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As the name suggests, multi-point video conferencing systems refers to simultaneous videoconferencing among three or more persons. This concept has gained popularity over the years since a group of people, instead of just two, can have a virtual meeting and discuss matters without meeting at a common place.

Working of multi-point video conferencing
Multi-point video conferencing systems work through a series of cameras, placed at each location of the conference. The images and audio are transmitted, from each location by the computer, to all the members involved. They can also exchange data with each other using this method. Thus multi-point video conferencing is the next step after telephone conferencing, in which a group of individuals could only talk and not view each other or exchange data.

Advantages of multi-point video conferencing
Multi-point video conferencing solutions are ideal for both, business as well as personal uses. Members of a family can meet virtually on video conferencing and have a sort of reunion. But due to slow speed of internet in homes and lack of technical knowledge, this system has yet not become popular for personal use.

However companies and business houses are taking full advantage of this facility. Today, meetings between employees and management who are situated in different locations are conducted easily and efficiently through the use of multi-point video conferencing. Companies are saving a lot on traveling expense and still getting the desired results. Moreover, they can also transfer data files to each other, adding to the effectiveness of this system.

Applications of Multi-point video conferencing
This conferencing system can be used by individuals to keep in touch with family members, who live far away.

Companies can use these video conferencing solutions to monitor the activities of their different branches, located at different places. They can conduct meetings and discussions at a very short notice as compared to meeting personally.

Educational institutes can effectively utilize multi-point video conferencing systems by enabling guest lecturers from other institutions to teach a number of classes at once. It can also facilitate interaction among students of different schools and colleges, located at different places.

One of the most important uses of this conferencing system can be made by doctors, who can consult a complicated case with other competent doctors who are in different cities or countries. This immediate consultation and response could save the lives of many.

Since this technology is still in its nascent stage, a lot of uses are still to be discovered. However noting the positive response it has got so soon after its inception, it can easily be said that this is something that could change our future.

U.S. Commerce Association s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Telecom Data has been selected for the 2009 Best of Chicago Award in the Telephone Equipment & Systems category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

Telcom & Data is an on line single source provider of thousands of telecommunications products and solutions. Telcom & Data sells solutions including business phone systems, audio and web conferencing, video conferencing, voice mail , telephone paging systems and much more. You can visit Telcom & Data online at www.telcom-data.com

If you thought that the introduction of audio and video conferencing systems was the best thing that could have happened to your organization, then here is something even better. Voip are the new entrants in the domain of business phone systems, which aim to enhance your video and audio conferencing experience and make it even more productive.

Before the introduction of Voip, organizations were using business phone systems like Private Branch Exchange (PBX), Key telephone systems and Key less phone systems (KSU). Although these systems were effective and provided various services like audio conferencing, video conferencing, voice mail systems, etc yet there was something missing from them. They were expensive to install, difficult to maintain and not easily compatible with different systems. So the need was there for a better technology, and Voip came as the answer to those needs. Through Voip, people can stay connected virtually over the internet and take advantage of the integration of internet with video conferencing solutions.

Voip has provided better video conferencing solutions to organizations. Not only has the cost of installing and maintaining this system reduced, due to its minimal infrastructural requirements, but several other eminent benefits are also present.

Portability is one of the major benefits of a Voip business phone system. Employees can travel anywhere they want and they can still remain connected with their organization through video conferencing over a Voip system. All that a person needs is a broadband internet connection and a camera.

Due to the fact that Voip enables video conferencing systems to connect via the internet, members of the conference can also share presentations, files and other forms of data during a conference. This has created a virtual environment which is a close replica of a physical meeting. Moreover presentations can even be made over the internet through a video conference, thus enabling better video conferencing solutions.

A virtual whiteboard can be created on the screen of every member during the video conference and notes and other information can easily be shared and explained. This has been possible only through the use of a Voip to connect video conferencing systems.

The most prominent benefit that businesses perceive in video conferencing over the internet is the fact that it is very cheap, thus a huge burden on their expenditure has been removed.

The introduction of Voip in video conferencing has revolutionized the way people look at video conferences. However you need to consider a few facts before installing this system in your organization. There are a numerous Voip service providers in the market. You should conduct a thorough research of thee the alternatives available and choose the one that enhances your present video conferencing solutions the most.

A teleconference is a telephonic conversation between two or more individuals at different locations. Through conference call systems, all the members can get involved simultaneously and can have a conversation with the other members. How does teleconference work

Conferencing phone, easily available in the market. An organization has to carefully analyze the available teleconference technology to decide on the one that best suits their requirements. If an organization is unable to buy the costly audio conferencing equipments, they can subscribe to the teleconference facilities provided by various telecom operators.

