Articles tagged with ‘credit’
Skype have recently announced that Skype Credit will be phased out in partner applications. This effects the Windows users of PamFax. On December 11, 2009 Skype will shut down Skype Credit payments in any application which uses this. Any (with Skype Credit) purchased PamFax Credit will obviously remain in your account.
As a concequence we will be switching over to an alternative “Pay As You Go” offer which will allow occasional PamFax users to still use PamFax “On Demand” without needing to buy a monthly plan. The minimum initial credit purchase will be €5 (Skype Credit was €0,99). The reason for the €5 amount is the cost associated with processing smaller amounts.
The good news is that PamFax is still the only product which allows you to send faxes by just paying a small pre-load amount.
This update will be done server side and will not require a PamFax update on your computer.
Written by Dick on 27. October 2009 in category PamFax
Skype has just announced today that the Skype Extras System will not continue. This means no more third-party applications for Skype will be certified and no new extras will be added to the “Tools” -> “Extras” menu in the Skype client. All existing entries will not be removed until the certification period expires. This does not include the Skype Public API which allows third party software to connect to Skype and control some functions and do things like call recording etc. Skype says this API will be maintained in future.
But this shut-down also includes the Skype Credit payment, which will be switched off shortly. No third-party software will then be able to accept Skype Credit payments.
So how does this affect Scendix/PamConsult products? The simple answer is: not very much.
Read more..
Written by Christoph on 11. September 2009 in category General News,PamFax,Pamela for Skype
We’ve just pushed out the second server and first user application update out to the live systems. Since the launch on April 27, we’ve had a lot of good but also some critical feedback. We’re analyzed the feedback carefully and prepared the two updates. By the way, you can always see the server and local application version in the bottom left corner of the PamFax application window. The second digit from the right is the server version number and the furtest right is the local PamFax application number. The server number may change without an application update which means we released an update to the server.
The changes we made in server version 2.0.2.x were mainly focussed on fixing some key backend issues like login problems, stability and performance.
The changes made in todays release (2.0.3.x) are:
- Local PamFax application: Improved printer driver (Windows)
- Local PamFax application: Installer shows real filenames (Windows)
- Local PamFax application: No more installer timeouts (Windows)
- Server: Improved “forgot password” function on Portal login page
- Server: Fixed IE7 compatibility (send faxes + buy credit from portal)
- Server: Portal login issues resolved
- Server: Added about box in client
- Server: Fixed handling of large files (> 10mb)
Windows users will be prompted for an automatic update when you start PamFax.
With this update we have addressed the most mentioned issues. However as we continue to strive for perfectionism, please keep the feedback coming via our helpdesk system.
We are currently collecting the feedback and checking the servers intensively for further improvements. The main points of focus, besides bugfixing, will be:
- Further increase PamFax application performance (startup and responsiveness)
- Roll out improved fax conversion systems
On the conversion servers we already have achieved remarkable results which I will share with you soon. We are coming closer and closer to our objective to make a fax come out as if it is a printed document.
Written by Dick on 6. May 2009 in category General News,PamFax
Skype have launched a competition with cool prizes.
Tens of thousands of businesses around the world use Skype to save time, save money and stay ahead – and yours is probably one of them. We’re celebrating the new look for Skype for Business by offering you the opportunity to share your story with the world and win prizes for your business.
For the best stories, we’ll be awarding first, second and third prizes in three regions – EMEA, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. The prizes are as follows:
- First: Wins a Skype for Business consultancy service with a Skype for Business employee offering a bespoke solution for their business. The package will include a Business Control Panel account and Skype products up to the value of €1000. Products on offer will include Skype Credit to purchase any pay as you go features, online numbers or subscriptions in addition to Skype Certified hardware products.
- Second: A Business Control Panel account with €200 of Skype Credit and up to €300 of Skype Certified hardware products.
- Third: A Business Control Panel account with €100 of Skype Credit and up to €100 of Skype Certified hardware products.
Sign up here: http://www.skypeforbusinesscompetition.com/go/enter
Written by Dick on 5. May 2009 in category General News
Just want to post a quick update on where we are with the new PamFax 2.0 release. As mentioned earlier this is a major update with the following changes.
- Support (finally) for Macintosh
- Fax-In as part of the new Pro Plan covering 27 countries
- Complete redesigned PamFax application user interface for easier fax submission and managment
- New portal design
- Multi document sending
- Also works without Skype Extras Manager (Skype Credit then not supported)
- Country upgrades to cheaper zones
- Significant page price drop
We are on track for a tentative lauch on April 27.
