As school safety week is recognized across the nation, Telcom & Data would like to participate by offering schools practical safety solutions. The company, through their e-commerce websites, offers a number of emergency notification products. Bogen’s S135A intercom paging system and Wheelock’s SafePath SP40S evacuation system are especially valuable in educational environments.

School emergencies such as severe weather, fires, intruders, or injuries require an immediate response. Bogen’s intercom systems deliver by featuring an emergency page capability for simultaneous announcements to all stations. Emergency paging can be made from a remote telephone or microphone. Users can select program material, as well as its distribution to selected rooms with the simple push of a button and by following color-coded guidelines. Teachers are able to converse hands-free with the control center operator over their individual classroom speaker. The unit supports up to 75 school classrooms.

The SafePath SP40S is a multi-function emergency voice evacuation system that can integrate with an existing fire alarm or act as a standalone evacuation system. The unit uses audio and visual alerts to provide students and staff with evacuation information for different types of emergencies. Eight pre-recorded messages are included with the system and allow for custom messages to be recorded. A built in microphone gives the user the ability to broadcast instant messages throughout the building.

When Ricardo Trinidad, president of Telcom & Data, was asked how these products contribute to school safety, he said, “In the event of a school emergency, delivering fast alerts and communicating the right safety messages to both staff and students is extremely important. Both Wheelock’s SafePath system and Bogen’s intercom paging system effectively communicate to school staff of the emergency and what to do next.”

For more information about the Wheelock’s SafePath SP40S evacuation system and Bogen’s S135A intercom paging system, 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, intercom systems, and mass notification products. Telcom & Data maintains a network of over 1600 technicians with locations in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Miami.

About Bogen:
Bogen Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of Bogen Corporation, is a leading provider of sound systems and telephone peripherals for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications.

About Cooper / Wheelock:
Cooper Notification, a solution platform of Cooper Industries, is comprised of several businesses with decades of experience and innovation in the development of high quality products and solutions. With the ever present need to protect, alert and inform, Cooper Notification is focused on meeting the growing demand for personnel and property safety. We are the source for notification solutions supporting Fire, Security, Hazardous area, Mass Notification, Voice evacuation and Industrial Signaling applications and operating under the powerful global brands of Fulleon, MEDC, Roam Secure, SafePath, Waves and Wheelock.

Telcom & Data, a leader in teleconferencing products, is pleased to introduce the Revolabs FLX conference phone. The Revolabs FLX delivers superior versatility and wireless capabilities. The difficulty with all corded and wireless tabletop conference phones is that its microphones and speakers are fixed to the unit. This is where the Revoloabs FLX is different.

The FLX microphones, speaker, and wireless remote dial pad detach from the base unit and can be placed anywhere in the room. This means that users don’t have to shout across the room in order to be heard. It also means the sound is crisp and clear for users on both ends of the conversation. The innovative features and functional design make the Revolabs FLX perfect for executive offices, conference rooms, and SoHo environments.

The Revolabs FLX offers incredible audio quality. With a transmission range of 65 feet, room arrangements are endless. Additionally, the FLX is resistant to feedback from wireless electronic devices like cell phones, iPads, and laptops.

FLX minimizes equipment costs by supporting both audio and video conferencing. The FLX is compatible with all major brands of video conferencing equipment. USB audio to a PC makes applications such as Skype, WebEx, and Lync have wireless capabilities for conference calls. The FLX conference phone also has Bluetooth capabilities, making it possible for a smartphone to be turned into a conference phone.

When Ricardo Trinidad, president of Telcom & Data, was asked about the Revolabs FLX conference phone, he said, “If a conference phone is fixed in one place, then those making the call also have to be fixed in one place. This simply isn’t practical for multi-person conference calls. The Revolabs FLX is the solution.”

For more information about the Revolabs FLX conferencing phone, visit Telcom & Data’s website or call 1-800-335-0229.

ABOUT Revolabs: Revolabs, Inc. is the premier provider of wireless audio solutions for unified communications, enterprise collaboration, and professional audio applications across a wide range of markets. Offering unmatched audio quality that allows users to “hear every word,” the company’s wireless conferencing and microphone systems are utilized across the globe for a variety of applications, from webcasts and video conferencing to podcasts and broadcasting.

