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Hi, my name is Everett.
I have been developing a platform for on-site networking services and would like feedback and hopefully meet people who would like to get involved.
The basis of my business is a managed "node" or a small to large computer running an embedded form of Linux I have developed. Management is done via centrally administered VPN and is the basis for delivering local services such as advanced telephone/VoIP, VPN routing, DNS/DHCP, SQL, Email, File services, off-site backup and so on. Think of it as a network appliance with unlimited expandability.
I am focusing on a subscription model that allows the customer to subscribe to certain features, or "modules", which include initial setup, ongoing support, configuration, and maintenance for a monthly price based on utilized services and resources.
I'll be targetting small to medium size or home based business. I can provide any networking services the customer may need and offload the burdon of advanced networking/security to us. The basic node will automatically apply updates, be fully monitored and run without any moving parts (the OS runs from a USB memory stick) and hard drives are optional. This node forms the platform for virtually any software or networking services.
One specific area I believe will be of interest is that of VoIP PBX services. Everyone knows VoIP is growing and it's reletively easy to get set up with incoming/outgoing calls for fairly reasonable rates. What I find sadly missing are advanced or even basic call routing features. What I propose is providing small businesses with affordable call center services. As an example, a business may need to provide telephone support to their customers but can't afford a call center or even full time staff required to attend the phone. They may also need basic to advanced PBX features including a custom auto-attendant that they can easily update via phone, an incoming 800 number, conferencing, and internal extensions with voicemail, etc.
I can give the customer a local and/or 800 number and accept calls at the central gateway. The gateway then either takes the call itsself or forwards the call to a local node. The hosted or local auto-attendant then provides the ability to dial extensions, call queues, hear informational messages, use a dial-by-name directory, enter voicemail, or any number of custom functions. If the customer enters a queue, they will sit in line and be directed to the next available representative who may be a college student or someone who works at home and have signed up to answer phone calls for that business.
This is just a simple example and by no means my only focus so please keep that in mind. I have been working for several years developing everything necessary to launch such a service. I already have the infrastructure in place and have a website www.powernode.net, although it's currently lacking in solid content. I have so far delayed signing up my first customer due to fear that I can't do it alone but when I finally launch, it can and will be huge. I am almost done with my automated node software management system and am planning on the launch being very soon.
I am very interested in people who would like to put such technology to use. I will also need people interested in helping with continued development, sales/marketing, accounting, telephone support, etc, but I need to get some cashflow going on before I can afford that. If someone would like to experiment with any of this and start making money by putting it to good use, please let me know!
Obviously I am leaving out quite a few details because there's far too much to mention here but hopefully you get the idea. This is a very flexible system and as such, any number of services can be performed. Multimedia station in a car connected to home via WiFi, anyone? How about diskless terminals throughout the house that control home automation, entertainment, etc? Those things are easily possible but I'd like to focus on small business services for now.
Thanks for the time!
Everett
PowerNode.net
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