SunTec on expansion mode

NEW DELHI: Trivandrum-based SunTec Business Solutions, a convergent billing solutions provider, is all geared up for its expansion. For one, it has just closed a deal with MTNL to convert the call detail records (CDRs) in the new switches to meter reading for its WLL services. It already has a major presence with BSNL with over 200 installations and is hoping to better that number by begging the tender on interconnect billing.

The MTNL order has been executed in alliance with Motorola wherein Motorola provided the switch with SunTec's CDR based billing solution embedded. However, due to MTNL's legacy network and switches, the CDR-based billing has to be integrated with its existing meter reading billing. Globally, telcos are moving towards CDR based billing as meter based reading does not allow for rapid scaling up of capacity.

The company is also looking at rapid expansion in the overseas market. Right now, the company has presence in the UK, the US, Germany and Holland. The immediate concern for the company is to scale its sales and marketing personnel at all locations. SunTech has sizable overseas presence with clients like KPN Telecom, Netherlands, ING Bank, Aliatel, Czech Republic, Elisanet, Germany, STW Malaysia, etc. It operates through its alliance with its 10 partners, Logica being the biggest one. It also has alliances with IBM and Tata Infotech among others.

Sun Tech has had a long association with BSNL with its product C-TRAC being developed exclusively to suit the unique requirements of BSNL. C-TRAC offers features like keeping a track of the customer's cash deposit and deducting it from later payments, sub-ledging which is again unique to BSNL, and enabling separate billing mechanisms for PCOs. PCOs typically have fortnightly billing with the first bill being paid in full and the commissions being given in the second bill.

The company has now added Transaction business management software (TBMS) features to its C-TRAC for BSNL in over 10 installations. This would enable the PSU to provide for

CDR-based billing when required. The opportunity for the company is to be able to convert all the company's switches to TBMS.

Percy Barraclough, VP, Technical of the company said that the company has now set its eyes on the BFSI market. "Telecom investment has slowed down everywhere but investments in BFSI is still going strong. We are negotiating with a major BFSI client in and will making an announcement soon to that effect," he said.

Barraclough added that despite billing systems being central in the business strategy of telcos, it is strange that billing is among the last priorities amongst telcos. This results in huge loss to the service providers and there has been a growing realization about this reality.