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COS Systems Winners at Umeagalan

A unique product suite and the last years’ international successes were the main reasons why COS Systems was named winners in the category Best New Business at this year’s Umea Gala (Umeågalan).

COS Systems Team Triumphantly Holding the Best New Business Award at Umea Gala

Since 2004 the Umea Gala has recognized successful companies in COS System’s hometown Umea that are contributing positively to the city’s development and the local business community. This year the prize for Best New Business 2016, was won by COS Systems.

 “The best new business of the year is a company that enriches the business community of Umea with new ways of thinking. The winning company offers a unique product or service and has built a solid foundation for long term growth and success. The winner is a role model for others starting and growing their business. Other important factors are export outside of the city and country and the constant challenging of established ways of conducting business.”

“It’s always great to win and this prize is something we can all be very proud of,” says COS Systems CMO Isak Finer. “The entire COS team has worked very hard to develop, market and sell our unique solutions for Demand Aggregation (COS Service Zones) and Open Access Network Management (COS Business Engine). With the successes we’ve seen the past few years we all feel we are getting up to speed, but with our targets set very high the common feeling is that we’re just getting started. When you’re working hard every day it’s often difficult to take a step back and look at what you’ve achieved so far. This recognition made us do just that and we are very proud of the prize and what we have accomplished the past few years.”

“This prize might not have a great meaning to our international customers who probably have never even heard of Umea, but for us winning this prize is fantastic. We have a great team that has managed to take us to where we are today, with a truly unique product suite and customers soon in every corner of the world. But to keep the momentum going we need to grow our team. Backed by a state of the art fiber infrastructure our city boasts a very strong IT sector and there’s fierce competition to recruit developers and other competences we need. Winning this prize certainly puts us on the map. I hope and believe that this recognition will help us in recruiting the best talents,” says Peter Lidstrom, CEO.

About Umeågalan and Umeå

Umeågalan was founded in 2004 to recognize successful companies and entrepreneurs and their importance to the growth and development of the City of Umeå. The Gala has grown into the biggest and most important event for the city’s business community. It’s a place for entrepreneurs to meet and the vision of the event is that Umeå will offer the best opportunities for starting and growing new businesses in Sweden. Umeå is the largest city in the northern part of Sweden with 120,000 people. It is one of the fastest growing IT regions in the country with many successful startups and an inflow of new competency from one of Sweden’s largest universities with over 30,000 students.

About COS Systems

COS Systems is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

For additional information, contact:

Peter Lidstrom
Chief Executive Officer
COS Systems
+46 70 656 58 72
peter.lidstrom@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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COS Systems Nominated at Umeagalan

umeagalan

Since 2004 the Umea Gala has recognized successful companies in our hometown Umea that are contributing positively to the city’s development and the local business community.

We at COS are proud to be nominated in the category Best New Business 2016. It might sound odd that we, with roots from early 2000’s, our first major product released in 2008 and our foundation as a stand alone company in 2011 are awarded in this category, but when reading the description of the prize it makes perfect sense.

“The best new business of the year is a company that enriches the business community of Umea with new ways of thinking. The winning company offers a unique product or service and has built a solid foundation for long term growth and success. The winner is a role model for others starting and growing their business. Other important factors are export outside of the city and country and the constant challenging of established ways of conducting business.”

With our unique solutions for Demand Aggregation (COS Service Zones) and Open Access Network Management (COS Business Engine) and our international success we are very proud to be nominated in this category. In only the last year or two we have managed to win customers in more than half of all US states and with our latest customer in the Philippines the only continent left to cover is Australia.

Umea has a very strong business community, not at least in the IT sector, building on one of Sweden’s largest universities and excellent broadband infrastructure with fiber in the ground since the mid 90’s. Despite the strong competition we are keeping our hopes high. The winner will be announced this Thursday night at the grand gala.

For more information on Umeagalan, visit umegalan.se.

