Question 1

How does XComms work?

Accepted Answer

The concept is simple. A very small software package is installed on end user computers enabling them to receive pop-ups, tickers, screensavers, wallpaper, locked screen background, and quizzes that an content manager sends as well as providing them with their own history console containing searchable / active alerts.  The content manager(s) logs into a console where he/she can choose from a variety of XComms tools and customize notifications to target individuals, groups or broadcast to recipients on any network, domain, device or in any location immediately..  Proof of delivery and exportable / detailed analytics are available as well within the same console  XComms

Question 2

Do on-screen pop ups interfere with workflow?

Accepted Answer

The delivery, appearance and on-screen position of XComms alerts are determined by the content manager who sends out an alert.  He/she can easily and quickly determine how obtrusive or unobtrusive an alert needs to be in a very user friendly, flexible and customizable web based console.  ​ In addition you can send a less invasive notification via a scrolling ticker alert that would scroll across the screen containing information that is important without being disruptive.

Question 3

What kind of notifications can I send with XComms?

Accepted Answer

There many available notifications to choose from that are all customizable, cut through and effective.  Below are a few...  POP-UP ALERTS: Fully customizable and direct to any screen.
SCROLLING TICKERS: Deliver Updates without interrupting workflow. MOBILE: Cast a wide net and reach employees on their mobile devices. VIDEO ALERTS: Can embedded into alerts and be delivered immediately. SCREENSAVERS: Complete ScreenSaver Management to turn unattended screens into powerful digital signage. INTERACTIVE: Measure Employee Comprehension with On-Screen Employee Quizzes. WALLPAPER: Provide Useful Information to Employees Directly on Computer Wallpaper Background. LOCKED SCREEN BACKGROUNDS: Take advantage of this unused space to design spread your messaging.

Question 4

Can we brand our alerts with our corporate logo(s)?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  That's exactly what you will receive with your XComms Platform. In fact we offer a free custom branding tools so you can upload your own logo.

Question 5

How soon can the XComms Platform be up and running?

Accepted Answer

XComms can be up and running in minutes.  The easy to use console for creating alerts is designed with functions commonly found in most office applications. Formatting text, inserting graphics, video, hyperlinks, acknowledgement buttons, etc. are all a snap in an extremely user friendly, intuitive and responsive console.

Question 6

Are some companies too small for this type of solution?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not!  Every organization benefits greatly from improved internal communication and with a price that makes it easy to choose XComms. In some cases (unfortunately) there are companies that may get discouraged from implementing this type of solution after sending inquiries to other providers before checking in with us. Either because the rates provided are cost prohibitive or requests are simply ignored. 
 ​With XComms there is no such thing as a customer who is too small nor is there a solution that is unaffordable considering the value of this solution. XComms does not charge customers for modules or functions they would not benefit from so if the interest in making the organization better is there (regardless of size or budget) then there is always a way to make the solution customized and affordable for anyone.    Allow us the opportunity to send you a price quote so you can see for yourself. Click HERE to get an estimate today.

Question 7

Why do companies use the XComms Platform?

Accepted Answer

There are many reasons why an organization would implement an internal XComms solution.  Primarily it is used to create immediate awareness of any update or internal initiative or to reinforce key standards.  XComms goes beyond the capabilities of email or any collaboration tool and any department within any organization is much more effective and productive with an immediate connection to employees that bypasses email and traditional methods of internal communication with cut through / high impact notifications to create immediate awareness.
 The XComms solution ultimately provides an additional layer of accountability that goes well beyond any communication method a company may currently have all from one place. XComms eliminates the common excuse of "I didn't know", "No one told me", "I get too many emails", "It got buried in Slack", "I can't find it in Teams" etc.

Question 8

What do I need to know before deciding on a provider for a solution like XComms?

Accepted Answer

While there are very few providers of this type of communication software it is very important to know what to research upfront so there won't be a big surprise in the end or you find yourself in a position where you are locked into a solution that might be costly and ultimately ineffective. Make sure to find out and be comfortable knowing:

> What is the pricing structure? 
> Where is the company based out of? (important)
> How secure is it?
> How old is the technology? Is it available on mobile and is it actually responsive?
> Are there additional fees for basic services beyond the tools themselves? Like more active directory synchronization tools, unlimited content managers, full analytics, video tools, sms, computer name and user name targeting, etc.? Hint: All of these are complimentary and/or unlimited with XComms. 
> What does it cost to use our own logo(s)? And can we do it ourselves?