Airports Need Targeted Emergency Communication: Enhanced Firebar /Crash Net System Gets the Right People to the Right Place Quickly Time, speed and technology are all variables when an airport goes into crisis mode, be it crash and rescue, a police emergency, or man-made or natural disaster. Kirksville, Missouri Regional Airport General Manager Glenn Balliew says one thing is constant, “The first 30 minutes is absolute chaos! It takes trained leaders and accurate communication to effectively manage any crisis. He should know, the 27-year Army veteran retired after stints as an air traffic controller, Presidential Movement Coordinator and a military on-scene responder to the National Air Traffic Control Command Center and World Trade Center sites on 9/11. “We had a crash here a few years back where they were looking for a plane,” relates Balliew, who says the key issue is a selective callout. “Somebody on the radio called out ‘I need everybody now!’ –the problem is there were two survivors out of 13 passengers, and the roads and forests were so clogged with a mass notification it was hard for rescue personnel to get in and out,” says Balliew, who was hired at Kirksville just last year and is also trained as part of the regional airport’s Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting ( ARFF) squad. In calling for assistance an ARFF bark has to be more precise than its bite. “Putting the right responders, in the right place, at the right time is crucial to crisis management.” This is where Telcom & Data’s Crash Net System can aid airport managers, fixed based operators (FBO) of general aviation and their partnering fire, police and sheriff departments in getting just the right people and assets on scene. But a key issue faces most airport managers today: how to meet upcoming government standards with upgrades that don't conflict with proven or legacy systems. Enhanced Virtual Firebar Mission Critical Conferencing now deploying for the first time, adds critical new capabilities while still working with any remaining legacy systems. Most airports have used the Tellabs 291/292 Firebar system successfully since the 1980’s and 1990’s but Time is running out for old-style copper based TDM technology still in use today in multivendor environments. New standards mean a replacement is essential. Telcom & Data, Inc. provides Crash Net systems that work with traditional analog phone lines, as well as IP Networks for emergency administrators like Balliew in mind. “With its ability to selectively and concurrently reach landlines, cellphones, police fire and rescue stations or SUV’s, the CrashNet technology brings effective value to the scene,” says Telcom & Data Founder Ricardo Trinidad. Crash Net sends calls to any landline or cellular phone besides the dedicated emergency Ring Down Phone “Red Phones.” The message can be targeted for delivery through any communications medium be it voice, email, or in combination or alone as needed. Custom caller-ID goes directly to the right person or asset: Airport manager, fire chief, ARFF truck, rescue squad, airport police, paramedics or rural volunteers en route. An unlimited number of call out groups are supported, and a dial-out can be triggered via incoming phone call, a click on a web portal, or at a schedule time. In the follow-up, mopping up or evaluation phases, the Crash Net conference bridge provides a summary and detailed reports on call completions. The airport manager and partnering first responders know instantly and at glance which calls are In Process, Busy, or No Answer. Detailed reports and summaries of dial-outs that keeps both managers and manpower in the fight and in the know on status and call completions. “This is the simple to use but powerful technology that Telcom & Data Inc. has always offered our government, military and business customers,” said Founder Ricardo Trinidad, who started his telecommunications firm about the time Balliew was joining the Army in 1996 to begin his aviation career. “Through our partnerships with leading telecommunications manufacturers we give aviation facilities, military leaders, public safety agencies and many other industries the best future telecom can provide.” Since 1996 Telcom & Data has been providing thousands of telecommunications solutions to organizations around the world to measurably improve communications. Telcom & Data maintains a network of more than 1600 technicians The company is a leader in business phone systems, intercom systems, and mass notification products. http://www.telcom-data.com  Call us at 800-335-02298 for more information.

Mission Critical Conferencing for Airports

Domino's Pizza on North Clark street in Chicago is one of the highest grossing franchises in the entire country so when their phone system died unexpectedly they got busy with an online video apology showing the new phone system being installed along with online options to place orders. Check it out here.  http://www.viddler.com/v/aa2fdb9c

Call Telcom & Data at 800-335-0229

Allworx, a Windstream company, has announced new security practices in response to recent Hacking Issues. 

Suggested Security Best Practices

Overview

One of the primary advantages of the Allworx family of products is its flexibility in configuration and settings in a way that is easy to understand. Security is an important consideration, and we are constantly striving to improve our systems to protect our customers.

