Unified Communications Increases Employee Productivity While Reducing Expenses

Unified communications can combine innovative technologies that include multiple collaboration applications into one network, which will significantly reduce telecommunication expenses and IT. Additionally, it has been proven to increase employee productivity.

Studies indicate that businesses that use unified communications have the ability to save almost 2 hours of each workday per employee. The power of "presence" technologies, where coworkers have immediate access to coworkers that are available in real time, also serve as an avenue to save time while increasing productivity. The abilities of presence technology can save 30 minutes per person each day through the reduction or elimination of downtime. Additionally, the technology provides employees a way to make contact with other available Associates on their first attempt.

Workers often waste significant amounts of time during their workday by simply trying to navigate through multiple messaging systems. Using a unified messaging alternative, workers can save an additional 40 minutes each day. This opportunity exist because a unified messaging system combines emails, voicemails and fax services into one interface, significantly diminishing the need to access each messaging system individually. They also suggest that unified communications can dramatically increase productivity of employees by up to 23%, by simply abolishing all inefficient collaboration.

Increase Productivity Using Mobility

In the ever evolving world of technology, mobile has become king. With unified communications, the next generation of collaborative technology allows decision-makers a simple way to integrate their mobile devices into a single network. The results create an easy avenue for every individual to save nearly 30 minutes of every day by diminishing delays of productivity and enhancing responsiveness in their workplace.

It suggested that with the continuing growth of media tablets and smart phone usage, the next five years will likely produce a higher level of IT consumerization. To stay ahead of the curve, business enterprises need to take a direct approach by " mobile enabling " the company's IT infrastructure. This will allow their employees to take full advantage of mobile device usage, to optimized the business enterprise IT environment.

Through the leverage of unified communications, businesses and organizations can increase productivity and results by embracing cooperation from employees in the workplace. Taking a positive approach, organizations can dramatically improve employee productivity by eliminating redundant and preventable maintenance costs. This will allow the decision-makers to reallocate the dramatic savings to other critical processes in the organization.


Jason Stephen Ali
Social Media Director
BroadConnect.ca | BroadConnectUSA.com | About.me/BroadConnect.com

Visit us at Avaya Evolutions Toronto, November 20, 2012 for a chance to win two tickets to the already sold-out Grey Cup Championship game!

Avaya Evolutions, a unique one-day event taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, provides you an opportunity to engage, interact and collaborate with telecommunications executives, peers and industry leaders. Visit us any time on November 20^th at Booth 8 to learn more about what real-time advanced business communications can do for your enterprise. Attend our breakout session from 9:00 – 10:00 am for a chance to win two Grey Cup championship game tickets.
Breakout Session:

“VoPI™ vs VoIP: Two Letters Make All of the Difference”

Session Abstract:

As data connectivity becomes increasingly cost effective for reliable dedicated speeds, learn how BroadConnect’s VoPI™ (Voice over Private Internet) model allows you to leverage bandwidth to support Voice and Video on existing and future deployments. We will explore the gains of stabilizing your SIP rollouts by having greater control over the first and last mile of service thus making deployments both predictable and seamless. Join us and discover how SIP Trunking & Radvision’s Video Conferencing solutions, using BroadConnect’s VoPI™ can help your current and future Voice, Data and Video Conferencing requirements.

Ask us about VoPI™! 

Simply post a question below with your name, company name, and job title, and we will answer them at our session on November 20.

OR

Post a tweet with the hashtag #BCTevolutions.

