How to Select a Reliable Hosted PBX Service Provider

With hosted PBX service bringing a boom in the modern communication world, more and more individuals and companies are making a switch from conventional and outdated telephone landline systems to highly beneficial and economical VoIP phone service and PBX service. Advanced features like telecommuting, voice box conversation, personal telephone numbers, virtual local numbers, private faxes and mobile PBX have rendered hosted PBX service a preferred choice to meet with modern communication requirements.

However, despite of all the benefits associated with VoIP or PBX in general, the choice of a reliable and competitive service provider is crucial to assure the best display of promised features and facilities and continuity of a flawless and smooth service.

Selecting an experienced service provider places the customer at a better end than opting for a fresher. Service providers that are new to the industry often better their services over period of time through hit and trial and none of the serious customers are willing to volunteer themselves for a fresher’ s trials. When experienced service providers like Axvoice are available, why to let inexperienced ones play with your system?

No matter how much quality hosted PBX service provider is offering, the basis of the service is always a broadband internet connection. A malfunctioning internet at the customer’s end might ruin the quality of service. A large, stable and clean internet connection is a pre-requisite for a quality PBX service.

A number of VoIP or PBX providers tend to deceive the customers with hidden charges and vague package explanations. A complete understanding of the packages and calling plans is a must for a wise customer in order to select the best suited tariff for his company. An unlimited plan for placing local and domestic long distance calls as offered by Axvoice might be a good choice. It is to always keep in mind for customers that variable plans are highly predictable and are rarely beneficial for the customers.

Though minute package details vary from one package to other, a few features are crucial and must be checked upon before selecting a service provider. Important services like paging or busy lamp field might not be offered at all by certain providers who tend to overshadow the lapse with exciting new features. However, a wise customer’s choice is not to take the basic telephone system features for granted.

A preferred service provider is the one that assists in prioritizing voice traffic on the internet connection so that while doing multiple activities, the call does not get dropped off or the quality does not get deteriorated. Unprioritized voice and data traffic tend to compete with the limited internet resource which might render your calls choppy or poor voice delivery while sending a large email.

Before switching a hosted PBX service provider, it is must for the customer to grab complete knowledge of the termination charges and other associated details. Often service providers offer tempting packages conditional to long term commitments and are likely to surprise you with several charges when you wish to switch your provider.

Selecting of a reliable, experienced and effective service provider like Axvoice might help transform your communication structure whilst reducing your communication cost.

 **This article was written by the marketing team from Ax Voice and is not an endorsement from Tele Technology Inc.

Tele Technology Inks Deal With Vocalocity to Become Houston’s Premier Vocalocity Provider

Let’s face it, hosted VoiP is here to stay.  Early adoption was rough.  Fast forward 5 years and you find only a handful of voip companies where the service works well.  Out of that handful, even smaller finger full combines decent actual service with a good customer service department, good selection of telephones, good price and friendly people.

After much deliberation and testing of models, I have decided that Tele Technology would be happy to represent Vocalocity and their services to our customers.

I spent a lot of time with the folks at Vocalocity hammering out the details of our relationship and I am now pleased to announce our premier provider status.  Our techs have all been trained up.  Our salespeople are fully functioning with knowledge of the product and we are ready to help those customers that would prefer a hosted voip scenario.

Due to the nature of the service in general and as a premier provider, we will be able to provision phones and setup services nationwide.

For the uninitiated, “hosted voip” is a “over the internet service” where the physical telephone units in your office or home use voice over internet protocol(s) to connect to Vocalocity’s servers.  The Vocalocity servers have been built to demonstrate all of the features you would normally see in a phone system located in your office.  As callers dial your main number or 1-800 number, the call first comes into the Vocalocity server and then calls are then routed to your office.  Much like how calls might come to you through AT&T’s computers if you have AT&T service.

The service works.  It works well. There are some upfront costs as you must purchase the telephones and pay a small service setup fees.  From there, you pay monthly for the service.  In almost all cases, the upfront costs are lower than purchasing a phone system and in almost all cases, the monthly charges are less than your current monthly phone bill.

