Freelance
News Service
Initial Analyst Phone Pitch for SkyPilot Networks
This was a three-week effort to develop interest in SkyPilot from analysts and writers in the wireless broadband field prior to the July, 2004 SuperComm convention in order to increase booth traffic for SkyPilot's product release. FNS, working as a subcontractor under Code8 Communications, was responsible for interviews with both the top two analysts and the top technology editor designated by SkyPilot, as well as nine more of the twenty interviews scheduled before SuperComm.
Top Analysts:
Andy Fuertes Sr., Analyst, Visant Strategies, Inc.
Peter Jarich, Senior Analyst, Wireless Services, Current Analysis, Inc.
Top Editor:
Andy Dornan Chief Technology Editor, Network Magazine
Pre-SuperComm Goals:
1. to get analysts and reporters to set up interviews with SkyPilot executives in order to:
a. get favorable quotes for use in articles on the value of wireless broadband in general, the great potential of mesh networks and the effectiveness of the SkyPilot Network system compared to other wireless broadband OEMs.
b. creat buzz in the community about wireless broadband in general and SkyPilot in particular.
c. get analyst to include SkyPilot in their reports and stories on budding wireless broadband technology companies.
d. get feedback on what questions and doubts are in the minds of critical analysts and reporters on the specifics of SkyPilot technology.
Pitch
Hi, Mack, Bill Cracraft here, Code8 Communications, calling for SkyPilot Networks. You're probably aware that wireless broadband is attracting a lot of attention now both here and abroad. SkyPilot has a well-developed package of hard- and software that makes deploying a wireless broadband network as painless as it can be.
We think wireless broadband will become ubiquitous over the next few years and would love to show you what makes our mesh network substantially better than the competition and to get your feedback. Our CTO, Mark Mulholland, is available this week and next; when is a good time to talk?
Second push: We think that wireless broadband is one of the few Next Big Things that will really impact they way people use the Internet. Apparently the FCC thinks so, too, since they've just convened a panel to explore the value of wireless broadband. With SuperComm on the horizon, we figure now is a good time to get out there and show the world we're ready to start plugging in boxes and would love to show you how we do it better.
Third push: You do a lot of research, and people look to you for solid information, and we do, too. Of course we'd like you to talk about us to your audiences, but we're quite interested in your impressions of the developing market, the emerging technology and where you perceive us in the small pantheon of wireless broadband OEMs. Fifteen minutes with you would mean a lot to us.
End Initial Pitch
Analyst's potential questions and our ideal answers
Q. What makes you think your network is better than Tropos or the others?
A. We're using current, proven 802.11 standards and are ready for market right now. Other companies in the sector are looking to the 802.16 and 802.20 standards. Our advantage is that we've developed an elegant way to deliver wireless broadband using proven 802.11 standard over large distances cost effectively. No one else has managed that. In addition, the simplicity of our system means that if you can set up a PC, you can probably set up our network.
Q.How close is the technology to being salable?
A. We have late cycle beta systems on the shelf, ready to go, and can begin build-out right now. Alpha production will begin in January 2005 and everything we do now will be automatically upgraded as Alpha product is released.
Q. Is there a beta network outside of the company?
A. We have a beta-mesh surrounding our company HQ. We've issued SkyConnectors to a variety of homes and businesses in the area and ask for feedback on a regular basis. We have two other networks planned in geologically rougher areas to stress-test the system.
Background information:
Founded in 2000, SkyPilot Network is a privately held company with headquarters in Belmont, California. Its management team includes seasoned executives from Com21, Apple, Juniper, @Home, and Solectron, and a world-class board of directors provides valuable industry insight.
We have solid funding from investors such as Mobius Venture Capital, Invesco Private Capital Group, Time Warner Ventures and Softbank.