COS Systems Recognized as One of Sweden’s 33 Most Promising Tech Companies

Promising Tech Companies: COS Systems team at the recognition event.

Every year the leading tech and business magazines NyTeknik (New Technology) and Affärsvärlden (Business World) presents the list of Sweden’s most promising tech companies, poised to be game changers in their industries worldwide. The list has a proven track record of identifying young and innovative tech companies with potential for rapid global expansion, such as Spotify and Minecraft creators Mojang. Today COS Systems takes its place among these select few.

Stockholm, Sweden – The renowned 33 List celebrates its ten year anniversary with the event in the Swedish capital Stockholm on April 4th. Looking back at previous years’ lists there are several examples of companies that have been game changers and gained a leading position on a global market such as Spotify. A large number of the companies have been listed on stock exchanges and continue to grow rapidly, while some get acquired by the tech giants of the world, such as Apple, Microsoft and Google.

”The 33 List is where to look for up and coming tech companies. Seeing your company on that list is fantastic to say the least, but to identify yourself as a potential game changer in an industry is perhaps being over ambitious. Still, I honestly think we can help our customers overcome two big challenges they face. With COS Service Zones we help our customers generate and aggregate demand prior to the fiber build-out, making sure the network won´t fail due to lack of customers, which historically has been quite common. Also, many municipally owned networks are looking at the Open Access model with multiple private providers delivering service on their network to ensure competition and a choice of services and providers for their residents. This is a hard business model to manage, but that is something our systems has proven to do extremely well, “says COS Systems CMO Isak Finer.

 

“The fiber broadband industry is exploding in the USA and we at COS have worked hard to become an established provider in the marketplace. It takes some time to build the necessary relationships and trust, but we feel well positioned now to continue our successful expansion, primarily in the USA, but also elsewhere. Since we host our products in the cloud and they are built to be translated we can take on customers pretty much anywhere. From the start we built with global expansion in mind, as many Swedish companies do,” says Finer

 

“Sweden is not a large market in itself which is why international expansion is vital to growing tech companies. We have come far with most of our customers on export markets now, but for us it often feels like we are just getting started. This recognition proves that we not only have the right products, but also a strong position from where we can accelerate our international growth. For us as well as for any tech company in Sweden, making the 33 List is definitely a milestone to be proud of!“ summarizes COS Systems CEO Peter Lidstrom.

About 33-Listan

Which of today’s technology start-ups have the potential to be the stock exchange giants of tomorrow? To find out, Affärsvärlden and Ny Teknik have come up with the most important list currently available – 33-listan. This list has existed for ten years, and all the judges are editors on the teams at Affärsvärlden and Ny Teknik. Find out more about 33-list.

About COS Systems

COS Systems delivers cloud-hosted software to plan, build, and operate broadband networks globally.

COS Service Zones allows network builders to draw competing zones, or “Fiberhoods,” across their city and see real-time demand grow as customers sign up using branded websites. Once target take-rates are reached, the networks are deployed backed by committed customers and secured revenue.

COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution, supporting both single provider and Open Access Networks. Subscribers buy their Internet services from an online marketplace, which increases take rates, ARPU, and customer satisfaction, as the network owner can offer 24/7 availability while reaching maximum operations efficiency, thanks to the extensive use of the self-service solutions.

COS Systems takes customer needs and creates innovative software solutions that streamline customers’ business processes, boost sales and profitability, and create satisfied customers.

 

For additional information, contact:

Peter Lidstrom
Chief Executive Officer
COS Systems
+46 70 656 58 72
peter.lidstrom@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

or

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems
+46 737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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COS Systems Customer Skekraft.net Announced the Best City Network in Sweden 2017

Skekraft Awarded Best City Network in Sweden 2017

Skekraft Awarded Best City Network in Sweden 2017
The Swedish Local Fibre Alliance is a non-profit trade association for network owners. It was established in 1998 and has about one hundred open access muni networks as members. At their annual conference, they announced Skekraft as the Best City Network in Sweden 2017.