Hosted VoiP might not be for everybody.  It requires a decent internet connection and some knowledge of 2012 routing equipment. Your internal network should be up to par and you should understand that the setup when mixed with things like external paging can get complicated. (truth be known, I have personally worked out the external paging system  problem and fixed it)

The features are rich, the price is right, the service works and the company is good.

As a premier provider, I can provide customers with specific and good discounts.

For further information on the program, please call us at 1-877-891-1911

VTech Pulls the plug on end user support of the AT&T Synapse phone systems.

I was having a conversation the other day with Jane Donnelly of VTech Communications about the state of affairs at VTech Tech Support. (She called me, not the other way around).

Jane was telling me about how the flood of technical support calls to VTech regarding the AT&T Synapse business phone system has forced VTech to decide to shut down all phone support to any end user of the product.

On a side note, the AT&T Synapse phone system is not actually made by AT&T, it’s actually made and distributed by VTech.  VTech pays AT&T to use the name and logo on the product. I asked a representative of VTech as to why this was and if I recall correctly, his reply was something like this “Everyone knows the name VTech is not exactly synonymous with quality…” Ok then!

From what I could glean from the conversation, it appears that the number of people attempting to either install or modify an installation of the Synapse phone system overloaded their support staff to the point where VTech decided to discontinue all telephone support to anyone who is not a dealer of the Synapse phone system.  They further modified their program to keep dealers from selling the product online by requiring that the seller / dealer perform the installation and only in their local geographic area.

Why in the world would a small business owner possibly want to install their own Synapse phone system? I think it probably had something to do with the fact that the AT&T website showcasing the products as well as the product brochures up until (very) recently stated exactly “– it’s simple to install, manage and use, …”.  Of course this same language was used in the selling of the product by resellers such as ourselves.

Matter of fact, that’s how the language ended up changing in the first place.  I received a phone call from a rep at VTech and it went a little something like this.

rep “Jay, we have an issue with the language on your site regarding the Synapse system”
jay “What language would that be?”
rep “Right here on your home page it says EASY TO INSTALL AND MANAGE”
jay “Gee rep, where could that language possibly have come from?” (in my best astounded voice)
rep ” Well I don’t know but YOU NEED TO CHANGE IT!”
jay “… or ….?”
rep “or some people around here are going to be very unhappy and heads are going to roll!”
jay “rep, let’s look at YOUR website again. What was it.. oh yeah, here it is.  Says right here, on YOUR website, easy to install and manage”
rep “oh”
jay “let me know when you change your language and we will be happy to change ours to match”

Well not only did they change their language, they also changed their entire partner program to stop all online sales of the Synapse product and save their (apparently) overloaded technical support resources. I suggested they charge for the support, I figured they would mop up with all the phone calls coming in but this was met with a laugh and cancelled contract.

This kind of chaps me for a few small reasons.

First and foremost is the now total lack of support for all of the customers we as a company (http://www.adamtelco.com and http://www.ttechnologyinc.com) worked hard to gain for VTech.  It’s a slap in the face to these customers who spent well over $250 per phone unit. All sold using collateral material touting the ease of installation and use along with a 1-800 tech support phone number in the box.  Then to just pull the rug right out from underneath them and leave them hanging with a system where there is almost zero local support due to the tiny market share the system has gotten.  Also I would imagine it would be a difficult system to resell, considering there is no one around to help them.

Second, it’s an incredible insult to us, as the company they called and asked to be part of their partner program in the first place.  I can assure you, it wasn’t us climbing up VTechs leg begging to sell their products but it was them repeatedly calling me and begging us to sell their system.  After enough calls, I finally caved in and took a look.

Upon looking, even though the margins were slim, the product looked ok, everything seemed in order so we went to work. A little birdy at a distribution house tells me that we single handedly sold more of them than anyone. We were almost the only company they knew of that sold any at all.  I think the count was something in the 40 to 50 range over a few months.

I can tell you something.  When I sell 40 to 50 NEC DSX Systems, NEC shows up my place with ice cream cakes and dancing polar bears in russian hats.

It’s apparent that Jane Donnelly and VTech combined do not value their relationships with their customers or their resellers alike.  They certainly won’t give you a bonus rebate check for moving pallets of their hardware much less a pat on the head.

