Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Phone System Manuals & User Guide Links: Nortel Meridian Norstar, Avaya IP Office, and NEC SV8100

We get TONS of calls each week for technical assistance with Nortel Norstar and Meridian phone systems. Ditto for Avaya IP Office and NEC SV8100 telephone system platforms.

While we DO supply limited technical support to clients that purchased their business phone equipment from Telephone Magic Inc., there is no way for us to be on site or offer no-cost help to non-clients. In a nutshell, how would we stay in business if we gave away the farm (time and technical staff) to callers that never purchased their telephone system from us directly?

That out of the way, Telephone Magic DOES have a wealth of information readily available on our website that is FREE for visitors to access and/or download to assist them with minor technical issues or for educational purposes related to their business phone system.

Telephone Magic's main phone system manuals page contains user guides, brochures and information related to the Nortel Norstar and Merdian telephone systems, Avaya IP office IP 500 platform, NEC Univerge SV8100 IP phone system and much more. We encourage everyone to utilize this vast resource as a means to help with minor programming issues, etc.

Telephone Magic has long since been a leading source for wholesale business phones, telephone system parts, cards, equipment, etc.. On the other hand, when it comes to actual service related to major problems with your telephone system, we always recommend that you contact a authorized dealer in your local area.

While local telecom dealers not always competitive when it comes to pricing for wholesale system phones and hardware, they usually offer prompt and efficient service on the brand they specialize in. They can keep your business telephone system running efficiently and handle any adds/moves/changes you may require.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

NEC SV8100 "Mobile Extension" Allows Two-Way Communication with your Smartphone!


Mobile Extension feature NEC SV8100 phone system feature

SV8100 Mobile Extension Feature

System functionality straight to your mobile!

The SV8100 Mobile Extension feature is like being in when you're out. Treat your mobile like your desk phone and enjoy system features while you are on the move.
Best of all, Mobile Extensions are BUILT IN at no extra cost when you invest in the SV8100. You can be more reachable and maintain high customer service levels at all times. Save on voicemails, save on call backs and stop playing "telephone tennis". What's more, you can be contacted on the same extension number.
For organizations to thrive, they must be flexible. Customers have come to expect full service from their retailers, care providers, hospitality services and educational institutions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now NEC can ensure you have the tools to stay competitive – wherever you are– with UNIVERGE SV8100 Mobile Extension.
Mobile Extension gives you access to all of the features of your desktop phone from nearly any external communications device. It enables you to use a mobile phone, home phone or other external device to simulate an extension of your office phone. And customers never know you’re not at the office! One number access lets them reach you wherever you are.

Mobile Extension Key Benefits:

  • Embedded at no extra cost!
  • Increase sales - by missing less sales calls you can help prevent your customers going elsewhere
  • You can use your mobile like your system phone, wherever you are
  • You can be contacted away from your desk with your same extension number
  • You can access system features away from the office
  • You can maintain high service levels when on the move

Mobile Extension Features:

  • Conference Call
  • Caller ID
  • Call Waiting & Call Forward
  • Paging
  • Hold & Transfer
  • Speed dialling
  • Voicemail access
  • Hotel features
  • Camp On
Mobile Extension NEC SV8100 phone system feature
NEC Univerge SV8100 Internet Telephony Product of the Year award

SV8100 Mobile Extension - Related Brochures:

 NEC Univerge SV8100 Mobile Extension Brochure

Friday, June 15, 2012

Nik Wallenda walks over Niagara Falls!

Way to #WalkTheWire, Nik!

Just a few blocks from our offices at Telephone Magic and Hotel Telecom, Nik Wallenda made history tonight, walking across a high wire over Niagara falls!

Wire walking over Niagara Falls was outlawed in 1890, and many thought this day would never come, but a couple of months ago Nik Wallenda received permission to attempt the feat.

This was the first time in history that a wire walk was actually performed over the Falls. Previous attempts were made farther down the lower Niagara River or lower in the Niagara gorge. Wallenda had his wire about 20 stories above the Niagara River and walked right over the American Falls and all the way to the Niagara Parkway on the Canadian side.