Skelleftea Kraft Fiber Network (Skekraft.net) started their fiber deployment in the early 2000’s. After being a single provider themselves for the first years, they took the decision in 2009 to migrate over to an Open Access model. The positive effects from bringing in competition was immediate and today they have 11 providers offering Gigabit speed Internet, IP phone services, TV services as well as triple play packages on their network. With an abundance of providers and services to choose from and thus very competitive prices, they are boasting very impressive take-rates. They reach almost all of Skelleftea, a city with 33 000 residents, and a few of the larger surrounding villages, but are now expanding further out into the rural parts of the county they serve.

”In Skelleftea the city network has had the courage to try new approaches to increase the quality of their network. By organizationally separating the daily network operations from the group responsible for the network expansions with great success, Skelleftea Kraft proves that it’s not only about building networks, but also about operating them in a manner ensuring that the highest quality standards are met”, says Jorgen Svardh, Chairman of the Swedish Local Fibre Alliance, when announcing the winners.

 

“At COS Systems we are very proud that one of our first customers has been awarded this prestigious title. Ever since 2010 we’ve provided them with our BSS/OSS solution COS Business Engine to support them in their Open Access network operations. During these years we’ve seen their take-rate increase greatly and the ever improving financial figures they present makes your jaw drop, especially when considering that the prices of services on their network are among the lowest in Sweden as well as globally. We are also very pleased that we are part of their expansion process with COS Service Zones, helping them to generate and aggregate demand for fiber prior to deployment and thereby enabling them to build out their network where they will have the best ROI,” says COS Systems CMO Isak Finer.

 

“A well-deserved recognition for a fantastic job being done not just today, but every single day of the year. Our warmest congratulations to Skekraft!“ concludes Peter Lidstrom, CEO of COS Systems.

About COS Systems

COS Systems delivers cloud-hosted software to plan, build, and operate broadband networks globally.

COS Service Zones allows network builders to draw competing zones, or “Fiberhoods,” across their city and see real-time demand grow as customers sign up using branded websites. Once target take-rates are reached, the networks are deployed backed by committed customers and secured revenue. COS Service Zones delivers subscriber-backed, successful broadband networks, and no more failed projects.

COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution, supporting both single provider and Open Access Networks. Subscribers buy their Internet services from an online marketplace, which increases take rates, ARPU, and customer satisfaction, as the network owner can offer 24/7 availability, while reaching maximum operations efficiency, thanks to the extensive use of self-service solutions.

COS Systems takes customer needs and creates innovative software solutions that streamline customers’ business processes, boost sales and profitability, and create satisfied customers.

For additional information, contact:

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems
+46 737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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Interoperability of COS Systems Demand Aggregation Suite with VETRO FiberMap™

VETRO FiberMap™ and COS Systems announce that the COS Service Zones demand aggregation suite is now fully compatible with the VETRO FiberMap

VETRO FiberMap™ and COS Systems announce that the COS Service Zones demand aggregation suite is now fully compatible with the VETRO FiberMap
VETRO FiberMap™ and COS Systems announce that the COS Service Zones demand aggregation suite is now fully compatible with the VETRO FiberMap fiber network GIS platform, delivering a seamless solution for ISPs seeking industry leading solutions for both demand generation and network infrastructure management.

Portland, ME–(March 20th, 2017)-  VETRO FiberMap™, a leading provider of solutions for fiber network mapping and broadband infrastructure management, and COS Systems, makers of broadband survey and demand capture tools and network operations software, today announced that VETRO and COS Service Zones now share data and work in concert, enabling superior network planning, building and ROI.

Accurately assessing demand for high speed, fiber-based internet service and deploying assets wisely are keys to ROI and overall success for ISPs. Laying out the engineering design, defining cost and building the network requires effective and easy to use GIS based mapping tools. By combining COS Service Zones and VETRO FiberMap™, ISPs have the opportunity for best of breed tools for both demand generation and network planning and management. This is a powerful combination for ISPs that face both fierce competition and time-to-market constraints.

