Blackboard

 

What is a SaaS solution?

Blackboard Connect is a hosted, SaaS (Software as a Service) solution. That means there is no software maintenance or issues with upgrades, no hardware necessary or installation of phone lines required. This web based solution is completely operated by Blackboard and accessible 24/7/365, ready whenever you need it.Back to Top

 

What are the key features of Blackboard Connect technology?

• Ability to send voice calls, email, text and SMS messages to up to nine contact points per contact simultaneously
• Fixed-fee unlimited calling plan based upon annual per-user fee
• Award-winning map-based calling capability to target a specific region to receive notification
• Advanced Dial-in Messaging service, allowing users to send a voice message using just a telephone via a secure, automated environment even without Internet access
• Ability to blend the sender’s own voice with text to speech, providing individual, student-specific information
• Interactive Survey feature allows you to gather feedback from call recipients
• Comprehensive reports track delivery results, aggregate information and message activity

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Can multiple departments use the service?

With one annual service fee, you can leverage Blackboard Connect software across multiple departments for an unlimited number of voice and text messages.Back to Top

 

What about maintenance costs? Do I need to buy hardware?

No maintenance is required nor fees assessed. Blackboard Connect is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the service. There are no hidden costs or need to invest in additional personnel, hardware, software, or additional phone lines. A complete SaaS (Software as a Service) solution, Blackboard Connect software can be used anywhere, anytime.Back to Top

 

What about technical support?

Our proven technology is backed by unequalled customer service. We provide 24/7 support for all users. There is no need to dedicate an employee to manage support. Our Client Care Specialists lead training and data transfers, and provide technical support to ensure that the system is being utilized to its fullest capacity.Back to Top

 

Are text messages alone sufficient?

Cellular carriers did not design SMS (Short Message Service) as a reliable medium for transmitting high volume, time-sensitive communications. SMS alone is not the optimal way to communicate important information, especially in unexpected situations.

Further, SMS protocol limits the number of characters that you can send in any given message. This makes it difficult to clearly identify the what, when, and what to do components needed in a time-sensitive situation. Further, studies have shown that text recipients tend to seek a corroborating source before taking action and that may overload local 911 centers.

This is why we recommend voice and text messages be sent to all users and that text messages point to voice messages (delivered in the voice of a credible and recognizable spokesperson). However, SMS is a key component of a comprehensive communications solution that includes voice, text messaging and e-mail. If you would like additional information about this topic, including industry whitepapers and/or commentary from the cell phone carriers, please contact us.Back to Top

 

Who’s using the technology?

Blackboard Connect has extensive experience delivering millions of voice and text messages each month nationwide – the platform is currently used at over 25,000 active sites across the USA and operates in 48 states plus the District of Columbia and Canada. In 2008, over 370 million voice messages and 46 million text-based (e-mail and SMS) messages were sent.Back to Top

 

What’s the back-up plan?

Blackboard Connect is protected by redundant hardware and systems throughout. Our call data centers span all national power interconnects. Our redundant systems and unmatched capacity assure continuity during incidents that might otherwise disrupt the local communications infrastructure, such as natural disasters or human threats, or security breaches caused by hackers, viruses and worms.Back to Top

 

What about security?

We maintain the highest security standards in our industry, conducting annual, third-party IT and security audits performed by Foundstone, a division of McAfee. In addition, we maintain dual layers of firewalls and VLANs for maximum protection and authentication. Data is further protected by encrypted backups and facilitated by Iron Mountain. No information (data, call history, etc.) is ever sold or provided to anyone outside of Blackboard.Back to Top

 

What languages are supported?

Multilingual message capability with translation services for English to Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian and German.Back to Top