Nik Wallenda is from the famous first family of funambulists. The signature performance of the group in the 1940's was the seven-person chair pyramid in which two pairs of performers walk the wire, each supporting another aerielist on a pole. Those two aerialists, in turn, carry a pole upon which the seventh member of the troupe balances in a chair.

Wire walking danger is not unfamiliar to Nik Wallenda. The family patriarch and Nik's great-grandfather Karl Wallenda fell to his death in 1978 while attempting to walk between two hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Tonight the biggest challenge was the thick mist rising up from the water below Niagara Falls and pushed by a swirling wind, drenching the wire and causing visibility problems for Nik Wallenda. The water literally POURED off the wire as Nik carefully put one foot in front of another in what was termed "The Wet Zone".

Congrats to Nik Wallenda on his historic walk across Niagara Falls... in a world where we have become jaded to the spectacular, this was truly an amazing thing to watch... All of us at Telephone Magic feel truly lucky to have our offices located just a short walk from this tremendous event.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

SV8100 Phone System - The ultimate in Unified Communications!


SV8100 phone system
The NEC SV8100 business phone system is the BOMB! There is officially NO GOOD REASON to keep hanging on to your old Nortel Norstar or Avaya Partner telephone system when you can trade-in and get a hard cash credit towards a new NEC SV8100 system. 

I just LOVE the new features like "Voicemail to Email" - when I am out of the office my voice mail messages show up on my smart phone! I can listen to them without wasting mobile minutes as it uses my data plan to deliver the messages as email attached audio files. I can then save or delete the messages and they automatically do the same back at my office! 

Another awesome feature is Mobile Extension - which allows your calls to ring on your office phone AND your smart phone - so your clients can reach you no matter where you are. When you need to stay in touch and want to avoid telephone tag, Mobile Extension is perfect for you - and here's the best part - it's built in at NO EXTRA COST!

The NEC digital phones and NEC IP Phones are incredibly well designed - with modular construction that allows you to add function keys, DESI-less displays, and even a Bluetooth wireless handset so you NEVER outgrow your phones.
SV8100 telephone system
Business today demands efficient, seamless communication to enable rapid decision-making and customer responsiveness. NEC's SV8100 helps small to medium-sized businesses like yours succeed by placing your staff at the center of communications.

NEC SV8100 Telephone System

The SV8100 phone system is a unique IP communication solution for any small and/or medium businesses today.

Whether you are 5, 25 or up to 500 employees… just getting started or already established… have a single office, a home office or multiple stores/sites.

The Univerge SV8100's expandability means it can work at any level, from a technically superb phone system, to a truly advanced unified communications platform.

The SV8100 phone system unifies your communications, providing your employees with a solution that lets them handle all their business communications on the device of their choice: their laptop, mobile phone, office phone or home phone — all this while using wired, wireless or broadband connections.
SV8100 phone system - Internet Telephony Product of the Year award
NEC Software Assurance


Suitable for growth: Modular construction

The UNIVERGE® SV8100 Communications Server is a key component of this foundation and is the ideal system for businesses that wish to compete and grow.. You can deploy a pure IP solution or any combination of IP and traditional circuit-switched technology with a single SV8100 system.

Free Mobile Extensions

System functionality straight to your mobile. The SV8100 Mobile Extension feature is like being in when you’re out. Treat your mobile like your desk phone and enjoy system features while you’re on the move. Best of all, Mobile Extensions are built in at no extra cost to the SV8100!

Customisable terminals and handsets

UNIVERGE® SV8100 terminals and handsets are like no other. Their modular construction means you can chop and change the design for exact business requirements. They can then be upgraded at a later stage without having to replace them – a great investment protection.

Serving Customers Effectively with Unified Communications

UC for Business helps unify an entire organization, enabling individuals, departments and locations to work more efficiently by ensuring seamless internal and external communications. Users can connect and show presence from wherever they are via phones, PCs, mobile devices, faxes and the web - effortlessly.

True Business Mobility

The SV8100 range of IP DECTs offers a more flexible way of working. Access to the main system features mean employees are more reachable, more quickly.