The COS Service Zones toolset helps ISPs assess the current landscape, measure interest in new service through direct survey, and enable peer-to-peer promotion and publicity.  As would-be customers register their interest, an internet service provider gains data-driven insight into where to deploy network profitably.  VETRO FiberMap™ provides unprecedented functionality and ease of use for the network planning and inventory requirements of these same growing ISPs. Maintaining accurate and up to date inventory of network assets, including details about individual fiber strands, circuit paths, and splicing, is imperative for network operations.

“COS Service Zones is winning worldwide adoption amongst ISPs, Utilities, Coops and Public Private Partnerships.  They have discovered that COS Service Zones boosts their ability to build out in a more smart and targeted way.  The demand information captured in Service Zones and fed seamlessly into the VETRO FiberMap™ network engineering and asset management platform gives our customers a legitimate strategic advantage,” says Isak Finer, CMO for COS Systems.

 

“The VETRO FiberMap™ network GIS platform was built from the ground up to integrate with powerful specialty tools and core business applications. Our open API stack and design philosophy makes swift integration with great partners like COS Systems easier than ever,” says VETRO FiberMap™ co-founder Will Mitchell. “The network map is at the heart of all key business for an ISP, from the demand aggregation stage of planning to build and maintenance of plant. Our platform exposes the network map in harmony with new subscriber demand, bringing together marketing, engineering and logistics to give network builders the data and continual network awareness they require for game changing network expansions with highest possible ROI.”

About VETRO FiberMap™

VETRO FiberMap™ is a product of NBT Solutions, LLC, founded by experienced GIS mapping professionals who have long provided innovative technology and services to wireline and wireless telecommunications customers.  Our VETRO FiberMap™ Solution is a unique cloud based fiber network inventory platform, with an unrivaled suite of tools for the small and mid sized ISP.  Our fiber network GIS solution has the functionality, affordability and scalability to help level the playing field.  To learn more about the VETRO FiberMap™ solution, arrange demos and request a free trial please visit www.vetrofibermap.com, email us at sales@vetrofibermap.com or call 207.221.6627.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. To learn more about the COS Service Zones demand aggregation solution, visit www.cossystems.com or email us at sales@cossystems.com

Will Mitchell
CEO
VETRO FiberMap
+1 207.650.2057
will@vetrofibermap.com
www.vetrofibermap.com

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems
+46 737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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Smithville Chooses COS Service Zones to Verify Customer Demand for Residential Fiber

Smithville fiber using COS Service Zones to expanding in Bloomington

Smithville fiber using COS Service Zones to expanding in Bloomington
Overcoming Challenges and Extending Fiber


In addition to connecting business and residential customers in their ILEC areas with fiber, Indiana’s largest independent telephone company, Smithville, has been making big investments over the past few years to also  expand its fiber-optic network to business customers in CLEC areas throughout the state. Now they are looking to extend their high-speed fiber offering to residents in these challenging areas as well. To do so, they are using COS System’s demand aggregation platform COS Service Zones to secure that enough residents are willing to sign up to ensure a return on the investment justifying the build-out.

Bloomington, IN – “Building fiber here in Indiana is not an easy task with all the rock and Limestone. When targeting businesses, it’s easier to get the numbers together but we have now been considering our options on how to bring fiber to the residents in our CLEC areas for quite some time. We concluded that there’s only one way to do it without taking too big risks. We need to sell before we build,” says Smithville COO Dave Brodin.

“Initially we thought about developing something for this ourselves, but then found that COS Systems actually have an out-of-the box solution designed to do exactly what we wanted to do. It allows us to split our targeted area into competing neighborhoods and set take-rate targets for each neighborhood to reach. People can pre-signup for services, making a credit card deposit to verify that they are committed. People who are willing to make an extra effort in getting their neighborhood connected can also sign up as Champions through the website and we take really good care of those local heroes, get to know them and then use their help to do some of the local marketing,” says Melissa Wright, Project Manager at Smithville.

Streamlining Fiber Deployment with COS Service Zones

COS Service Zones is a self-service tool for those planning to build a broadband network. By simply logging in to your cloud hosted installation you can draw neighborhood zones in your intended service area. Then you decide on a target take-rate for each and every neighborhood to reach to get the network built first to them. In addition to social media integrations, referral programs and other features to build local engagement COS Service Zones comes with extensive reporting functionality to easily provide accurate and timely data supporting decision making.