Contest Details:

The Contest « Win a Pair (2) of 2012 Grey Cup Tickets» will start on October 23rd, 2012 at 12:00 AM (EST) and will end on November 20th, 2012 at 11:59:59 PM (EST). (Here after the «Contest»).
Eligibility
The Contest is open to everyone who has reached the legal age of its respective province at the time of entering the contest. Employees of BroadConnect Telecom or their immediate family members and people living with them cannot enter the contest.
How to enter:
No purchase necessary. Contestants simply have to respect the eligibility requirements. The start of the Contest will be announced Via Email and Social Media outlets (Google+, Twitter, Facebook) and winner will be showcased on the BroadConnect Telecom website and BroadConnect Social Media Networks. All existing and non-existing BroadConnect Telecom customers will be invited to ask questions regarding “Ask us about VoPI™!”  for entry to the contest. Contestants simply have to post a question on blog.broadconnect.ca, facebook.com/broadconnect or twitter.com/broad_connect with your name, company name, and job title. Only one ballot per person will be allowed. Further terms and conditions of this specific contest will be posted on BroadConnect Telecom’s website.
Winner:
The winners will be picked from all the valid formatted questions received on BroadConnect Telecom servers during the Contest valid time frame. The winner will be picked on November 20^th , 2012 at 11:59:59 PM (EST) at 11:01 PM (EST), in BroadConnect Telecom offices. Prize will be given to the winner if all mentioned rules and regulation are fulfilled.
Prizes Description:
A Pair (2) of 2012 Grey Cup Tickets: Section 109B Row 7 (Double Blue)
Everything not mentioned as included in the prize will be to the charge of the winner. BroadConnect Telecom has the right to replace the Prize for another one of the same value or to give the same value in money for any given reason as mentioned in the general rules section.

Why is Aastra So Concerned with Accreditation Programmes?

Aastra is taking steps to increase its grip on accreditation programmes, micromanaging more aspects in order to ensure quality.  Alan Reeve, UK and Ireland managing director of the company claimed that it is in the top two for the video space PBX market-share across the entire continent of Europe, with a few exceptions.  However, branding is going very well and many countries within Europe are now learning about the company’s program.  He explained, “Over the past three years, many more in the channel know about us.  We now have about 130 UK partners.”

The Company’s Achievement

This Canadian based company is planning to become more competitive with Cisco in coming months particularly in the video space market.  In addition to Cisco, it will target other providers such as Lifesize and Polycom.  Reeve further explained, “We have channels in videoconferencing, and we are trying to encourage them to sell our full suite of technologies.”

How did Aastra reach so high?  The company claimed that the firm differentiated itself from the competition and as a reseller-based option by offering a hands-on solution to multiple business avenues.  Flexibility was key as was a direct, customer-centric approach.  “The channels I do have we look after.  I try to get to everyone in my channel on a first-name basis.  If someone has a problem, they can ring me.”

Of course, at the root of this programme lies the key issue of accreditation.  The company has reported increased attention given to accreditation, namely through keeping VARs up to date.  They identified the agenda of separating themselves from resellers that cause problems, as they [the vendor] are limited in what they can do in response.

A New Programme That Filters Out Problems and Losses

In fact, the new requirement suggests that the company won’t even work with resellers who are unable to complete the newly improved and stringent accreditation process.  Reeve states that it is now a priority to monitor the programme, and ensure that everything is running smoothly and everyone is working towards a high standard.

Aastra has enjoyed a stellar reputation for open-standards enterprise communications.  Despite its new attention to accreditation, don’t take this as a sign of unwillingness to work with new members.  After all, Aastra just approved Extreme Networks as a member of the updated Approved Partner Program.  Aastra’s A2P2 programme will focus on providing fully integrated Unified Communications solutions with their related telephone systems.  Earlier, Plantronics was also approved under the new accreditation programme, and this operation ensures integration between the headsets of Plantronics and Aastra’s call control system.

All of this improvement of the accreditation system is big news, considering the influence Aastra already has.  The company counts over 50 million installed lines worldwide and across 100 countries.  Their IP telephony products and communication systems (offered along with customized solutions for customers) have garnered the company’s reputation for quality service and feature-rich software.

Best of all, the system offers scalable solutions for any business, whether that business is large, medium or small.  Collaborations across country lines can now occur easily, and thanks to the new programme, quality is ensured.

Five Reasons Why Your Business Needs Hosted PBX Service; Now!

