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Outside Plant & the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet, all collecting and sharing data. In today’s world, more and more things are becoming IoT devices; lightbulbs, cars, cell phones and cameras are just a few simple examples.

Outside Plant (OSP) is the underlying network connectivity for IoT and refers to any physical network infrastructure installed outside of a building. OSP not only connects the devices that together comprise the IoT, but also connects the data centers across enterprises, and the data centers that power the internet itself. OSP thus has a crucial role, and a failure in the OSP will have serious and wide-ranging consequences.

 
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Did you know that Outside Plant (OSP) plays a crucial role in the support of IoT?

This article describes what the IoT is and illustrates the significant role of OSP in relation to the IoT. To maintain the required levels of network availability, management of the OSP network is no longer an option, but a requirement. The article goes on to describe how a comprehensive and specialized cable and asset management system can help you meet this requirement.

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet, all collecting and sharing data. In today’s world, more and more things are becoming IoT devices; lightbulbs, cars, cell phones and cameras are just a few simple examples.

IoT plays an essential role in today’s world in many areas, for example in facilitating traffic monitoring, energy utilities, smart buildings and medical applications.

Read more: The rise of IoT: the impact of IoT on data centers.

The crucial role of OSP

Outside Plant (OSP) is the underlying network connectivity for IoT and refers to any physical network infrastructure installed outside of a building. OSP not only connects the devices that together comprise the IoT, but also connects the data centers across enterprises, and the data centers that power the internet itself. OSP thus has a crucial role, and a failure in the OSP will have serious and wide-ranging consequences.

Take the simple example of Waste Management in a smart city. The refuse bins have IoT sensors that track their fill level, hence allowing the optimization of the storage and collection workflows. The connectivity of these sensors and the data centers that process the information rely on OSP to ensure a continuous availability and smooth operation.

The challenges of OSP management

Typical challenges faced by an OSP network professionals are how to:

  • Design and maintain network and power redundancy
  • Troubleshoot network issues
  • Plan and manage changes to the network
  • Visualize and report on the network assets and connectivity

To address these challenges, OSP network professionals can benefit hugely from a specialized software solution. This solution can especially help with:

  • quickly troubleshooting issues in the network by providing detailed visualization and reporting of the network assets and connectivity of the complete outside and inside plant, from the top-level geographical level all the way down to individual strands, splices, ports and connectors
  • pinpoint single points of failure in the network design
  • allowing network teams to seamlessly work together according to change management workflow processes
 

PATCH MANAGER as the solution

At PATCH MANAGER, we are passionate about providing our customers the best tools possible to help you manage your network, and PATCH MANAGER was created to address the challenges outlined above. 

PATCH MANAGER is the comprehensive cable and asset management software solution that can help you manage your OSP infrastructure and avoid network disruption. Ensuring constant network connectivity makes the Internet of Things possible! 

PATCH MANAGER is the leading software solution for cable and network asset management, and is designed at the core to support both outside and inside plant networks. PATCH MANAGER assists you to plan and troubleshoot by providing detailed modeling, visualization and reporting on all aspects of your end-to-end physical layer network infrastructure.

Out-of-the-box, PATCH MANAGER seamlessly integrates with standard GIS protocols, whereby geographical maps from your GIS system or public map services can be linked into PATCH MANAGER within a few clicks. Network locations and components in PATCH MANAGER are then represented according to their exact geographical position. They are managed according to the full power of the PATCH MANAGER feature set, instead of being managed as mere geographical symbols in a GIS system. 

PATCH MANAGER helps you to manage your change processes and audits through work orders and customizable workflows, and provides an extensive REST API for enterprise and engineering system integration. 

If you would like to know more about PATCH MANAGER’s features and benefits, request a personal online demo here!

 

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Since our founding in 2002, we have been continuously committed to product excellence and customer service. With our software development expertise, coupled with our full understanding of the complexity of the domain, we created PATCH MANAGER, a comprehensive cable and asset management solution. PATCH MANAGER is a vital component in making your IT infrastructure more efficient and hassle-free. At Patchmanager B.V., we value longstanding and durable relationships with our customers and partners.