Organizations availing teleconference facility are provided with a phone number which every person, who wants to join the conference, will have to dial from their conferencing phone. They are also provided with two unique PIN numbers. One is for the moderators, organizers, special guests and the other is for rest of the participants.

Most teleconference service providers charge by the minute. Some allow unlimited members to participate while some charge for every extra member.

Advantages of teleconference
Teleconferencing can serve a lot of purpose for an organization. Following are some of the main advantages:
Teleconferencing provides access to far away locations
Greater participation would mean more ideas and diverse point of views
It would save time and travel cost
An audio conference can be upgraded to a video conference by adding desktop video conferencing systems.
An individual, who is appointed as the moderator, handles all the conference call systems in the organization. That person makes preparatory phone calls to all members and informs them of the agenda, the time of the teleconference and should ensure that the conference is going along the lines of the agenda.
Proper planning is essential in the successful implementation of a teleconference. Every member should be aware of the main agenda and should be provided adequate time to put forward their view.

Drawbacks of teleconferencing

Although it is a very beneficial setup for organizations, yet it is not free from its set of drawbacks. Some of the major drawbacks are:

It could get difficult to handle a large group of people, who are trying to speak at the same time. Although a moderator is appointed, yet it could get difficult for that person to handle such a large group
If a company is purchasing all the required audio conferencing equipments, then the total cost of holding a teleconference can get a little high
Due to the coordination required between all members, holding a teleconference can take a lot of time to organize.
Teleconference eliminates the face to face conversation between people, which we know is essential in conducting business efficiently.

Business phone systems are definitely one of the most essential business communication tools required by business organizations of all sizes to improve their communications and develop clientele throughout the world. Most of the businesses nowadays prefer to invest in VoIP business phone systems as these have added features and help an organization to communicate at a reduced price.

The latest telephone systems are without doubt the easiest and most convenient medium for conducting efficient global communications. Therefore, buying the right business phone system which can fulfill all the needs of an organization is one of the most important investments to be made by any business establishment. An organization needs to invest in business phone systems which can effectively connect entrepreneurs to their global customers. The phone system which a business chooses should be capable of smoothening various business activities, through smooth and regular communication. The latest conferencing phone systems available in the market have become one of the most important mediums for trade transactions and communication purposes.

There are different types of conferencing phone systems available in the market and the suitability of a phone system, for a business, depends on numerous factors. The different conferencing phones available in the market differ from one another based on their shapes, sizes and acoustical treatments. Moreover, the features of these phones systems also vary from one another. All these phone systems help businesses to earn maximum profits in less cost and efforts.

The VoIP conferencing phone is the latest innovation in the series of business phone systems. These have brought a revolution in the field of business communications. With these systems, businesses can save both time and money incurred for communication purposes. Due to the enhanced features and added benefits offered by these systems, the VoIP phones are replacing the other business phone systems at a very fast pace.

The high-tech VoIP business phone systems are also supported by Microsoft Windows and are equipped with various features. It is equipped with all the common phone features like call waiting, call transfer, inbound and out bound call register, call forward, caller ID, call mute, etc. Besides all these features, these phone systems offer high quality sound, increased standby and talk time. Thus, business establishments from all sectors have clearly identified the potential of VoIP services and are investing more in VoIP than in any other communication sector.

You can take the help of the internet to find reputed and reliable vendors offering high quality VoIP business phone systems.

With the introduction of the internet and the advancements in technology, the way of communication has undergone a lot of changes for business organizations. Nowadays, most of the organizations are either dependent on their audio conferencing system or their web conferencing systems, for communicating with distant employees and clients on a regular basis.

Some of the most essential conferencing system required for web conferencing includes a computer system, a fast internet connection and a conferencing gateway from a reliable and reputed vendor. With the help of these systems organizations can conduct or participate in web conferences, which are one of the most efficient and effective communication mediums.

High quality conferencing system and services allow participants to communicate with other efficiently over infinite distances. During a web conference, participants can communicate with each other by sharing instant messages. They can also use the whiteboard, which is a special tool, for drawing demonstrating and images with a special pen, for the easy understanding of the other participants.

Participants can also share their desktops, documents, blueprints and applications with each other during a web conference. Therefore, even if employees are located in different locations, they can work on the same project with close collaboration with the help of web conferencing. By using high quality video conferencing microphone and cameras, organizations can also combine video and web conferencing solutions, to make the conferences all the more effective and efficient.

By using a high quality camera, clear pictures and videos can be captured and shared during a video-web conference. This gives the participants the feeling of a face to face meeting. Using high quality microphones, speakers and display mediums during the conference makes the conference all the more efficient and effective.