NEC Software Assurance for your SV8100 Phone System

With NEC Software Assurance, your SV8100 telephone system will NEVER grow old - it will always be up to date with the latest software version and features.

Summary

The SV8100 business phone system from NEC is flat out the best telephone system I have ever come across - and I have seen a ton of system come and go over the nearly quarter of a century I have been in this business. Call us today for a quote at Telephone Magic Inc. @ 905.356-9199. We will custom configure a system to your exact requirements.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Hotel Room Telephones - Teledex iPhone A Series


Teledex has long been the world leading manufacturer of hotel phones. Their latest series of one and two-line analog room phones are stylish and have the option of being quite colorful (see below) to match the decor of just about any guest room. The great thing is you can now buy them wholesale from HOTELtelecom.


Great Looks. Outstanding Quality. The Teledex iPhone™ A100/200 analog series combines a fresh new look with legendary Teledex qualilty and reliability. Suitable for virtually any type of hotel, iPhone™ A series boasts graceful, sculpted curves that accent a comfortable, familiar user interface. Modern, tech-inspired lines surround what’s inside: the industry’s most reliable, feature-rich telephone.

Configure it How You Need it.


The Teledex iPhone A Series is flexible enough to fit any hotel or motel needs. They are vailable with up to ten guest service buttons, in single or two-line models, and with or without speakerphone.
Industry Leading Quality - There's a reason there are more Teledex phones in guest rooms worldwide than any other: Quality. Your Teledex phones are built to last, and work the same on day 1,000 as they do on day one. So you can forget about your guest room phones, and concentrate on other things.


Click on the photos or links here for more information on each model of Teledex iPhone A Series:
Teledex iPhone A Guestroom Phones
Teledex iPhon A210S Guestroom Speakerphone
Teledex iPhone A205S Guestroom Speakerphone
Teledex iPhon A110S single-line guestroom speakerphone
Teledex iPhone A110 guestroom phone
Teledex iPhone A105 Guestroom Phone
Teledex iPhone A103 Guestroom Phone
Teledex iPhone A102 hotel phone
Teledex iPhone A101 lobby phone
Teledex iPhone A100 hotel phone

Hotel Telecom is one of Teledex's top distributors. You owe it to your business to contact us first for your hotel guestroom requirements!

Add Color To Your Hotel Guest Rooms!

Teledex iPhone A series phones are available in Black or Ash, and now in your choice of eight standard colors (shown below). This way you can choose an iPhone A Series set to match your room design, and add a little flair to your guest rooms!
Click the color phones here to see a larger image.Certain volume restrictions apply related to the color iPhone A Series telephone sets. For ordering information, CALL US DIRECTLY at 905-356-9199.
iPhone A iSeries blue
          Blue
iPhone A iSeries blrown
          Brown
iPhone A iSeries orange
         Orange
iPhone A iSeries warm grey
      Warm Grey
iPhone A iSeries steel grey
       Steel Grey
iPhone A iSeries green
         Green
iPhone A iSeries burgundy red
        Burgundy
iPhone A iSeries taupe
         Taupe


Call 905-356-9199 to get a quote on Teledex Hotel Phones!

Friday, March 16, 2012

EnGenius DuraFon 1X Long Range Cordless Phone


long range wireless phones EnGenius
EnGenius DuraFon 1X long range cordless phone system

EnGenius produced the first industrial long range cordless phone and now, this latest version, the DuraFon 1X, is the first rugged industrial long range wireless phone.

The EnGenius Durafon 1X long range wireless phone is an industrial long range cordless telephone with up to 5 miles (8 km) range in open terrain and up to 12 floors of penetration in office buildings.

In warehouse environments, you can have up to 250,000 square feet of coverage. Outdoors on farms, ranches, car lots or college campuses, coverage is up to 3,000 acres.

In addition to being a cordless telephone, the EnGenius DuraFon is also a full-duplex 2-way radio which operates independent of the base unit.

This system will grow with your business, allowing you to add up to 9 handsets per base unit. You can expand the system up to 4 lines (4 base units are needed) and 36 handsets in total.

