and
ROYAL DUTCH TELECOM
TELEX
OUTSOURCING SOLUTION
February
2, 2006
EASYLINK SERVICES CORPORATION
EasyLink Services Corporation is a leading global
provider of services that power the exchange of information between
enterprises,
their trading communities, and their
customers.
EasyLink’s networks facilitate transactions that
are integral to the movement of money, materials, products, and people in the
global economy,
such as wire transfers, insurance claims, trade and
travel confirmations,
We help over 20,000 companies, including over 400
of the Global 500, become more competitive by providing the most secure,
efficient,
reliable, and flexible means of conducting business
electronically.
Established in
formed through the combination of Mail.com, Swift
Telecommunications, GN Comtext and AT&T EasyLink Services.
In uniting the four businesses, we’ve expanded our
customer base, gained significant enhancements in our already extensive suite
of services, and increased our Sales organization
by 35% spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East,
The Pacific Rim.
Over the last ten years, EasyLink has acquired many
valuable customer relationships established by its predecessor companies such
as AT&T EasyLink Services and NetMoves
Corporation including Ford Motor Company, Yahoo!, GEICO, Chevron, the U.S.
Navy, and UPS.
EasyLink is a information
exchange and messaging company.
Providing these solutions is our sole business focus.
We can handle all of your
current and emerging information exchange and messaging needs through our
extensive services portfolio.
Our agility as a service
provider delivers maximum flexibility as your needs, as well as industry needs,
evolve and change.
Trends in Telex
Telex
volume is down 25% from 1998.
The Telex Business Today
As the volume of telex traffic declines, more and
more Administrations have decided that telex and the maintenance of a telex
network is
not part of their core business, some players have
exited this business, while many others are looking to outsource.
EasyLink
has been in the telex business a long time and will continue to support a high
quality telex network well into the future.
We
are confident that our 50 years experience combined with our network and
technology will bring profitability to KPN’s telex operations.
Easylink
Telex Outsource Option for KPN
The purpose of this proposal is to alert KPN about
the opportunity available regarding Telex Outsourcing from EasyLink.
EasyLink will help turn KPN’s declining telex
business into a profit center, by offering its Subscribers the latest in PC
software to handle
their telex needs with minimal investment on your
part.
The EasyLink
solution proposed best fits KPN’s requirements and have been determined based
on your traffic volume, interconnects,
number of users, number of PTLs/dial-up users, and
your total number of minutes.
Easylink
RTM (Real-Time-Messenger) is the
solution.
RTM (Real-Time-Messenger) is a
windows-based software package that allows users to send and receive real-time
and
S&F telex communications. RTM
is fully compliant with traditional telex protocol.
RTM will allow KPN to:
·
Eliminate
all telex equipment and facilities.
·
Easylink’s RTM (Real-Time- Messenger) software will provide KPN’s subscribers access to the worldwide telex
network.
KPN Subscribers will be given PC-based RTM software to send
and receive telex messages.
EasyLink’s RTM software will replace all Subscriber premise
telex equipment.
Subscribers will connect to EasyLink’s network via an IP
connection using RTM, to continue sending and receiving telex traffic.
See Exhibit A
EXHIBIT A
Flexible, easy to use answerback exchange
in Real Time
Overview
Real-Time-Messenger is a client
software package running under Windows that provides real
time telex, where the sender is in direct contact
with the called party, together
with store & forward messaging to telex and/or fax receivers.
·
Connect directly into the
host exchange over the Internet using 256-bit
encryption key and cipher block chaining mode.
·
KPN RTM subscribers can
keep their existing dedicated Netherlands Telex number.
·
If an incoming telex call
is made to a number, and the PC is not available to accept a call, the exchange
responds to the sender with the user's answerback and places the message into a
mailbox for subsequent transfer.
Application
Real Time
·
The RTM provides a degree
of user choice within the real time portion of its service offering.
As described above, sending and receiving
telexes can be viewed as separate functions.
Users typically begin with outbound
messaging only for the following reasons:
·
The largest proportion of
telex costs result from outbound international call charges and the RTM low
tariff provides very significant
savings without investment.
·
The transfer of a user's
telex line from their premises to the exchange always remains an option.
However, it is strongly recommended that
familiarity with the RTM be first established prior to undertaking such an
important step.
Store & Forward
·
In addition to real time
telex, the RTM offers a full range of store & forward facilities including
multi-address, same number message batching,
answerback verification and delivery of
either telex or text-to-fax messages.