More and more businesses today are starting to make use of a virtual PBX service for their phone system. When one starts to look at all of the different features and advantages that a Hosted PBX system is able to offer, it certainly makes quite a bit of sense. When one has a Hosted PBX service in place, it can add far more functionality to the phones so that they work the way the business needs them to work. The days of the traditional phone lines are starting to vanish, and businesses should see that as a great thing. The day of the Hosted PBX service is upon us, and it’s high time that you started to look at a virtual PBX system for your own business.

Here are a few of the best reasons to get started with a Hosted PBX service. The more you look into the features of a virtual PBX, the more benefits you are going to uncover.

Tons of Great Calling Features

One of the hallmarks of a great phone system is going to be the calling features that it offers. With the Hosted PBX service, users are going to find tons of features including automatic call distribution, virtual receptionists, intelligent call routing, and the ability to manage the call queue. These features with the Hosted PBX service are only the beginning though. It is possible to find even more benefits and features with the virtual PBX, and they will only get better as the technology gets better.

Easy to Buy and Incorporate a Hosted PBX System

When you choose a Hosted PBX service, you are not going to have to buy an expensive system to incorporate into your office. Everything is very simple to use, and you will find that the cost of the service is affordable, especially when one compares a virtual PBX service to a traditional service.

Cost Effective Calling with a Virtual PBX

Even the calls are going to be a bit cheaper with the Hosted PBX system, and that is yet one more way that companies are going to be able to save money today when they choose a virtual PBX.

Good Security with a Hosted PBX Service

Security is always a factor, but the Hosted PBX system will provide quality firewalls, and the providers use great software to keep data and customers safe. Data encryption helps to improve security with the Hosted PBX service, as well.

A Flexible System

The virtual PBX is flexible too. It’s possible to add and remove components and change extensions easily. Regardless of how many people you have at the company, you will be able to set up the Hosted PBX service just the way you need.

NEC Nitsuko DX2NA-12CTXH Black Telephone (Lot of 20)

Lot of 20, Out of Service NEC Nitsuko DX2NA-12CTXH Phones.

The 92753 is a 22 button phone with LCD display for the Nitsuko 384i and 124i business phone systems.

In the box: Deskset with corded handset, coil cord and CAT 3 cable.

Condition: This phone was treated with respect and will have gentle surface wear/scratches from clear daily gentle usage. We did not test it ourselves, but to our knowledge it was taken from a working system.

If you don't like the $400 lot price, MAKE ME AN OFFER!

The www.ipstore.com's  Prices Will Not Be Beat! 

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-electronics-NEC-Nitsuko-DX2NA-12CTXH-Black-Telephone-Lot-of-20-W0QQAdIdZ409207141

Now You Can Operate Your Panasonic Appliances with a tap of the Phone

Japanese manufacturer Panasonic has announced a new Android app for home automation alongside a range of smart appliances, including refrigerators, air conditioners, and healthcare products. Dubbed Panasonic Smart App, the program will build on NFC functionality already provided for the company's latest steam ovens and rice cookers, allowing users to program settings and transfer information such as recipes.

A new Smart App-compatible washing machine will be available from September 25th in Japan, with a refrigerator and air conditioner coming in the following months. Unlike most of the appliances, the air conditioner will be internet-connected, allowing users to control it from outside the home. This particular function will also be provided through an iPhone app, while other equipment will be excluded due to the current iPhone's lack of NFC.

Panasonic has not yet revealed any information on international availability, but, given the appliances' domestic focus — as well as NFC, they function with Sony's proprietary FeliCa RFID technology and NTT DoCoMo's Osaifu-Keitai — they may be confined to Japan for some time.

(Source: The Verge)

(Shameless Self Promotion)

CRAZY PRICE DROP ON THE AASTRA 9112i IP PHONE!

THE IPSTORE'S PRICES WILL NOT BE BEAT!

CRAZY PRICE DROP!

YOU CAN NOW GET AN AASTRA 9112i FOR $20!! THAT'S A THIRD OF THE REGULAR PRICE!

**NO LIMITS**

Sale price: $20.00
Regular Price: $59.99

AT THIS PRICE, DON'T EXPECT THEM TO LAST LONG! ACT NOW! 



