It's a Wrap: Another Successful UGM!

By Matt Lowe
November 11, 2013

Each year we look forward to the Protector Users Group Meeting. This year was certainly no different. We enjoyed hosting those customers who were able to make the trip to Nashville last week. There were 14 attendees representing 10 companies for this year's conference.

Back by popular demand from last year, we kicked off the conference on Wednesday November 6th with an optional training session. This half-day session was a great time for users to learn from each other as well as from Christi Vanoye, our Implementation and Training Coordinator.

Thursday November 7^th began the traditional portion of the conference with a look at the new Protector items released in the past year. As far as documentation, there is a new Watch List Bulletin available, and several existing documents were updated, including the Enterprise Manager Manual, Case Manager Manual, Protector Implementation Guide, Hot List Bulletin, and Controller Bulletin. Christi also reviewed new features like: new reports, additional case masking options, automatic GSMA high-risk fraud ranges Watch List import, and improvements to the CDR Warehouse.

The morning session continued with David West, our Executive Vice President, unveiling the soon-to-be-released Protector Mobile Case Manager. This latest edition to the Protector family allows users to address potential fraud violations from any device with a web browser, for dramatically increased response time. Attendees got a hands-on demonstration using a variety of devices—Windows, Apple, and Android—to experience the new Mobile Case Manager function across a variety of platforms.

Five companies presented case studies that provided all attendees insight into other techniques for fraud detection and fraud management policies. The case studies also called attention to the latest fraud trends and what methods are being used to detect and limit fraud hits.

Following the case studies, the late-afternoon session was devoted to collaborative feedback that we refer to as the “Wish List”. This session allows each attendee to share ideas for future Protector enhancements with the other system users, Equinox development staff, and Equinox executives.

Lest you think the Protector Users Group is all about the impacts of telecom fraud, the group went out for an evening of fun and great food. Equinox takes the attendees each year to one of Nashville's hot spot restaurants. After dinner, we escorted a group downtown to sample Nashville's iconic nightlife.

On Friday November 8^th, everyone reconvened at Equinox to review some final thoughts on Protector and touch on items such as creation of Views within Protector and the importance of the Views themselves. Amy Oldham, our Corporate Communications author, delivered a presentation about the ways Equinox keeps in touch with customers. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are all new avenues by which customers can receive the latest news and information about Equinox. An initiative slated for 2014 is the development of Protector Training Videos as well as the creation of an online Protector user forum via LinkedIn.

As we reflect on the most recent Protector Users Group, we are already looking forward to the next opportunity to host our customers. Each year, customers express how much they not only enjoy the fun but how informative and useful the conference is in their ever-changing fight to prevent telecom fraud. Mark your travel budgets now so that you attend the 2014 conference. Dates for the 2014 conference are published in the spring. We hope to see you next year!

About the Author: Matt Lowe is a Sales Engineer at Equinox Information Systems whose primary task is to evaluate and improve the company's sales process, materials, and tools. He does so by acquiring and applying market intelligence gathered from the telecommunications industry. His other major responsibility is to coordinate project implementations by working with customers. In his spare time, Matt enjoys traveling with his wife and playing basketball with the guys from the office.
To learn more about Equinox, its products, and staff, visit www.equinoxis.com or call (615) 612-1200.