal investments in training and skills, by leveraging a single look-and-feel to the various products deployed in the network.

n Product Support and Service Availability: Product support and service availability with measurable service levels from original product manufacturer. Local parts depots to fulfill onsite advance replacement of failed products immediately on determining hardware failures.

n Crosscheck Promises: One must check out the history of the equipment or the platform. Has the equipment or platform remained for a considerable period or has the company come out with several different products for the same functionalities in the recent past? If a product has changed several models, then it means that there is a problem of investment protection. Also ask the vendor for a product roadmap to check out whether something that one is expecting in the future is going to be addressed by the vendor in the particular product that is being bought.

n Seamless Operation: RAS is a segment where fortunately there are many local references. Check out if the product you are going for has been proved to operate seamlessly in a local network. Important facts include how the reference customer is doing in the market, how it has been able to transit from one service to another, and what kind of investment (time and money) has to be made to provide additional services.