Question 9

Can we see a demo of XComms?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! You can schedule a demo with us at your convenience. 
 In an effort to not waste anyone's time with a pre-recorded demonstration or a "cattle call" type mass demo or webinar telling you about services that ultimately may not apply to what you are looking for, we will carefully listen to what your needs are and show you exactly how using the XComms solution will fill those needs and have a profound impact on your organization at a rate that is extremely cost effective.

Question 10

How is the price for XComms determined?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is determined by two things. The number of users or machines that are being targeted and which XComms Tools you would be using would ultimately determine the cost of the software.   The pricing is extremely flexible and we do not charge customers for functions they do not need or licenses they will never use.

Question 11

Why is XComms priced so much lower than other providers considering how much more advanced the platform is?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to provide the best internal communication solution available at a cost that enables all companies (regardless of size) to have an effective internal communication infrastructure that rivals even the largest of organizations. 
 ​The truth is that getting your alerts from point A to point B is not a new accomplishment for any of our competitors or ourselves so there is no sense in charging extra for the development of something has been in place for a while or has already paid for itself many times over. However like most big companies conduct business, marketing is a necessity and expenses have to be absorbed somewhere... In most cases it's the customer who pays heavily for aggressive advertising and that's not a concept we employ. 
 ​​XComms offers a more A la carte purchasing option for our customers.  We believe that if you don't need it, don't buy it. And certainly don't pay more for it if you don’t have to.   When new functions and features are developed, often they are included in all solutions. And considering how XComms is built on far newer technology than anyone in our class, adding additional features is a snap so we don't spend nearly as much as our competitors do on research and development.

Question 12

Where is the technical support provided from?

Accepted Answer

If you are in North America or Latin America, the Technical support is 100% US based. The US tech support is available regardless of time zone.  
 If you are taking advantage of the software anywhere else, we have support technicians working within every time zone to ensure all of our customers needs are met.

Question 13

How is the price for XComms determined?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is determined by two things. The number of users or machines that are being targeted and which XComms Tools you would be using would ultimately determine the cost of the software.   The pricing is extremely flexible and we do not charge customers for functions they do not need or licenses they will never use.

Question 14

Are there support and maintenance plans available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are optional support and maintenance plans available.

Question 15

How much does XComms cost versus other alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Significantly less expensive.  XComms is far less costly than ANY other comparable alternative in the industry.   The XComms pricing structure is designed to make implementing your own solution as easy as possible.  In terms of functionality, if you are making a true "apples to apples" comparison you will see that the Platform provided by XComms is easier to use, more technologically advanced, faster to implement and more affordable than any other provider.

Question 16

What separates this solution versus it's competition?

Accepted Answer

The Xcomms advantage is based on it's best in class, affordable and feature rich internal communication capabilities that allow all companies of any size take a leap toward improving the overall way they conduct business, manage employees and measure success.   From cost to it's technology and overall ease of use, XComms provides customers with an affordable / high impact solution that is truly second to none.

Question 17

What do I need to know before deciding on a provider for a solution like XComms?

Accepted Answer

While there are very few providers of this type of communication software it is very important to know what to research upfront so there won't be a big surprise in the end or you find yourself in a position where you are locked into a solution that might be costly and ultimately ineffective. Make sure to find out and be comfortable knowing:

> What is the pricing structure? 
> Where is the company based out of? (important)
> How secure is it?
> How old is the technology? Is it available on mobile and is it actually responsive?
> Are there additional fees for basic services beyond the tools themselves? Like more active directory synchronization tools, unlimited content managers, full analytics, video tools, sms, computer name and user name targeting, etc.? Hint: All of these are complimentary and/or unlimited with XComms. 
> What does it cost to use our own logo(s)? And can we do it ourselves?

Question 18

Why is XComms priced so much lower than other providers considering how much more advanced the platform is?

Accepted Answer

Our goal is to provide the best internal communication solution available at a cost that enables all companies (regardless of size) to have an effective internal communication infrastructure that rivals even the largest of organizations. 
 ​The truth is that getting your alerts from point A to point B is not a new accomplishment for any of our competitors or ourselves so there is no sense in charging extra for the development of something has been in place for a while or has already paid for itself many times over. However like most big companies conduct business, marketing is a necessity and expenses have to be absorbed somewhere... In most cases it's the customer who pays heavily for aggressive advertising and that's not a concept we employ. 
 ​​XComms offers a more A la carte purchasing option for our customers.  We believe that if you don't need it, don't buy it. And certainly don't pay more for it if you don’t have to.   When new functions and features are developed, often they are included in all solutions. And considering how XComms is built on far newer technology than anyone in our class, adding additional features is a snap so we don't spend nearly as much as our competitors do on research and development.