For existing users it is important to know that we will allow existing PamFax Pro subscribers to upgrade to the new plan which includes a fax-in number from one of the 27 countries. As soon as we release PamFax 2.0 all 1.0 users will be upgraded automatically at next application start. Obviously the new page rates will apply to existing credit balances.
Attached two screenshots of what the new application looks like.
Written by Dick on 14. April 2009 in category General News,PamFax
Yesterday a joint Skype/PamFax promotion went live on the Facebook pages of Skype for Business.
Till November 30, 2008 you can get a coupon code that will add 5 free (zone1) fax pages to your PamFax account. For further details and how to get the code see the Facebook promotion page.
You can find the home page of Skype for Business on Facebook here. Everyone is free to join the group and invite others. Keep an eye on it for further promotions!
Written by Dick on 13. November 2008 in category PamFax
We recently upgraded our store on Pamela-Systems to a complete new system. The platform is the same as we have already been using with PamFax. Obviously we had to migrate a lot of legacy and this took us a bit longer then we had anticipated.
The new store is much simpler to navigate and find your way around. In addition it finally provides decent multi-currency support and can handle a large number of credit card processing systems. We still have PayPal but we replaced 2CheckOut with Worldpay. We added Google Checkout who are the only ones that offer Amex support and a really simple and easy payment process. In future we might look at adding systems for particular countries.
The store layout is much cleaner and we have been able to add more license packs, now also for Pamela Call Recorder. Each product can be viewed in detail, you can see exactly what a particular edition offers, what the requirements are and there is even a direct download option. In the past this was often confusing, having the download and purchase on separate pages – people occasionally purchased the wrong license. This should improve with the new store.
The backend side has also improved, you can now login to your account and see your purchase history. The system also provides you with the ability to lookup your activation key and download an invoice for your purchase. For companies within EU we offer the ability to enter the EU-VAT number and purchase without VAT.
The upgrade process has also significantly improved. You login to the store, select a product from the upgrade category, enter your old activation key at checkout and the previous paid price is subtracted from the basket. You only pay the difference. Note though that the entered key is disabled afterwards.
So, with this upgrade we hope you will find it easier to find the right product, with the right currency which fits your need. As always, any comments are greatly appreciated.
Written by Dick on 9. October 2008 in category General News,Pamela for Skype
After months of work and testing, we released a major PamFax update yesterday. We worked hard to upgrade the whole system to a new framework “under the hood”. This enables us to add new features better and a lot faster in the future.
But we also added some new features for you:
- PamFax Business Control Panel: With the PamFax Business Control Panel (also called “BCP”), you can group multiple PamFax users together and control the credits of these users from one account. This is perfect for companies, where only one user buys all the PamFax Credit and controls how many credit the employees get. You can manually send PamFax Credit to the users of your BCP and also set a minimum amount of PamFax Credit your BCP users need. So now, your employees never run out of PamFax Credit and do not need to hassle with payments on their own; all payments can be done through one administrator Pamfax account.
- PamFax Vista Sidebar Gadget: With this gadget, you can see the status of your last faxes, access the PamFax Portal very quick and even start sending a fax more easy:
- Send to more recipients at once: you can now send a fax to more then 1000 recipients at once. The “multiple recipients” input box now allows to add more numbers and PamFax processes these recipient numbers much, much faster. Sending ads or invitations to lots of recipients is now a breeze with PamFax!
- New installer: We heard your requests about a more flexible installation and improved the PamFax installer: you are now able to select if you want to add desktop icons, install the PamFax printer driver and/or add the Microsoft Office toolbar buttons while installing. The installer is now localized to the major languages as well. So you should feel more comfortable when installing PamFax.
- Use Amazon payments worldwide: You can now use your credit card or other payment data stored in your Amazon account to pay for your faxes in PamFax from all over the world. This feature was introduced in PamFax only to US-citizens some time ago and is now available to everyone. Amazon payments is a very nice payment option, as there is no minimal payment amount and as it’s very secure: you do not have to give us any credit card data if you don’t want to. The payment is handled by Amazon, the faxes are processed and sent by PamFax.
We also analyzed hundreds of logs, test reports and requests to improve PamFax in a lot of minor functions. PamFax should be more stable than ever now and work faster then before.
