Blog

Telcom & Data announces the new Audio and Web Conferencing system from Sonexis. ConferenceManager2 is an on-premise audio and web conferencing solution for medium to large enterprise customers. This new ConferenceManager 2 is the latest offering from Sonexis conferencing and features a smaller, lighter footprint, more powerful system software and is fully backwards compatible. The new conference bridge comes with the latest  software version 11.0, the ConferenceManager2 offers an upgraded and refreshed web conferencing interface, an advanced operator console. The conference bridge can be configured as hybrid solution with both analog and IP telephone integration audio support, and comes with a new Microsoft Outlook add-on and flexible APIs for customization. Designed to work within any existing voice or data network, ConferenceManager2 scales from as little as 12 up to as many as 1,000-ports/seats, with redundant hot swappable power and RAID 1 hard drives.

The ConferenceManager2 is designed to provide the highest quality audio collaboration and is designed to integrate tightly with industry-leading Unified Communication solutions. The ConferenceManager2 and accompanying collaboration software enable greater productivity for mobile knowledge workers while simplifying meetings and driving decision making.

Unique Conferencing Solutions:

"The new ConferenceManager2 design is a true progression of our unique conferencing product line," explained Dan Watkins, Executive Vice President with Sonexis. "We’re monitoring the needs and wants of the customer and this smaller, faster, more powerful way of operating will provide ongoing return on investment to enterprises of all sizes."

Telcom & Data Offers Conference Equipment Leasing to make owning your own conference bridge even more affordable. To get a quote on a new conference bridge, please visit us here.

 

About Telcom & Data:

Founded in 1996, Telcom & Data, Inc. helps organizations improve business through Audio and Web Conferencing. We carry conferencing products from leading manufacturers including Sonexis, Polycom, Clear One, Konftel, Revolabs, and more.  Thousands of businesses worldwide have benefited from our conferencing solutions and we can provide a tailor-made solution for you, too

[contact-form subject='[Telcom %26amp; Data Inc. Blog'][contact-field label='Name' type='name' required='1'/][contact-field label='Email' type='email' required='1'/][contact-field label='Website' type='url'/][contact-field label='Comment' type='textarea' required='1'/][/contact-form]

Guardian Telecom has added the AB-3000 to their line of high quality Acoustic Phone

Booths. AB-3000 models were developed to meet the need for a booth with high dB noise attenuation at a lower cost.

The high performance model (P9042) with polyurethane lining delivers where it counts with up to 25 dB noise attenuation. The shell only model (P9043) has up to 8 dB noise attenuation.

The one piece shell is made from a polypropylene formula which results in a booth that is lighter, making it easier to handle, ship and install. Even still, despite the lighter weight, the AB-3000 is highly durable and reliable. Tests have shown that it has excellent low temperatures impact properties and is extremely difficult to crack or pierce.

The shell is completely maintenance free, UV & corrosion resistant and impervious to chemical attack. The results of a flame test showed that the booth shell will not support combustion without an ignition source applied and as soon as the source was removed the flame on the booth self extinguished. The polyethylene liner is ANSI/UL94 flammability, chemical resistant and resistant to mildew and rot.

AB-3000 acoustic booths have a rugged, industrial grade finish and come standard in a vibrant and highly visible “Yellow”. Large, embedded, black handset silhouettes on each side make sure that the acoustic booth can be easily seen and identified as a communication station. Custom colors are available as a special order. The internal shelf provides a convenient writing surface. Holes along the bottom provide drainage if water enters the interior of the booth.

All acoustic booths are an important part of a reliable, safe and robust communication station. The correct selection of telephones, paging equipment and accessories are integral to the level of communication and safety provided. Guardian has a wide variety of endpoints, loudspeakers, strobes, sirens and sounders available.