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Templates Engineer

Wouldn’t you like to directly contribute to the success of a software solution that will be used by some of the world’s most well-known companies? This is your chance!

As a templates engineer at Patchmanager B.V., you will be creating high-quality templates of network components based on manufacturer specifications for our PATCH MANAGER product. You will work in a dynamic environment and be part of an inspiring team.

For this position, we value your desire to learn and attention to detail more than your work experience and educational background. We will provide you with all the training you need to create high-quality templates!

Patchmanager B.V.

Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers, we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.


To strengthen the team, there is a vacancy for a templates engineer. As a templates engineer, you will be responsible for the production of accurate, detailed and high-quality interactive templates of network components.

Responsibilities

  • As part of the template team, you create high-quality templates of network components based on manufacturer specifications for our PATCH MANAGER product.
  • Independently research network components specifications (on-line).
  • Work closely with the graphics design team.
  • Monitor and safeguard the graphics production process, including planning workload and managing deadlines.

Desired profile

  • Attention to detail.
  • An interest in or affinity with information and network technology.
  • Preferably secondary vocational education (MBO) degree.
  • Interested to work as part of a team.
  • A good understanding of written English.
  • Eager to learn.
  •  

Offer

  • A meaningful and creative job in which you will directly contribute to the success of our product with a team of highly competent professionals.
  • Attractive remuneration:
    • Good salary
    • Secondary benefits
  • Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Possibility to partially work remotely.
  • Training budget.

Application

Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.

Graphics Engineer

Wouldn’t you like to make graphics that will be used and appreciated by some of the world’s most well-known organizations? This is your chance!

As a graphics engineer, you will be a driving force behind PATCH MANAGER customer satisfaction. Your graphics will directly contribute to the success of our product and be used by our customers around the globe. You will work in a dynamic environment and be part of an inspiring team.

Patchmanager B.V.

Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers, we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.

To strengthen the team, there is a vacancy for a graphics engineer. As a graphics engineer, you will be responsible for the illustration of accurate, detailed, and high-quality images for templates of network components.

Responsibilities

  • As part of the graphics design team, you design and create high-quality images of network components based on manufacturer specifications for the PATCH MANAGER product.
  • Work closely with the template team and with information provided by the template team.
  • Monitor and safeguard the graphics production process, including planning workload and managing deadlines.

Desired skills and experience

  • An interest in or affinity with information technology.
  • Talent for graphics design, and preferably relevant secondary vocational education (MBO) degree.
  • Experience with GIMP and Adobe Illustrator.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to independently execute creative work.
  • Interested to work as part of a team.
  • 0 to 2 years of relevant work experience.
  • A good understanding of written English.

Offer

  • A meaningful and creative job in which you will directly contribute to the success of our product with a team of highly competent professionals.
  • Attractive remuneration:
    • Good salary
    • Secondary benefits
  • Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Possibility to partially work remotely.
  • Training budget.

Application

Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.

Software Solution Consultant

Be the driving force behind PATCH MANAGER customer satisfaction!

Patchmanager B.V.

Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.

To strengthen the team, there is a vacancy arisen for a Software Solution Consultant. As a Software Solution Consultant you will be responsible for the successful implementation of the PATCH MANAGER software at prospective clients and customers.