The DuraFon works off any analog line and is also easy to add to your digital PBX with the EnGenius digital adapter (optional). 

Alternatively we also offer the EnGenius PRO 4-line long range wireless phone.

Telephone Magic Inc. is a rare "EnGenius Elite Dealer", so you always know you are getting the best pricing and service when you buy from us.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Mitel IP Phones - VoIP Telephones

Revolutionary changes have occurred in the telecommunications and information technologies. Mitel is at the leading edge of convergence between these fields with their Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones.
Avaya 5420 VoIP Phone
The difference between a VoIP system and a traditional system is that VoIP systems are digital and traditional ones are analog. When you speak into a VoIP phone, your voice is converted to an electronic signal which is then broken down into packets, compressed, and sent toward their final destination by various routes depending on the most efficient paths on your data network or the internet. At the receiving end, the packets are reassembled, decompressed and converted back into a voice signal by hardware and software.

The Mitel VoIP phones we carry are supported on Mitel PBX platforms. For more information on these feature-rich phones, please click on the links below. Please note - these VoIP telephones are NOT compatible with other non-Mitel VoIP equipment.
Mitel 5324 IP phone - 5300 Series IP telephones

Mitel 5300 Series VoIP Phones

The 5300 series of VoIP phones for Mitel PBX platforms represents the cutting edge in Voice over IP technology. Packed with all the business communications features one expects in a high-end business phone, Mitel went even further and provided enhanced features with an intuitive user-interface to make these phones very user-friendly. With up to 48 programmable feature buttons, these VoIP phones give you full control over your telecommunications environment.More Information
Mitel 5224 IP Phone - 5200 Series IP telephones

Mitel 5200 Series VoIP Phones

The 5200 series of VoIP phones for Mitel PBX platforms represents the cutting edge in Voice over IP technology. Packed with all the business communications features one expects in a high-end business phone, Mitel went further and provided enhanced features with an intuitive user-interface to make these phones very user-friendly. With up to 24 programmable feature buttons, these VoIP phones give you full control over your telecommunications environment.More Information

If you already have a Mitel PBX and are looking for a "wholesale direct" source for your Mitel IP phones, Supersets, system cards, etc., be sure to visit our website for more information.

Saturday, March 03, 2012

Plantronics W540 Phone Headset is Lightest Ever DECT and Packed with New Features

Business phone headsets just continue to set the bar higher. The Plantronics CS540 wireless phone headset is nothing short of amazing in that regard.

First Plantronics made it lighter. At only 21 grams, the CS540 features the lightest DECT™ headset on the market. That means all-day comfort with Plantronics legendary all-star performance.

Then Plantronics made it better. They increased the range for maximum mobility, and added features like one-touch controls, energy efficient power management, and simple plug-and-talk installation. In short, the CS540 does it all.

CS540 wireless phone headset for business telephone system phones plantronics cordless headsetThe Plantronics CS540 cordless headset is the wireless headset replacement of the successful Plantronics CS55 and Plantronics CS50 phone headset. The CS540 contains many new features, and illustrates why the Plantronics CS wireless series has been a best seller for years. The Plantronic CS540 wireless headset features a new design, streamlined base and improved performance - all with the same dependability and wireless productivity that has made the Plantronics CS wireless series our best sellers. Go mobile and multi-task up to 350 feet from your desk with answer, end and mute controls at your fingertips. And no matter what your preference, with three wearing choices there' style.

CS540 wireless phone headset for business telephone system phones plantronics cordless headsetThe Plantronics CS540 headset allows you to enjoy the sleek contemporary design of the new system with premium wideband audio quality and wireless mobility, all with the same reliability for hands-free productivity that has made the CS family a best seller for nearly a decade. The CS540 even has the ability to conference up to three users on the same line - more proof the Plantronics CS540 has raised the bar for desk phone headset systems.

Be sure to buy this headset with the Plantronics HL10 Handset Lifter for greater mobility freedom.

For further details on which wireless headset is best for your specific personal requirements, please contact one of our headset reps at 905.356.9199 for a free consultation.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

On Hold Messages Made Easy for Your Business

We get asked all the time for reliable digital hardware for our clients message on hold applications "Is there something out there that we can use and forget about in between message changes?" ~ In a nutshell, "Yes".