Question 19

How much does it cost to have our logo on the pop up alert skins / templates?

Accepted Answer

It costs absolutely nothing.  While we know some providers are still charging for this or don't offer it all, XComms is excited to offer it's customers the ability to add their own logo to their alerts. Not only does this give your alerts your corporate look and feel but you don't have to wait around for the provider to do it for you ultimately delaying the rollout process.

Question 20

Can using XComms save our company money in any way?

Accepted Answer

Definitely.  Depending on what you are measuring ultimately will determine how much.
 For example in addition to the obvious savings on copy paper and toner, the solution itself saves companies money in many areas.
 Retention of customers is a  great example. If a customer is well informed they are less likely to leave a provider. 
 Retention of employees is another example. If an employee is engaged and supported with the necessary information to carry out his/her responsibilities; his/her success is more than enough reason to stay with a job ultimately saving a company not only the time and expense in hiring and training but all other costs associated with employee turnover. 
 Training and coaching expenses will lower as well as freeing up other valuable support resources from IT, HR, Management, etc. 
 These are just a couple of obvious examples but there are many ways this will make a company more profitable while improving overall function.

Question 21

Who do we call for initial pricing, adding services or licenses or to get technical support?

Accepted Answer

​​XComms is your main source for all things sales and service. The Company is US Based and Technical support is US based for those customers in North America and Latin America.
 For customers outside of these areas, there is also support available in all time zones to ensure that all customer's support needs are met and expectations exceeded.

Question 22

Are some companies too small for this type of solution?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not!  Every organization benefits greatly from improved internal communication and with a price that makes it easy to choose XComms. In some cases (unfortunately) there are companies that may get discouraged from implementing this type of solution after sending inquiries to other providers before checking in with us. Either because the rates provided are cost prohibitive or requests are simply ignored. 
 ​With XComms there is no such thing as a customer who is too small nor is there a solution that is unaffordable considering the value of this solution. XComms does not charge customers for modules or functions they would not benefit from so if the interest in making the organization better is there (regardless of size or budget) then there is always a way to make the solution customized and affordable for anyone.    Allow us the opportunity to send you a price quote so you can see for yourself. Click HERE to get an estimate today.

Question 23

Are there promotions available?

Accepted Answer

Sure.  While we can't predict when but be on the lookout for promotions that might be in the form of cost savings or even additional features included!

Question 24

Does XComms require IT resources for support or install?

Accepted Answer

XComms requires very little (if any) IT resources to install and launch. Each customer is provided with an .msi file that can be installed on individual computers or can be deployed using any app deployment tool. 
 ​In regard to using XComms, all employees assigned to send alerts will have no trouble at all managing a very simple to use console where they would be able to send alerts, view past and upcoming alerts, review reporting or use any of the flexible functions available.
 In fact IT departments benefit greatly from the software as they can preserve valuable resources and reduce help desk calls by sending out proactive communication notifying employees instantly of critical planned and unplanned IT system outages that affect internal operations, systems and security.

Question 25

What kind of notifications can I send with XComms?

Accepted Answer

There many available notifications to choose from that are all customizable, cut through and effective.  Below are a few...  POP-UP ALERTS: Fully customizable and direct to any screen.
SCROLLING TICKERS: Deliver Updates without interrupting workflow. MOBILE: Cast a wide net and reach employees on their mobile devices. VIDEO ALERTS: Can embedded into alerts and be delivered immediately. SCREENSAVERS: Complete ScreenSaver Management to turn unattended screens into powerful digital signage. INTERACTIVE: Measure Employee Comprehension with On-Screen Employee Quizzes. WALLPAPER: Provide Useful Information to Employees Directly on Computer Wallpaper Background. LOCKED SCREEN BACKGROUNDS: Take advantage of this unused space to design spread your messaging.

Question 26

How easy is XComms to deploy?

Accepted Answer

Very Easy! Once the end user msi is installed individually or or mass deployed with your choice of app deployment software you are done and ready to start using XComms.

Question 27

Can the XComms end user client be packaged as an MSI file?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely Yes. The client is created for you and hosted within your own platform. Simply download the .msi file and you are ready to deploy!

Question 28

Does the XComms client start automatically when the computer starts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the client will start automatically.

Question 29

Can XComms pop-up alerts be delivered as a full screen notification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is an additional option the content manager can choose when creating an alert.
 The content manager can easily decide to size the alert appearance or even determine the on-screen position of an alert. If an alert is selected to be delivered as a full screen notification, all users would receive full screen alerts automatically scaled to fit their screen display resolution.