About COS Systems

COS Systems is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

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Meet the COS Team October 18th to 20th in Minneapolis

Road to Connectivity: Representing the Broadband Conference

COS Systems team present at this year’s Broadband Communities Economic Development Conference in Minneapolis will include International Business Development Björn Wännman and CMO Isak Finér along with CEO Peter Lidstrom and Chairman Göran Bergling.

Don’t miss Isak as a panelist during 2 separate sessions at the conference.

The first is on Tuesday October 18th for a workshop on Integrated Approaches to Broadband & Economic Development. He will be showing how to use social networking and software solutions to aggregate demand models in order to effectively create building plans, track service offerings and availability to customers.

Then he will be a panelist on a part of the Community Toolkit Program on Thursday October 20th on “Developing the Business Case: Part 3 – Demand Aggregation: Justifying the Investment. Here Isak will speak more in depth about Demand Aggregation, including various techniques and how communities have used the techniques to attract investments as well as how ISPs are able to pre-sell services in order to support buildout investments.

Swing by booth #22 and say hello to us, we are always eager to learn more about your expansion plans and discuss your thoughts on Demand Aggregation and Open Access Networks.

The event will run October 18th-20th in Minneapolis. For more information visit www.bbcmag.com.

About COS Systems

COS Systems is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

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Reabra aggregates demand for fiber-optics in Sao Paulo

Felipe Trevisan – Founder

Isak Finér and Peter Lidström - COS Systems

Isak Finér and Peter Lidström – COS System

Brazilian Open Access network operator Reabra will initially target residents in central Sao Paulo and neighboring cities Cotia and Rio das Pedras. The goal is to locate the neighborhoods showing most interest in high-speed Internet services in order to plan an optimal network build-out order following subscribers’ demand.

Sao Paulo, Brazil – Reabra is a fiber infrastructure provider offering Open Access Internet connections in Sao Paulo. Their vision is to offer high-speed Internet connections to residents, delivered over their open network infrastructure where multiple Service Providers will offer services to the subscribers. Using this approach, Reabra can focus on network expansion and efficient operations, while competition between the service providers will increase quality of service and drive price competition to the benefit of the residents. The services range from 100 MBps up to gigabit speeds without data caps or long-term contracts.

“As we expand our network it’s important for us to add many customers quickly. This is necessary for us to secure the network infrastructure investment, but also to attract service providers to deliver services on our network,” said Felipe Trevisan, Founder and CEO of Reabra. “With COS Service Zones we have a great platform to enable future subscribers to show their interest in our services, to spread the word in social media, and also become champions of their neighborhoods.”

“The obvious benefit of using COS Service Zones to signup customers before you build your network is that you can start building where you have the most subscribers and thus the most revenue. It makes a huge difference on the business side when your first deployed areas start generating cash flow from day one, providing stable funds for the subsequent build-out. But just as important is the ability to avoid those areas where take-rates are low. Imagine making your first investments in an area that doesn’t draw in any customers. Such a mistake could risk the future of the entire network buildout or even the company, since the bank or investors could lose their confidence in the project and the network itself is unprofitable,” said Isak Finér, Chief Marketing Officer at COS Systems.

The system is already beginning initial setup and soon residents in Sao Paulo can visit the Reabra’s COS Service Zones website to search for their address to see if they are in the targeted areas and show their interest in a faster fiber-optic Internet connection.

“We have customers across the globe in Europe, Africa, and North America. Reabra is our first customer in South America and an important milestone for our company. Our goal is to develop software solutions that allow our customers to make any necessary configurations and adjustments by themselves. This ease of use, along with our Cloud-hosted product suite means moving into new markets takes minimal effort. We are very happy to welcome Reabra to the COS family. We believe it will be a great beginning for more customers in South America,” said Peter Lidström, Chief Executive Officer at COS Systems.