“It was extremely easy to get started using COS Service Zones. It’s a very good product and well framed for what it’s intended to do. And even for an off-the shelf product that is so quick to get working in, it has more flexibility than you might first think and the COS Support team has been great in helping us do those tweaks,” says Wright.

“I’m not the one working in the system, but I still log in every morning to check out the dashboard to see what progress we’ve had since the day before. I can, for example, quickly see if a marketing activity has had a good effect. Due to the high cost of building here in Indiana we have quite high take-rate targets for our neighborhoods and who knows, despite our efforts we might not get enough customers signed up to move into the residential market with fiber just yet. But knowing that might actually be the biggest values of using a platform like Service Zones. Imagine if we had spent all that money and built the network only to find out later that people didn’t want it. That would have been really expensive,” concludes Brodin.

“It is just great to get a customer like Smithville onboard. Since they knew what they were looking for and had a clear picture of how they wanted to run their demand aggregation campaign they were up and running in no time. Our platform is built so that you should be able to do most things by yourself, but of course it’s very pleasing to hear they like our support team. Now we are all crossing our fingers that there will be enough demand to start connecting the first residents, but as Mr. Brodin said – knowing that you don’t have enough demand yet might be an even greater value than knowing that you do. Coming from Sweden where we started deploying fiber a long time ago we’ve seen many projects fail due to lacking demand and it was actually to prevent that from happening in the future we developed COS Service Zones,” says COS Systems CMO Isak Finer.

About Smithville

Recognized nationally as a Top 100 broadband provider, Smithville Fiber is built from the ground up by Hoosiers, for Hoosiers. An award-winning communications technology company, Smithville had modest beginnings nearly a century ago. While its products and services have changed as technology has, its commitment to its customers has remained steadfast. Today, that commitment is reflected in Smithville’s dedication to bringing the best available technology platform to Indiana residents for state-of-the-art communication and data services, all with the highest possible level of customer satisfaction.

Smithville knows all about Indiana family businesses — because it is one. While the company has grown to be Indiana’s largest privately held telecommunications company, its core family-focused values make it unique. From its corporate headquarters near Bloomington, Smithville employs nearly 200 Hoosiers and invests in community projects, large and small, in its service areas.

About COS Service Zones

“Build it, and they will come?” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber-optics by beginning with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other only to chase customers after. Just follow these steps:

  1. Draw up multiple competing zones across your city or town.
  2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
  3. Wait until target take-rate is reached before deploying to accelerate profitability.

Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, with no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

For additional information, contact:

Melissa Patee
Project Manager
Smithville
+1 (812) 340-8622
Melissa.Patee@smithville.com
www.smithville.com

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems
+46 737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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COS Systems Presents Major Upgrades to Their Cloud Hosted Demand Aggregation Platform COS Service Zones with the Launch of Version 3.0

With the release of COS Service Zones 2.0 in March 2016 the customer facing websites saw great improvements leaving even more choice to network builders to customize the appearance of their customer facing portal while still delivering an off-the-shelf product. With the introduction of COS Service Zones 3.0 the usability has been in focus making it even faster and easier to get up and running and manage the demand aggregation campaigns.

Umea, Sweden – “We have had customers launching their campaigns in less than a week from signing up, but some customers have required more time to get started. While we often hear it’s an easy to use software we still felt we needed to do a focused effort on simplifying the work of not only getting started using the platform but also to use it over time,” says Senior System Architect and COS Systems co-founder Peter Sjöblom.

COS Service Zones is a cloud-hosted software designed to enable any company or community planning to build a broadband network to divide their future service area into competing neighborhood zones. Residents and businesses are directed to an easily customized website where they can search for their address to see if they are in one of the zones competing to get service first. Each neighborhood zone has a take-rate threshold and it’s up to the residents to come together and prove that they want to be built first by signing up for service pre-deployment. Since first launched in 2013 it has undergone substantial development based on feedback from many types of customers and markets.