Responsibilities

  • Overall responsibility for assigned PATCH MANAGER implementation projects
  • Providing remote and on-site training and instruction sessions to clients and customers
  • Become an expert on the PATCH MANAGER products and solutions
  • Cooperation with external partners to support the successful implementation of the PATCH MANAGER products and solutions
  • Occasional travelling to international customer and partner premises

Desired skills and experience

  • A successful professional with proven experience in enterprise application software, preferably related to Systems Management, Asset Management, Infrastructure Management or Physical Network Management
  • A person with good understanding of the underlying software technologies
  • An analytical thinker with a proven ability to translate complex business needs into feasible, valuable solutions
  • Effective at communicating with excellent presentation skills
  • Good at building effective relationships with a strong customer service focus
  • Strong at planning and organizing with a proven ability to meet project deadlines
  • A team player
  • University degree
  • Minimum 3 years relevant experience
  • Fluent in written and verbal English
  • Must have valid driver’s license

Offer

  • A challenging job in a team of highly competent professionals
  • A multi-dimensional job with responsibility
  • Very attractive remuneration:
    • Excellent salary
    • Secondary benefits
  • Based out of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Application

Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.

Commercial Lead

Be the driving force behind the growth of PATCH MANAGER!

Patchmanager B.V.

Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.

To further strengthen growth PATCH MANAGER is looking for a Commercial Lead. As Commercial Lead you will be (end) responsible for further international growth with the opportunity to in time become a member of the Management Team.

Responsibilities

Develop and Execute Strategic Sales Plans:

  • Collaborate with senior management to develop comprehensive sales strategies aligned with company objectives.
  • Translate strategic objectives into actionable sales plans, setting clear targets and KPIs for both direct and indirect sales channels.
  • Continuously evaluate and adjust sales strategies based on market dynamics, competitor activities, and customer feedback.

Set-up and optimize B2B Marketing:

  • Set-up the marketing processes that are market practice at a B2B software company, including the relevant tooling
  • Develop targeted B2B marketing campaigns, collateral, and messaging that support sales efforts and generate leads.
  • Utilize digital marketing channels, such as email marketing, content marketing, and social media, to engage with B2B prospects and nurture leads.
  • Analyze marketing performance metrics and customer feedback to optimize B2B marketing strategies and tactics.

Drive Direct Sales Efforts:

  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities through targeted prospecting, cold calling, and networking.
  • Conduct thorough needs assessments and product demonstrations to showcase the value proposition of our solutions.
  • Guide prospects through the sales process, from initial contact to contract negotiation and closure.
  • Set up the framework for lead qualification and interventions needed to optimize sales effectiveness (sales enablement).
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers to foster long-term partnerships.

Lead Partner Channel Program:

  • Further professionalize the comprehensive partner program to recruit, onboard, and enable channel partners and develop it further.
  • Provide training, resources, and ongoing support (supported by the operations team) to empower partners to effectively sell and support our products.
  • Monitor and manage partner pipeline and actual performance and provide guidance to optimize channel effectiveness and drive revenue growth.
  • Collaborate with partners on joint marketing initiatives, co-selling opportunities, and lead generation activities.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with product development teams to gather customer feedback and insights, informing product enhancements and roadmap decisions.
  • Partner with customer support teams and to ensure timely resolution of customer issues and drive customer satisfaction and retention.

Market Analysis and Reporting:

  • Monitor industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
  • Conduct regular analysis of sales performance, pipeline metrics, and customer feedback to drive data-driven decision-making.
  • Prepare and present comprehensive reports and insights to senior management and the Supervisory Board, providing visibility into sales performance and market trends.
  • Work closely together with specialists from Main Capital Partners on reporting and optimizing sales approaches.
  • Optimize current sales & marketing processes by implementing best practice software tooling and implement adequate reporting and monitoring dashboards.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field. MSc preferred.
  • High level spoken and written English.
  • Proven track record of 4-7 years success in B2B sales, preferably in the software industry and affinity with international sales.
  • Strong drive and ambition to further develop yourself with the goal of becoming the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of a globally active B2B software company.
  • Experience managing indirect sales channels and partner programs.
  • Strong negotiation and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market trends to drive informed decisions.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and achieving results.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced (e.g. PE-owned), dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.

Offer

  • A challenging job in a team of highly competent professionals
  • A multi-dimensional job with responsibility
  • Very attractive remuneration:
    • Excellent salary
    • Secondary benefits
  • Based out of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Application

Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.