Category Archives: -analogue Phones

-analogue Phones - Telrad Phone Systems and Comdial Phone Systems Make Your Business Communications Easy - (4/25/2012)

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One of the first necessities of a small business is a working telephone system that covers the needs of the business and gives appropriate flexibility to the various people working for your company.

One of the Comdial phone systems that can help your business communications from the very beginning is the starter kit which comes with four phones, each with a 30-button digital display. with this system, you have the possibility of up to four incoming lines to help to keep customers happy without long waiting periods, eight digital station ports and four analog station ports. these give you the ability to have fax machines and cordless phones on whichever incoming lines will be most productive for you.

The beauty of these systems are their ability to grow with your business, allowing you to have exactly the phone system that you need both now and in the future.

If you are looking for a more complex phone system from the beginning, one of the telrad phone systems may work well for you. You can get both new and used equipment on the internet that will give you from between 32 and 128 ports. just as with the Colmdial system, these ports are useful for phone lines, fax machines and cordless phones as well as multitasking office equipment such as copiers that also fax. the cabinets, phones and other accessories are up to date and user friendly.

With the manuals and tech support available for both of these systems, you will find that you have taken a large step towards a smoothly running operation.

-analogue Phones - Skype for Windows Phone Omits Key Features - (4/25/2012)

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A year after it bought Skype, Microsoft released a version of the popular Internet calling service for Windows Phone devices that is half baked. Skype for Windows Phone shed its beta label this weekend, but even for enthusiastic users, the app could be a deal-breaker for its lack of background calling ability and its incompatibility with lower-end handsets.

At first glance, Skype for Windows Phone works just like the iOS and Android clients. you can make calls over 4G, 3G, and Wi-Fi; make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles using Skype credits; or manage your contact list and chat with friends. Using the Metro UI, Skype for Windows Phone looks very slick, too.

However, the app has a few drawbacks. first, you need a Mango (7.5) Windows Phone with 512MB of RAM, which means the VoIP app works only with high-end devices on the platform. Less expensive Tango (7.0) Windows Phones with 256MB of RAM, such as the Nokia Lumia 610, can’t run it. Skype for Windows Phone requires use of a Nokia Lumia 710, 800, or 900; an HTC Titan or Radar; or a Samsung Focus S or Focus Flash.

Skype for Windows Phone’s biggest drawback is that it lacks the ability to receive calls in the background. if the Skype app is not in the foreground, or if you’re in another app, you won’t be able to receive calls via the Skype app. To even answer a call, you need to have the app in the foreground, which undermines the utility of the app. This omission is especially apparent as rival service Tango Video Calls already offers this functionality on the platform.

A few smaller issues linger, too. Bluetooth headsets are not yet supported for Skype calling on Windows Phones. The app won’t work if the phone is connected to a computer with the USB cable. With version 1.0, Skype also says one of the known issues is that incoming calls, alarms, or low battery notifications may end a Skype call.

At last count, the Windows Phone Marketplace has more than 70,000 apps, still a far cry from Apple’s 500,000-strong App Store and Google’s 450,000 apps in Google Play (formerly Android Market). while the launch of Skype for Windows Phone ticks another box on Microsoft’s list of popular apps missing from Windows 7 while present on other platforms, the first version of Skype for Windows Phone defeats its purpose of offering low-cost calling over the Internet, since the app doesn’t support low-end devices and you can’t receive calls in the background.

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VoIP Phones – Benefits Of Using It

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The newly discovered, but widely in use all over the world, voip services have become today one of the most famous telephonic communication device. Availing the VoIP communication facility, one requires either the normal analogue phones or a standard IP phone. as the entire process is called Internet telephony, voip phones differ from the normal telephones in the sense that its entire process does not include the wires. in fact, voip solution or Internet telephony uses Internet to make calls to anywhere in the world.

Globalisation has made the entire world today to appear a small village due to increased advancement in communication. Internet telephony, though, has been newly invented, but its abundant of benefits have made it immensely popular in Europe as well as other parts of the world. Using voip phones lets us avail the calling facility at cheap rate. as you are using Internet to make calls in it, you will have to pay very less what you pay for your monthly telephone bill.

