Monthly Archives: July 2012

  • Voice Amplification in School Classrooms, a Vital Link to Academic Success

    Almost everybody has had the experience of sitting in the back a school classroom and being unable to hear the instructor.  This situation is faced by many students in our schools every day. Because the students can’t hear the teacher properly, they have trouble paying attention, they don’t participate, and they don’t learn the material.  However, this situation can be avoided through use of voice amplification systems.  When using voice amplification, teachers can speak at their natural voice level and students can hear the teacher at an equal volume level no matter where they are located in the room.  It’s a very simple way to invest in our children’s future.

    “Long-term studies show that overall scores go up 7% when

    every classroom is amplified. (These findings were validated

    twice by the U.S. Department of Education [MARRS Project].”

    (“The Benefits of Classroom Amplification.”, MARRS-Study Info, 2005)

    Teachers that use voice amplification report an increase in student participation, focus, and attentiveness.  These benefits ultimately lead to an increase in academic achievement.  Teachers benefit from voice amplification too.  Educators have reported less fatigue, vocal stress, and absenteeism. 

    At Telcom & Data, we recommend Bogen’s Orator.  The Orator is easy to use and delivers great sound quality.  See the video below for details:

    Don’t miss the opportunity to give our children the best education possible!

    For more information about the Bogen Orator, visit telcom-data.com or call 1-800-335-0229.

     

  • In-House Conference Bridges Grow in Popularity, Businesses Report Cost Savings as High as 80%

    Telecom & Data, a leader in teleconferencing products, has seen in-house conferencing bridges flourish in popularity. Growing demand to use teleconferencing for client meetings, sales presentations, team meetings, quarterly reports, and webinars have motivated businesses to seek lower cost conferencing solutions. By owning an in-house platform, users eliminate the per-use fees associated with subscription based services. According to Sonexis, a leading provider of in-house conferencing solutions, users have reported savings as high as 80%.

    Another benefit of in-house conference bridges is enhanced security. Often very sensitive and confidential issues are discussed in corporate teleconferencing meetings. An in-house conferencing system can be installed behind the corporate firewall where it will be protected from viruses and other invasions. With an external service provider, documents are generally transferred to the outside provider during the conference. Consequently, this material is exposed outside the corporate network and becomes vulnerable.

    Sonexis Conference Manger is used by more small and medium sized businesses than any other in-house bridge on the market. The product’s ease of use and adaptability has made the product a favorite in the industry. Users simply plug Conference Manger into their voice (PSTN) or data network (VOIP) and within minutes the company can schedule, launch, and record conferences. Popular applications (like Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, and the Web Browser) provide the interfaces that make Conference Manger accommodating for any user. The device is typically installed within one hour and scales easily from 12 to 1,000 ports of audio and 5 to 1,000 seats of Web. With the bridge’s unique design, businesses can always add more features, users, or protocols.

    Ricardo Trinidad, President of Telcom & Data, said, “Our company motto is ‘improving your business through telecom’. Offering in-house conferencing platforms is a perfect fit for our business. They pay for themselves within months of use. This is exactly what we want for our customers.”

    For more information about In-house conference bridges, visit Telcom & Data’s website or call 1-800-335-0229.

  • Telcom & Data Introduces Trisys Phone Call Recording System, Delivers Critical Business Protection

    Trisys telephone call recording system is perfect for small and medium sized businesses looking for a cost effective and user-friendly product.

    Telcom & Data, a leader in business telecommunications, is proud to introduce Trisys Replay call recording system. The system includes a server and accompanying software. The device allows businesses to simply and affordably record phone conversations in high quality digital sound. Firms record phone calls for quality assurance, dispute resolution, and fraud protection.

    To regulate quality assurance, businesses can record customer service calls. Correspondingly, a business can use the recorded calls to train its staff by correcting mistakes and identifying positive exchanges. Firms also use call recording for dispute resolution. For example, if a customer says they were quoted the wrong price, the accused business can simply check their phone records to verify the allegation. In turn, a business can ensure its suppliers keep verbal agreements. Firms also use call recording to verify fraudulent calls are not being made from their business. Phone system hackers can make illegitimate calls to locations all over the world if a business is not monitoring their phone calls closely.

    There are five versions of Trisys call recording hardware to meet the unique needs of different phone system arrangements. Replay T1 records voice activity over T1 PRI trunks. Replay ST is used for analog and digital phone systems. Replay ATS is used for connecting to analog ports. Replay SIP is used to record voice activity in a SIP-based IP PBX environment. Replay RTP is a station side recording solution for IP phone systems.