Message On Hold productions come in a wide variery of forms and quality ~ Telephone Magic offers professional scripting, announcing, and studio engineering.

When it comes to hardware, it has come a long way from the early days of cassette tape decks with continuous loop tapes. Once the hardware went digital a cassette simply downloaded itself to the memory of the hardware and "voila" your message was up and running. These units are still in use today with few, if any, issues.

Now the convenience factor and the latest technology has created a USB key version On Hold Message digital announcer. This system allows you to get your message productions emailed to you. From there it's a simple "drag and drop" of the file to your USB key and once you plug the key back into the unit at the phone system, everything is taken care of for you.

The USB 1100 is a digital message unit designed for continuous audio playback. Audio is stored on a removable USB Flash drive and plugged into the USB hub on the unit. The loading of the audio is easily done by "dragging and dropping" mp3 file(s) without the use of special software. Audio files can now be emailed to clients without the need to mail or ship physical media.

Features:
Standard MP3 Playback: MP3 audio is widely recognized as a popular audio compression format. You can use MP3 files with sampling rates from 32 to 256 kbps, depending on the quality you require. No additional software is required to load MP3 files to the USB flash drive. Select one of six tracks or "play all" by pressing the Play Mode button on the side of the unit.

Electronic Delivery - Very user friendly! - The process of receiving message on-hold updates is easy! Simply remove the USB flash drive from the unit, and plug into the USB port of a computer. Audio files are a "drag and drop" transfer from the computer into the USB flash drive. Plug the flash drive back into the USB 1100 for instant audio playback.

Your on hold message producer can simply e-mail you the files for your message-on-hold updates. Save the MP3 file to the USB flash drive and load it into the USB 1100 - quick and easy!

Commercial-Strenth Hardware: The USB 1100 is intended for use in business applications that include message-on-hold and in-store music / announcements.

The system has a constant power source and the solid-state memory will re-boot the audio playback automatically after a power outage. No more need to reset the unit when the power's been out!

The durable aluminum case can withstand rugged phone room conditions and reduces possible RF interference. The compact design and visible flanges ensure an easy installation on the phone room system's wall.

Volume & Tone Control: Two different outputs are designed to provide adequate volume for any phone system. You can also adjust desired bass and treble levels.

Technology and convenience in a compact easy to use format, all at a reasonable one-time price. Nothing could be easier... If you wish to gain some professional scripting and production assistance, don't hesitate to call Telephone Magic @ 905.356.9199.

Friday, May 06, 2011

Protect Your Nortel Investment By Migrating to Avaya IP Office Version 7.0 for IP500 V2


Avaya's acquisition of Nortel in 2009 has resulted in the expected cancellation of BCM telephone systems in 2011, with migration into IP Office being the only stated way forward. As experienced IP Office dealers for over 5 years, Telephone Magic Inc. is in a unique position to help you transition to an Avaya IP Office IP500 phone system with the minimum of fuss.
How Your Nortel Upgrade Protects You: Security
Phone systems can and do go wrong; vendors may not like to admit this but issues do occur. As a company critically dependant on communication with the outside world through your phone system, the last situation that you want to be in is being out of support on an end of life telephone system, with no facility for spares, repairs, vendor issue support etc. This is why we recommend to users that you should be no more than 2 versions behind the latest software and absolutely not on end-of-life hardware.
How Your Nortel Upgrade Protects You: Handsets
With handsets being typically between 40 and 60% of the value of your existing handset, the ability to re-use these and gradually upgrade your BCM system at a steady pace avoids the rip and replace scenario which will inevitably ensue once it is end of life and spares/repairs become completely unavailable and critical issues start to occur.
How Your Nortel Upgrade Protects You: Training
All extensions will be converted with one click, including voicemails brought over, and your users will need no additional training. Your users will then start to become acquanted with the IP Office software at a gradual pace, giving you scope to enlarge or upgrade further to, for example, IP Office IP telephony, when the time suits you, rather than as a response to issues.
How Your Nortel Upgrade Protects You: Data Migration Manager Tool

