Friday, September 21, 2012

Can You Spot His Tattoo? IP vs. Analog Security Cameras- 5 Facts You Should Know

IP vs. Analog Security Cameras

Would You Take the Risk?





Forensic evidence and personal marks of identification (scars or tattoos) are essential to catching criminals.  
Can you spot his tattoo?


5 Facts You Should Know:

  1. You can stream LIVE, 24/7 security camera feed to your smartphone, PC or tablet.
  2. 3:1 Ratio:  You only need ONE 2 megapixel security camera to cover the same distance as THREE analog security cameras.
  3. Details matter!  More Pixels = More Details. Facial or license plate recognition requires at least 40 pixels per foot.  Analog cameras only cover 16', where a 3 megapixel IP camera covers 51' in horizontal coverage.
  4. An 8 megapixel camera  has a 2500% resolution benefit over a standard analog camera. Ideal when zooming in for forensic review.  
  5. IP cameras are available for any condition (outside, nighttime-active-infrared, freezing temperatures and extreme heat).  Most models are even vandal resistant!


NEW! Featured Camera:  

DH-Vision SD 6982A-HN

**2 Megapixel Full HD Network IR PTZ Dome Camera**



Dahua (DH-Vision) SD6982A-HN Camera Highlights:  20x optical zoom, 2.0M Exmore CMOS, 25/30fps @ 1080p, IR LED, IP66, Dahua Full HD Block Camera.

Camera & Video Features:
 - 1/3" 2 Megapixel progressive scan Exmor CMOS
 - Powerful 20x optical zoom and 16x digital zoom
 - H.264 & Dual-stream video encoding and JPEG image capture
 - Max 25/30fps @1080P resolution
 - Day/Night(ICR), Auto iris, Auto focus, AWB, BLC
 - Up to 24 privacy masking areas
 - Built-in Web server, NVR, CMS(PSS/DSS) & DMSS



For more information on IP Surveillance equipment, please click here.
For a complimentary quote please click here.

ACC Telecom specializes in the design, installation and on-going support for IP Surveillance Solutions, Business Telephone Systems and cabling.

LIMITED TIME OFFER!  Mention this blog & get 10% OFF Security Cameras & Recorders. Call 888-226-2216.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

70% of Callers are put on Hold- What are Your Callers Hearing?


70% of Callers are put on Hold- What are Your Callers Hearing?

My Personal Message-On-Hold Success Story- by Kristin Hunt 
“I used to work in the retention department of an inbound call center for a large wireless carrier.  I received a call from a very upset gentleman who wanted his cell phone lines disconnected IMMEDIATELY.  Of course, I tried to find out the underlying reason why this customer was so upset and why he wanted to disconnect his service so abruptly.  He wouldn’t give an inch, nothing…and kept screaming, “disconnect my lines NOW!”
So, I did what any professional customer service rep would do- I put him on hold while I disconnected his lines.
A funny thing happened…after returning to the customer, he was calm and said, “I just heard your message-on-hold about parental controls for my son’s phone and I would like to take advantage of that.”  What?!?!?
I was so happy that I canceled the disconnect request and learned exactly why this gentleman was so upset.  His son was accessing the internet on his phone and downloading inappropriate content.  As soon as the gentleman heard about the parental control feature while on hold, he changed his mind once he realized we could help him gain control of the situation.
Literally “messaging on hold” saved this customer from disconnecting and sold the parental control feature by itself.
These days, I recommend companies’ implementing any sales outlet available to them.  That said- what can messaging-on-hold do for you?
For more information on Message-On-Hold, please click here.
Request a Message-On-Hold Quote: click here.

Message-On-Hold Statistics:
·       90% of callers prefer messages on hold over silence or music. –Cellular Marketing Magazine
·       20% of callers make purchases based on information they heard while on hold. – Maximarketing
·       According to a CNN survey- without messages or music nearly 60% of business callers placed on-hold will hang up.  Almost 30% of these callers won’t call back.
·       Callers generally perceived “hold-time” to be longer than it actually was during “silence on hold” –study conducted by AT&T
·       Caller retention increased by 40% when companies played information on hold. –study conducted by US WEST
·       Callers stay on the line up to 25% longer when provided with On Hold Messaging versus “dead air” or “background music,” and up to 17% longer than radio. –Infomax Inc. 
Request a Message-On-Hold Quote: click here.

5 Benefits of Digital Message-On-Hold Players vs. Consumer MP3 Players
1.     A Digital MOH (Message-On-Hold) System is built specifically for use on a business VoIP system.  Today’s MP3 players do not have a high volume output and normally need to include a 3rd party amplifier.  They are not designed for use on business phone systems.
2.     A Digital MOH System includes a dedicated power pack (MP3 Players use a 3rd party power pack or batteries).
3.     A Digital MOH System will automatically re-boot after a power outage.  Consumer Players need to be restarted manually.
4.     A Digital MOH System is built to last 7, 10, even 15 years.  Consumer Players need to be replaced every 1-3 years.
5.     A Digital MOH System includes a 3 year repair warranty and is made in the USA.
Request a Message-On-Hold Quote: click here.

