Using Toshiba Desk Telephones (playlist)

Get VoIP Features with a Simple VOICEMAIL Upgrade

Get VoIP Features with a Simple VOICEMAIL Upgrade

Toshiba provides a clear and affordable migration path to help customers retain their investment while moving to a new, feature-rich telecommunication solution.  And it just became easier.  Toshiba recently added IPedge Application Servers & cards to the Strata CIX business telephone systems, bringing the full 
suite of IPedge (VoIP) Phone System offerings, including unified messaging, mobility, unified communications, and meeting collaboration applications to Strata CIX users.

Strata CIX/CTX users can now access advanced VoIP features without having to upgrade their phone system or phone lines.  Instead, you'll need a simple, inexpensive upgrade to your Toshiba voicemail server or card, saving thousandths of dollars and hours of time.  ...Plus, you may reuse your existing digital or IP Toshiba telephones- which that cost alone could save you $5,000 in new telephones for an office of 10 users!

Q & A:

What Toshiba VoIP features are available if I upgrade my voicemail?

• Unified Messaging- Voicemail & Fax to your E-mail, delivers voice mail and unified messaging to the user’s email inbox.
• IPMobility Smartphone App, which provides single-number reach to Apple® and Android™ smartphone devices, enabling them to act as an extension of the IPedge and/or Strata CIX IP business telephone systems for both incoming and outgoing calls. Users need only to provide their office telephone numbers to receive incoming calls and display their office Caller ID for outgoing calls. In addition, IPMobility provides visual voicemail to remotely manage and control Strata CIX Messaging voice mailboxes.
• Call Manager w/ Softphone + Chat, which empowers the user’s PC with call control on the Strata CIX so the user can make calls from an existing Contacts list, see phone presence information, text chat with colleagues, and make or receive calls via the integrated softphone.
• Web & Video Meetings, making conference calls more effective by providing an audio conference bridge with Outlook® Calendar invite support and allowing users to share their desktops and video, all within a standards-based Web browser.

Who is eligible for this migration strategy?

Toshiba legacy systems, such as Toshiba Strata CTX/CIX Business Telephone Systems.

What happens if we want to move to a full VoIP phone system in the future?

Strata CIX users that upgrade their Voicemail server or card are one step closer to moving to a full IP solution (ex- Toshiba's IPedge or VIPedge Hosted/Cloud System) in the future.  This budget-friendly migration strategy allows users to slowly move to full IP at their own pace.  Users with Toshiba digital telephones will need to purchase Toshiba IP telephones when moving to a full IP system.

How can I learn more?

If you are in the MD, DC or VA area click here for assistance or call ACC Telecom at 410-995-0101 or toll-free at 888-226-2216.  ACC Telecom is a Certified Premium Toshiba Dealer for over 25 years.

Or feel free to visit http://www.telecom.toshiba.com/ to find an authorized Toshiba Dealer near you.

Use this App to get out of the Office

Toshiba IPMobility APP for Smartphones

The one smartphone app that can actually get you out of the office (with your bosses' approval) is Toshiba's award-winning IPMobility application for Android and IPhone devices. Go incognito by using your smartphone as your business extension with full desktop functionality including visual voicemail, call transferring, and fax management.
Incoming calls ring both your desk phone and smartphone sequentially or simultaneously and outgoing calls display only your office phone caller id to the caller- not your cell phone number.

While the IPMobility app is enabled, outgoing calls are placed through your Toshiba IPedge Telephone System to find the lowest-cost routing option.  For example, international calls made from your cell phone are actually billed at landline rates since the app syncs with your companies' onsite Toshiba PBX!

Top 5 features of Toshiba's IPMobility Application for Smartphones

1.  Pay Landline Rates when Calling Internationally

     How it works:  The IPMobility Callback dialing feature allows individuals to use their cell

phone internationally at landline rates.  Callback transfers the dialed number to the onsite PBX system first then transfers the call back to the cell phone for confirmation. After the IPMobility user confirms the call the cell phone application automatically places the call to the original number.                              

2.  Keep your Cell Phone Number a Secret

     How it works:  The IPMobility application user has the ability to choose     which phone number they want to display as their outgoing caller id.  

3.  Visual Voicemail

     How it works:  The IPMobility application includes visual voicemail service allowing the user to conveniently access and manage voicemails without time consuming voice prompts.  The application enables users to view, listen, record, reply, forward, transfer to internal extensions, delete voicemails, and change their VM greeting and password directly from their smartphone.
  

4. Manage Faxes

    How it works:  Similar to visual voicemail, users can view, forward, reply, and delete fax messages directly from the IPMobility application.

5. Find-Me, Follow-Me 

    How it works:  The Find-me, Follow-me feature allows users to set up their voice mailbox to automatically forward a call to a different number prior to sending the call to voicemail.  These may be internal extensions or external phone numbers.  Users have the option to ring incoming calls sequentially or simultaneously on preset numbers.

Q&A:

•   What is the cost of the IPMobility Application?  

      The IPMobility smartphone application is completely FREE to download by searching "Toshiba     IPMobility" in the *IPhone App Store/ITunes or Google Play.  A unified messaging license is required to sync with your Toshiba phone system.  No other licensing is required.  *Supports iOS 5.1 and Android 2.x/3.x/4.x.  

•   What are the System Requirements?