Besides web conferencing, a number of organizations have also started to use VoIP audio conferences as their medium of communication. It has not only emerged as one of the most effective communication mediums, but also as a cost effective medium. Some of the most essential tools required to conduct a VoIP conference includes, VoIP phone systems, internet connection, high quality microphone and headphone and reliable VoIP gateways.

Each form of conferencing has its own sets of benefits and shortfalls and different organizations find different conferencing forms to be more useful according to their budget and business requirements. No matter which form of conferencing an organization chooses for itself, it is essential that investments are made in high quality conferencing system, accessories and services and are bought from reliable and reputed vendors.

Every business needs new telephone equipment at some point. Existing telecommunications equipment gets old and outdated, and additional equipment is often needed to grow a business. Nearly 80% of companies in the U.S. lease equipment to remain competitive. They recognize that it is more important to have and use the equipment than it is to own the equipment. There are many advantages for your business to leasing over other financing options. Here are the reasons we feel are most important to them:

· Credit Availability: Leasing preserves lines of credit. Save bank borrowing capacity for other needs or emergencies.

· Conserve Working Capital Get the equipment and technology needed today while spreading payments over time. Capital budgets can be used for other business expenses and more productive operational uses.

· Flexibility - Changes in the economy, emerging competition and expansion require flexible options for a small business. Leasing allows a business to grow or change with the tide quickly, without large up-front costs.

· Obsolescence becomes Obsolete - Technology changes rapidly. The software and equipment purchased 2 years ago is most likely outdated. With leasing, when the term is over, there is the option to purchase your equipment, trade it in or return it outright. Keep your businesses at the forefront of their industry through leasing.

· Tax Advantages - For most leases, businesses can deduct monthly lease payments. The benefits and amount changes annually, so they should consult a tax advisor for more information on tax advantages check out IRS Section 179.

· Budget Friendly - Leased equipment can create income for a business that far exceeds the cost of a monthly lease payment. Budgets can be stretched to obtain additional equipment that your customer couldn't have afforded otherwise, through fixed monthly payments.

· No Down Payment Required - Unlike some loan programs, customers can finance 100% of their equipment, and include additional costs such as software, shipping, installation, maintenance and training into the total package.

· Fixed Monthly Payments - Leasing allows businesses to use equipment they need, for as long as they need it, with a fixed monthly payment. If interest rates skyrocket, their payment does not change.

· Choose Payments and Terms - You know how much your business can afford to spend on your new equipment. With leasing you can pick the best payment solution for your business. Extended terms, flexible payments and equipment upgrades are all available.

Contact us to speak with a Telcom & Data Leasing Representative to discuss how leasing can benefit your business' bottom line. Call us at 800-335-0229 or get an instant telephone system lease quote here http://www.telcom-data.com/phone-leasing.aspx

We look forward to being your provider of telephone equipment and phone systems . Other equipment you can lease includes Video Conferencing, Audio conferencing, VoIP phone systems, voice mail and unified messaging systems, phone loggers and more.

Definity PBX maintenance and support services are still available for even the oldest of version of the Definity G3. If your compnay still has a Definity G3, G3SI, G3R or any other version telephone maintenance support is still available. Telcom & Data Inc. (Chicago IL) provides complete Definity telephone system support.

When you think about how important your communications system is to your business, it is easy to see how valuable a Service Agreement for your DEFINITY system really is.

For support to ensure your ongoing telephone system performance. A telephone system service agreement is always at work both at your site and behind the senses, so you can concentrate on running your business, benefits include:

" Maximize communications uptime
" Proactive trouble notification
" Errors resolved transparently
" Reduce time to repair
" Peace of mind knowing your system has 24/7 monitoring
" Fixed budget and long term savings
" Free basic phone technical support included
" Complex and customized support available at preferred prices
" Remotely access customers' PBX to perform diagnostics, browse activities and optimum operation.
" Preferred customer status

SERVICE CALLS When a field technician has to be dispatched to your location, monitoring data helps them solve problems faster and more effectively. And thanks to intelligence already gathered, if an outside service provider disruption occurs an immediate vendor repair ticket is logged for response or dispatch. Other companies may monitor your system, but the service referral company must call your business to determine how to handle an alarm.

Building Relationship We have unprecedented attention to service compared to others maintenance service providers. In the event of a flood, fire, or other unforeseeable disaster, we maintain vital information on the current system configuration. So you get support from a technician who knows you, your system and your business. Up-to-date paper documentation are maintained and we coordinate contact with service repair to complete repair or restoration.