      Visit ACCTelecom.com for more information on our products and services.
      ACC Telecom specializes in business phone systems, cabling, and IP surveillance.  Let ACC Telecom be your partner in the design, installation and on-going support for all of your telecommunication needs.









Thursday, July 5, 2012

To VoIP or Not to VoIP- I Have the Answer!



View our Newsletter: To VoIP or Not to VoIP - http://eepurl.com/oaTZ1

By now your IT person is either the company's head cheerleader for business VoIP or they are throwing their fingers up in a crucifix-type gesture when the word VoIP is mentioned.  Likewise, your CFO is advocating VoIP business phone system solutions for the potential cost savings, but a couple of tenured employees hate change and do not "have the time" to learn a new phone or system.  Apologies for generalizing, but does this sound like your company?

Never fear, options are here!

Ok, that was lame, but seriously, choosing a business phone system doesn't have to be so cut and dry- now you can have both business VoIP solutions and a standard PBX system with SIP Trunking service.

Most standard business phone systems are SIP Trunking compatible, either SIP Trunk out-of-the-box ready (like Toshiba's new IPedge or Cisco's UC 500 business phone system) or capable of business VoIP / SIP services with additional hardware or licenses.

For those who are not familiar with SIP Trunking let me take a quick moment to provide education; SIP (session initiation protocol) is a business class VoIP (voice over IP), basically VoIP 2.0.  SIP offers extremely high phone call quality, with very low (if at all) latency and static.  To the CFO's delight SIP Trunking can save most companies around 40% on their phone bill.  Since SIP Trunks are technically voice lines over the internet, local and long distance calling and disaster recovery (never lose a call or connection if your business phone system goes down) is included for one low monthly price.

Now back to the point...to appease everyone in your organization, SIP Trunking just might be the ideal voice communication solution.  Companies that deploy SIP Trunking rarely experience problems and have a very high customer satisfaction rate.

Below are some things to consider when choosing SIP Trunking vs. The Carriers:

5 Tips to Know:  Carrier Lines vs. SIP Trunking Lines

1.  Contracts:  Large voice carriers understand you CAN and WILL find a lower costing business voice service provider, so to increase customer retention large carriers have implemented automatic renewal contracts with up to a $10,000 penalty.  Yes, you read that correctly- a whopping $10,000!  Most carriers require written notice 30-60 days prior to the expiration of your contract and will automatically renew your contract for another 2-3 years if you do not inform them of your intentions.  In addition, you will most likely be automatically renewed into the SAME PRICE structure you had previously even though prices may have decreased with the existence of VoIP technology.

2.  Cost:  SHHH, carriers don't want you to know this but since your voice calls are over the internet (VoIP / SIP), cost savings can be dramatic for some companies.  On average, companies are saving 40% on their phone bill by moving to business VoIP / SIP phone lines.  For one low monthly fee averaging around $30/month, you'll have unlimited nationwide calling (including Canada) and disaster recovery (survivability and business continuity in a network or system failure situation).

3.  Large carrier's are using VoIP / SIP technology:  Large carriers are using VoIP technology but are calling it "digital" technology.  Same thing except they are charging more, throwing in lengthy contracts that automatically renew and provide long wait times for customer service.

4.  Infrastructure:  If your company is contemplating at a VoIP solution, make sure to run a network assessment to determine your bandwidth quality.  Business VoIP / SIP internet phone lines are infrastructure heavy, meaning your internet/bandwidth must be sufficient enough to house voice and data services.  (Purchasing a T1 is also an option).

5.  Customer Service:  Every carrier out there claims to have the #1 customer service in the industry.  Thinking about this logically, how long does it take you to get to a customer service rep?  How many prompts and automated menus do you have to go through to finally get someone on the phone?  How long does it take to get your problem resolved?  Stick to the local telecommunications companies, like ACC Telecom, for example, for great (and fast) customer service, technical support and bundled solutions at fair prices.

To conclude...

Dear CFO, IT person & 'I Hate Change' Employee,

I hope this article provided you with a win-win solution for everyone in your organization.  Now go have a cold beverage together- you deserve it!

Cheers!
~Kristin

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Losing Customers because of Poor Communication Systems



Do you know if you are losing customers because of poor communication systems?

Hearing a busy signal probably brings you back to the 1980’s. But all too often, clients and prospects are experiencing busy signals when contacting your company- and worse- you may not even know it.  In my eyes, call waiting and leaving a message are just as frustrating.  As a consumer, I will not contact a company again if I hear a busy signal or have to leave a message during our first interaction.  Moving on the competition is much easier. 