In today’s market, you really have to search hard for valuable relationships that are mutual and genuine.  I ask you, who do YOU want to do business with?

AdamTelco.com Picks Up Yealink IP Phones

Latest News Update: Telecommunications Retailer Leader, Adam Telco, Inc has announced that Cortelco Yealink VoiP phones will now be a regular feature on their online superstore.  Yealink has been making and designing high quality VoIP phones (including video VoIP phones) since 2001.

Jay Harper, Owner/CEO of Adam Telco had this to say, “After extensive research and development, we have decided to incorporate Cortelco Yealink as part of our regular products to sell, install and highlight.  They are an exciting company and they offer our customers the latest in IP phone technology at an affordable price.  We appreciate their business practices and understanding of current market trends.”

Adam Telco is considered one of the most knowledgeable retailers when it comes to business phones and telecommunication.  The fact they are giving Cortelco Yealink high marks speaks volumes for Yealink’s trustworthiness. Adam Telco has a loyal customer fan base and that is because Adam Telco provides outstanding customer service backed up by their personalized consultations and professionalism.

Let’s take a look at some of the IP phones available for sale right now.  Yealink’s dedication to VoIP design and development shows with each product they sell.  And because they are affordable, they bring VoIP technology to all walks of life.

Cortelco Yealink SIP T18P Basic Level IP Phone

1 VoIP account, Hotline
Call waiting, Call transfer, Call forward
Call hold, Mute, Redial, DND
3-way conferencing, Speed dial
Direct IP call without SIP proxy

Cortelco YeaLink SIP T26P Advanced IP Phone

3 VoIP accounts, Hotline, Emergency call
Call hold, Call waiting, Call forward, Call return
Call transfer (blind/semi-attended/attended)
Caller ID display, Redial, Mute, DND
Auto-answer, 3-way conferencing
Speed dial, SMS, Voicemail
Message Waiting Indication (MWI) LED

Cortelco Yealink SIP T38G Color IP Phone

6 VoIP accounts, Hotline, Emergency call
Call hold, Call waiting, Call forward, Call return
Call transfer (blind/semi-attended/attended)
Caller ID display, Redial, Mute, DND
Auto-answer, 3-way conferencing
Speed dial, SMS, Voicemail
Message Waiting Indication (MWI) LED
Tone scheme, Volume control
Direct IP call without SIP proxy
Ring tone selection/import/delete
Phonebook (1000 entries), Color Display

Cortelco Yealink SIP EXP38 IP Phone Expansion Module

38 programmable keys each with a dual color LED
Daisy-chain 6 modules for 228 programmable keys
Dual color (red or green) LEDs for line status information
Supports Busy Lamp Field(BLF), Bridge Line Appearance(BLA)
Programmable for speed dialing, call pickup, Intercom, hold, transfer, voicemail, call forward

Cortelco Yealink SIP T22P Professional IP Phone

3 VoIP accounts, Hotline, Emergency call
Call hold, Call waiting, Call forward, Call return
Call transfer (blind/semi-attended/attended)
Caller ID display, Redial, Mute, DND
Auto-answer, 3-way conferencing
Speed dial, SMS, Voicemail
Message Waiting Indication (MWI) LED
Tone scheme, Volume control
Direct IP call without SIP proxy
Ring tone selection/import/delete
Phonebook (300 entries)
This is just a small sample of what is available when you are looking to buy a Cortelco Yealink VoIP phone.   They offer simplicity and functionality at a price everyone can afford.

 

 

 

Avaya pulls new phones from IP Office Lineup; offers price match on higher level phones.

Earlier this year, Avaya had offered a few new phone sets for the Avava IP Office 500 Phone System.

The Avaya Digital 9504 / 9508 and the IP 9608 / 9621G and 9641G were introduced as new phone models for 2011. We think that the intention of these new phones were to replace the Digital 1408 and 1416 telephones and on the IP side to replace the 1608 and 1616 telephones.