About COS Service Zones

They used to say, “Build it, and they will come.” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber-optics by beginning with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other only to chase customers after. Just follow these steps:
1. Draw up multiple competing zones across your city or town.
2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
3. Wait until target take-rate is reached before deploying to accelerate profitability.
Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, with no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy, and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, while using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue, and result in more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

About Reabra

REABRA provides Brazil’s best option to get connected to the Internet at gigabit speeds. With a fiber-optic based open network infrastructure, subscribers are able to choose high-speed services from multiple service providers. This competition between providers ensures high-quality services at competitive prices. While current Brazilian providers are increasingly implementing data caps for customers, Reabra is proud to offer services on their network with unlimited data traffic and no long-term commitments.

For additional information contact:
Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Felipe Trevisan
Founder and CEO
Reabra
+55 (11) 96922-7667
felipe@reabra.com.br
www.reabra.com.br

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Kitsap PUD Signs Agreement to Manage Open Access Network with COS Business Engine

Two businessmen seal a deal with a firm handshake, expressing mutual trust and agreement.

Bob Hunter – Superintendent of Telecom Kitsap PUD and Bjorn Wannman – COS Systems

Washington Utility Expands Cooperation with COS Systems From Aggregating Demand for Fiber to Also Managing Their Network And Subscribers Using a leading BSS/OSS COS Business Engine.

KITSAP COUNTY, Washington – KPUD (Kitsap Public Utility District) has been using COS Systems’ demand aggregation software COS Service Zones to survey the county, create community engagement, and understand the desire for the deployment of a utility-owned fiber optic network connecting the residents with gigabit speeds.

“We know there is a need for better broadband in our community, and after all positive responses we’ve received in COS Service Zones, we are confident that investing in high-speed broadband network expansion is necessary for our community, “ said Bob Hunter, General Manager at KPUD.

KPUD is one of 28 Public Utility Districts in Washington that have jointly built a fiber ring reaching almost every corner of the State. KPUD has continued to expand its fiber backbone within the county.

“With our extensive fiber backbone we are flexible in where we can deploy to residents, however, we need to understand where there is need and demand. Our approach using COS Service Zones splits the county up into small buildable neighborhood zones where we will set a target number of people to sign up in each neighborhood. If there are no technical difficulties, as zones reach the target we will extend our network in the order that is most cost effective and which will bring fiber first to those who want or need it most. At the same time this approach ensures that we deploy where we have a reasonable business case. We plan to spend our money wisely, “ said Hunter.

When moving into the residential market, KPUD will do it with an Open Access model, which means they will provide the infrastructure while the services will be delivered by independent service providers, driving competition for the good of the residents.

“If you’re not happy with your current service, just go to the web portal and pick a new provider, “comments Paul Avis, Superintendent of Telecom at KPUD.

In broadband, Open Access is almost synonymous with Sweden, where fiber networks have been deployed on the big scale since the 90s and where this model is dominating the market.

“Since we’re doing Open Access we found it natural to choose a partner who has been doing this on the most established market in the world for 10 years, “ Said Avis.

“The complexity in network operations increases dramatically when you open it up for multiple providers, but with the right system you can actually increase your efficiency. It’s all about ensuring a high data quality with built in validations and keeping track of all the moving parts, which our system COS Business Engine does extremely well, “ said Bjorn Wannman, International Business Developer at COS Systems.

The system is planned to be launched to the public in September when residents in connected areas will be able to go to the website and shop for their Internet services as easily as buying apps on the Appstore.

“We have a big number of COS Service Zones customers in the US, but for us it’s a very important milestone when we now bring our network management solution to the market. We hope and believe our long experience in Open Access and our system COS Business Engine will play a significant role in their success as KPUD now moves into the FTTH (Fiber-To-The-Home) arena,” said Isak Finér, Chief Marketing Officer at COS Systems.

About COS Business Engine

COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution supporting single-provider and open-access networks. Subscribers buy their Internet services from an online marketplace, which increases take rates, ARPU, and customer satisfaction, as the network owner can offer 24/7 availability while reaching maximum operations efficiency, thanks to the extensive use of self-service solutions.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading software provider that plans deploys and manages modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue, and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems at www.cossystems.com.