    When Ricardo Trinidad, President of Telcom & Data, was asked about the importance of call recording, he said, “Call recording is absolutely essential for any business. It’s a powerful tool for training employees and preventing fraud.”

    For more information about Trisys Replay call recording systems, visit Telcom & Data’s website or call 1-800-335-0229.

  • Telcom & Data Introduces Hi-tech Voice Amplification System for School Classrooms, Improves Students’ Grades

    Telcom & Data, a leader in paging and amplification systems, is proud to introduce Bogen’s Orator. The Orator is a voice amplification system designed for school classrooms, lecture halls, and conference rooms. The system amplifies the instructor’s voice and in turn enhances the students’ ability to listen and comprehend the message.

    A voice amplifier is critical for an optimum learning environment because it allows students in every area of the classroom to hear the instructor at an equal volume level. In fact, the Mainstream Amplification Resource Room study found that overall scores increased by 7% when every classroom was amplified. This fact was confirmed twice by the U.S. Department of Education. Moreover, teachers who use classroom amplification systems have reported an increase in student participation and focus.

    A voice amplifier also benefits teachers. When using the Bogen amplifier, the teacher can speak at his or her natural voice level, reducing voice strain. Teachers using a voice amplifier have reported a decrease in fatigue, vocal stress, and absenteeism.

     When Ricardo Trinidad, president of Telcom & Data, was asked about the importance of Bogen’s Orator voice amplification system, he said, “We always here in the news that we need to improve our schools. This is a very practical way to help our students and teachers.”

    The Bogen Orator package includes a receiver base, one or two mic transmitters, an infrared sensor unit, an infrared sensor cable, two security keys, an adjustable lanyard, and a rechargeable lithium battery.

    For more information about Bogen’s Orator, visit Telcom & Data’s website or call 1-800-335-0229.

  • Telcom & Data Introduces Guardian’s HDE Series Emergency VOIP Telephones for Elevators, Parking Facilities, Universities, and Building Entrances

    Telcom & Data, a leader in industrial phone systems, is proud to announce that Guardian emergency VOIP telephones are now available. Guardian’s HDE series phones are designed for use in public settings where immediate support or hands-free communication is required. Applications include elevators, universities, parking facilities, medical centers, amusement parks, and building entrances.

    The phones boast many outstanding features. The units have a durable exterior with a rust resistant finish. The telephones function in severe conditions including extremely cold weather, rain, and noisy environments. The units may be set to autodial two numbers or to ring down through a PABX. The phones feature an emergency push button. Once the button is pressed, the phone automatically connects to the intended location. An LED provides a visual confirmation of a call connection.

    When Ricardo Trinidad, President of Telcom & Data, was asked about the phones, he said, “These phones are critical for public safety. With the simple push of a button, the caller receives immediate help. It couldn’t be easier.”

    For more information about Guardian’s HDE series emergency phones, visit Telcom & Data’s website or call 1-800-335-0229.

  • Telcom & Data Unveils Guardian’s Acclaimed Outdoor Industrial VOIP Telephones

    Telcom & Data, a leader in industrial phone systems, is proud to introduce Guardian’s outdoor industrial VOIP telephones. The watertight WTT models and WTR ringdown models offer first-class performance under extreme environmental conditions. Applications include paper mills, highway call boxes, public transit sites, food processing plants, and construction sites.

    The phones boast many outstanding features. The durable thermoplastic resin enclosure guards the internal circuitry against windblown dust, rain, corrosion, splashing and high pressure water. The phones contain a surge arrestor to prevent voltage damage. Each unit includes a heavy-duty G Type industrial handset and a vandal resistant armored handset cord. An electret noise reducing microphone ensures clear sound quality. When the handset is lifted on the ringdown models, the call is automatically routed to its assigned location.

    When Ricardo Trinidad, President of Telcom & Data, was asked about Guardian’s industrial VOIP phones, he said, “These phones are reliable and virtually indestructible. Guardian has met our high standards and these phones are a welcome addition our product line.”

    For more information about Guardian’s outdoor industrial VOIP telephones, visit Telcom & Data’s website or call 1-800-335-0229.