If you would like to know more about the AB-3000 Acoustic Booth, call Telcom & Data at 800-335-0229 or email sales@telcom-data.com

About Guardian Telecom, Inc.
Guardian Telecom, Inc., based out of Calgary, Canada is the leader in the design and manufacturer of industrial communications equipment largely for the oil and gas, refinery, petrochemical, chemical, mining, nuclear and power facilities. Guardian’s Hazardous Area VoIP products and components are designed to provide communications in Class I Division 2 areas. Guardian’s Hazardous Area analog products and components are designed to provide communications in Class I Division 1 and Class II Division 1 areas.www.guardiantelecom.com.

Allworx,  announced that their Allworx IP Phone System application Interact was selected as the winner of the Best of Show Award for Best SMB Solution at TMC's ITEXPO, held Jan. 28-31, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Winners of the prestigious Best of Show Award program are reserved for products or services that demonstrate creativity and technological innovation.

Allworx Interact(TM) applications bring effortless communication to the desktop, offering intuitive productivity and efficiency improvements for their users. Interact is designed to leverage the simplicity of the PC-based user interface with the power of the Allworx handset, resulting in real-time tangible benefits to Allworx customers.

Allworx Interact Pro adds control over Allworx IP phones to the application in a series of dockable windows, enabling users to view current and parked calls, contacts, call history, and to control presence management. The ability to view the presence and handset status of other Allworx users prior to placing calls makes connecting with co-workers much easier for those using Allworx systems. Allworx directory entries and user contact lists are quickly located through its search capability, providing rapid, error-free dialing. Microsoft Outlook contacts are also incorporated into the Interact Pro database, or into a combined favorites list, allowing easy search and one-click connections.

"At Allworx, our core values of innovation, value, reliability, customer focus and quality drive us to give enormous attention to producing advanced solutions for small and medium-sized businesses," said Chris Hasenauer, vice president and general manager of Allworx. "Allworx Interact leverages our momentum with our SMB focus, making the features popularized in our mobile application, Allworx Reach, available to employees who require advanced desktop applications. We are honored to be recognized by TMC for innovation focusing on the SMB market."

"The products and solutions nominated for the ITEXPO Best in Show Awards continue to demonstrate raw innovation, and it's truly exciting to see what new technological developments our exhibitors have for us each year," said Rich Tehrani, TMC CEO and conference chairman. "We are pleased to honor Allworx for their efforts and creativity in developing advanced, powerful solutions for the business technology marketplace."

ITEXPO Las Vegas will take place Aug. 11-14 at the Rio, Las Vegas. ITEXPO Las Vegas will deliver programming that focuses on the latest technologies, regulations, essential issues and trends within the communications industry, including wireless and mobility, unified communication and collaboration solutions, VoIP solutions, cloud computing, customer experience and interaction, and much more. For the latest ITEXPO news, updates and information, follow on Twitter at @ITEXPO.

About Allworx:

Headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., Allworx is an award-winning provider of communications solutions for all but the largest size business. Allworx delivers VoIP (Voice over IP) unified communications systems to a wide range of industries, including not-for-profit and government locations, through a network of authorized dealers. Allworx is a wholly owned subsidiary of Windstream. For more information, please visitwww.allworx.com .

About Windstream:

Windstream WIN -0.38% , a FORTUNE 500 and S&P 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications, including cloud computing and managed services, to businesses nationwide. The company also offers broadband, phone and digital TV services to consumers primarily in rural areas. For more information, visitwww.windstream.com .

A Video Conference System is no longer a luxury but a strategic business communications investment. Since 2010 video conference equipment has been being installed in record pace. Existing video conferencing 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 video conference system lease quote here http://www.conference-bridge.net/products/web-audio-video-conferencing-services/equipment-leasing-financing.html

We look forward to being your provider of video conference equipment.

Other equipment you can lease includes business phone systems,  Audio conferencing, VoIP phone systems, voice mail and unified messaging systems,  phone loggers and more.

As the Polar Vortex passes through much of the U.S. businesses, schools, airports and government offices have closed because of icy impassable roads.

The economic effects for businesses can be tremendous. A disaster recovery plan can keep businesses operating even in the event of widespread power outages, transportation strikes, or natural disasters.