COST Savings Time, labor and material are included in a service maintenance agreement, which provides significant savings with a manageable budget. Unlimited service calls, without a Service Agreement all visits are billable. Services provided outside of the Service Agreement will be billed at a reduced rate.

To find out how your company can control and reduce telephone system costs call 800-335-0229 or visit www.telcom-data.com

VoIP Phones allow organization to maintain effective and efficient communications between all its employees, clients and business associates at much cheaper prices. This is one of the main reasons for which VoIP systems and services are in high demands in the market.

VoIP or voice over internet protocol is one of the latest developed technologies which allow organizations to make voice calls over the internet. While making a VoIP call from a computer system to a VoIP conferencing phone/landline phone, the average cost of the calls is much cheaper than the calls made using landline phones. Moreover, a VoIP call made from a computer system to another is almost equivalent to free of cost.

A common misconception about VoIP calls and VoIP phones is that, the individuals at both the ends of the call need to remain glued to their seats and computer systems until the call is over. Nowadays, there are a number of wireless VoIP headsets, telephone adapters and VoIP systems with high quality speaker systems available in the market which allows users to move around certain space, while connected to a VoIP call.

Besides the portability and cost effective communication options offered by the VoIP systems and VoIP services, some of the other benefits for which more and more number of organizations are investing in these systems, include:

The portability options offered by a VoIP conferencing phone prove highly beneficial especially for business travelers. Business travelers can even choose to use regular phone systems and use it with VoIP phone adapters while traveling. All that an individual will require for making a VoIP call is the VoIP phone number and a internet connection.
VoIP technology facilitates users to access phone, email, fax, web conferencing, Internet and video applications, all at the same time.
A VoIP user also has the facility to choose any area code for his/her VoIP phone number. Therefore, an organization located in one city, with clients from other cities, can select the area codes of the cities where their clients are located. By doing this they can make calls at the local call charges.
More and more number of business organizations from diverse business fields are choosing to invest in high quality Avaya phone systems and other VoIP systems so that they can communicate with their clients in a better, convenient and cost effective manner.

Businesses are also investing in Merlin phone systems for their exciting and unique features.

Your business may have received many calls to up grade from your existing digital phone system to an IP based phone system and you may be a bit skeptical to do so. You have probably heard of a friend or business associates nightmare with a pure IP phone system installation. You also have probably heard that the traditional TDM phone system is dead. So now what?

A new business moving into a new space has some major advantages going with an IP only phone system. Installing a single data cable for both voice and data can save a business on cabling costs over a traditional TDM phone system that requires it’s own voice cabling.

An existing business that already has both voice and data cabling infrastructure in place could benefit from Hybrid phone system such as the Avaya IP Office. The Avaya IP Office offers businesses the best of both digital and IP technologies. At the heart of the system is a processor that can handle both digital phone sets and VoIP phone sets. A business owner can take advantage of existing voice cabling using the Avaya IP Office digital phone sets. Remote or telecommuters can use IP phones for home and branch offices. Utilizing both digital and IP technologies can save a business thousands from having to upgrade it’s entire LAN infrastructure to accommodate IP only phones. Digital technology works wonderfully with out having to worry about QoS, packet loss and jitter issues. The fact that the Avaya IP Office offers both can position a company to the future with out having to invest completely in one technology or the other.

The Avaya IP Office offers big time features that can save any business money and increase sales. Avaya IP Office delivers the powerful call handling capabilities for the busiest communications environments and the features and flexibility that enhance the performance and productivity of everyone who uses it. IP Office includes A Phone System - A full PBX with hundreds of features. Display phones. Desk- and PC-based IP phones. Voice over IP. Paging. A Unified Messaging Server - Voicemail. Auto attendant. Unified voicemail/email. Personal Number. Call recording. Easy-to use graphical interfaces. Full synchronization with Microsoft® Exchange. A Conferencing Solution - A built-in, private "conference bridge" that's available at a moment's notice when you need to quickly share information with a large number of people. Secure, easy to use and very cost-effective, it's ideal for team meetings, client conferences, training and more. A Virtual Office Solution - Are you working out of the office? Avaya IP Office is an ideal solution for virtual offices because you can network remote through a corporate network infrastructure. This means you can benefit from the "transparent" operation of many features (transfers, Caller ID, etc.), centralized messaging, and centralized administration to enhance information sharing and collaboration, increase company-wide productivity and lower costs. Linking your remote offices on one phone system with centralized administration and shared messaging. Easy to Manage - Web based system management easily allows you to change system settings while you're in the office or away.

Get a quote now on the Avaya IP Office here or call Telcom & Data at 800-335-0229 ext 152.