Avaya have developed a special centralized migration tool which transfers your handsets and voicemail over to IP Office 7.0. "Data Migration Manager". Using a three step process namely Extract, Convert and Apply, all announcements, greetings and voicemail messages can easily be transferred, resulting in a significant reduction in installation times and cost. The tool supports Norstar v7, BCM200/400/1000 R4, BCM50 R3/R5/R6 and BCM450 R1/R5/R6 as source system, and it is expected that the tool will evolve to handle the extraction, conversion and transfer of Auto-Attendant customer announcements in the future.
How Your Nortel Upgrade Protects You: Wiring
If your business has traditional phone system wiring, you can continue using it with your Avaya IP Office solution. If you have a Local Area Network (LAN) to connect your PCs/servers, you can use that instead. Avaya IP Office works with either kind of wiring—the choice is yours and the savings of using existing wiring are significant. Common wiring interfaces available with Avaya IP Office reduce the re-wiring often associated with replacement of a communication system—making the upgrade fast and easy.
How Your Nortel Upgrade Protects You: Growing
As your business grows, Avaya IP Office easily grows with you. There won’t be a need for another upgrade anytime soon. Avaya IP Office can handle hundreds of extensions.
How Your Nortel Upgrade Protects You: Gradual Replacement of Your BCM
When you upgrade to Avaya IP Office, you can keep using your Nortel phones and replace them on an as needed basis. Or, make plans to equip select employees—executives, receptionists, sales and customer service reps, etc.—who can really benefit from the added features of the new Avaya IP phones or Avaya digital phones. Either way, by being smart and managing the use of your existing phones you can protect up to 60 percent of your initial investment and still gain the benefits of a new solution.

Nortel IP Phones for BCM, Nortel Communication Server, Meridian Telephone Systems in High Demand


Telephone Magic Inc. has long been a leading on-line wholesaler of Nortel IP telephones (cordless and standard IP phone sets) and related headsets, expansion modules and cards for BCM 50/200/400, Communication Server 1000, 2000, 2100, etc. and IP-capable Meridian 1 and SL-100 releases. The leading web wholesale distributor reports strong demand for Nortel IP phones despite the venerable manufacturers telecom division sale.

Nortel IP phones continue to drive high sales volume, as reported by leading on-line wholesale business phone equipment distributor Telephone Magic Inc. Jeff Jackson, president and CEO of the company cites a newly expanded and updated selection of Nortel VoIP telephones, key expansion modules, and power supplies as a likely reason.

Mr. Jackson indicates "We are seeing a lot of companies maintaining and upgrading the IP investment they made in the past ten to twelve years. As Nortel was an early leader in this area of business telecom, it is not surprising Nortel IP telephones and accessories remain very popular". He continues "Given the economic conditions of the past six or seven years you are not seeing businesses toss out their initial IP platforms and start over just to gain a few more features. In recent years money just does not grow on trees, so adding to an existing reliable IP phone system makes more sense to most business owners".

Companies currently utilizing a Nortel BCM, Nortel Communication Server, or IP-enabled Meridian platform can view Telephone Magic's complete Nortel IP phone selection at Nortel IP phones. Canadian business clients can take advantage of their own telecom portal for Nortel IP phones in Canada.


Visitors can also request a quote for any Nortel IP phone model - from the newer 1100 series Nortel IP phones (1110e 1120e 1140e 1150e 1165e) and 1200 series Nortel IP phones (1210, 1220, 1230), to the original i2000 phase 1 Nortel IP phones (i2001, i2002, i2004) and newer phase 2 i2000 series Nortel IP phones (i2001, i2002, i2004, i2007, i2050 softphone).

As an initial leader in IP telephony VoIP telephone systems, Nortel Networks has always enjoyed a dominating market share of the IP field. Nortel BCM, Nortel Communication Servers, and IP-enabled Meridian business phone system platforms surged to the lead in many countries due largely to Nortel's strong IP portfolio and reliable cutting-edge VoIP switching technology.

