PortStore IP Buffer

A better way to engineer a Call Accounting solution

The PortStore IP Buffer device offers Call Accounting system integrators and users of Call Accounting software applications a “better” solution for collecting Call Record Details (CDR) data from legacy PBX phone systems.
The PortStore Buffer device enables the PBX Station Messaging Detail Reporting (SMDR) port to be joined to an Ethernet LAN, WAN, VPN, or Public Network. Up to approximately 20,000 CDR records can be stored and accessed from any computer on the network, just as if it were attached directly to the PBX.

Why the PortStore IP Buffer Device?

Serial communications (RS-232, 422 and 485) are cost-effective, reliable and time-tested protocols for data transfer. Most legacy PBX phone systems provide an RS-232 interface for integration to computer based Call Accounting applications to collect and process Call Detail Records (CDR). System integrators and users of Call Accounting applications recognize reliable collection of CDR is subject to a number factors to include:

• Increased Reliability

  Most computer based Call Accounting software applications are installed on a platform running a Windows operating system. Computer hardware and/or software failure is always a consideration in managing critical software applications. Since Call Accounting applications are often used to monitor call misuse and abuse, it’s not unusual for disgruntled employees to sabotage the Call Accounting application by powering down the computer where the applications is running.

  Is the reliable collection of CDR data critical to your business operation? Unlike a computer, the PortStore IP Buffer device has no moving parts.



• Reduce Deployment Costs

  Although most Call Accounting applications are designed to run in the background while other applications run in the foreground, the reality is most Call Accounting applications should be dedicated to a single platform. Conflicts can arise when more than one application are sharing common system files, and performance degradation is a given in a multi-tasking environment.

  The total cost of ownership (TCO) of a PortStore IP Buffer device is far less than the TCO of a personal computer. This includes the cost of the computer plus all the networking and security products and programs necessary to put the computer on the network. Instead of dedicating a computer to your Call Accounting application, why not let the PortStore IP Buffer collect and store your CDR, and then periodically retrieve an process the data on any computer on the network.



• Leverage Existing Cable Network

  Data collection requires the computer and PBX to be physically connected via a serial cable. The length of serial cable is subject to the communication baud rate, the maximum distance at 1,200 baud is no more than 50 feet. This is why many Call Accounting applications are located in the server room or phone closet.

  Why locate your call accounting application in the phone room when you can install the PortStore IP Buffer device and access your CDR data from any computer on the network.



• Manage Remote Locations

  Many organizations need Call Accounting information from PBX systems at remote locations. Major factors to consider in deploying a multi-site Call Accounting solution are; cost, reliability, the capability to disseminate information, and the skill level of on-site personnel needed to maintain a call accounting application for each location.

  DataComGear has developed strategic partnerships with Application Solution Providers (ASP) that have developed scalable and affordable solutions for polling and downloading CDR data collected and stored by PortStore IP Buffer devices.