Recently though, Avaya has stopped selling the 9608 and 9621G telephones for some compatibility quirks that need to be worked out.  The plan is to re-release these phones in March of 2012.  In the meantime though, Avaya is offering a sweet deal on price matching the IP phones for the higher level 9620L, 9650 and 9630.

This promotion can be changed by Avaya at any time of course, but it is an excellent opportunity for those wishing to implement Avaya IP Office business phone system with an IP infrastructure.

As always, anyone interested in learning more about this promotion or Avaya IP office phone system should call me at my office at 281-894-6606.

We are based in Houston and are an authorized Avaya dealer.  We can install any IP office nationwide.

Thanks,

Jay Harper

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The Samsung iDCS 16 Telephone System is Affordable

I want to talk about a phone system that is affordable and perfectly dsigned for small to medium sized businesses.  The Samsung iDSC 16 Telephone system gives you 16 phone station ports and is easy to set up  right out of the box.  It also has a slot for future expansion should you need it.  The maximum capacity of the iDCS 16 is six phone lines and 16 phones (12 digital phones and 4 standard SLT phones).  This is an ample phone system for a small and medium business.  Rest assured, the small price does not mean low quality.  You will not lose out on the features you want in a business phone system.

Take a look at the amazing long list of features that come standard with the Samsung iDSC 16 Telephone system:

• Voluntary Auto Attendant
• Automatic Hold
• Background Music
• Name/Number Display
• Next Call
• Save CID
• Store CID
• Inquire Park/Hold
• CID Review List
• Investigate
• Abandon Call List (100)
• Number to Name Translation
• Call Forwarding
• Call Park
• Add On Modules
• Appointment Reminder
• Attendant Station Auto
• Answer Automatic Hold
• Automatic Privacy
• Background Music
• Busy Lamp Field (BLF)
• Busy Station Callback
• Remote Hold
• Ring Modes
• Ringing Line Preference
• Speakerphone
• Station Callback Station
• Voicemail
• Programmable Keys
• Soft Keys
• Meet Me Page and Answer
• Message Waiting Indications
• Outgoing Call Restriction
• Trunk Groups (4)
• Unlisted Speed Dial Numbers

This is the abridged list- there are so many more!  The Samsung iDCS 16 Telephone System has everything needed in a business phone system.  Having the right kind of communications in place is so important when operating a business.  In today’s competitive market businesses need more than just a simple phone and answering machine.  Your phone system is your link to the rest of the world, i.e. your customers.  When they call they want to get the information they need in a timely manner and they want to feel like they can trust you.  If they call your business phone number and it just rings and rings, do you think they will want to call you back? Doubtful.  Do you really want your clients calling you and reaching an old-fashioned answering machine?  You want your image to appear on the cutting edge, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.  Having a the right phone system in place is the way to accomplish this.

The Samsung iDCS 16 Telephone System is amazingly low in cost.  You can have a high-quality phone system without having to spend thousands in order to do so.  This phone system is currently on sale for a lower than average price at Tele Technology.  If you have any questions regarding the Samsung iDCS 16 or any other technology questions, they are ready to help you!  Just call 1-877-891-1911 during normal business hours for professional advice and friendly service.

Is Structured Cabling Important?

In a word: yes!

What is structured Cabling?                                                                          

Structured cabling (also called structured wiring) is the term that refers to all the cabling, wiring and electronic components that are installed within a specific location in an organized manner.  Big cities such as  Houston, structured cabling is the way all new construction is built, and it is fast becoming the norm in smaller towns as well.

All sorts of electronic equipment uses structured cabling.  If you are building new construction, it’s best to install all your structured wiring before the drywall goes up as it is much cheaper than retrofitting it at a later date.  There are all sorts of electronic systems that need to use structured cabling in the home or office.  These include telephones, fax machines, dvd players, home theater systems, surround sound, security system, lighting, internet access, computers, etc… any many more.   If you have a wiring system in place to meet these specific needs, you will just be able to plug in your fax machine, surround sound speakers and be done with it.  Talk about convenient!   As technology changes, your structured wiring will  be able to adjust with the times- better than standard wiring would be.