VoIP and Failsafe routing are two technologies that help your business avoid costly closings. Fail safe routing is having a plan to which in the event of a catastrophe phone calls can be re-routed. It could be as sophisticated as having a full disaster recovery plan in which you might have a back up VOIP phone system in waiting to allow your office to become virtual or as simple as having calls re-routed to a cell phone. Fail safe routing can protect your business when a cable has been cut or phones lines have been frozen over and broken and your phone service with it. To talk to someone about how failsafe routing can protect your business click here.

Having a VOIP phone system could enable a company to work virtually. Workers could work from home or other locations with VoIP enabled phones or PCs with softphones. Avaya IP Office is a VOIP phone system that can be set up and installed as a virtual PBX. It offers both VoIP phone sets and softphones. As long as phone service is still working, workers don't have to leave home to answer phones.

How to protect your business

Having a fail safe routing plan is a must for all businesses. You don't have to operate on a fault line or on the coast to have a plan in place.

A fail safe plan should contain a few things:

1. Escalation phone number list. This list should contain the phone numbers of both your phone company and PBX vendor. It should have the names and numbers of everyone up the ladder. The higher you can get it the better. You are probably going to receive faster resolution to your problem if you have the VP of Services’ number then just the customer service number.
2. Have a designated number to which you can receive calls in case of phone service interruption. You should talk with your carrier ahead of time so they have the number as well. Some carriers like Access One in Chicago offer this as part of their service. When they detect an outage they automatically send calls to another number. Do not assume a carrier will offer this to you in the event of an outage. On recent service call we received from a new customer who had been completely with out phone service for the day we asked the carrier why they had not offered fail safe routing to the customer , who had two other locations, they said ” they never asked us to”.
3. Make sure the plan is in the hands of a few key people. When problems occur it’s always at an inconvenient time. Make sure everyone knows the drill.

Other things to consider is having a full disaster recovery plan. PD Management recently added a disaster recovery plan which included a fully loaded phone system that could be dropped shipped and set up in days notice. When asking Joani Baskins the PBX manager about it she said ” it is essential to our business operations to keep phone service up in the event of an ice storm”. PD Management has locations in Texas and Louisiana.

Telcom & Data is a nationwide business telecommunications equipment and service provider based in Chicago. In addition to phone system service, Telcom & Data sells and services 

Avaya Telephone Systems for small, medium, and large businesses. If you would like more information on fail safe routing call 800-335-0229 or visit us on line at www.telcom-data.com

Telcom & Data a Chicago/Milwaukee based telecommunications company has launched www.conference-bridge.com a site dedicated to collaboration technology. The site features products and solutions including Audio Conference Bridge,  Conference Phones, Video Conference Room Systems,  Multi Point Video Conference Bridges, Large Installed Audio Conference Room Systems, Video Conference Software for iPad and Android tables, Emergency Communication systems and video conference room furniture. 

Telcom & Data has partnered with the some of the most cutting edge manufacturers of conferencing equipment including Polycom, Clear One, Avaya,  Sonexis, Revolabs, and Forum Communications.  Ricardo Trinidad the President of Telcom & Data was quoted as saying, " The reason we launched conference-bridge.com was to provide an easy to use site that would allow the average user to shop and compare technology in one location. Besides the online shopping its easy to call and get a collaboration expert on the line and even schedule a demonstration. It's also important to have all available options for our customers."

About Telcom & Data; Founded in 1996, Telcom & Data, Inc. helps organizations improve communications through Video, Audio and Web Conferencing technology.

Telcom & Data Inc. asks the questions that target your toughest communication challenges. We provide complete  analysis based on your company’s vision, needs, growth, and budget. Our customized solutions will measurably improve communications.

Every conferencing product we sell including HD Conference Room Solutions, Teleconferencing Bridges, Conference Phones, and Multi Point Video Conference systems havebeen tried and tested for reliability, ease of use, integration, and manufacturer’s support. Telcom & Data Inc. clients receive personalized attention from knowledgeable sales and technical staff. All products (except software) carry a 60-day money back guarantee.