·
The RTM automatically
processes delivery status reports of messages submitted to the store and
forward service, which can be retrieved
manually or with a user-defined auto
scheduler.
·
KPN Subscribers will know
when a message has been delivered, as Easylink will send a confirmation of
delivery direct to the Subscribers
Inbox
or a non-delivery notification if the message has been cancelled.
Features & Benefits
z A message editor that supports
the import of text files
z End-to-end, real time telex
conversation and transfer of message files
z Single or multi-address store
& forward messaging to telex or fax
z Automatic file archive of all
telex sessions
z Manual or automatic print out of
inbound and outbound telex sessions
z Security of access with
user-defined password protection
z Encoding of all data being
transmitted between Real Telex and exchange
z Reselection of previously dialed
telex numbers
z Selection by aliases
(descriptive mini-codes)
z An address book for frequently
called telex numbers
z User-defined text strings for
translation of 'non-telex' characters
z Optional on-line receipt or
mailbox storage/retrieval of inbound telex
z Optional session scheduler to
automatically connect telex exchange
Specifications
z Software: Windows9x, NT 2000, XP
OS
z Minimum Hardware: Pentium 166
with 32 RAM and 540 MB disk space
z Internet access (dial up or NIC)
Appendix 1: RTM FAQ
The Easylink Telex Advantage
Electronic messaging and
transaction delivery services remain EasyLink’s
core business; we are committed to the continued support of all messaging
solutions, including telex
transactions. As the telex industry slowly declines, industry players try to
exit the service to limit there loses.
Easylink is willing and able to
supply all of KPN’s Subscribers with Easylink’s PC based Real-Time-Messenger software; enabling KPN to limit loses
and focus on more lucrative
service offerings.
EasyLink Switch Platform Technical Highlights
The EasyLink International Telex
Exchange (ITE), operated in Glen Head,
The heart of the Easylink Telex
Exchange is a Telex Switch, which is a distributed system that resides on
industrial PIII computers.
The exchange was designed and
built based on many years of previous experience creating various
message-switching systems.
The switch runs on QNX/Raima
platform. QNX 4.25 is a 32-bit multi-tasking multi-user network real-time
operating system.
OS QNX complies with POSIX
standard for open systems.
Raima Database Manager 3.21A is a
32-bit multi-user database control system, which implements flexible network
model for data storage and access.
One of the most significant
features of the Easylink Telex Exchange is a so-called R101B emulator board,
which is a specialized programmable
ISA card capable of replacing
functionalities of Databit 4650 and 922 Time Division Multiplexors (TDMs.)
The R101B emulators provide a
high level of control and monitoring features.
Up to 14 R101B boards can be
installed in a single computer to support 644 virtual telex channels.
In the present configuration the
switch contains 20 switching computers and 2 Control and Management PC’s
(12,880 channel and 155 networks);
the system is highly scalable and
can grow practically unlimitedly.
The Easylink Exchange
communication means are not restricted to the R101B interface.
Eicon boards provide X.25
connectivity; DFLEX-8 cards are used for RS-232, SMC cards support TCP/IP links
to the switch.
Message-switching services
provided by the system include real-time and store-and-forward telex and
store-and-forward ASCII-to-fax.
Customers can send and receive
messages using the following network connections:
- Dial-Up
- Leased Lines
- X.25
- Public TCP/IP (Internet)
- Private TCP/IP
- E-mail
The switch was designed to
maintain high reliability and resiliency.
Backup units are available in
case there should be a node failure.
R101B cards have a built-in hot
standby features to allow for automatic fail-over in case of an aggregate or
node failure.
Distributed system architecture
guaranties that in the event a single telex channel fails, telex switching will
continue for ALL other channels.
Monitoring capabilities has been
naturally implemented at the design stage to provide wide range of measures to
control Quality of Service.
Special software modules
(monitors) control conditions of the exchange and trigger system alarms.
Monitors also maintain lists of
unavailable telex channels (clearing and training) and take care of recovering
procedures.
All main system activities and events
are recorded into log files.
When faults are detected,
automatic tests are immediately conducted to locate and diagnose the
problem.
Failed devices are automatically
put off-line without interruption of the switching functions and alarms notify operations
personnel of the failures.
The alarms (visual and audio) are
sent to the one of the Control and Management systems located in the operations
area.