      IPMobility is compatible with IPedge 1.5 or later.  Toshiba Strata CIX phone system support is     available via the IPedge Application Server.  Each IPMobilty client is tied to a messaging mailbox on the IPedge, therefore a unified messaging license is required to sync with the Toshiba  IPedge phone system.  No other licensing is required.

•   How do I Learn More?

      If you are in MD, DC or VA area click here for assistance or call ACC Telecom at 410-995-0101 or toll-free at 888-226-2216.  ACC Telecom is a Certified Premium Toshiba Dealer for over 25 years.

Or feel free to visit http://www.telecom.toshiba.com/ to find an authorized Toshiba Dealer near you.

Get Your Head in the Cloud! ...with Cloud-based Telecommunications

Get Your Head in the Cloud! ...with Cloud-based Telecommunications

Cloud Telephony, also known as Hosted (VoIP, i.e. -Voice over IP) phone service offers voice communications and features over a service provider's managed IP network.  Consequently, Cloud based (Hosted) phone systems do not require you to buy, install or maintain an on-site communications server or phone system because the "system" itself is in the "cloud", making it an ideal solution for most businesses. 

Why is Cloud Telephony ideal for most businesses?

• Budget Friendly & Surprisingly Affordable-  A pay-as-you-go service, Hosted phone systems are billed on a monthly basis, this way you can budget accordingly for your telecommunication needs.
• No Maintenance- You do not have to worry about system hosting, maintenance, power protection, performance or upgrades.
• Scalable & Flexible- Cloud based (Hosted) Phone Systems have the innate ability to handle company growth and expansion on the fly.  Add additional users, call paths and features with the  click of your mouse.
• Office Networking- Hosted systems automatically network all of your business locations together leading to lower total cost of ownership and higher levels of customer satisfaction.  Transfer calls seamlessly from one office to next without informing your clients that they "reached the wrong office and to hang up and call another number".  
• Always have the latest technology- Since Hosted systems are provided and managed by your service provider, you will automatically receive the latest software and security updates to your system.  No licensing fees required!
• Free your IT personnel- By definition, a "Host" takes care of its guests.  Similarly, Hosted systems are provided and maintained by your service provider, freeing your IT talent to worry about better things than running your office phone system.
• Advanced Features & Unified Communications-  Cloud based (Hosted) phone systems offer advanced features such as call recording, call center (ACD), auto-attendant, Voicemail-to-Email, One-number-follow-me (calls follow you across multiple desktop and mobile devices), call control from your PC (never pick up your handset again), mobility applications, and more!
• Disaster Recovery- If your internet goes down or your experience a power outage- no problem!  Hosted systems automatically include a disaster recovery feature so your business will never lose important calls.  This feature allows businesses to continue to receive Voicemails and/or transfer calls to cell phones or any outside number in the case of internet or power failure.  
• Perfect for Mobility & Remote Workers- Hosted systems are ideal for mobile and remote workers because no matter where they are located they keep the same phone number and features as if they were stationed in the physical business location.   
• Personal, Secure User Portal- Hosted customers receive a personal user portal to maintain their features and system themselves without having to call their service provider for tasks like enabling the Find-me-follow-me feature or changing their greeting.  In addition, call accounting is included in their portal where the end user can run call reports with graphs, and examine call path usage daily to determine if they need to increase or decrease the number of phone lines (call paths) due to seasonal changes or business growth.  
• On-Demand Virtual Call Paths- Hosted systems allow companies the option to "burst" their call paths so customers do not hear a busy signal.  For example, if you have four phone lines (call paths) that are in use at the same time and a 5th caller phones in- usually they would hear a busy signal- leading them to hang up and possibly call the competition.  The Hosted on-demand "burst" feature eliminates a busy signal by automatically opening a 5th phone line for use throughout the month.
• Exceptional Voice Quality- It's true, Cloud based (Hosted) phone systems deliver amazing voice quality as long as you deploy business-class internet speeds.  You will be amazed by the crisp, clear sound that Hosted systems deliver.  You can test out the call quality with our Try-the-Cloud-Free Guarantee by calling 410-995-0101.  

***CALL 888-226-2216 to learn about our Try-the-Cloud Free Guarantee Program****

Are all Cloud-based (Hosted) systems created equal?

Unfortunately, they are not.  Many large scale VoIP providers do not offer the necessary site requirements or service to provide ideal VoIP quality.  At ACC Telecom, we provide free site surveys and recommendations to ensure your Cloud based system functions effectively.  Furthermore, we understand that every company is unique which is why we offer two customized Cloud based (Hosted) solutions- standard and advanced.  Call 410-995-0101 / 888-226-2216 or email solutions@acctelecom.com for more information on our VoIP solutions.  

Your Time to Shine!

What are your thoughts on Cloud-telephony?  Is your company thinking about a VoIP solution or currently utilizing Cloud based (Hosted) solution?  Please comment below, I look forward to hearing from you!

Kristin Hunt is the Marketing Manager at ACC Telecom.  Headquartered in Columbia, MD, ACC Telecom specializes in Business Phone Systems, Cloud / VoIP / SIP technology, IP Surveillance solutions, Managed IT services, and low-voltage cabling.

Contact us:

ACC Telecom

www.acctelecom.com

solutions@acctelecom.com

888-226-2216

410-995-0101

Using Desk Telephones (playlist)

Cisco Jabber- Collaborate Anywhere on Any Device

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.

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 3^rd 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 3^rd 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.

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

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.