If prospects are experiencing poor communication with your company than you can guarantee your established customer base is as well.  With so much industry static- (i.e. – competitive promotions, advertising, online reviews, etc.), companies must make the consumer experience their top priority.  You have heard the statistic before; a new customer cost your company 10 times as much as an existing client.

So how do you know if your customers are hearing a busy signal?  The answer is you probably won't unless your client's tell you.  To combat this all-around annoyance, Ultimate Applications developed Call Accounting Software.

Call Accounting Software can help you answer these questions and more:

  • Are you overpaying for too many phone lines?
  • Are you losing customers because of busy signals?
  • Are your customers waiting on hold too long?
  • Are you interested in tracking advertising campaigns, seasonal trends, and spikes in sales calls?
Call Accounting Benefits Include:
  1. Detailed call reports sent automatically to your computer
  2. Timely information to management about employee telephone usage and misuse exposure
  3. Identifying positive and negative phone trends 
  4. Quick installation with limited staff training
  5. Centralized Call Accounting for multiple sites and even different phone systems
  6. Real time alerts for toll fraud and 911 requirements
  7. Customized reports and interfaces for billing systems
  8. Available for over 200 types of phone systems
Don't lose customers or prospects because of poor communication!  For more information on Call Accounting Software or a free consultation, please contact ACC Telecom at 888-226-2216 or click here to fill out our online form.

The Digital Future: What's to Come?


The Digital Future: What's to Come?

Currently, cloud-based systems and services are dominating the IT and telecommunication industry with digital surveillance, phone systems, phone lines, data backup and disaster recovery.  Digital Surveillance is expected to grow to $25.4 billion by 2016.  Hosted PBX's are projected to double by 2016 and large phone system manufacturers are now jumping on the Hosted train with their own Hosted solutions and servers (more on this to come).  Furthermore, 42% of enterprises intend to use SIP Trunking (Internet Phone Lines) by 2014.  Cloud-based services took years to gain momentum and now that it is prevalent in the telecommunication industry, one must wonder what's next?

Cloud Response
One such software called Cloud Response is a new cloud based alert tool. Think of Cloud Response as your personal, digital security guard, watching over your entire organization.  Cloud Response can monitor anything- from doors and windows to alarms, freezer temperatures, thermostats, water levels, garage/warehouse doors and so much more.  Should an issue arise, Cloud Response immediately notifies staff by text, email, voice call or page.  Utilize Cloud Response with IP Security Cameras and you'll have one powerful digital security guard (no health benefits required)!

Above:  Mr. Mistry uses his palm to make an outbound phone call.

SixthSense Technology
Cloud Response sounds pretty cool, right?  Let's take your imagination one step further.  What happens when the digital world meets the physical world?  Pranav Mistry, a PhD student in the Fluid Interface Group at MIT's Media Lab set out to answer that question with his SixthSense Technology.  Imagine taking a photograph with your fingers then using any wall to view, scroll and send your photos to friends and family.  Or, as the picture above depicts, using your palm to place an outbound call.  Mr. Mistry demonstrated both of these examples three years ago in its infancy at a TED presentation in India. I highly recommend viewing Pranav's presentation on SixthSense technology and the digital future.  Click here to view the entire presentation- believe me, you don't want to miss it!

What telecommunication technology would you like to see in the future?

Stay informed by checking ACC Telecom's blog for updates on new telecommunication technology.  For additional information on cloud-based services, please visit http://ACCTelecom.com or call 888-226-2216.





Monday, June 11, 2012

How to Stop Losing Money from Missed Appointments

The Average Company Loses $3,000 per Month in Missed Appointments

How much revenue are you losing from missed patient or customer appointments?


Did you know that 80% of missed appointments are due to forgetfulness?  The Ultimate Reminder Software uses text, email and voice calls to alert customers of appointments. Alerts are sent up to five times, with reflective information on success or failure rates.  The Ultimate Reminder Software helps your company save time, enhance productivity and increase customer retention, while maintaining security over customer sensitive information.


Reminder Software is prevalent in medical facilities; however more and more industries are utilizing reminder software to enhance customer service, save money and increase efficiency.   For example, Lawyers are sending reminder texts and emails to clients for initial consulting appointments, rescheduling and court appointments.  Furniture companies are sending reminders/alerts about scheduled deliveries, rescheduling deliveries, and order status updates.  Municipalities and Schools are using reminder/alert software for weather conditions, closures, schedule changes, events, and potential security risks.  


Reminder Software Benefits:

  1. Eliminate the need for staff to make calls, allowing staff to be more efficient and productive.
  2. Maintain security:  Appointment Reminder Software (ARS) is installed onsite at your companies location, thus allowing you to control and protect sensitive customer and company data.
  3. Reporting:  detailed reporting of success and failure rates.
  4. Realistic Voice Quality:  Outbound voice notification does not sound computerized.
  5. Individualize message content by day, time, week or service in the form of voice calls, text and email.

How will your company use Reminder Software?  Please let us know by commenting below!