E-mail and pager alarms are also
supported.
Traffic reports and analysis are based on
the information saved in the switch call detail records (CDRs.) The CDRs are
stored in the
RAIMA database on switching and control
management computers and available for external clients in real-time.
Data can be retrieved from the switch either
by a user-friendly Windows-based program via TCP/IP or by using menu-driven QNX
application.
Various statistical reports can be viewed in
the system and saved into text files.
EasyLink Telex Encryption Methods
Based on EasyLink’s years of
experience in the Telex business, we have built a network offering the most
secure transfers possible.
1.
IP
Connection –
when connecting to the EasyLink International Telex Exchange (ITE) via IP
connection, administrations switch to
Telex IP-Link as a more secure connection.
This is a private IP connection directly
to the EasyLink Telex Switch ensuring message safety.
2.
RTM
Software –
this client program connects to the exchange server via a TCP/IP socket
interface and all the data is encapsulated
inside TCP and IP packets.
The application packets vary in size and
contain not only user, but also proprietary communication protocol and special
data formats
for added security to the TCP/IP.
The packet size is never the same,
therefore making if extremely difficult, if not impossible, to have a breach in
the security.
Real Time Messenger client and server programs maintain a unique encoding
technique to encapsulate encrypted telex characters into data streams.
This encoding involves a random
numeric key generator and redundant codes.
In fact, the same telex character
is encrypted into a unique and different code combination each time it is
transmitted.
There is no permanent key to
decrypt data transmission because the software randomly changes the key
combination for each character
transmission to ensure security.
Transmitted and received data are encrypted independently using different
algorithms.
In other words, both the client
and server programs use independent random key generators.
3.
RTM
Store & Forward
– To ensure security when using Real-Time-Messenger software, users also have
the option of using the store &
forward method by setting up a storage mailbox at
the EasyLink Switch. Messages can be retrieved
manually or with a user-defined auto scheduler.
PRICING and COMMERCIAL
CONSIDERATIONS
We at Easylink are confident that
this solution will help and support KPN with
its Telex Outsourcing goals.
The below commercial
considerations are proposed.
·
KPN will
have the option of becoming a Reseller for Easylink services.
·
Easylink
will host the
·
KPN will keep 30% of the Telex retail revenues,
which are routed through the Easylink Switch.
·
A one-time Licensing fee of $20,000 USD.
·
Unlimited RTM software and lifetime 24 x 7 support,
is included.
Billing
Subscribers
can be billed by KPN (Easylink will supply KPN with billing records), or if
preferred, Easylink will
bill and collect for all telex
usage
and can act as back office support for KPN’s telex business.
KPN
will continue to have the same relationship with it’s subscribers as it has
today.
Easylink Real-Time-Messenger Benefits
Major Benefits to KPN
·
No local PTL
network.
·
No local
engineers to support the switch and network. Utilize talents in other areas of
your business.
Most of
your telex staff members understand the decline in telex business, creating
uncertainties and anxiety about their job security.
·
No local telex
exchange to maintain.
·
No large
back-office administration/accounting support staff to make settlements with
the numerous Administrations’ around the world.
Easylink produces one, comprehensive
invoice, covering all telex and facility management charges worldwide.
·
No dedicated
leased lines necessary worldwide to support declining telex traffic.
·
TCP/IP access.
·
Lower settlement
rates.
.
Subscriber Benefits:
- No dedicated
telex machine.
- No trained
operator to run the telex machine.
- No expensive
PTL lines (Private Telex Line).
- Less
downtime. EasyLink’s method of access to the telex network is via TCP/IP
(private or public), which is more reliable than the
old
telex lines. Presently if a PTL line is down, the subscriber cannot send or
receive telex traffic
(an
average telex subscriber has one or two telex lines.) However, in case of the
TCP/IP, as long as you can establish a connection
to the
ISP, you are able to send/receive telexes.
·
Free RTM PC software to
send and receive telex traffic.
Act now and turn your declining telex business back
into a profit center. Don’t let the
declining telex business hurt your revenues,
allow Easylink to assist you in getting the most
out of your current subscriber base.
We
look forward to hearing from KPN to discuss Easylink’s proposed solution in
more detail.
Kind Regards,
C. Charles Dunlap
(Charlie)
Director
Global Business Development
Carrier Relations and Channel Sales
EasyLink Services Corporation
VOICE: 732-652-3817
GSM: 732-485-7699
FAX: 732-352-7836
www.easylink.com
Appendix 1
RTM FAQ's
What is the telex network?