For corporate house, companies, and even for people who use to make a lot of international calls, voip solutions is the best way. as the Internet telephony charges you the same rate whether you are calling any domestic location or any of your relative or business associate located somewhere in Africa or any Asian country. thus, for people in regular need of making International calls, availing voip service is cheapest solution.

Even the installation of VoIP phones is very easy. besides, as you avail it, you will also get several other features like caller id, voice mail, call waiting, etc. free of cost. the better sound quality is another advantage of having Internet telephony. moreover, by using it you can even enjoy video conferencing, which is an important tool used in corporate sector.

Virtual VoIP Business Phone Systems – Pros and Cons

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Do you have a small business? if you do, virtual VoIP business systems can be of great benefit to you. Virtual office phone systems are cost effective, affordable, reliable, and flexible. Your system can grow as you do, without the hassles traditional landline office systems can give you. there are many pros, and few cons, to using one of these systems. Take a look:

Pros

Virtual business phone systems have many features, and best of all, most of them are included for free or at minimal cost with your monthly charge. With virtual office phone systems, you generally pay one monthly fee for unlimited use — even for international calls, in some cases. Although you may be charged for initial setup, depending on the company, you can generally manage additions and other changes yourself, via Web interface.

Excellent sound quality

It’s no longer true that virtual VoIP business systems are lacking in sound quality as compared to landline systems. Today, these systems can actually offer better sound quality than their landline competitors do. With virtual VoIP office phone systems, your voice is broken down in digital format, for fast transfer and excellent sound quality. Landline phone system still use analog voice signals, which can be of poor quality.

You can use a traditional landline phone

Contrary to what is sometimes popular belief, you don’t have to just connect to your computer with headphones and a microphone in order to use virtual VoIP systems. Today’s VoIP office phone systems connect with the Internet through a router, which means that you can use traditional phones with Internet service; take advantage of the superior quality, features, flexibility, and competitive (inexpensive) pricing virtual VoIP business phone offer, even as you talk on a traditional landline phone system. You won’t notice any difference as compared to a landline business phone systems’ set up — except that your bills will be much lower, and your sound quality will be much better, too.

Cons

Virtual VoIP office systems are extremely reliable, as long as your Internet connection, too, is also reliable. this has been a problem in the past, but it’s becoming less and less of a problem as technology improves and more of society gets connected. As the Internet becomes more a part of society, Internet outages become less frequent. Today, it’s much more reliable than it was in past years. As long as you have an Internet connection, you have a virtual VoIP business phone systems’ connection.

Be careful when you’re looking for a provider that you get the best price available to you. As competition comes to the fore, smaller and more independent companies are challenging larger providers (like traditional Internet service providers) to provide low-cost options.

Although it’s almost certainly true that your Internet service provider will provide a pricing plan for you with virtual VoIP office phone setups, look for smaller companies that offer even less expensive plans. Check the reputation of the company you plan to use to make sure it’s been around for a while and is indeed reliable. by doing price comparisons instead of simply taking what your Internet service provider offers, you can sometimes save a significant amount of money.

-analogue Phones - You Can Save Your Business Money by Using VoIP Telephones - (4/24/2012)

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VoIP is quickly climbing to the top of the communications technology ladder, and rightfully so VoIP services are fast, easy and convenient. They allow people to connect in so many ways, both professionally and personally. a grandmother in Hong Kong can read her grandchildren in Maine a bedtime story; a CEO on vacation in Spain could direct his employees in Sydney. more and more businesses are using it and if yours isn’t, here’s why it should:

VoIP telephone systems are much cheaper than regular phone systems. this includes long distance phone services because VoIP phone services use the Internet as their connection, they can charge the same rates for long distance calls as local calls. think about it: it doesn’t cost anything to video-chat with someone three towns away; nor does it cost anything to video-chat with someone three states away. The same applies to VoIP business services.

VoIP telephone service providers are also far more convenient, and you get a lot more options. with any company you can choose from a number of plans, many of which are customizable to fit your needs exactly plus you can choose from a variety of VoIP methods:

IP phones, for example, look much like regular phones, but rather than land-based copper wires they’re run off internet connections. an ATA also looks much like a regular phone but the handset is hooked up directly to the computer. a computer-to-computer connection is exactly what it sounds like everything is done via a computer, and a headset is donned by the user.

