Date Posted:
07/13/2009
Title:
CradlePoint Enables Greater VP Freedom For The Z™ Customers
Summary:
Karen Putz, Z Video Solutions manager for national VCO and Illinois regional sales, shares her successful experience using CradlePoint for Wi-Fi access
Body:
reprinted from CradlePoint Technology (www.cradlepoint.com)
CradlePoint Enables Greater Videophone Freedom for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Users
MBR1000 Failsafe Broadband N Router Increases Portability of Videophones for Distributor’s Sales Team
SITUATION
CSDVRS, now known as Z™, is a company that provides videophones and video relay services. Through their Video Relay Services (VRS), a video interpreter uses sign language to communicate with the deaf or hard of hearing individual and then voices the words to a hearing person who is using a regular phone. The company also provides Voice Carry Over (VCO) services which enables the deaf or hard of hearing person to use their voice to communicate directly to the caller and view the interpreter via the videophone. The only requirements for the deaf / hard of hearing individual are a videophone (so the individual and the video interpreter can see each other to sign) and a broadband Internet connection. Some of the videophones that Z™ offers are able to use a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect to the Internet. This gives users even greater portability and flexibility.
Karen Putz, the Z™ Regional Sales Manager who handles the Illinois and Wisconsin territories, manages a team of Z™ Outreach Specialists who are deaf or hard of hearing. They all use the videophone as an essential tool for connecting with customers.
CHALLENGE
When out on the road making sales calls, it isn’t always possible for Karen or her sales team members to locate a Wi-Fi hotspot where they can use their videophones. And while driving in a car, connecting to a hotspot is just not feasible.
SOLUTION
“One of our employees was at a conference last October and struggling with the hotel’s Internet service,” recalls Karen. “An IT person from the hotel suggested he try a CradlePoint router. Around the same time, another Z™ employee was hearing from one of his customers how he was having great success using a broadband mobile router connected to his Wi-Fi enabled phone. So we tried the CradlePoint MBR1000 [which converts 3G/broadband mobile signals into a Wi-Fi hotspot]. It worked beautifully. Word spread like wildfire, and now all our reps are using CradlePoint routers.”
“There have been many occasions where I’ve been really thankful to have the CradlePoint router with me,” says Karen. “Just last week, I was on my way up to Michigan and I had a meeting to attend via videophone. I was running late, but fortunately, I had my videophone and CradlePoint router with me. I located a restaurant, hooked up the CradlePoint, snapped in my Sierra EDVO Rev A card and connected my Z-340 videophone to the Internet using the CradlePoint’s Wi-Fi hotspot. I was able to join several people in a group meeting and conduct business while enjoying a meal.”
Karen recounts another example of how the MBR1000 has enhanced her flexibility: “I was in the car with colleague and I had my videophone connected to the CradlePoint [MBR1000] which was plugged into the car adapter [power supply]. I was able to make calls while my colleague drove.”
Karen and her team are also using the MBR1000 to save money on Internet connectivity at trade shows: “We need an Internet connection to demonstrate our videophones at shows. But the cost for Internet access at most events is around $150 to $175 a day. We bring in our MBR1000 and turn it on and create our own Wi-Fi hotspot for the videophones and save that money.”
BENEFITS
• Easy. “You turn it on, snap in a network card and you’re good to go,” Karen reports.
• Helpful technical support. “When I first set the MBR1000 up, I needed some help updating the firmware,” Karen says. “The technical support people at CradlePoint were very helpful. We got it resolved pretty quickly.”
• Reliable. “My experience has been positive,” notes Karen. “I haven’t had any problems.”
• Portable. “One of our customers is in construction,” says Karen, “and needs to be able to talk on his videophone when traveling to job sites or at the job site, so he has the MBR1000 in his truck. When he needs to make a call, he pulls over someplace safe, parks and uses his videophone.”
• Good Investment. “It’s a good investment for my business,” says Karen. “It makes my job easier and I’m able to do a better job marketing my products.”
Karen summarizes her thoughts about the MBR1000: “The MBR1000 was an exciting find for us. A year ago, this kind of videophone freedom just wasn’t available.”