  • 10 Ways to Avoid a Million Dollar Phone Bill

    Q. How do you know when you’re Phone System has been hacked?

    A. When you get the phone bill!

     

    In a reoccurring theme, The Salem News reported today about a small business in Ipswich MA. called Todd Tool and Abrasive Systems whose phone system was hacked during a four day period to the tune of $ 891,470 worth of phone calls. Even though Todd Tool was a Verizon customer the hackers used a dial around long distance service that placed the calls through AT&Ts network.  The Salem News also reported that Verizon who was the service provider for Todd Tool, noticed an unusual amount of calls being made and shut down the ability to make these types of calls. Verizon ended up writing off $ 260,000 worth of calls. AT&T also had calls made through their service but they are not going to take a write off and they have filed a $1.15 million dollar law suit against Todd Tool for the calls. If AT&T wins in court, according to Michael Smith the owner,  it could mean bankruptcy for Todd Tools.

    I decided to ask telecom guru Rick Trinidad what a business could do to prevent hacker from doing the same thing.  Below is a list of suggestions.

     

    1. Hire a company to do a thorough security analysis of your phone system security. If you can’t afford a $ 12,000.00 phone bill you might really need this.
    2. Make sure your voice mail system does not have the default passwords and that out bound calling features are turned off or addressed. Many voice mail systems can make out bound calls to notify you of messages. This can be used to make calls through your phone system.
    3. Old voice mail boxes need to be deleted. If you r like most companies people come and go but voice mail boxes remain active and do not get removed. Delete all old voice mail boxes.
    4. DISA is a phone system feature designed to allow companies to use their phone systems to place out going calls remotely. DISA or Direct Inward System Access allows just that. Access to your phone systems telephone lines through the phone system.  It was developed long before Cell Phones as a way to reduce old expensive telephone calling cards. Really a favorite among hackers.
    5. Auto Attendant used for routing calls can also transfer calls to off-site locations make sure if you aren’t doing this that this feature is turned off. If you are using it this feature change your passwords frequently.
    6. Call forwarding to outside numbers is another feature while wonderful for working remotely leaves open a window of opportunity. Make sure who ever needs this feature really needs it and make sure this feature is turned off for everyone else.
    7. Operator transfers are another way hackers can use your phone lines to make calls. A caller posing as a telephone company repairman will call and say he is testing the phone lines and if the operator would please transfer them to 910333 or 910XXX— these are access numbers to Sprint or any other phone company to make calls direct through your lines through the phone companies network. The phone company will then bill back the call to you at the most expensive calling rate. For more on this check out Sprint’s Corporate security guide.
    8. Old Direct Dial Numbers that are no longer being used should be removed for your phone systems numbering scheme until needed again. Hackers are looking for anyway in to your systems.
    9. Conference Call Systems and Conference Bridges should be password protected. Hackers can get in to conference bridges to listen to sensitive corporate information. Use in house bridge as opposed to an out side conference call service for maximum protection. An in house conference bridge can be placed behind your company’s firewall and passwords can be changed for every conference.
    10. Call Accounting Software such as Tapit Call Accounting can help reduce un authorized phone calls. The Tapit Fraud alert module alarms you when set calling parameters are being breached by sounding an alarm and a text message.

     For more information on how to avoid phone system hacking call 800-335-0229 or visit www.telcom-data.com

     

     

     

     

  • Telcom & Data Introduces Heavy-duty Industrial VOIP Ringdown Telephones for Mines, Manufacturing Facilities, Plants, and Offshore Drilling Rigs

    Telcom & Data, a leader in specialty phone systems, announced today that the Guardian DTR-51 and DTR-61 industrial VOIP ringdown telephones are now available. The phones are designed to provide safe and reliable communication in work areas that are vulnerable to hazardous conditions. Applicable locations include refineries, mines, manufacturing facilities, plants, offshore drilling rigs, paper mills, and food processing plants.

    The DTR-51 and DTR-61 both have outstanding features. The most important feature is automatic routing. As soon as the handset is lifted, PBX programming routes the call immediately to its assigned location. A noise cancelling microphone ensures crystal clear sound quality. Maximum location versatility is made possible by desktop and wall mounting configurations. Additionally, the units operate on telephone line power, removing the need for an external power source.

    The DTR-51 has a few more standard features than Guardian’s regular weather resistant devices including a hands free speakerphone and a built-in ring detect relay. The DTR-61 Ringdown Phone has a heavy-duty armored handset cord that meets stringent Zone 1 safety requirements.

    When Ricardo Trinidad, president of Telcom & Data, was asked about the usefulness of the phones, he said, “Ringdown telephones are critical in dangerous work environments. If something bad happens on the job, these phones immediately call for help just by picking up the phone. It’s so simple and it could save a life.”

    For more information on Guardian’s VOIP industrial phones, visit Telcom & Data’s website or call 1-800-335-0229.

