Modem Ticket Delivery
Gopher State One Call (GSOC) is committed to providing users with the best and most reliable delivery mechanisms for tickets. Tickets are transmitted by FAX, modem delivery, email, web services (such as FTP or XML) and relayed by voice. Effective with tickets delivered January 1, 2008 GSOC will begin assessing a $0.25 per ticket surcharge for every message delivered by modem delivery. We are providing you with this notice now so you can plan ahead and make the appropriate decisions for your organization.
Background
GSOC delivers tickets to facility operators in a variety of different ways. Dial-up modem delivery to a PC or printer was once considered the most efficient way to transmit tickets to a facility operator. Email and web services such as FTP and XML have, over the past few years, surpassed dial-up as the most secure and cost-effective means of delivery. The costliest methods of delivery are FAX, modem delivery and voice-out.
Because less efficient modes of delivery are still reliable, many operators have probably not considered the advantages of changing to a more efficient mode. As the cost for providing the less efficient services has risen, however, it becomes increasingly more expensive for GSOC (and possibly you) to continue supporting these modes of delivery.
Many operators have found there are internal cost efficiencies they can achieve by using a more advanced mode of ticket delivery. For example, tickets received electronically can be emailed directly to the person responsible for locating instead of creating a separate receiving location for each geographic area. Copies of electronic tickets can be retained on your servers for future reference for as long as you require, saving money on storage and making research easier.
GSOC has recognized the additional costs associated with some modes of ticket delivery for several years and has, from time to time, modified its price structure accordingly. For example, facility operators who receive their tickets from GSOC through FAX or by voice are assessed additional user fees to defray the cost of providing these services.
Current Status
GSOC will still offer dial-up ticket delivery in the same way that it has continued to support FAX and voice-out ticket delivery. If you are a facility operator who would prefer to continue receiving GSOC tickets through dial-up means, you need do nothing. The additional $0.25 per message charge will be added directly to your GSOC bill effective for all tickets delivered starting January 1, 2008.
Benefits of Electronic Delivery
Web services like FTP and XML are the most reliable modes of delivery currently available. They are proven technologies that are consistently reliable. XML delivery has the added benefit of simplifying for the facility operator the process of handling any changes to GSOC’s ticket format that might become necessary in the future.
Email delivery allows facility operators to collect their tickets at their convenience. Many operators appreciate the convenience of being able to “store and forward” tickets to meet specific business needs. Email tickets are easily archived and retained to suit your own record retention policy.
Want to Make a Change?
Remember that new rates for modem delivery go into effect January 1st, 2008. If you would like to move up to email, FTP or XML delivery, please contact GSOC’s Help Desk to get started. You can reach the Help Desk at:
Twin Cities Metro Area: 651.681.7326
Greater Minnesota: 800.245.5852
Email: helpdesk@gopherstateonecall.org
Thanks for your support of Gopher State One Call!