Simplified User Experience with COS Service Zones 3.0

“As you add functionality to a software system it obviously gets increasingly powerful and flexible, but complexity often increases as well. With this new major release of COS Service Zones we have made a substantial redesign of the user interface. It’s not about adding more functionality, but rather presenting all existing options in a comprehensible way. You shouldn’t need to search for things, but still not be drowned with information. We’ve tried to solve this with a brand new work-flow based dashboard,” says Development Lead Mattias Viberg. “It feels good getting out of the office for some paternity leave with this excellent new version released.”

“We release a new version of COS Service Zones about every quarter and are always looking forward to get the reactions from our customers. Since this release is so focused on usability we are especially eager to hear their feedback on this upgrade,” says COS Systems CEO Peter Lidstrom and continues, “If you’re developing software for a fast moving industry and a global market you’re never finished.”

About COS Service Zones

“Build it, and they will come?” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber-optics by beginning with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other only to chase customers after. Just follow these steps:

  1. Draw up multiple competing zones across your city or town.
  2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
  3. Wait until target take-rate is reached before deploying to accelerate profitability.

Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, with no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

For additional information, contact:

Peter Lidstrom
Chief Executive Officer
COS Systems
+46 70 656 58 72
peter.lidstrom@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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Automated FTTX Network Planning and Demand Aggregation

Comsof and COS Systems announce that FiberPlanIT, used for automated FTTx network planning, and COS Service Zones, used for Demand Aggregation, have been verified to be used collaboratively to enable fast and accurate fiber plans and deployment cost estimates based on actual customer demand.

FiberPlanIT and COS Service Zones in collaboration for FTTX network planningcos-sz

Ghent, Belgium – The starting point of every fiber network build-out is to decide which addresses to serve. These addresses to connect are needed to generate automated fiber network plans with FiberPlanIT, developed by Belgian software company and fiber deployment experts Comsof. FiberPlanIT creates network designs in a fraction of the time required to do it manually with a layout that minimizes the long and short term deployment and maintenance costs. Its advanced algorithms take in all the geographic information of the area and in the blink of an eye provide a detailed network design connecting every serviceable location at minimum cost compliant with the desired network architecture.

 

In the industry, the addresses to connect have traditionally been chosen based on estimates on where demand will be greatest or where deployment costs will be lowest. Now, with COS Service Zones you can instead choose a customer centric approach by targeting your future subscribers neighborhood by neighborhood with a demand aggregation campaign to pre-sell the fiber connections. With neighborhoods reaching take-rate thresholds and addresses where customers have already signed up as input for FiberPlanIT’s algorithms you can be sure to design a network that will start generating revenue from day one after deployment.

 

With the deployment cost calculations from FiberPlanIT and the revenue from subscribers pre-signed up in COS Service Zones as input your will have a complete Business Case to base your deployment decisions on.

 

“We have verified that the COS Service Zones data fits perfectly with our network design platform. The first step in a fiber project is to decide your target area, for this you need address information. Now we can propose a tool for them to use to get that address list from the most reliable source – their future subscribers. We are excited to help deliver not only well designed networks, but also networks with subscribers from the start, which guarantees profitability,” says Comsof CEO Raf Meersman.

 

“So many fiber projects have failed due to the wrong decision on where to start the build-out. We developed COS Service Zones to eliminate these unprofitable networks. But knowing the future revenue is only a part of the picture. FiberPlanIT will ensure that deployment costs are kept low and will give you the important cost component needed to make an optimal deployment decision. We look forward to see our customers build profitable networks designed with the help of FiberPlanIT,” says COS Systems CEO Peter Lidstrom.

 

About FiberPlanIT

FiberPlanIT is a software solution that turns FTTx network planning into profit by lowering planning and design time, avoiding design errors, and reducing construction costs. This is made possible thanks to FiberPlanIT’s unique automated and optimized design capabilities based on GIS data.

Learn more about FiberPlanIT at www.fiberplanit.com.

 

About Comsof

Started in 1998 as a spin-off company of the internationally recognized Department of Information Technology (Intec) of Ghent University, Comsof keeps in close touch with the state-of-the-art in ICT.
The success of Comsof is based on a team of highly-skilled professionals who combine an extensive technological knowledge concerning telecommunications, computer networking and multimedia with a broad experience in software development.