    ABOUT Telcom & Data:
    Since 1996 Telcom & Data has been providing thousands of telecommunication solutions to organizations around the world to measurably improve communications. The company offers numerous emergency notification and hazardous area telecommunications products for industrial, construction, and manufacturing settings. Telcom & Data maintains a network of over 1500 technicians with locations in Chicago, Milwaukee and Miami.

    ABOUT Guardian Telecom:
    Founded in 1986, Guardian's predecessor, Newco Safety Tel Inc. set out to develop and market a new generation of hazardous area telephones for use in locations where dangerous explosive atmospheres could be present. Guardian’s state-of-the-art production facility and qualified personnel continue to design and produce top quality telephones with a full range of features, making safe communication economically available to everyone, regardless of their work environment.

  • Experience the Benefits of Wearing a Telephone Headset at Work, in the Car, and at Home

    Headsets have become very popular.  For professionals who spend a significant amount of time on the phone, headsets offer a much more convenient and comfortable experience.  Moreover, headsets can offset safety concerns for cell phone users and they can simplify at-home tasks.

    Headsets at the Office

    What happens when you receive a phone call at work without a headset?  First, you will find it’s very difficult to type, take notes, or find a file with only one hand available.  Second, you will probably shove the phone between your neck and shoulder so both hands are free. The bad posture will lead to neck and shoulder pain.  A headset relieves these difficulties.  A headset gives you the ability sit up tall with your neck and head straight and leaves your hands free for other tasks.

    Headsets for Cell Phones

    Cell phone headsets are especially helpful in the car.  It is clearly safer to have both hands available when shifting, steering, and signaling.  But that’s not all - although the scientific evidence is inconclusive on whether or not the radio waves from cell phones can cause cancer, the American Cancer Society states, “people who are concerned about radiofrequency exposure can limit their exposure, including using an ear piece and limiting cell phone use, particularly among children.”  It’s better to be safe than sorry and use a headset.

    Headsets at Home

    Headsets can also be used for at-home tasks.  For instance, headsets can be used to talk on the phone while cooking, cleaning, and caring for children.  Moreover, headsets can be great for those that work at home; they can benefit from all the points discussed in the “headsets at the office” section above.

     


    Conclusion
    Headsets offer critical safety precautions, convenience, and flexibility wherever you are.   Headsets can reduce neck pain, shoulder pain, car accidents, and they may even help prevent cancer.

    To find the right headset for you, visit Telcom & Data’s website by clicking here: Telcom & Data Headsets

  • Telcom & Data Announces Reduced Price on Plantronics CS70N Headset and HL 10 Handset Lifter, for Call Centers, Sales Representatives, and Work-At-Home Professionals

    Telcom & Data, a leader in business phone systems, announced today a reduced price on a Plantronics CS70N headset and HL 10 handset lifter. The CS70N headset is the ideal combination of style, comfort, and performance. The addition of the handset lifter allows for true wireless mobility. This legendary headset package is perfect for any business setting from the back office to the executive suite. Specifically, CS70N headset is ideal for call centers, sales representatives, and work-at-home professionals.

    The CS70N is incredibly versatile. Multitasking hands-free is easy with 300 feet of wireless mobility. Additionally, the headset boasts six hours of talk time without recharging. The headset features convenient one-touch volume control and answer/end buttons. An online indicator light lets others know the phone is in use.

    The handset lifter allows users to remotely answer and end calls even when the worker is away from their desk. A noise indicator lets the user know an inbound call is on the line. Then the user simply pushes one button on the headset and the handset lifter answers the phone.

    The CS70N has first-rate audio clarity. A noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise such as co-workers and other phones. Likewise, the headset has voice dedicated DECT technology, eliminating Wi-Fi interference.

    When Ricardo Trinidad, President of Telcom & Data, was asked about the performance of the CS70N headset, he said, “This headset is perfect for any business professional. Its audio clarity and flexibility are top-notch.”

    For more information about the Plantronics CS70N wireless headset and HL 10 handset lifter, visit Telcom & Data's website or call 1-800-335-0229.

    About Telcom & Data: Since 1996 Telcom & Data has been providing thousands of telecommunications solutions to organizations around the world to measurably improve communications. The company is a leader in business phone systems including VoIP phones, conference phones, and headsets. Telcom & Data maintains a network of over 1500 technicians with locations in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Miami.

    About Plantronics: Plantronics offers one of the industry's most complete families of corded and wireless products for unified communications. Widely recognized for their sound quality, reliability, and comfort, Plantronics' audio solutions help companies extend the benefits of IP communications

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