Frequently Asked Questions about CortexIf you have additional questions you would like answered regarding Cortex please email us at sales@voiplogic.com
FEATURES There are so many different options for launching VoIP services – how does Cortex set VoIP Logic apart? Native platforms tend to operate in isolation, unaware of any other components. Without Cortex, you'd need to log into each system manually, perform each step, monitor the outcome, before moving on to the next. Sounds painful and time-consuming? There is a better way: Cortex provides a single point of access for most (if not all) of your VoIP infrastructure for service providers, their agents and their enterprise and consumer end users. We tie together functionality across multiple platforms so you can provision, troubleshoot, report and cross-reference. Access Cortex and have all your systems at your fingertips in one location in a way that isn't possible with the native platforms.
When I use Cortex do I have to use VoIP Logic’s infrastructure or can I use network elements that are already in place in my network? The choice is yours. VoIP Logic has designed and deployed its core elements to be used as one or broken down into separate individual modules that then can be linked to your elements.
Do I have to use Cortex when deploying VoIP Logic’s infrastructure? No. All of our systems can be managed using their native portals; however most of our customers using more than one of our components have found that Cortex brings a level of simplicity since it gives all of the network elements a common interface and a degree of sophistication of integration you can't get from the native platforms alone.
If my customers, agents and/or resellers can log in to access their phone features, can I put my logo onto Cortex? Cortex actually can do more than just a logo: we can customize the colors, logos and fonts to match your branding needs. The entire CSS stylesheet can be modified if you want to change the layout, look and feel. We can even work with you to set up a custom URL in your domain so that your customers won't know they are accessing a hosted service.
How does Cortex allow me to manage sales to different target markets? Can we sell to enterprise and/or consumer users? Cortex supports provisioning and billing to consumers, to enterprises and integrated into Voice 2.0 applications. For billing management, Cortex coupled with High Deal Transactive allows extensive pricing and rating flexibility as required. Cortex will even allow an administrative login on behalf of your customer's organization to allow them to self-manage their own phone setup and Auto Attendant.
I intend to start with a fairly straight-forward VoIP offering but my success is going to be based on adding and integrating additional services – how will Cortex support me as my needs grow? Cortex has access to the features that its integrated platforms provide. These can be scaled to your needs. If you think you'll need access to additional services that Cortex doesn't yet handle, contact our team. We have a global professional services team who are adept at customizing functionality, integrating external systems and ensuring Cortex can best support you. All too often, businesses have to change their operating processes to meet software's demands: at VoIP Logic we believe that software should change to meet the needs of the business.
Different countries and jurisdictions have different rules for emergency services – how does Cortex allow me to comply with these requirements? Cortex can provide E911 support for service providers operating in North America and Canada (where provision of emergency services for VoIP providers is mandatory) through our partnership with 911 Enable. Contact us if you're interested in using an alternate provider or you're in a different geographic region.
We would like to continue using our accounting, trouble-tracking and invoicing systems – how can Cortex integrate with these systems so adding a VoIP offering is less painful? While Cortex comes with built in support for the Highdeal billing platform, we can also disable default access to that system, paving the way for your existing platforms to continue being used. Each system is different, so if you're interested in having custom integration into Cortex for your particular systems, contact us to discuss your needs with our global, experienced professional services team.
Does Cortex have a CRM built in? At the moment, Cortex does not have inbuilt CRM support but its modular architecture enables us to add a CRM system to the platform. We have a strong professional services team and if you'd like to talk to us about integrating your CRM into Cortex, please contact us.
Can Cortex track trouble tickets for my support? Every Service Provider has different problem resolution needs, so Cortex does not yet have an inbuilt trouble ticketing system. Cortex has a modular architecture, enabling us to add a trouble ticketing system to the platform. If you have one in use that you would like to integrate with Cortex, give our experienced professional services team a call to discuss.
Can customers self-provision from a website? Cortex will allow customers to self-provision via a website. VoIP Logic’s developers are always working on new wizards and applications to meet the needs of our customers. We also have a webservices API coming out soon which will enable you to have your customers self-provision directly from your website.
Will I be able to manage all of VoIP Logic’s core platforms with Cortex? Yes, one of the main reasons Cortex was developed was to put a common interface on all of the network elements.
BILLING What are my options for processing payments from customers? Cortex can charge customers' credit cards online, dynamically updating their balance. Cortex is integrated with three different payment providers so far (PaymenTech, Moneris and DPS). You can select which payment provider you choose to open a merchant account with, or we can integrate with an additional payment provider of your choice. Cortex can also record payments via offline mechanisms (such as check and direct bank transfer) to update customer balances, which will be reflected in their invoice statement.
How does Cortex allow me to work with Agents? Cortex supports individuals in your sales chain who receive commission based on a sales metric, such as a count of sales per month, or percentage of customer revenue. If required, Cortex can even allow you to change the commission percentages dynamically. Agents can also be given a Cortex account, enabling them to perform provisioning, troubleshooting, reporting and management of their accounts.
Different countries and jurisdictions have different rules for taxation – how does Cortex allow me to comply with these requirements? We can ensure that Cortex both calculates and displays taxation information according to your needs. VoIP Logic are not legal tax professionals and encourage you to seek professional advice on what the requirements are for your markets.
Some of my customers present a credit risk – how can I manage them? Cortex provides up to the minute reporting, enabling you to see the current outstanding balance of your accounts. It is easy to temporarily disable access to services until any credit problems have been resolved.
Can I update my rates dynamically? With Cortex's rates and plan management tool, you can change your calling rates whenever you choose.
Is there a limit to the number of rate plans I can use? Can I place different customers on different rate plans? There's no limit to the number of rate plans you can make available: our billing team will work with you to define and create the billing schedules you require. Your customers can be placed on any rate plan you have created, ensuring that you control the billing cycle.
How do I get the billing information from VoIP Logic to my billing platform? Depending on some interconnect factors, we can push or pull a flat file, or in some cases, even push directly to your billing database. Contact us to discuss your options so we can help determine the best technical, operational and cost-effective solution for you.
Can I maintain my own billing platform when using VoIP Logic’s solution? Yes, you can pick and choose which network elements you wish to deploy from VoIP Logic. You can use your own billing platform standalone, or talk with our professional services team about having your platform integrated with Cortex for a single unified interface.
TECHNICAL Does Cortex have API access that I can develop against? We are working on this right now and hope to have an API available for use soon. Stay tuned!
Will I be able to see or get CDR’s from Cortex so I can do reconciliation of my carriers invoices? We provide several mechanisms for you to access your CDR data.
Does VoIP Logic provide professional services in order to speed time to market? Yes, we have a staff of highly experienced Engineers that are able to help design and deploy VoIP services around the world.
SECURITY How do I connect to Cortex? Connect to Cortex via your web browser from anywhere you have web access: no cumbersome desktop tools required.
Is there secure log-in access for Cortex? Cortex is actually only accessible over an encrypted link between your browser and the Cortex server, using the same technology banks use to hide your credit card and login details.
Can other customers access my info? No. Cortex has a strict hierarchy of access rights. Each service provider can only see their data. Each customer can only see and manage their specific account information.
What if I don't want to let my users see certain features? Cortex has a flexible and powerful system of systems, which allows you to control what features your users have access to. Want to set up a service provider login that only can run reports, generate invoices and process payment information for your financial controller? No problem: disable the modules that allow access to the provisioning modules.
Can I manage all of my resellers, VAR’s and end users with Cortex? Yes, one of the key elements of Cortex is that it brings a level of management flexibly to our customers that are not normally found in the core systems in order to help our customers grow. |