We are investigating reported instances and have seen fraudulent SIP registration attacks that search public IP addresses and gain access to either an Allworx server or, most recently, to remote Allworx handsets not installed behind a firewall. We have also received reports of recent toll fraud incidents in which fraudulent attacks take over the SIP registration of an Allworx handset attached to a public network. This document summarizes the security best practices to prevent security compromises.

What You Should Do

• Update Allworx server to the most recent patch level of  7.6 . These patches change each Allworx phone SIP registration passwords during the phone reboot.
• Install the server behind a firewall or connect it to the public internet using the WAN port. DO NOT connect the Allworx LAN port directly onto the public internet.
• Disable Allworx WAN services (ports) not in use.
• Change voicemail ports (SMTP and IMAP) to non-standard port numbers.
• Change all server admin, phone admin, and user passwords from the default values.
• Use strong passwords for server and phone administration pages. DO NOT use simple passwords such as “1234″ or “Allworx”.
• Verify that there is no exposure of the Admin Page (Port 8080) to the Public network. DO NOT port forward directly to the LAN port of an Allworx server from the customer’s router. For remote maintenance, use the Allworx VPN. Navigate to Home > Network > VPN > modify to configure the VPN settings.

For more information about Allworx please contact Telcom & Data at 800-335-0229

Upgrade Your Allworx Phone System Against Hacking

Just like Wayne Hancock said Lord I love Thunderstorms and Neon Signs.   In my case I love thunderstorms because there is sure to be an uptick in business as lighting. power outages and power surges wreak havoc on phone systems.  With the weather becoming more severe these days its really important to check and test your UPS battery back up systems for  run time and functionality. Unfortunately for many businesses its usually when you really need your battery back up system to work that you realize it is no longer protecting the data and phone equipment.

Protect Your phone and data equipment against severe weather.

Many older phone systems rely on on board batteries to keep memory. Old batteries eventually go bad and with a power loss the phone system easily losses programming. When this happens the results are predictable voice mail doesn't work, speed dial lists are wiped out, extension numbering may have defaulted. Worst of all it disrupts business and this is if you are lucky.

If you are unlucky then you end up having a power surge blow up the processor, voice mail system, or power supply.  When this happens you might as well shop for a new phone system because it is hard to determine just how much damage has been done.  Even if you replace major components the system may never work the same way again.

We recommend a UPS Battery Back Up System on every phone system installation we do. Often times a business owner will want to go and buy his own from OfficeMax or Office Depot and ends up buying the cheapest one available.  The results are the same. We have seen systems that have melted even though the business owner used a small under protected system to take care of their new $ 12,000.00 phone system.

Please take the time to check out your UPS battery back up situation and make certain you have in place the protection required to keep your business going in the likely event you are hit by severe weather.

check out all of our on line Minuteman UPS Battery Back Up solutions here. If you need help sizing the right system for your application we can help no matter how large.

Or call Telcom & Data at 800-335-0229

Most states in the U.S. require by law that pools accessible by the public have a pool phone that can dial emergency services. The 1600A Series ADA Compliant Emergency Phone from Viking fills this requirement.

The thermometer is at its highest during these summer months and everyone is looking for a way to cool off. Many people escape the heat by visiting their local swimming pool. Public and private pools are a great place for people to relax and have fun. Of course the danger of swimming pools is always present. Lifeguards and parents need to be on constant lookout for any signs of trouble. If an emergency situation does happen, it is necessary to have a quick method for calling emergency services. Telcom & Data is proud to provide a product to help increase swimming pool safety. The 1600A Series ADA Compliant Emergency Phones from Viking are ideal for swimming pool areas.

Emergency Pool Phone Can Help Save Lives

In most states, the law requires that pools available to the public have emergency phones. Providing guests with a safe and enjoyable experience should be the top priority of any pool operator. The 1600A Series ADA Compliant Emergency Phones are designed to provide quick and reliable hands free communication perfect for an indoor or outdoor pool area. The 1600A Series phones can be programmed to automatically deliver a digital announcement to identify the location of the emergency call and then initiate the call connected LED light. All units are phone line powered, requiring no batteries or external power. Up to five emergency numbers can be programmed into the phone.

For outdoor pool areas Enhanced Weather Protection (EWP) is available for several 1600A Series phones. EWP products feature rubber gaskets and boots, hand soldered silicon sealed connections and gel filled tip and ring connectors to ensure that the emergency phone can withstand the harshest of weather conditions.

Click here to find out more about State’s Pool Telephone Laws.