There are many reasons to get structured cabling installed.  For starters you can use the same cabling for all your electronic systems.  There is no reason you have to figure out how to install phone cabling, ethernet cabling or ISDN cabling.  Having structured cabling installed eliminates the need for having to spend hours trying (and sometimes failing) installing a complicated phone system yourself.  Plus, once you get the wiring and your system up and running, the last thing you want to do is start all over again of you ever need to change it, add a line or two, or if you buy a whole new system.  Structured cabling makes life easier.  The same goes for situations when you need to add or remove a computer, add a modem, new fancy TV, or link up one printer to more than one PC.

Another important thing to remember, when you have structured cabling, when one system fails, your whole network most likely won’t fail.  The problem will be isolated, keeping the rest of your system operational and then the problem will be easy to locate and fixed.

If you ever want to sell your home, your resale value will be a lot higher if you have structured wiring in your home.  This is because as newer technologies are released, your home will be ready.  Would you want to buy a home today that has wiring from 30 years ago?  Imagine how hard and annoying it would be to install WiFi.  Now imagine what sorts of technology will be available and commonly used in homes 30 years from now.  With structured cabling, your home will be ready for the future!

Polycom is Microsoft’ 2011 Unified Innovation Partner of the Year

And why shouldn’t they be?  Microsoft and Polycom have worked together intensely to design products that work together to make the best in class UC products on the planet.      Polycom is a global leader in the unified communications industry.  Microsoft is the most-used computer software in the world.  With these two giant technology powerhouses joining forces, the consumer wins big.

More on the honor bestowed upon Polycom by Microsoft:  Polycom will be officially honored in July 2011 during the Vision keynote and at the WPC 2011 Award Winners Executive Luncheon.  They are being honored for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of consumer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

Polycom’s President and CEO, Andrew Miller, gushed, “Polycom is honored to receive this award as it demonstrates the momentum of our strong relationship with Microsoft as well as the deep collaboration between our two companies to deliver comprehensive and innovative UC solutions that drive compelling business value for customers.”

Microsoft Partner Awards was put in place so they can officially recognize their partners who have strived to develop extraordinary Microsoft-based solutions and products for the past 12 months.  By awarding Polycom, Microsoft has solidified the strategic relationship that exists between them.  Polycom and Microsoft have helped countless companies worldwide lower their communication costs.  They have collaborated on over 100 worldwide events and have developed an amazing line of HD voice and video solutions that operate seamlessly with Microsoft Lync an incredible platform that delivers UC technology on a scale never before seen.

The future looks bright for Polycom and Microsoft.  This collaborative relationship should bring some really amazing new products and capabilities for businesses everywhere.  Polycom deserves this honor.

A Look at Toshiba DP5000 Phones

There has been a lot of talk in recent days about the Toshiba DP5000 line of digital phones.  They are new to Toshiba’s family and they offer a lot in the way of most-used phone features and simplicity.  Above all, they are affordable and a great way to bring a modern phone system into your business without having to spend a fortune.

Let’s take a closer look at the phones that available with the Toshiba DP5000 series.

Toshiba CIX DP5008 Digital Key Telephone Set

This is the most basic of the Toshiba CIX DP5000 phones.  It does not have an LCD screen, and it only has a single line.  It is perfect for locations that need a phone now and then, but isn’t the main place where the phone is used.  This could be places like hotel lobbies, locker rooms at a gym, office building break rooms, you get the idea.  This phone is simple, has a hold button, volume control, and other basic features found on office phones.

Toshiba CIX DP5018-S Digital Key Telephone Set

This is the next level up from the DP5008.  This phone also does not have an LCD screen, but it does have a few more features not found on the above model.  The DP5018 has 10 programmable buttons and a headset plug-in for easy hands-free conversations.  Having those programmable keys will enhance the way you use this phone.  even without an LCD screen, the Toshiba DP5018 is a good option for those who need a basic phone with just a little more oomph.

Toshiba CIX DP5022-SD Digital Key Display Telephone Set

This phone is the lowest priced phone within this series with an LCD screen.  The backlit LCD screen has 4 lines and is bright enough to see in the dimmest of light.  It has 10 programmable keys and 4 soft keys.  This phone model also has a full duplex speakerphone and common features such as hold, speed dial, transfer, volume control and more.