 

Konftel is Europe's leading manufacturer of conference phone systems. They have been helping companies around the world improve their teleconferencing. Konftel knows the importance that high sound quality has on productivity when it comes to business communication. Telcom & Data, a leader in business phone systems, is proud to carry one of Konftel's best selling products. The Konftel 300W Wireless Conference Phone offers versatility, superior sound quality and a range of useful features.

The Konftel 300W is a wireless conference phone with flexibility and a sleek design. There is no need for extra cords on the conference room table. The Konftel 300W wireless phone's rechargeable battery provides 60 hours of talk time and 10 days of standby time when fully charged. To charge the battery just place the Konftel 300W on the provided charging stand. The conference phone incorporates many easy-to-use features such as SD memory card call recording capability. Up to a two Gigabyte SD card can be used to record hours of conversations. The recorded calls can be listened to on the Konftel 300W or on a computer with a memory card reader.

Konftel's patented audio technology, OmniSound, is included into all their phones to ensure crystal-clear voice transmission. OmniSound uses an omnidirectional microphone and three speakers for optimal audio performance. The technology provides noise suppression to minimize distracting background noise and an equalizer for adjusting sound levels during a meeting.

The Konftel 300W allows for the creation of groups in the conference guide and can call everyone in the group by simply pressing a button. Up to 20 groups can be stored in the system. The conference phone can also be connected to a mobile phone and PC via a USB port for VoIP calls using wideband voice.

For more information on the Konftel 300W Wireless Conference Phone, 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 Konftel: Konftel is a leading company and strong brand, within audio conferencing solutions. Since 1988 their mission has been to help people around the world conduct meetings despite distances. Based on their success, they know that audio conferencing is a great way to save time, money and at the same time contribute to a better environment. Good quality is essential for efficient meetings and that is why their patented audio technology OmniSound®, is built into all Konftels' phones.

 

 

From the Desk of Ricardo Trinidad

Thanks to the extremely poor judgement of the US Court of Appeals, Internet Service Providers like Verizon will now be allowed to block internet service or slow down  internet speed  to specific sites and steer users to other sites. So in other words, if you like Net-flicks an ISP could slow down speed unless a higher fee (toll) is paid.  Up until now all internet traffic was subject to network neutrality which meant equality for all sites and users. With this ruling internet service providers will be free to charge you more. Remember free luggage on airlines? Want to watch a YouTube Video?   Pay more. Want to down load a movie? Another fee thank you very much. At what point do companies like Comcast and Verizon make enough for their shareholders?  Think wealth inequality getting a boost. A big boost. 

Right now you use email, chat, video, instant messaging, gaming, Facebook,  pretty much your addicted to data connections. You are good with your data plan/dealer but now that you are hooked the good stuff or fast internet is going to cost more and will now get distributed to the people that have the money. If you don't have extra money to pay the man you are not going to experience the same access you have now. 

Think about all the poor barely making it right now. How will this effect school budgets and public libraries?  The internet was not supposed to be this way. If you are smart you better start calling your congressman and telling them they better do something about it.  Unless you are an ISP stock holder. In that case run down to the Porsche dealership and take that test drive.

From the Desk of Ricardo Trinidad

 

 

 

Conference Phones have become mainstay in today’s conference rooms.  Usually with conference phones there is a spaghetti bowl of cables that can clutter up the most beautiful and expensive conference room tables making them look unsightly.  Wireless Conference phones provide mobility and a clean looking conference table.  There are several manufacturers of wireless conference phones including Polycom, Konftel,  Clear One and Revolabs.