 

About COS Service Zones

“Build it, and they will come?” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber-optics by beginning with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other only to chase customers after. Just follow these steps:

 

  1. Draw up multiple competing zones across your city or town.
  2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
  3. Wait until target take-rate is reached before deploying to accelerate profitability.

 

Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, with no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

 

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

 

For additional information, contact:

 

Jan Moeremans

Global Sales Director
Comsof
+32 9 275 31 00
jan.moeremans@fiberplanit.com
www.fiberplanit.com

 

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer

COS Systems
+46 737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com

www.cossystems.com

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COS Systems Winners at Umeagalan

A unique product suite and the last years’ international successes were the main reasons why COS Systems was named winners in the category Best New Business at this year’s Umea Gala (Umeågalan).

COS Systems Team Triumphantly Holding the Best New Business Award at Umea Gala

Since 2004 the Umea Gala has recognized successful companies in COS System’s hometown Umea that are contributing positively to the city’s development and the local business community. This year the prize for Best New Business 2016, was won by COS Systems.

 “The best new business of the year is a company that enriches the business community of Umea with new ways of thinking. The winning company offers a unique product or service and has built a solid foundation for long term growth and success. The winner is a role model for others starting and growing their business. Other important factors are export outside of the city and country and the constant challenging of established ways of conducting business.”

“It’s always great to win and this prize is something we can all be very proud of,” says COS Systems CMO Isak Finer. “The entire COS team has worked very hard to develop, market and sell our unique solutions for Demand Aggregation (COS Service Zones) and Open Access Network Management (COS Business Engine). With the successes we’ve seen the past few years we all feel we are getting up to speed, but with our targets set very high the common feeling is that we’re just getting started. When you’re working hard every day it’s often difficult to take a step back and look at what you’ve achieved so far. This recognition made us do just that and we are very proud of the prize and what we have accomplished the past few years.”

“This prize might not have a great meaning to our international customers who probably have never even heard of Umea, but for us winning this prize is fantastic. We have a great team that has managed to take us to where we are today, with a truly unique product suite and customers soon in every corner of the world. But to keep the momentum going we need to grow our team. Backed by a state of the art fiber infrastructure our city boasts a very strong IT sector and there’s fierce competition to recruit developers and other competences we need. Winning this prize certainly puts us on the map. I hope and believe that this recognition will help us in recruiting the best talents,” says Peter Lidstrom, CEO.

About Umeågalan and Umeå

Umeågalan was founded in 2004 to recognize successful companies and entrepreneurs and their importance to the growth and development of the City of Umeå. The Gala has grown into the biggest and most important event for the city’s business community. It’s a place for entrepreneurs to meet and the vision of the event is that Umeå will offer the best opportunities for starting and growing new businesses in Sweden. Umeå is the largest city in the northern part of Sweden with 120,000 people. It is one of the fastest growing IT regions in the country with many successful startups and an inflow of new competency from one of Sweden’s largest universities with over 30,000 students.

About COS Systems

COS Systems is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

For additional information, contact:

Peter Lidstrom
Chief Executive Officer
COS Systems
+46 70 656 58 72
peter.lidstrom@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

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COS Systems Nominated at Umeagalan

umeagalan

Since 2004 the Umea Gala has recognized successful companies in our hometown Umea that are contributing positively to the city’s development and the local business community.

We at COS are proud to be nominated in the category Best New Business 2016. It might sound odd that we, with roots from early 2000’s, our first major product released in 2008 and our foundation as a stand alone company in 2011 are awarded in this category, but when reading the description of the prize it makes perfect sense.

“The best new business of the year is a company that enriches the business community of Umea with new ways of thinking. The winning company offers a unique product or service and has built a solid foundation for long term growth and success. The winner is a role model for others starting and growing their business. Other important factors are export outside of the city and country and the constant challenging of established ways of conducting business.”

With our unique solutions for Demand Aggregation (COS Service Zones) and Open Access Network Management (COS Business Engine) and our international success we are very proud to be nominated in this category. In only the last year or two we have managed to win customers in more than half of all US states and with our latest customer in the Philippines the only continent left to cover is Australia.