The fact small businesses could simultaneously utilize Nortel Norstar and Nortel IP phones on the BCM 50 expanded on their dominance in the sector. The BCM series of business IP phone systems feature VoIP capability and an "all in the box" feature set that is activated by purchasing licenses.

Many large businesses in the US, Canada, UK, and beyond have long relied on the Meridian 1 PBX for their communication requirements. While some continue to operate with IP-enabled Meridian systems, most have long since upgraded to Nortel Communication Server versions. A variety of Nortel IP phones work with each of these individual platforms.

The latest on-line strategic developments undertaken by Telephone Magic Inc. further strengthen the company's leading position on the Internet as a direct source for information and business phone equipment at wholesale-direct prices. Other recent website expansion include additional IP phones from Mitel and Avaya, new Avaya digital phone series, along with a newly updated Nortel and Avaya phone manuals section to assist and enhance the website visitor experience.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Businesses Have Their Own Private Social Network!

Most people probably don't realize that long before the explosion of Social Networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and LinkedIn (for business networking) every business to some extent already had their OWN social network - their business phone system.

Indeed, the business phone system links together everyone in a business and allows for communication between all members of this "community" via intercom. Furthermore, every time a speed dial number to a client or supplier is added to the business phone system, this private and very much unique social network grows by extension. As with a Facebook type social network, each of these added contacts to a phone system directory has their own set of unique contacts (both internally and externally), that may or may not eventually impact your own phone system network.

When you think of your business phone system in these terms you really start to understand the true importance of this key component of business equipment. Whether it be an IP capable system such as the Avaya IP Office phone platform or a more basic line such as the Nortel Norstar phone system, As your "social" network grows so does your business!

Enjoy your day and take full advantage of YOUR private business social network. ;-)

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Avaya IP Office IP500 Phone System

If there’s one thing a large company needs to keep in business, it’s a reputation for quality. With today’s global marketplace relying on telecommunication, quality is even more essential. Fortunately an Avaya IP Office 500 PABX specializes in quality, reliability and scalability for large businesses.

The challenges of running a business with 100 or more employees aren’t simply issues of size. Big business needs quality technology, but at a scale that’s both economical and functional. That’s where an Avaya IP Office 500 PABX can be an excellent telephone solution.

In addition, Avaya’s IP Office 500 PABX gives senior executives of large companies an effective method for managing the total cost of ownership (TOC) of a computer-integrated telephone system.

Perhaps this high level of administrative control offers a good reason why Avaya phone systems are found in some 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies.

Furthermore, the Avaya IP 500 PABX offers multiple options for integrating business functions through the telephone system.

{The IP 500’s ease of use and administration means that the company has control of its telephone system. This feature alone can save a business thousands of dollars through life of the phone system. The IP 500’s software also can be updated to incorporate new technology.}

The IP 500 can link a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database into the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for easier customer calling. It can connect multiple work sites through a Virtual Phone Network (VPN) or provide remote computer access, sometimes known as “hotdesking” to staff that travel or telecommute.

{Sharp business executives recognize that a telephone system’s costs associated over its life cycle can easily get out of hand, given the speed of technology changes these days. Avaya’s system is designed to be easily and economically upgradable from the outset, giving the company total control of its telephone operations. With this level of administrative control, a large company can save thousands of dollars on maintenance and upgrade throughout the life of the telephone system.}

Among the Avaya IP 500 PABX’s other features are* Easy-to-use handsets. * A computer-telephone integration interface that’s considered one of the most user-friendly on the market.* A computer-telephone integration interface that’s considered one of the most user-friendly ones.

While the precise configuration need by a business will govern the cost of an Avaya IP 500 PABX installation, the short-term expense will quickly be recovered through the savings on administration, maintenance and upgrades.

Consider this list of customizable features:
* Call Accounting
* Multi-site IP networking
* Multiple options for voicemail
* Teleconferencing for up to 64 parties on line at once
* Teleconferencing for up to 64 parties on line at once
* IP Handsets and IP soft phones

The Avaya IP 500 PABX also guards a business against the added expense of having to toss out an old system in order to get improved technology. Avaya’s software can be easily updated to new improvements in telecommunications. The Avaya IP500 phone system, its data cards , and phones are covered by a 12-month warranty. Training and technical support are also available.