Question 30

Can we use HTML in a XComms Alert?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can absolutely use HTML when composing many of the available alerts and edit with an easy to use HTML editor tool.

Question 31

Are there Mobile Alert options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While there are several ways you can target an employee who is not at their desk, you can send your message as an email, sms or whatsapp message.

Question 32

Can the XComms platform be accessed and used from a mobile device?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Your XComms platform is built to not only give the best desktop experience but it is designed with an easy to use responsive design.  There is no need to download a content manager app or use a separate web page that designed for mobile that doesn't get the job done.

Question 33

What are the general system requirements?

Accepted Answer

The system requirements are extremely minimal.  * 50MB free hard drive space * Window7/8/10/11 *  256 MB RAM  For more information or to learn about specific system configurations, please contact XComms at info@xcomms.com

Question 34

Does XComms sync with active directory?

Accepted Answer

Yes, XComms fully supports Active Directory. You can easily sync multi-domain or even very complicated tree structures. 
 The free Active Directory module enables you to sync  with your Active Directory easily which ultimately expedites deployment and enhances usability. Users, groups, organizational units and computers can all be synchronized  across unlimited domains.
 We even offer scheduled synchronization at predefined dates and times.

Question 35

What are our end user targeting options?

Accepted Answer

You can easily target employees on any device, in any location, on any domain or network. All users would receive alerts regardless of location, network, domain or device within seconds of being published.  Also you don't need to have separate end user client installs for computer or user based targeting. Each client recognizes the user and the computer name.  You can easily search for targets by: User ID Computer Name Email Address Phone Number

Question 36

Can non-domain OR non-AD users receive XComms communications if active directory mode is enabled?

Accepted Answer

Yes, even non-domain or non-AD users can receive XComms alerts whether they are on your Active Directory or not.

Question 37

Can we target users in any location, domain and on any device?

Accepted Answer

Yes. regardless of location, domain or device all targeted users can received alerts as long as they have the client installed on their computer.

Question 38

Is there machine based targeting available in addition to user based targeting?

Accepted Answer

Yes but unlike other providers we combine those targeting options so whether you want to target by user name or computer name you will find it extremely easy to get the message to right person or device.

Question 39

Who do we call if we need technical support?

Accepted Answer

Call XComms directly. Rarely do we get technical support calls considering how user friendly the software truly is but no matter what time zone our customers are in or in which country, they will always be provided with extremely courteous,  informative and helpful technical support with one goal...1st call resolution.
 For customers in North America or Latin America, all support is 100% US Based.

Question 40

Can we have multiple people use XComms from different departments and from different locations?

Accepted Answer

Definitely. While you can have as many content managers as you would like to have responsible for using XComms, you can also pre-determine what tools a Content Manager can access as well what he/she is able to view and who exactly they are permitted to target.  You can make the most of the XComms by opening it up to other Content Managers in any location or department while also having peace of mind knowing that they will only be permitted to send alert types that you pre-approve and to deliver to who you determine the appropriate audience to be.

Question 41

Can we pre-determine what tools Content Managers are allowed to use, who they are allowed to target and what they are permitted to view?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can easily pre-determine what tools a Content Manager can send as well what he/she is able to view and who exactly they are permitted to target.  When an administrator is being created you have an easy option to create and select a policy that would determine access levels and viewing permissions.

Question 42

Can an end user uninstall the XComms desktop client app themselves?

Accepted Answer

The answer is no. Unless the end user is an administrator they will not be able to uninstall.

Question 43

Can an Employee change the sent Screen Saver to something else after they received a screen saver from a content manager?

Accepted Answer

No, This feature is locked by XComms. They will not be able to change the screensaver themselves. If you need a client app where that change is needed, please let us know but out of the box this feature is locked by default.

Question 44

Can an Employee change the sent Wallpaper Background to something else after they received a wallpaper from a content manager?

Accepted Answer

No, This feature is locked by XComms. They will not be able to change the wallpaper themselves. If you need a client app where that change is needed, please let us know but out of the box this feature is locked by default.

Question 45

Can an Employee change the sent Locked Screen Background to something else after they received a locked screen background from a content manager?

Accepted Answer

No, This feature is locked by XComms. They will not be able to change the locked screen background themselves. If you need a client app where that change is needed, please let us know but out of the box this feature is locked by default.

Question 46

With Screen Savers can we also determine how long a machine should be idle before activating and displaying the Screen Saver?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Not only will you have the ability to create stunning displays with images, animations, full power point files and videos but you can also determine how many minutes a machine should be inactive for turning on the screen saver as well as determine if you want the login screen to show up when the machine is active again.