The Telegraph Exchange Service is a reliable dedicated worldwide communications network, which has stood the test of time for over 50 years and is still being used heavily in the financial and shipping sectors worldwide.
Is
telex communications legal?
Telex is one of the only recognized legal methods for transmitting electronic messages. In various industries such as banking, transport, oil trade and so on, the use of telex is required because of this legal status.
What
is RTM?
RTM (Real Time Messenger) is a Windows-based application that supports real-time
and Store and forward (S&F) telex communications. RTM is in full compliance with every telex
requirement. It maintains real-time communications and answerback
verifications.
How
Does RTM work?
The RTM client software connects users directly to the EasyLink (formerly AT&T) International Telex Exchange, which is linked to all countries in the world supporting telex service. Your connection to Easylink is arranged either via TCP/IP (private or Internet), or optionally dialup or leased line.
How
do I request the RTM software?
Please email your requests to telex@easylink.com.
Is
RTM in use by many customers?
Even though the use of Telex has been declining over the years, EasyLink's RTM service has a rapidly growing customer base in many regions of the world. Our traffic volume is increasing at approximately 10% per month.
Can
I use RTM to communicate with traditional telex machines?
RTM is capable of sending and receiving telex messages, just like any traditional telex machine. EasyLink provides customers with registered telex numbers from a range of numbers allocated to the company according to the F.69 ITU specifications.
Can I send S&F messages via RTM?
A full range a full range of store and forward facilities are supported, which include multi-address, same number message batching, answerback verification and delivery of either telex or text-to-fax messages.
Is
Telex via the Internet secure?
RTM uses the latest SSL/TLS encryption algorithms; which makes it a very secure form of communications via the Internet. RTM complies with Open SSL 0.9.7 standards supporting the AES (US Advanced Encryption Standard) symmetric algorithm known as RiJndael (256-bit keys.)
What security features does RTM maintain?
· Data Encryption. RTM complies with Open SSL 0.9.7 standards supporting the AES (US Advanced Encryption Standard)
symmetric algorithm known as RiJndael (256-bit keys.)
· Program Copy Protection. As a security measure, once the RTM program has been installed it cannot thereafter be copied.
· Exclusivity. The identification of each RTM program is based upon the encrypted answerback embodied in each user program.
This exclusivity provides a level of security that could never be achieved by discrete telex terminals or centralized message-
switching systems that use the answerback for call originator identification.
· Host Exchange Security. Easylink International telex exchange, that hosts RTM messaging, provides a higher level of user data protection from 'eavesdropping' compared to older generation(s) of exchanges. The older exchanges are obliged to support text monitoring at various equipment stages/levels and are often accessible to relatively low-level technicians.
· User Authentication. As a security feature, users may be required to enter valid user names and passwords to gain access to the application.
What
is the speed of RTM?
RTM allows you to communicate with EasyLink with the speed that is supported by your Internet connection. When sending even the longest Store and Forward message it can take literally seconds to transmit. However, due to the standards required by the ITU, real-time telex communications are maintained at the standard 50 Baud speed despite the speed of your internet connection.
Is RTM user friendly? How do I reach technical support?
RTM software is very simple to install and use. Easylink provides 24x7 direct customer support via phone, telex, fax, or email.
My
computer is behind a firewall. How do I connect to the Easylink Exchange?
TCP port 5777 may need to be opened for RTM users behind a firewall.
How
do I dial international telex numbers?
International telex numbers should be dialed with a leading "0" (zero) and a country code specified in the F.69 format. The list of the International Telex codes in the F.69 format is included in the on-line Help.
How
do I dial
USA Domestic telex numbers can optionally be dialed without the leading zero and a country code (e.g. 479001, 470302...)
What
are the minimum system requirements to run RTM?
Software: Windows9x, NT 2000, XP OS
Hardware: Pentium 166 with 32 MB RAM and 540 MB disk space
Networking: Internet access, or dial-up, or leased line.
How
do I change my RTM password?
You would need to know your initial password, encrypted into the provided software package. You may request the initial password by either contacting your EasyLink sales representative or communicating directly with Easylink RTM support (telex@easylink.com.)
Can
I Use the RTM software in a network environment?
Yes, the application can be installed on a file server. Users connected to the
server can simultaneously run multiple clones of the RTM software.
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