Umea has a very strong business community, not at least in the IT sector, building on one of Sweden’s largest universities and excellent broadband infrastructure with fiber in the ground since the mid 90’s. Despite the strong competition we are keeping our hopes high. The winner will be announced this Thursday night at the grand gala.

For more information on Umeagalan, visit umegalan.se.

About COS Systems

COS Systems is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

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Reabra aggregates demand for fiber-optics in Sao Paulo

Felipe Trevisan – Founder

Isak Finér and Peter Lidström - COS Systems

Isak Finér and Peter Lidström – COS System

Brazilian Open Access network operator Reabra will initially target residents in central Sao Paulo and neighboring cities Cotia and Rio das Pedras. The goal is to locate the neighborhoods showing most interest in high-speed Internet services in order to plan an optimal network build-out order following subscribers’ demand.

Sao Paulo, Brazil – Reabra is a fiber infrastructure provider offering Open Access Internet connections in Sao Paulo. Their vision is to offer high-speed Internet connections to residents, delivered over their open network infrastructure where multiple Service Providers will offer services to the subscribers. Using this approach, Reabra can focus on network expansion and efficient operations, while competition between the service providers will increase quality of service and drive price competition to the benefit of the residents. The services range from 100 MBps up to gigabit speeds without data caps or long-term contracts.

“As we expand our network it’s important for us to add many customers quickly. This is necessary for us to secure the network infrastructure investment, but also to attract service providers to deliver services on our network,” said Felipe Trevisan, Founder and CEO of Reabra. “With COS Service Zones we have a great platform to enable future subscribers to show their interest in our services, to spread the word in social media, and also become champions of their neighborhoods.”

“The obvious benefit of using COS Service Zones to signup customers before you build your network is that you can start building where you have the most subscribers and thus the most revenue. It makes a huge difference on the business side when your first deployed areas start generating cash flow from day one, providing stable funds for the subsequent build-out. But just as important is the ability to avoid those areas where take-rates are low. Imagine making your first investments in an area that doesn’t draw in any customers. Such a mistake could risk the future of the entire network buildout or even the company, since the bank or investors could lose their confidence in the project and the network itself is unprofitable,” said Isak Finér, Chief Marketing Officer at COS Systems.

The system is already beginning initial setup and soon residents in Sao Paulo can visit the Reabra’s COS Service Zones website to search for their address to see if they are in the targeted areas and show their interest in a faster fiber-optic Internet connection.

“We have customers across the globe in Europe, Africa, and North America. Reabra is our first customer in South America and an important milestone for our company. Our goal is to develop software solutions that allow our customers to make any necessary configurations and adjustments by themselves. This ease of use, along with our Cloud-hosted product suite means moving into new markets takes minimal effort. We are very happy to welcome Reabra to the COS family. We believe it will be a great beginning for more customers in South America,” said Peter Lidström, Chief Executive Officer at COS Systems.

About COS Service Zones

They used to say, “Build it, and they will come.” Now, there’s a better way to roll-out fiber-optics by beginning with committed customers. No more deploying from one end of town to the other only to chase customers after. Just follow these steps:
1. Draw up multiple competing zones across your city or town.
2. See demand build in real-time as customers signup using your branded website.
3. Wait until target take-rate is reached before deploying to accelerate profitability.
Our mission: Subscriber-backed, successful fiber, with no more failed projects. COS Service Zones brings broadband to homes all across the globe. Let’s discover the demand in your community.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy, and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, while using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue, and result in more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

About Reabra

REABRA provides Brazil’s best option to get connected to the Internet at gigabit speeds. With a fiber-optic based open network infrastructure, subscribers are able to choose high-speed services from multiple service providers. This competition between providers ensures high-quality services at competitive prices. While current Brazilian providers are increasingly implementing data caps for customers, Reabra is proud to offer services on their network with unlimited data traffic and no long-term commitments.

For additional information contact:
Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Felipe Trevisan
Founder and CEO
Reabra
+55 (11) 96922-7667
felipe@reabra.com.br
www.reabra.com.br

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Kitsap PUD Signs Agreement to Manage Open Access Network with COS Business Engine

Two businessmen seal a deal with a firm handshake, expressing mutual trust and agreement.