The website was also updated: all screenshots and texts are up-to-date and the rates-page now also shows all the possibilities from the webshop and lets you select your currency. The FAQ system is currently overworked as well: expect a very flexible modern system that allows you to find the answers to your questions very easy. This will be updated on the website shortly.
Just let us know if you have any issues or other feedback.
Happy faxing!
Written by Christoph on 4. September 2008 in category PamFax
Due to the summer holiday season the blog has been a bit quiet, but don’t be fooled. We are working hard on major projects that will launch after the holiday season is over.
First of all we are currently finalizing a major PamFax overhaul. This is neccessary due to the many changes and new features added since lauch in August 2007. Those areas that were not yet using our latest platform architecture have been ported to that. The result is more flexibility for future enhancements and a slight increase in performance on the user side as well as improves server utilization.
Most importantly though we have sort of silently launched the new PamFax credit packs and the Pro Plan. These are available via the new store at www.pamfax.biz/shop. The packs provide you with a significant discount and the Pro Plan also makes faxing really attractive. The Pay As You Go prices have been lowered as we were able to negotiate better rates due to the increased volume. Keep faxing and we’ll try to keep pushing the prices down!
With the mentioned platform update we will also make available a new function for business users called the PamFax Business Control Panel. Very similar to the BCP you have at Skype, our BCP allows you to create a group and add Skypenames to the group to provide them with PamFax credit. We also provide the owner of the group with a set of tools to control the account, auto top up users, add/remove users and a lot more. This is a great function for companies using Skype with PamFax. And the good news, using the PamFax BCP is totally free!
We are working on a new Pamela for Skype release (4.5) which has two main new functions. One is a call scheduler which allows you to schedule Skype calls and Pamela will remind you of them automatically. Never miss a call anymore! The other function is automatic conference call manager. Ever needed to join or initiate a conference call and either the time zone or other commitments did not allow you to be at the PC? Well, now Pamela will help you with that. So, stay tuned for more news as the release date comes closer (yes, I wrote a post few months ago saying the same but we want to make sure the new release is as solid as possible).
Our Pamela Call Recorder product already has an update made public. Version 4.5 can be downloaded for free from www.pamcorder.com. Pamela Call Recorder is available in Skype under the tools menu and then Do More (just like PamFax). We’re going to release a minor update shortly with an automatic version check module facilitate an auto-update function. This is important as we want to inform people when there are new releases.
We at PamConsult wish everyone a relaxing holiday season and you will hear from us again shortly.
Written by Dick on 20. August 2008 in category PamFax
Due to the significant growth in PamFax revenue we are able to lower the standard “Pay As You Go” by 17%. This means the page price has dropped from €0,17 to €0,14 per page. The other zones where lowered accordingly. The new rates make PamFax the most attractive “no strings attached” fax sending platform.
Based on users feedback we have added two new fax plans. Next to “Pay As You Go” we intorduced “PamFax Professional Plan” and pre-paid packs.
The new plan “PamFax Professional Plan” provides a 35% discount on the standard rates for only €2,95 per month. Ideal for companies sending faxes regularly and who want to save significantly. The page price starts at €0,09 for zone1.
Packs are pre-paid and start at €30 up to €1.000. The discount on the standard page price starts with 5% when buying €30 credit and goes up to 40% when buying €1.000 credit. Ideal when you need to send a bulk fax or plan to send many faxes at once or in a short timeframe. Note that, unlike with our competitors, purchased packs do not expire within a month.
The plan and packs can be purchased at the new PamFax shop located at www.pamfax.biz/shop.
With the three fax sending options (Pay As You Go, PamFax Professional Plan and the packs), everyone can save substantially when using PamFax. Start with “Pay As You Go” and then you may consider to purchase the plan or a pack. In any case we want to offer the best and easiest faxing platform and the most attractive rates.
Please send in any feedback regarding above plans and how we can help you be more efficient and productive.
In the light of the above new offers we released a new server and client update. The big change in the new client is the improved startup speed. We had some complaints from users where the startup time of the PamFax application was very long, too long. So we changed that and the new .34 client build will startup a lot faster.
Until Skype release the new version in the extras gallery the update needs to be done manually by downloading and running the setup from www.pamfax.biz. Once Skype have published the new version the update will be automatic when you next start the PamFax application.
We hope you enjoy using our service and as always appreciate your feedback. Stay tuned for more cool stuff soon!
Written by Dick on 20. July 2008 in category PamFax
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