Now that you’re ready to sign up for a VoIP business phone system, here are a few tips to get the best deal possible:

Find a company that doesn’t charge extra for features like 3-way calling, voicemail, call waiting and caller ID. these should be part of even the most basic business phone system package any company that thinks otherwise is a waste of time.

Also, find a company that will allow you to keep using the office’s current equipment. Converting standard phone systems into VoIP isn’t difficult; they just need an adapter.

Discuss a trade of goods or services. do you work for a marketing company? See if you can exchange marketing services for a discounted VoIP business phone system.

Did you ever think saving your business money could be so easy? Research the VoIP telephone service providers in your area and see who can offer you the best deal. and remember, once you’ve switched, you should be paying much less than before make sure you know (or at least sound like you know) what you’re talking about so salespeople won’t think you can be duped.

Automated Attendant – Small Office Telephone System

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Automated attendant integrated in a small office telephone system promptly and capably handles all incoming calls in an office. it automatically connects all calls coming to your office to the right extension, without the intervention of a live receptionist. Auto attendant, once part of expensive, modern phone systems has now become an essential part of any small office phone system – this has been made possible with the arrival of hosted PBX phone system.

Efficient call Handling to Impart a Big Business Image

Automated attendant is an ideal alternative to help small enterprises assume a flourishing business image. The service is useful for handling and managing calls between all extension lines of various departments in an office. All calls coming to your office will be automatically attended, professionally greeted and transferred to the right department through voice-friendly interactive voice responses. The system gives you maximum flexibility to work irrespective of location. with its efficient call management features, the automated attendant can redirect the calls to your personal numbers when you are away from your office, or on the move.

Equip Your Small Office with Feature-rich Telephone System

Automated attendant feature that is part and parcel of PBX systems is an excellent substitute for a live receptionist and a cost-effective mode of business phone answering. you can create a professional image for your company by programming the auto attendant to play special welcome greetings during office hours and after hours. The system can also be customized for delivering information about your products and services. User-friendly features provided along with the automated attendant service include:

o Dial by name
o Dial by extension
o Zero out to live operator
o Group dialing
o Voice mail
o Fax mail
o Find me follow me

For implementing the automated attendant facility of a small office telephone system in your office, you only need a high speed internet connection and a dedicated phone line. you can get started with any reliable service provider where you can attain good services, at affordable rates.

PBX Phone Systems – Managing Growth

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When you make a phone call to a large MNC, you usually get to hear a pre-recorded voice message from the phone system. This is because large companies usually have hundreds of phone calls coming in on a daily basis. There needs to be a system in place to manage all these incoming calls. such a system is known as a PBX phone system.

A PBX system allows a company to route calls to the right department or personnel. For enquiries that are repeated on a daily basis, the right responses can be programmed into the system so that the caller can get the solutions instantly without having to wait for a human operator.

Unfortunately, PBX equipment is very expensive to install. And only large companies with deep pockets can afford to install such a sophisticated phone system.

However, due to lowering hardware and software costs, PBX equipment is now affordable at more affordable prices. that means even small businesses can afford to install sophisticated phone systems to help them grow their businesses.

Small businesses usually run into the problem of not being able to manage the growth. without appropriate systems in place, it is almost impossible to scale a business. For instance, a small business may consider placing an advertisement on TV. after the advertisement is aired, the phones may be ringing off the hook. So who is going to handle the multiple phone calls that are coming in all at the same time?

The solution, of course, is to install a PBX system. The equipment can be setup to work with existing telephone lines, so there is no need to replace existing wiring. these systems are fully featured systems, but they are smaller compared to those used by the large corporations. all that is transparent to the consumers.

When a consumer makes a phone call, the call is handled by the phone system. You may set up an auto attendant to pick up the call and program the responses accordingly. Managing calls in a systematic manner is a much more professional way of handling incoming calls.

The presence of a PBX system takes away the need to hire an entire team of staff to handle the calls. instead of having to hire 10 employees, you may now need to hire only 2 or 3. The bulk of the work is done by the automated systems.

If you do not wish to deal with the hassle of setting up PBX equipment, you can always choose to use hosted solutions. Hosted solutions offer similar features, but you don’t have to setup the equipment yourself. The benefit of using a hosted solution is that you can choose the type of features you want with ease. in the event that you want to cancel or change features, you don’t have to worry about being burdened by the equipment.

