The rates define hourly
connection costs and the cost customers are charged for
printing. The various rates can then be used to set the
Rate Plans to be applied to
customers.
Connection Charges
Softvision Explorer handles two types of
rates:
Constant Hourly Rates
This rate is used to set the hourly cost of a session and any connection charge
(similar to the connection charge when a telephone call is answered). When this
type of rate is used, the customer is charged for the time he used the
workstation. For example, if the hourly cost is 3.00 and the customer
navigates for just 10 minutes, he will be charged 0.50 (1/6 of the cost of one
hour) plus any connection charge.
Rates by Step
In this case, it is necessary to define time bands, each with a particular
duration and cost. With this type of rate, the customer is not charged for
minutes of use but the costs of the time bands used, which generally decrease as
the total time the workstation is used increases. Outside the bands created, an
hourly rate will be applied that is similar to those discussed above.
For example, suppose there is a rate with three bands and an hourly rate of
1.00 to be applied outside the bands.
|
Over min. |
Up to min. |
Cost |
Total |
|
0 |
30 |
3,00 |
3,00 |
|
30 |
60 |
2,00 |
5,00 |
|
60 |
90 |
1,50 |
6,50 |
In the preceding
example, we defined 3 bands (steps) all of 30 minutes but with
decreasing costs: 3.00 2.00 and 1.50.
If the customer connects for less than 10 minutes (even for just
one second), he will only be charged the cost of the first band,
i.e., 3.00. If the connection lasts more than 30 but less than
60 minutes, the customer will be charged the cost of the first
two bands, i.e., 3.00 + 2.00 = 5.00. Finally, if the
connection lasts more than 60 but less than 90 minutes, the
total cost will be 3.00 + 2.00 + 1.50 = 6.50.
As you can see from the preceding example, the time bands only
cover the first 90 minutes of connection. Beyond this time, the
program will apply the hourly rate, which in this case is
1.00. So, a customer who navigates for 150 minutes will be
charged the costs of the 3 bands that cover the first 90 minutes
( 6.50) and the hourly cost of the remaining 60 minutes (
1.00) for a total of 7.50.
With this type of rate, charges are applied at the precise
instant the customer enters the band: the first band is charged
on connection, the second band at 30 minutes and then 90, etc.
Printing Charges
The customers
printing bill is found on the windows second page. There are
two options available :
Charges independent of the printer used : When selecting
this option the charges for printing a colour page and a
black and white page must be entered. The customer will be
charged these amount for all the printers used.
Charges dependent on the printer used : In this case you
can vary the printing charges according to the printers used by
the customer.