Toshiba CIX DP5032-SD Digital Key Display Telephone Set

If 10 programmable keys are not enough, then consider the Toshiba DP5032 which as 20 programmable keys.  This gives even more options when configuring your phone to fit your exact needs.  It also has a full duplex speakerphone, it’s headset ready and has 4-line LCD display screen.

Toshiba CIX DP5122-SD 10-Button Display Speakerphone

This is newest model of Toshiba phone with 10 programmable buttons.  It has a large 4-line LCD screen complete with menu prompts.  You also get a full duplex speakerphone, built-in headset interface, tilted desk stand, call hold/transfer and mute.  This phone is easy to use, yet highly functional.  It is also compatible with Strata CIX Release 5.1 Software.

Toshiba CIX DP5130-FSDL Digital Key Display Telephone Set

This phone has a huge 9-line LCD screen.  There is a reason it is so large, it functions as a speakerphone conference call controller.  With prompts on the screen, you may hold the call, start the recording option and more.  It has caller ID, hold/transfer, mute and address book.  The speakerphone itself is enhanced with 2 microphones, full duplex and noise-canceling technology. It has 10 programmable buttons (up to 20 when using the Shift key).

Toshiba CIX DP5130-SDL Digital Key Display Telephone Set

This phone is very similar to the Toshiba phone listed above.  The only real difference is that the speakerphone is not enhanced as ‘full duplex.’  However is does offer the same benefits including headset-ready, 20 programmable buttons, fixed buttons such as mute, hold/transfer, and volume.  The LCD screen is large with 9 lines and menu prompts.

Toshiba CIX DP5132-SD Digital Key Display Telephone Set

The final phone we’re going to talk about is the Toshiba CIX DP5132-SD which has a 4-line LCD screen and 20 programmable buttons.  Like the other Toshiba SD5000 phones, it has fixed keys (hold, mute, volume, etc…) and it has a tilted display stand.  It also has a headset interface and speakerphone.

Before I go, I quickly want to tell you about the add-on modules available for these phones.  These allow the user to expand the number of programmable buttons each phone has.

Toshiba CIX LM5110 LCD Add-On Module

This add-on module gives your phone and additional 10 programmable keys.

Toshiba CIX DDM5060 DSS/BLF Console

This add-on module gives your DP5000 phone and whopping additional 60 programmable keys!  This really makes your phone flexible and adaptable to your specific needs.

Well, there you have it.  The Toshiba DP5000 phones.  They are available now and will provide your business with quality phone service for years to come.

 

 

 

 

 

Related articles

• Toshiba DP5000 Series Now Available (avayaphone.net)

IP Office Replaces Partner Phone Systems

Well, it happened!  A customer with a Partner phone system (that up and died) decided to have us put an Avaya IP Office but continue to use their Partner phones.  Their Partner MLS phones at that!

Some of you may already know that Avaya has discontinued the AT&T Partner II and the Avaya Partner ACS phone systems.  It has been replaced with the IP Office.  When Avaya made this upgrade, they had an excellent point to make the system compatible with the existing Partner telephone lineup.

I have told many businesses about this, but up until this week I haven’t had a customer who actually WANTED to keep their Partner phones. So far the response that we have seen is that customers truly want to upgrade to the IP Office phones (which are super hot by the by).

At any rate, I was a little skeptical to even let this fly.  My fear as the seller is that there will be some flaw that prevents the system from operating properly in Partner mode or that the customer loses some functionality that they loved from their Partner phone system.

I decided to give it a try.  We ordered their equipment up and we sent our best tech with a brand new Avaya IP Office phone system and the Partner SD card.

FINAL JUDGEMENT!

It went off without a hitch.  The system operated identical to the way their Partner phone system did.

The customer saved their original investment in their telephones.  The customer ended up paying $800 for the IP Office Chassis and $600 x 2 for the two cards needed to operate the number of phones they had. The customer paid $800 in installation costs for a grand total of $2800.00.

The customer SAVED an additional $2700.00 by NOT buying new telephones.

Pretty Nifty!

 

Jay Harper

281-894-6606