Each wireless conference phone manufacturer offers something a little different and there are some pros and cons to consider.  Each of the manufacturers listed here offer great sounding full duplex conference phones for teleconferencing.  There are some differences in quality of sound but like audio speakers that can sometimes be only decided on personal preference.  Polycom, Konftel , and Clear One offer similar types of wireless conference phones.

http://www.telcom-data.com/images/products/thumbs/10-FLX2-200-POTS%20.jpg

Revolabs offers a unique wireless conferencing solution that includes wireless microphones and an audio conference unit that connects to external room/ceiling speakers with a wireless dialer and conference controller.  This is a superb solution for larger conference rooms and odd shaped conference room tables such as U, T or O shaped conference tables where a traditional conference phone would not work. Revolabs can be part of a Multi-Media conference room that might include Video Conferencing.  The wireless microphones are about the size of a cigarette lighter and can be ordered as omni, handheld, lapel or as a wearable microphone.  The Revolabs  is not your father’s conferencing system unless your dad was 007.

Polycom SoundStation 2W Wireless is probably the most well-known among all conference phones.  The design has been around for a while and is familiar to most.  The Sound Station offers two Sound Stations. One is expandable with MIC Pods and the other is not.  The Sound Station2W boasts 150 Ft of wireless range,  12 hour talk time on a single battery charge,  cell phone dialing and connectivity when no analog line is available, comes with a back lit display and an AUX out jack for recording calls to a recorder.

Konftel has been manufacturing sleek great sounding conference phones since 1988 and is the number one selling brand in Europe. Avaya liked them so much they bought the company.  The Konftel 300W DECT wireless conference phone has some impressive features like a high end luxury European auto.  The 300W has a range of over 600 FT of wireless range, standard 60 hours of talk time on a single battery charge, offers cell phone and USB connectivity for cell phone and USB internet calling, comes with a back lit display with a 200 memory speed dial, it also has an on board 2Gb SD card for recording conference calls.  A very nice conference phone.

Clear One MaxAttach Wireless Conference phones are expandable offering a unique feature that allows the connecting of up to 4 phones to work as a single wireless conference phone solution. This is great for long conference tables and odd shaped conference tables such as U shaped conference tables.  With four phones connected there would be 12 microphones and 4 speakers covering the room.  The phone features First-mic priority eliminates hollow “tunnel” sound by activating only the microphone closest to the person speaking and noise cancellation to cut out background sounds such as HVAC noise.

 

For more information or questions about wireless conference phones please call 800-335-0229

 

From the desk of Ricardo Trinidad

BayView Milwaukee Water Main Floods AT&T Central Office

We have had much snow and bitter cold this new year of 2014 here in the Midwest followed by some unseasonably warm weather. During the thaw all of this snow and ice is melting quicker than the city sewer system can handle and that of course leads to flooding. That was not the case at AT&T  as a water main burst near local AT&T Central Office in BayView Milwaukee WI.  causing phone outages. But when restoring phone and internet service could be days away what options does a business have?

Cable Services are readily available and installation can be as fast as a week. Using SIP trunks from a company like Broadvox can get you dial tone for inbound and outbound calling over the cable service if the bandwidth is sufficient enough. SIP Trunking is a replacement for traditional phone lines such as an analog lines or PRIs. Calls placed over the Internet are placed via a media gateway on the service provider’s network. SIP Trunking will work with old key systems or new IP PBXs, offering advanced VoIP features.

Wireless Broad Band is another quick turn around with installed service available in a day. With Wireless the advantage is obvious. No wires to accidentally cut or flooded central offices. Wireless also tends to be very affordable and is an excellent option to for a secondary WAN connection.

Hosted IVR(interactive voice response) is a web-based telephone technology that will automate your business phone by prompting callers with phone menu options. Think of it a remote auto attendant that can distribute your calls to cell phones, home phones other locations. Simply call your phone company up and tell them to point your main local number and or toll free number to the hosted IVR number. Record your auto attendant greeting and create your routing for instant call handling. This does not get you dial tone but it does get your calls answered instead of ring no answer or fast busy signals.

Need help Call us at 800-335-0229.

phone service interruption, pri, sip trunks, bayview, milwaukee. AT&T, voip, pbx, phone systems,