Category 3 includes turn-key solutions that are characterized by integrators and managed services. In this category any portion of a customer requirement, or indeed an entire requirement, can be fully outsourced to one of the Connections solution providers. This option is ideal for agencies that do not wish to build and maintain their infrastructure on their own, but would rather have someone else handle the details on their behalf.
In this category, a CONNECTIONS solution provider can handle the entire installation, operation and maintenance of a wireless PBX, a Unified Messaging System, a Backbone Cable, a videoconferencing facility, or a Voice over IP application. It can include all telecommunications infrastructure requirements in a building or a campus. It can even include customer service support or billing verification functions. There are thousands of possibilities in Category 3.
Section C.5 of the contract provides additional details on the types of solutions offered under Category 3. An attachment at the bottom of this page contains a list of subcategories under Category 3.
General Characteristics
1. Managed delivery of integrated solutions
Voice communications
Data communications
Cable and wire management
Voice and video conference
Billing and account management support
Customer service and technical support
2. Includes management and integration of any combination of:
When to use Category 3
1. Customer has a functional description of desired outcome
2. Customer can specify services required an external interfaces
3. Customer desires a full turn-key solution
Examples
1. Provision a new facility for voice, data, or video communications
Engineering design
Provisioning (acquire all equipment and supplies)
Installation
Testing and certification
2. Integrate two existing customer information systems
Analyze existing systems (hardware, software, databases)
Design solution
Acquire hardware and software as necessary
Customize acquired hardware and software
Develop or modify other software as required
Test
Implement
3. Perform a local network security assessment
4. Implement a data warehouse
Select host hardware
Acquire required hardware & software
Design warehouse data store
Design interfaces from source systems to data warehouse
Develop and implement the data warehouse in test mode
Implement data warehouse
Operate data warehouse in pilot mode for 3 months
5. Customer service functions (i.e., voice help desk services)
Systems maintenance and upgrades
Set maintenance and repairs
Moves, adds and changes
Inventory management
Emergency services
6. Billing verification
Examine bills and determine accuracy
In addition - Solution could include a fee structure for customer billing, methods of collection and possible recommendations for alternatives.