About Kitsap PUD

Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD ) is a municipal corporation in Washington State with incorporated boundaries parallel to Kitsap County. Our mission is building and strengthening communities through utility services. We are proud to be connecting residents of Kitsap County to each other, to local government, and to the world.

For additional information, contact:

Isak Finér
Chief Revenue Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Paul Avis
Superintendent of Telecom
Kitsap PUD
(360) 626-7731
paul@kpud.org
www.kpud.org

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COS Service Zones shows public utility where to invest

KPUD logo - Kitsap Public Utility District.

 

Kitsap Public Utility District uses demand aggregation tool to validate demand before investing public funds in fiber infrastructure.

KITSAP COUNTY, Washington – Little more than a year ago, residents started informally inquiring with the Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) to explore whether the PUD could provide internet infrastructure, rather than relying on traditional telecom and cable providers who were not meeting the needs of this rural, mountainous region within commuting distance of Seattle.

“Kitsap PUD has been providing services to Anchor Institutions in Kitsap County for 15 years.  Recently residents have been inquiring on how they obtain access to this fiber to have quality and reliable high-speed broadband services at their homes,” recalled KPUD Superintendent of Telecom Paul Avis. “It has only been in the last year, with the FCC discussing open internet and Google Fiber, that we saw the extent of how unhappy residents were with their current services.” Case in point, “I live less than a half-mile from town,” Avis said, “and get less than 1 Mbps of service over a copper DSL line. Many residents can’t get any service at all.”

“As a government agency, we can’t rely on anecdotal data since we need to be responsible with public funds,” said Bob Hunter, General Manager at KPUD. “What’s most appealing with COS Service Zones is that it enables us to let the gathering and push of interest to come from the citizens. We want to be sure the residents are driving this.” COS Service Zones provides an effective framework for residents who are rallying for better service to have a greater role in gaining better Internet faster: “The system is very well designed and able to handle all the data and capture answers to the questions we have. Are people happy with current services? Where is the need? Do they want services from the PUD?” Hunter said. “The Champions aspect of Service Zones is going to be integral to our success: Not just in gathering information but in getting service to the residents.  The champions are able to explaining how it all works on a peer-to-peer basis, enabling PUD staffing to stay unchanged.”

“COS Service Zones enables the PUD to identify areas of need and want for open access telecommunications services and directs us to which neighborhoods to connect first, “ Avis said. “Because COS Systems’ technology enables self-service, once we’re deployed, we’ll be able to expand and continue to serve customers with minimal additional costs,” Avis said, describing the intent to continue working with the COS suite of products managing the day-to-day operations of the open-access network with COS Business Engine.

“If how COS Systems got involved is any indication,” notes COS’s Head of International Business Development Bjorn Wannman, “then it’s reasonable to expect that there is significant demand in Kitsap County. My first contact with this inspiring project was actually with a Kitsap resident, as a grassroots effort, who suggested we at COS connect with KPUD. This underscores the power of the community and its ability to engage; this is the very foundation of COS Service Zones.”

COS Chief Marketing Officer Isak Finér adds, “This is one of the most promising big-scale open-access projects in the US right now. They already have the backbone fiber infrastructure in the ground, and they know there is a great demand among the residents. With the right tool now in their hands to aggregate this demand and guide them to where they can confidently deploy to already committed customers, I’m positive this project will get a flying start and be a long-term success bringing new jobs and a higher quality of life to Kitsap County residents.”

About COS Service Zones

“Build it, and they will come?” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber – with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other – then chasing customers.

  1. Draw multiple competing zones across your city or town.
  2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
  3. Deploy, once target take rate is reached, to accelerate profitability.

Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, and no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers.  Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

About Kitsap PUD

Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) is a municipal corporation in Washington State with incorporated boundaries parallel to Kitsap County. Our mission is building and strengthening communities through utility services.  We are proud to be connecting residents of Kitsap County to each other, to local government, and to the world.

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Paul Avis
Superintendent of Telecom
Kitsap PUD
(360) 626-7731
Paul@KPUD.org
KPUD.org

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