If you are not sure which way to go, start with hosted solutions. once you are more familiar with the features, you can start investing in PBX equipment for more long term savings.

-analogue Phones - What is the Difference Between an Analog and Digital System? - (4/22/2012)

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This classification is based upon the type of signals used in the systems. before looking into the differences between an analog system and a digital system, let us first try to see what the terms analog and digital mean.

An Analog signal is one in which the values taken can be continuous. for example, if a signal varies in magnitude between 0 volts and 5 volts, it can take any value between 0 and 5.

With a digital signal, there can only be discrete values. for example, a signal ranging from 0 to 5 volts could take the discrete values of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in a digital system. if a signal in the above digital system has the value of say, 2.2 at any instant of time, it is represented by the nearest discrete value (2, in this case). it may be noted that all signals ranging from 2 to 2.5 would be represented by 2 and all signals ranging from 2.5 to 3 would be represented by 3.

As a special case, if a signal in a digital system is represented by only two values – zero or one, it is called a binary system and this is the representation used by all modern-day computers and communications.

The use of analog systems has been dwindling as implementing digital systems has become more cost-effective. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages – Analog systems make efficient use of bandwidth and are relatively immune to noise. they are also less flexible to changes in design. Analog systems are implemented with hardware components and are not usually flexible to changes in parameters of input signals. Any change in input parameters may require a fresh circuit design and implementation.

Digital systems on the other hand, are greatly affected by noise. The advantage with digital systems is that they are built using programmable components and a standardized circuit can handle digital signals and a system can be implemented through software. This means that the components can be reused just by modifying the program.

Most modern communication systems are digital systems – any analog inputs are converted to digital by a process called sampling and conversion from digital back to analog is by reconstruction.

-analogue Phones - Community Management Associates Upgrades to Cbeyond’s Integrated Cloud and Network Portfolio - (4/20/2012)

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ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cbeyond, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBEY), a leading provider of network and cloud services to small and medium sized businesses, today announced that Community Management Associates (CMA) recently enlisted the Company to provide a package of cloud PBX, enterprise-grade network and virtual server solutions to improve CMA’s communication and data management efficiency.

“since switching to Cbeyond’s Cloud Servers and Cloud PBX, the interaction between our property managers and their networks is more efficient than ever before”

Atlanta-based CMA provides property, fiduciary and day-to-day operations management services to neighborhood associations. with remote property managers spread across its 520 properties in Atlanta, Nashville, Tennessee, and Athens, Georgia. CMA’s small, three-person IT staff faced challenges providing steady customer communications. Additionally, while CMA’s server room was at capacity, the company needed several extra applications to support its expansion.

“We had leveraged Cbeyond’s BeyondVoice solution to handle our IP phone and data services, but soon recognized that we required additional bandwidth to maintain efficiency and improve our customer service,” said Todd Ward, vice president of IT and strategic initiatives at CMA. “While we were familiar with Cbeyond’s customer service and support, we were impressed by its team’s willingness to create a customized package to suit our needs. We felt comfortable that the stability of Cbeyond’s enterprise-class, cloud-ready and highly secure network would help us succeed immediately.”

after implementing Cbeyond’s Cloud PBX solution to improve phone communications between its property managers and customers, CMA and Cbeyond worked together to craft a unique configuration that would enable CMA to host its data utilizing dedicated physical Cbeyond Cloud Servers and Microsoft SQL Server along with a 50 Mbps fiber connection to ensure a seamless transition and end-to-end network reliability. as a result, all of CMA’s data is stored securely across Cbeyond’s private network.

“Since switching to Cbeyond’s Cloud Servers and Cloud PBX, the interaction between our property managers and their networks is more efficient than ever before,” added Ward. “An effective IT partnership begins and ends with trust, and we have no doubt that the unmatched quality of Cbeyond’s services and technology will provide the smooth communications needed to serve our customers and foster growth.”

“Cbeyond strives to deliver solutions at every stage of a customer’s lifecycle, and our progressive relationship with CMA is one example of how we work to grow with our customers,” said Brent Cobb, chief customer officer for Cbeyond. “By connecting its customers to the cloud via our secure, private network, Cbeyond has been able to help CMA streamline its operations, accelerate communications and securely improve its data storage and management capabilities.”

For more information about Cbeyond, visit cbeyond.net. Click here to view a social media version of this release.