An Avaya IP500 PABX telephone system helps business be big and beautiful.

(edited reprint from True Tips and Facts)

Friday, July 10, 2009

Avaya's IP Office "Best Kept Secret"!

If your company is considering a new phone system or has already purchased and settled in on the Avaya IP Office phone system platform, you need to know about the best kept secret in the telecom industry - the "Avaya Knowledgebase". Actually, it's not a secret at all but the average Avaya IP Office customer does not know it even exists. We, on the other hand, actively encourage our clients to use the Avaya Knowledgebase for all it's worth.

The Avaya Knowledgebase is a truly phenomenal information source for all Avaya IP Office products. The detailed information available shows you the powerful capabilities of the IP Office platform, inclusive of the Avaya IP 500 and the previous Avaya IP 412 which will be discontinued with the new IP 500 5.0 firmware release.

All of the IP 500 expansion modules are described in amazing detail in the Knowledgebase, along with the various series of phones - both digital and VoIP Avaya IP Office phones.

If you are considering purchasing a new business phone system, are upgrading from an Avaya Partner ACS, or are already utilizing the Avaya IP Office phone system platform, I highly recommend that you bookmark the Avaya Knowledgebase as it is a one-stop source for anything related to the IP Office platform.

Hotel phones - why do we take them for granted?

It's funny how we check into a hotel or motel, go to our rooms, unpack our bags, take a shower, get dressed for dinner or a night on the town or just hunker down for the night, we make a few phone calls - home, for business, or simply to call for a cab - maybe even just to call the front desk to find out where the nearest ice machine is - and yet, despite the fact we recognize the distinctly different design of a hotel phone, we just kind of take the poor thing for granted!

When you want a pizza haven't you ever taken the time to notice how the hotel has already taken the time to label your room phone faceplate with a pizza button (or at least room service key)? Tsk, tsk!

The fact is that hotel/motel guest room phones are very different from your average business phone system extension - despite the fact the main system control unit of the phone system may be the same (i.e. Avaya IP Office, Avaya Definity, Nortel Norstar, Nortel Meridian 1 PBX for larger hospitality properties). The hotel room phone is very much it's own breed and major manufacturers include Teledex hotel phones, Scitec hotel phones, and Telematrix hotel phones.

HOTELtelecom specializes in offering hotel and motel chains and individual hotels and motels direct online hotel phones at wholesale prices. Today hotel phone stretch into the VoIP category and many lines are now far more stylish than the traditional looking phones that have always been very functional for it's designed purpose but packaged in a plain rectangle shape.

The new iPhone A line from Teledex is a very good example of the new euro styling being employed by hotel phone manufacturers. While traditional hotel phones were usually beige (cream) color, the iPhone A line base color is charcoal (black) color. Personally I think this is a huge improvement over the older stying of guest room phones. In case you didn't know (as we all chose to simply ignore the phones in all the hotel or motel rooms we have stayed in - lol) Teledex is considered the world's leading manufacturer of hospitality phones.

Another major development over the past 10-12 years are short range cordless phones that are specifically made for hotel rooms. The short range feature of these phones means no interference or cross-talk between the cordless phones between each of the rooms in a property. These phones also have come a long way in styling as evident with the new Telematrix cordless hotel phones which feature single line and 2-line versions.

One thing is for sure the technology behind guest room phones has come a long way and even those most brand lines remain analog phones, the digital improvements to set features are vastly improved. Improvements in the cordless versions of these phones include DECT 6.0 technology and use of the newer 1.9 GHz bandwidth.

Has the time come where we will now revere hotel/motel room phones instead of simply taking them for granted? Probably not. But it does occur to me that me may finally take more notice of them and understand that they have very unique qualities when compared to the average business phone. Maybe we will even come to appreciate these phones as the really marvelous sector of the telephony industry they represent - even if only because the "Pizza" button saved you an ill-fated trip through the local phone book in a city you know nothing about. Cheers all!