Hinsdale, Ill. - In the past few years, organizations with contact centers have been at risk of a multi-million dollar exposure due to a phenomenon known as Katz telecom licensing fees. To help educate enterprises regarding their options in this area the Opus Group LLP, an operational performance management firm has published a white paper that describes the benefits of performing a telecom operational analysis after receiving a so-called "Katz letter."Ronald A. Katz telecom licensing fees are assessed for the use of technologies covered under a variety of patents. Most of these patents cover technology that ties telephone and online/computer equipment together, a practice that is almost universal in today's contact centers. The Katz letter estimates the fees owed based on public records and standard industry practices. Until now, organizations have had to choose whether to pay the fees as stated or fight them in court. To date, according to a research note from Saddletree Research analyst Paul Stockford, the Katz organization has never lost a case.
The white paper describes how the Opus Group can perform a deep dive into the organization's actual connections between telephone and computer technologies using the company's performance analytics technology. Opus Group's practice managers then analyze the data further, providing a 30-page report that documents usage and lays out the organization's options, including making a counter-offer. This documentation helps senior managers determine their next course of action.
"Up until now, organizations receiving a Katz letter haven't had the data to make an informed decision on what to do about it," says Michael Callaghan, CEO of Opus Group. "With this white paper we hope to show them how a telecom operational analysis will open their options and pursue any strategy they select from an educated position. It provides details on what's involved, what the general timeframe is, and what sort of resources they'll need to devote."
The free white paper can be dowloaded from an Opus Group site located at www.katzpatentconsulting.com.Source: Opus Group LLP