Paul Avis – Superintendent of Telecom Kitsap PUD and Bjorn Wannman – COS Systems

Washington Utility Expands Cooperation with COS Systems From Aggregating Demand for Fiber Using COS Service Zones to Also Managing Their Network And Subscribers Using Business and Operations Support System COS Business Engine

KITSAP COUNTY, Washington – KPUD (Kitsap Public Utility District) has been using COS Systems’ demand aggregation software COS Service Zones to survey the county, create community engagement and understand the desire for the deployment of a utility owned fiber optic network connecting the residents with gigabit speeds.

“We know there is a need for better broadband in our community, and after all positive responses we’ve received in COS Service Zones, we are confident that investing in high-speed broadband network expansion is necessary for our community, “ said Bob Hunter, General Manager at KPUD.

KPUD is one of 28 Public Utility Districts in Washington who have jointly built a fiber ring reaching almost every corner of the State and KPUD has continued to expand their fiber backbone within the county.

“With our extensive fiber backbone we are flexible in where we can deploy to residents, however, we need to understand where there is need and demand. Our approach using COS Service Zones splits the county up into small buildable neighborhood zones where we will set a target number of people to sign up in each neighborhood. If there are no technical difficulties, as zones reach the target we will extend our network in the order that is most cost effective and which will bring fiber first to those who want or need it most. At the same time this approach ensures that we deploy where we have a reasonable business case. We plan to spend our money wisely, “ said Hunter.

When moving into the residential market KPUD will do it with an Open Access model, which means they will provide the infrastructure while the services will be delivered by independent service providers, driving competition to the good of the residents.

“If you’re not happy with your current service, just go to the web portal and pick a new provider, “comments Paul Avis, Superintendent of Telecom at KPUD.

In broadband, Open Access is almost synonymous with Sweden where fiber networks have been deployed on big scale since the 90´s and where this model is dominating the market.

“Since we’re doing Open Access we found it natural to choose a partner who has been doing this on the most established market in the world for 10 years, “ Said Avis.

“The complexity in network operations increases dramatically when you open it up for multiple providers, but with the right system you can actually increase your efficiency. It’s all about ensuring a high data quality with built in validations and keeping track of all the moving parts, which our system COS Business Engine does extremely well, “ said Bjorn Wannman, International Business Developer at COS Systems.

The system is planned to be launched to the public in September, when residents in connected areas will be able to go to the website and shop for their Internet services as easy as buying apps on the Appstore.

“We have a big number of COS Service Zones customers in the US, but for us it’s a very important milestone when we now bring our network management solution to the market. We hope and believe our long experience in Open Access and our system COS Business Engine will play a significant role in their success as KPUD now moves into the FTTH (Fiber-To-The-Home) arena,” said Isak Finér, Chief Marketing Officer at COS Systems.

About COS Business Engine

COS Business Engine is a proven network management solution, supporting both single-provider and open-access networks. Subscribers buy their Internet services from an online marketplace, which increases take rates, ARPU, and customer satisfaction, as the network owner can offer 24/7 availability, while reaching maximum operations efficiency, thanks to the extensive use of self-service solutions.

About COS Systems

COS SYSTEMS is a leading provider of software to plan, deploy and manage modern broadband networks that support services from one or more providers, using a powerful yet simple self-service interface. COS Systems takes customer needs and delivers innovative software solutions that streamline operations, accelerate revenue and deliver more satisfied subscribers. Learn more about COS Systems on www.cossystems.com.

About Kitsap PUD

Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD ) is a municipal corporation in Washington State with incorporated boundaries parallel to Kitsap County. Our mission is building and strengthening communities through utility services. We are proud to be connecting residents of Kitsap County to each other, to local government, and to the world.

For additional information, contact:

Isak Finér
Chief Marketing Officer
COS Systems AB
+46-737 51 99 38
isak.finer@cossystems.com
www.cossystems.com

Paul Avis
Superintendent of Telecom
Kitsap PUD
(360) 626-7731
paul@kpud.org
www.kpud.org

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