Question 47

Can XComms essentially replace our Screen Saver Group Policy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The XComms Screensaver tool allows you to manage:  Inactivity times before the Screen Saver turns on If a user needs to login again when they get on the machine again If they want to be able to change their own screensaver (answer is no)

Question 48

Can XComms essentially replace our Wallpaper Background Group Policy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The XComms Wallpaper tool allows you to manage:  Prevention of changing wallpaper Prevention of disabling wallpaper images

Question 49

Can XComms essentially replace our Locked Screen Background Group Policy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The XComms Locked Screen Display tool allows you to manage:  Prevention of changing locked screen display Prevention of disabling locked screen images

Question 50

Can we send an alert that does not go directly on-screen but the employee can still access and review?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can send an alert to be published directly to an end user's history console without popping on-screen. The end user will be notified via the flashing XComms icon in the taskbar.

Question 51

Can we determine how or intrusive an XComms alert can be?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can send a less invasive notifications via scrolling ticker headline that would scroll across the screen containing information that is important without being disruptive.  Or on the flip side you can send full screen desktop alerts or alerts pre-scaled to a specific size.

Question 52

Can we determine the size of the XComms desktop alerts and the position on screen?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When creating an alert you can manage the desktop alerts on-screen size. You can also determine the position of the alert on a screen. Top-Right, Bottom-Left, etc.  You will have the ability to also determine screen positioning for scrolling tickers as well.

Question 53

Can we import graphics, video, file attachments, etc. to alerts?

Accepted Answer

Of course. The content manager's console allows you to format text, change fonts, insert graphics, embed videos, html, flash, attach files, animated gif images, acknowledgement buttons, etc. It even allows you to upload existing PowerPoint Presentations without converting to a specific format and turn them into incredible visual communication.

Question 54

Can we insert hyperlinks into XComms alerts to drive employees to other internal or external sites and resources?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Inserting hyperlinks is a great way to drive traffic and increase viewership of other resources.

Question 55

Can we save alerts we have saved as templates for later use that we can still edit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can have an unlimited number of templates that you can fully design and are always editable and it will be accessible from a convenient drop down list in the alert creation page of the control panel.

Question 56

Can we add acknowledgement buttons to alerts sent to employees?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! In an effort to create more accountability, adding an acknowledgement button to an alert is a great option to have and is full trackable.   With this enabled, an administrator can view reporting on the receipt of an alert and the acknowledgement from the employee.

Question 57

Can we Pre-Schedule all XComms?

Accepted Answer

100 Percent! You can create any XComms tool that can be distributed according to a schedule you determine. As an example you can schedule an alert to be distributed at 9:00 AM every Friday for as long as you would like or set them with a specific number of occurrences. You can set them to deliver daily, weekly, monthly, annually, whatever you would like.

Question 58

How long does it typically take to create and send an XComms alert?

Accepted Answer

Not long at all. The content manager console is very fast and easy to navigate where you can create all sorts of great things really quickly.  You can even customize the console itself to have a default alert appearance and delivery settings exactly how you want every time you log in to create an alert.

Question 59

Will employees have access to expired desktop alerts or obsolete information after they were notified of an update that may no longer be relevant?

Accepted Answer

No.  Obsolete information can be costly.  All alerts can be pre-determined to have an adjustable expiration date and will be removed from end user's alert history.  The content manager however will always have historical data access to view alerts sent that may be currently inactive and its reporting data including date of receipt by the end user, acknowledgement time and date, interactive content, etc.

Question 60

Can employees also receive XComms alerts via email?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! XComms casts a very wide net in terms of reach and truly eliminates the excuse of someone not being aware of any information.    As a bonus you can even use XComms to send out email independent of including it with a pop-up alert or scrolling ticker.

Question 61

Can we Preview all XComms communications before they are sent out?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can preview all: Pop-Up Alerts Scrolling Ticker Alerts ScreenSavers Wallpaper Backgrounds Locked Screen Backgrounds

Question 62

Can we send location specific or department specific or even employee specific XComms alerts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can send alerts to any single individual or group of employees in any location, department or broadcast to the entire company.

Question 63

Can we send XComms tools to other offices in other locations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All XComms tools can be distributed to any individual, department or group in any location regardless of physical location, network or domain.

Question 64

Can we create custom groups and targeting lists?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In addition to giving you access to your company's active directory groups already in place; XComms allows you to also pick and choose which individuals, groups, departments or locations you would like in your very own custom distribution groups.

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