About Community Management Associates

Community Management Associates (CMA) is a full-service association management firm operating in more than 500 properties across the southeastern U.S. the firm provides property and management services to neighborhood associations, overseeing day-to-day operations including bid requests, contract negotiations and property maintenance. CMA employs property managers to oversee the respective communities in which they live, believing that managers who can identify closely with their communities’ concerns are more likely to have a greater stake in their successes. For more information, visit cmacommunities.com/.

About Cbeyond

Cbeyond, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBEY) is a leading provider of IT and communications services to more than 62,000 small and medium sized businesses in the U.S. Combining industry-leading virtual and dedicated servers hosted in a fully compliant data center, cloud PBX, secure MPLS enterprise-class networks, robust security services, migration planning and best-in-class real-time management, Cbeyond provides a technology portfolio not generally available to the SMBs they serve. Winning the 2010 Windows Server Hyper-V Cloud Provider of the Year and Hosting Partner of the Year in 2009 and 2010, Cbeyond is an industry leader in delivering virtual and dedicated servers on Windows Server Hyper-V technology. For more information on Cbeyond, visit cbeyond.net and follow Cbeyond on Twitter: twitter.com/Cbeyondinc.

VoIP Phone – A Backbone of the Modern Communication System

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In the infotainment arena, innovations and advances in technology is playing a vital role in changing yesterday’s world into a latest high-tech world. no doubt, high speed internet has made the world as we know it come closer. The internet is now playing an important role in offering hassle-free communication with the benefit of cost effectiveness and productivity thrown in for good measure. In the world that we know it today, high speed internet connections for communication is gaining in popularity. well known as VoIP or voice over IP, this technology allows users to make long distance as well as international calls with seamless connectivity at significantly low rates.

The pre-existing PSTN service providers or mobile operators have never faced as many challenges as they doing now, especially with the advent of VoIP phones. With the plethora of benefits, the pre-existing providers are under pressure to change their network infrastructures to keep up with the advances in technology.

The internet telephony services are the latest in technological advances that hold quite a few advantages for the users – business or otherwise. They are fast, efficient, easy to use, and economical. as a matter of fact, after making their presence felt in large business houses, the VoIP phone services are getting popular among various small and medium size businesses and residential users as well.

IP telephony allows users to send images, video and data through a same network connection. unlike the existing circuit-switching network of PSTN, VoIP phone services are based on the packet switching technique. as a matter of fact, communication over the VoIP phone is superior compared to PSTN services. this is because analog signals are compressed into digital packets that can absorb the noise when routed over the internet. this in turn guarantees impressive call quality.

To avail the best VoIP services for communicating, the users must possess special hardware devices and software. as a matter of fact, one requires high speed broadband connection, an Analog Terminal Adaptor or ATA, and IP phone service. Even a normal phone would do in certain circumstances. Generally, the Analog Telephone Adaptors are considered as standard equipment and are supplied by the service providers, when the users sign in for the services.

This hardware device converts and reconverts the audio or analog signals into compressed IP packets and vice -versa. The digital IP packets are compressed into a standard format, so that they can absorb the unwanted noise on the way. Consequently, the packets get transferred faster and more efficiently than circuit switching network. The IP compressed packets are in compliance with standard communication protocols. therefore, when they arrive at the destination, there is a re-conversion of the digital packets to analog signals.

The business houses as well as residential users can avail the IP services from providers. The companies that offer these phone services are well known as VoIP providers, wholesalers or resellers. The VoIP phones are beneficial than PSTN phones in more ways than one:

1.With the VoIP phones, users can significantly lower down their monthly telephone bills by up to 40-60 percent than the cost of PSTN services. therefore, users experience unlimited long distance as well as international calls with minimum cost.

2.The VoIP phones are backed with feature of scalability. as a matter of fact, users can carry their IP phones anywhere across the globe. The users only need internet connections to get connected from any remote location or faraway location.

3.unlike PSTN services, VoIP phones allow users to make the most of value-added services. it allows users to avail bundled services such as 3-way calling, call forwarding, audio as well as video conferencing, call waiting and many more.

Last but not the least, in this era of infotainment, VoIP phone plays a vital role in the bringing the world closer. as a matter of fact, IP phones lower down the costs of long distance or international calls to half the cost of PSTN services.