Faq
General Questions?
Q. What is meant by a dead-end EFB solution?
A. When a Customer needs to purchase a specialized hardware device in order to obtain Performance (Take-off Data Calculations) services. There is no possibility to add further modules to the device, or the Performance module is not compatible with other hardware. Once the customer decides to move ahead toward the goal of a Paperless Cockpit he has to abandon the device and the provider and start from scratch.
About IFS Products?
Q. What is the benefit of a PFB over other EFB platforms from name-brand suppliers?
A. Unlike name-brand suppliers who’s EFB platforms are designed to only work with their own modules and applications, the PFB platform is designed to work with 3rd Party applications from various suppliers. This gives the Customer a choice in selecting services from suppliers that are best suited to his needs in terms of price and performance. The PFB is also very flexible and able to accommodate a multitude of new functionalities, which are not available from any single supplier.
Q. How much customization can be made on the PFB platform? What is the cost?
A. The amount of customization is virtually unlimited. As the Customer needs change so can the PFB be altered to reflect these changes. The cost of customizing is usually fixed in the initial set up fee, which includes a fixed number of developer hours to tailor the system to the particular customer. However, if additional services are required these are charged on a per hour basis.
Q. What is the Set up fee for the PFB?
A. The set-up cost is dependent on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: the number of aircraft in the fleet that are expected to use the system, the number of modules that need to be integrated from the start, the number of IFS produced modules required by the client, etc. Normally the set-up fee reflects the actual programmer hours required to make the system workable for the client. From this amount a discount is deducted based on the above mentioned factors.
Q. What is the logic behind the PFB pricing?
A. The PFB platform, although customized for each customer, comes with a number of built in features and includes the Administration function, The Document Library and Journey Log. The customer then pays a flat fee for the platform. In case the customer purchases additional modules from IFS these are added to the monthly fee. However, if services from 3rd Party suppliers are requested then the only fee charged by IFS is the actual cost (developer hours used) for integrating the add-on with the platform. IFS does not piggy-back on these additional services and does not charge for their use on the PFB.
Q. How difficult is it to add-on 3rd Party applications to the PFB platform?
A. The PFB is designed to accept 3rd Party applications. IFS is making a lot of effort to make sure that we are able to integrate external services with the PFB platform. If a customer would like to find out in advance if his, for example, Flight Planning Services will be compatible with the PFB we will contact the supplier of the FPS and work together to test the compatibility.
Q. How quickly can the WiFly services be supplied?
A. Depending in the hardware selected by the client and the type of aircraft in the fleet. There are a number of off-the-shelf products available, which can be very quickly introduced into operations. Others will require a some development time. However, IFS is committed to making its customers precise offers with specific timelines.
Q. Can the services be tested?
A. Yes, a trial version can be provided for the Customer to see how the system will work in real-time.
Q. What is the normal procedure for setting up a trial?
About the company:
Q. How much experience has IFS had with EFB systems
A. International Flight Support has been providing EFB services to its customers for almost a decade.