Features:

• Personal directory
• Call forward, Call transfer & Call waiting
• Caller and calling line information
• Callers log
• Conference
• Redial list
• Live dial pad or pre-dial support
• Broadsoft’s BroadWorks enhanced SIP – supports Intercom, Shared Call Appearances, CommPilot Call Manager
  Nortel’s MCS SIP support – Conferencing, Voicemail, and NAT Traversal support

The Model 9112i is a value priced, basic single line IP Telephone with speakerphone offering a flexible, interoperable IP solution that meets VoIP budgets for most applications. To purchase, click here.

Check out our entire selection at ipstore.com!

Ciscos Cloud Connect is chaging the Wi-Fi Game!

Cisco has long been on top of the cutting edge of technology, and they have some recent changes that are going to be making a splash in their home networking devices, such as routers. The new Cisco Connect Cloud is the company’s way of embracing the changes in computing and the move to cloud computing that so many individuals and companies are doing right now. The Cisco Connect Cloud can support apps from third parties that can make it easier to work with a home network, even for those who don’t have experience or knowledge. In addition, Cisco is unveiling Linksys devices that will be able to support the 802.11ac wireless standard.

What Does the Cloud Offer?

Cisco Cloud Connect is a software platform that will work with Cisco routers, where they will find seamless connectivity that it is easier to control their devices and their network with the cloud. This free online service is already available, and will be built into the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi routers that are coming onto the market now. It is possible to enable the cloud in older routers through a software update, so you may not necessarily need to have a new router to take advantage of the features.

Some of the things that you will be able to use with the Connect Cloud include SimpleTap, which is an easy way of connecting devices to your network. It will be possible to connect printers, tablets, smart TVs and more with a simple press of a button.

Some of the other apps available include Device Monitoring to get updates on devices on the system, and Netproofer, which can let parents restrict access to certain sites.

Handling 802.11ac

The new generation of wireless tech is here, and it can offer speeds that are much faster than what we currently have with the web. Cisco is now offering the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router EA6500 that can take advantage of the speed that 802.11ac offers. Another piece of hardware that can be helpful is the Linksys Universal Media Connector, which can connect your current devices to the new router.

Cisco is making some changes in the way they do business with the cloud, and they are still on the cutting edge when it comes to providing customers with the best quality routers that can provide fast, reliable service.

The Official iPhone 5 Announcement Scheduled for Sept 12th

Apple‘s long-awaited new iPhone will be announced on Sept. 12, according to a report.

The blog iMore reports that Apple will announce the new iPhone — possibly called the iPhone 5 — plus a new iPod Nano via a special announcement on that data. The products will then hit retail on Sept. 21.

There is also a possibility that Apple will announce the iPad Mini on the same day.

Apple reps could not be reached for comment. During a call with analysts last week, though, the company repeatedly referred to a mysterious “fall event.”

The iMore report comes after The Guardian also reported last week that the new iPhone would be released in “mid-September.” The Guardian also reported that “the device will introduce a new 19-pin power and control connector on its base, dumping the 30-pin connector first introduced with the third-generation iPod in April 2003.”

Apple’s last iPhone release was the iPhone 4S on Oct. 4.

(Source: mashable )

(Shameless self Promotion)

Thoughts on Google Handwrite. Are you going to use it?

Google has launched a feature called Handwrite for Google search which enables you to search via a finger scribble or a stylus on the search page. Cool Idea, but how long will it actually remain to be cool. Aside from last night, I doubt I’ll actually use this feature again. I can’t see the longevity or the usefulness of this add on.

I understand Google’s standpoint that it’s not always convenient to open up the virtual keyboard and type with one hand, but I find the tablet screen sensitivity a challenge and hinders the ability to properly draw or type. (I’m presently using the Asus Transformer running ICS)

Google is definitely not making this as an alt for a not taking app, but rather an easier/quicker way of entering search queries, whilst on the go. 

