Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of training is required to use it?
BestBrief is very intuitive and easy to learn to use. There is a detailed tutorial located on BestBrief's homepage to get you started. Telephone support is available. There may be a small charge if customized support is needed.
What does web-based mean?
Information and/or an application made available via the World Wide Web. You can access it anywhere in the world as long as you have Internet connection. Our software is delivered as a "service" via the Internet. Historically when buying software, you were forced to undergo a complicated process of installing it on your own server and computers, often involving an in-house IT staff. With our "on demand" model, your data are hosted on our secured servers and distributed back to you as you need it. This allows new users to get started immediately and also keeps costs very low. Best of all, you aren't forced to purchase an expensive package that may be obsolete within a short time.
You are only billed for the amount of messaging that you actually use. Most of our clients consider us another utility, similar to the way you pay a monthly heat or water bill.
What are the benefits of using software that is web-based?
The greatest benefits of choosing a web-based solution is the ease of implementation. Our typical new client can have an active account within 2 hours, and can add new users with a few clicks. There is no drawn-out installation process or need to hire additional implementation staff.
Another benefits is affordability, which is a direct result of our web-based distribution. We don't need to manufacture, package, ship, or install software, and we're able to pass the savings along to our clients.
The third benefits is customization, which is not usually an option for traditionally installed software. Whereas with an installed package you would need to hire software developers and database experts to customize the software, our staff can quickly alter your version of our software right on our servers, and quickly begin delivering the custom solution to you.
Furthermore, as we add new upgrades to the standard software package, we automatically implement these changes to your subscription. Other benefitss include security, support, and the robustness of our product offering.
When will I be able to start using the system?
You can be online and using our solutions within ten minutes.
Can I test the system before becoming a paying customer?
Yes, just fill out this form and we'll have someone contact you for a live online demonstration and free 3-month trial.
We don’t have an emergency communication plan at work. Can this be used for one?
Absolutely. It is a ready-to-go emergency communication system. It provides a great deal of peace of mind because an emergency situation staff should be trying to mitigate the situation—not worry about how to communicate it to others.
What is involved to integrate the BestBrief communication platform into our web site for a school, company, or organization?
If your company needs a customized solution, we can help. BestBrief's communication functions can be seamlessly integrated into your existing website. To get started, please contact us with some information about your industry, your company, and what you're looking for.
We are a non-profit association. Can we use BestBrief to send out group messages to our members as well as to collect annual association membership dues?
Yes, please contact us for details about special modules such as online billing
What kind of reports can be generated?
Group Directory, Contact Result, Real-Time Usage, and Billing Information are some of default reports in the system.
How does the service work?
BestBrief provides an intelligent communication platform for your organization with the following features:
- No hidden fees
- Extensive member import/export or invite methodologies
- Group organization/communication
- Recorded voice and text-to-voice technology to send voice mail messages, email, text messages to cell phones or PDAs or email
- Thousand of phone messages can be sent within minutes without having to install any phone lines
- Real-time broadcasting result reporting
What do I do if I can't login?
Please contact your network administrator to make sure that your network is working properly. After that, make sure that you can browse Internet. Send us an email to service@BestBrief.com with your Group ID or any information to help us identify who you are and how to contact you.
How do I contact BestBrief?
Email us at sevice@BestBrief.com or call 800-381-1499.
How do I resolve billing errors?
Please fax or scan/email your billing to us at 877-301-0793 or billing@BestBrief.com
Can we monitor our member account billing status in real-time?
Yes, there will is a real-time statistics report for member, group, and whole organization web traffic as well as real time billing information with message unit usage and broadcasting result. We can create special reports per your needs for a small set-up fee.
What can I do if I need to get a message out, but I'm not at my computer?
You can access the system through the phone and record a voice message to be broadcast. Your organization will be assigned one direct inbound dialing (DID) number. You can access the system by dialing your account phone number provided by BestBrief.
Follow the voice prompts to record and lauch new messages “On the fly”. Messages recorded by phone will appear online in your messages folder as sound files. You can send a voice recorded message through the BestBrief website or by a touchtone telephone.
Can schools pay for BestBrief with E-Rate or Universal Service Funds (USF)?
The telephone minutes can be reimbursed by the federal government. Please contact us for details.
I am a member of a BestBrief group which is paid for by my employer. Can I start my own personal BestBrief group for another group I am involved with or for intra-family communication?
Yes, just go to www.bestbrief.com and sign up.
How do I input names of recipients?
There are two ways to add new contacts. You can invite a contact to join a group, or you can enter their contact information yourself. Inviting a new contact is as simple as sending an email with a unique invitation code to join your group. A pre-written invitation is included in the BestBrief array of features and easily sent to prospective members. Adding contacts manually allows you to easily upload excel file of names, numbers, and emails.