For more information about an emergency pool phone from Viking, visit Telcom & Data’s website or call 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, intercom systems, and mass notification products. Telcom & Data maintains a network of over 1600 technicians with locations in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Miami.

About Viking:

Viking Electronics designs and manufactures over 250 telecommunications and security related products for small businesses. The majority of our products are “problem solvers,” designed to fix or add unique features to other manufacturers’ telephone or security systems. We also manufacture several stand-alone telephone and security products that set themselves apart from the competition by their simple design, ease of use, and cost effectiveness.

Telcom & Data INC. is proud to announce it has partnered with BBX Technologies Call  Center Vuesion Software for delivering call center solutions to Avaya IP Office users. The IP Office is mid size phone system for up to 2000 users. The BBX Vuesion software is delivers a total solution for the enterprise application. Vuesion's single-platform design encompasses a complete Contact Center solution, integrated with a powerful Unified Messaging voice processor and voice logger/recorder. This cost-effective approach yields highly integrated software modules, lower maintenance, and a scalable installation. Customers have the option to add software modules and licenses as they go and as their business environment dictates.  Call Center features include:

• Scalable from small groups to enterprise multi-site businesses
• Intuitive and familiar user interface
• Blended multimedia with Email, FAX, voice and out dial queuing
• Enhance customer service with skills based routing, priority routing and rules based routing
• Increase agent productivity with call coordinated database screen pops, text chat, and presence
• Improve supervisors’ efficiency with access to reporting, agent coaching and call recording.

Vuesion works well for various types of business including insurance, health care, technical support, and order processing.  The Vuesion Contact Center suite offers the same advanced features, typically found in larger contact center suites, at an affordable cost of ownership. 

With the Vuesion PC software, supervisors have the features they need to manage the center and agents. Supervisors have real-time information on agents, wallboards, and threshold alarms when important events occur. Supervisors may “rescue” a specific call from queue, monitor and record agents and utilize the PC chat with instant text messaging for agent assistance. Supervisors have access to call reports for tracking every performance and productivity aspect of an agent, a group and/or the entire center. Supervisors keep track of their agents and groups in one single site or across multiple sites in the enterprise.

For information on Vuesion please visit on line at http://www.callaccounting.org/ or call 800-335-0229.

Avaya phone system support is available for Chicago area business for both newer and older phone systems including Merlin , Partner, Spirit, Definity, Audix , and IP Office. Located in downtown Chicago, Telcom & Data ,est 1996, is centrally located to handle service calls quickly for customers with service effecting phone problems. Telcom & Data also carries a large inventory of phone system parts including expansion modules, power supplies and phones.  Besides phone system support Telcom & Data can help businesses relocate an existing phone system to a new location. Telcom & Data can provide new voice and data wiring as well as coordinate phone services with local phone carriers such AT&T.  Rates are $ 145.00 for one hour of on site support plus parking, and travel if outside the 312 area code. Remote phone support is also available in 1/2 hour increments starting at $ 85.00 Call 312-432-1148 for immediate support.

A School Intercom Paging System is not a luxury but a necessary safety communications tool. From K-12 to day care centers classroom communications is a must.   An emergency situation could become worse if communication is not available throughout the building. Telcom & Data is pleased to provide a high quality upgrade for these schools. A School Intercom Paging System from Bogen has multiple features to improve daily communication.

School Paging System

Bogen offers two systems that can accommodate up to 75 classrooms. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions and color coded guidelines are on the front panel of the unit. The system includes emergency features to increase school protection. Instant alerts can be sent out to all rooms at the push of a button. Emergency paging can be sent from a remote telephone or microphone and takes priority over all other functions. The system allows for hands-free communication between teachers and the main office through their classroom speaker. A tone signals when calls are coming in and repeats when the channel is open or the room is being monitored. Music playing devices can be connected to provide background music on systems with under 25 classrooms..

Summer break can be the easiest time to update a School Intercom Paging System. An uncrowded building allows for a hassle free installation. The system will be up and running before students start their back to school shopping.

For more information about School Intercom Paging Systems by Bogen, visit Bogen-Paging.com or call 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, intercom systems, and mass notification products. Telcom & Data maintains a network of over 1600 technicians with locations in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Miami.

About Bogen:

Bogen Communications International, Inc., the parent company of Bogen Communications, Inc. and Speech Design GmbH, is a leading provider of sound systems and telephone peripherals for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications the world over.