To enable the handwrite option on your tablet or smartphone, hit the settings tab, scroll to Handwrite, hit enable and you’re set.  This will work on Android 2.3.3+ phone, an iOS 5+ iPhone or iPad, or an Android 4.0+ tablet. Sorry BlackBerry, you’re out of luck with thing one :) 

(Source: Google )
(Shameless self Promotion)

Are you ready for FBOS? Facebook Smartphone coming soon!

Back in April there was an overseas report in DigiTimes that suggested Facebook and HTC were developing a “customized smartphone” that would launch sometime “in the third quarter of 2012 at the earliest.” Then a month later the New York Times echoed the same partnership, but stated Facebook would launch their own smartphone in 2013, plus hired over 12 software and hardware engineers from Apple.

Today, it’s Bloomberg that has hopped on the Facebook/HTC train and declared their “people with knowledge of the matter” say we’ll see a joint smartphone be released “as soon as mid-2013.” The report also reiterated the same inclusion of former Apple employees, but this time brought a few names forward: Greg Novick, Tim Omernick and Chris Tremblay and Scott Goodson – all people who helped design popular parts of the UI experience in the iPhone. In addition to Apple employees, Facebook has reportedly hired a number of “key staffers who worked on the Palm operating system for mobile phones.”

As for the OS that will power this rumoured Facebook phone, Bloomberg notes that they “could use a modified version of Android for its smartphone,” but there was no confirmation… Perhaps there’ll be a mix of Android and webOS in the works, potentially called FBOS.

Source:  http://mobilesyrup.com/2012/07/25/facebook-branded-smartphone-reportedly-coming-mid-2013/

Leaked Renders of BBM for BlackBerry 10

BBM is RIM’s special sauce in the quest to stay relevant. With over 50 million active users, it’s hard to say the private messaging network is in decline. Though the PlayBook never received native BBM support, it’s clear that RIM had to focus on making the experience as perfect and seamless as possible in BlackBerry 10. Now with a few months of breathing room, BBM for BB10 is coming along nicely according to some demonstration slides leaked to N4BB.

The crux is that BBM will not appear all that different on BlackBerry 10; the familiar profiles, messaging boxes and themes are all there. What we don’t get is a hint of whether BBM will be video-enabled as previously stated by RIM CEO Thorsten Heins.

BBM will be optimized for both touch-only and QWERTY-enabled BB10 devices, with familiar shortcuts such as C, T, N and S working the same as they did previously. We’re assuming that the PIN situation will be identical, and that there will be cross-over between BB10 and previous versions of BlackBerry.

Source: http://mobilesyrup.com/2012/07/25/bbm10-for-blackberry-10-shown-off-in-leaked-renders/

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 unboxed!

Since being announced way back at MWC, Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 has seen a steady stream of leaks and design tweaks, and now it appears to have landed in the hands of one new owner. The Brave Post claims to have gotten its hands on the white version of the device, and has an array of unboxing photographs to go along with it. While we've already seen many of the Galaxy Note 10.1's specs — a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 5MP rear-facing camera, HSPA+ support, and a slot for its S Pen — several items stand out here. Namely, the device is listed as having 2GB of RAM versus the 1GB we'd previously seen, and the tablet is also said to be able to act as a companion to your phone — serving as a speakerphone and allowing users to send and receive messages with it as well. It's not clear just what technology fuels the latter feature, but we saw something similar with the TouchPad's use of the Bluetooth Message Access Profile (MAP), which allowed owners to send and receive SMS messages directly from HP's tablet.

What we don't get with the information is a firm release date. However, with information flowing steadily now — and Samsung hosting a Galaxy-related event on August 15th — we imagine the Note 10.1 is finally about to start making its way to store shelves.

Specs at a glance:

• 1.4GHz quad-core Exynos processor
• 2GB RAM
• 5MP rear shooter
• GPS, IR Smart Remote
• HSPA+ support
• 7000mAh battery
• Android 4.0.x

This is going to be a beast!

(Source:  http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/23/3178619/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-unboxed-2gb-of-ram-phone-messaging )