Tag Archives: technology starting

Telephones

Getting a small business phone system?

Communication is extremely important for businesses. Many would argue that effective communication is what separates the great companies from those who continue to struggle. Be it networking for the growth of your business or corresponding with your customers regarding transactions, it is of vital importance that you have suitable means of communication and a communication service that you can rely on to be there when you need it.

There are many channels of communication you can use for your business, but it starts with making sure you have the right tools that allows you to communicate efficiently. Many business owners struggle with finding the right phone system to meet their needs. Selecting a phone system can be a confusing and difficult decision for many. After all, there are many options for you to choose from, phone systems like PBX (Private Branch Exchange), KSU (Key System Unit), and also the KSU Less Systems. Before you leap, you should know a few of the useful features for each that will be of advantage to your business. Some of them have been mentioned below:

  • Voicemail: If nobody is around to pick up the phone, this feature saves important messages and info from your callers. So, you won’t have to worry about missing that important phone call.
  • Integration with Microsoft Exchange Server: This is becoming very important; have your voicemails emailed to your smartphone, and Microsoft Outlook inbox will ensure you can respond quickly to urgent messages.
  • Presence: This is another area in communication that is moving ahead rapidly.  Seeing when others are online, in meetings or out of the office will allow you to communicate in the most efficient manner, including phone, email or instant messaging.
  • Conference Calling: This feature lets you hold conferences with remote employees or customers who are miles away.
  • Multiple Lines or Call Waiting: With this feature, your business will be able to take multiple calls at the same time. And if not available, you can also use the call waiting feature that clears the phone line to accommodate each caller.
  • Call Attendant: Transfers calls to a different extension to direct the call to the department or person.
  • Speed Dialing: This feature helps you save time (and a little space in your memory, as well). You will be able to save multiple phone numbers which can be called just by pressing the assigned button for each phone number.
  • Hands Free Calling: Keeps your hands free for multi-tasking.
  • Redial: Press one button and you will be connected to the last phone number dialed on the telephone pad.
  • Caller ID: Lets you know who is calling by giving you the telephone number or the caller’s info even before you pick up the phone.

These are just a few but important features of small business phone systems you can use to make your business grow.

Trust your Hamilton IT support team at Solve-IT to help you with selecting the right phone system for your business.  Contact us before you make your final decision.

mobility

4G Is Coming To Canada

4G is finally here. Though it will initially be available only in a few major Canadian cities, it will be available. With Telus officially announcing the rolling out of this technology starting in mid-2011, the prediction made by Deloitte’s Technology Media Telecommunications earlier this year appears to be coming true.

The report had suggested that the adoption of 4G might be slower than expected as some mobile providers have not fully utilized their existing 3G spectrum. Whatever it is, some of us will be using 4G soon. But what exactly is 4G? The term “4G” has been highly used with different carriers having their own definitions for the term making us more confused by the day.

4G, in simple terms, refers to wireless network-based on fourth-generation technology which will provide faster wireless service over 3G. It will be much more reliable and faster than the existing 3G wireless network, and the technology has been developed to cater to consumer’s growing demand for data to power their smartphones and tablet devices.

4G mobile technology and wireless carriers will have to implement one of the two systems, either Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) or Long Term Evolution (LTE) for the service to work. As far as Telus, the pioneer here, is concerned; it will be deploying LTE network and operate on the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS). Rogers, Bell, and Wind Mobile have also been thinking of using the same system but they have not made any announcements yet.

The transition from 3G to 4G will take some time. In fact, some of it has already been done. In 2009, Telus and Bell had brought forth 3G HSPA+ wireless network (also known as 3.5G). The 4G wireless network, according to Telus, will appear in early 2012 (remember, only in major cities) and it will take a short while for the service to be available nationwide.