How the Cloud is Changing Business Communication

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With advancements in technology new business solutions like the cloud allow for greater work efficiency, security and cost savings. Businesses that fail to take advantage of cloud communication services risk falling behind while smarter companies are surging ahead.

There are several important ways the cloud is changing the way businesses communicate…

Makes remote work possible – Many businesses today operate from different locations, so the ability to collaborate through audio and video conferencing and real-time chat and call apps is becoming essential for continued success. This is especially true for companies that are decentralizing work by hiring more full-time remote employees. The cloud also gives these companies greater flexibility to hire talent from anywhere, including international locations.

Allows work on multiple devices – Cloud applications can work on any type of device, making information stored in the cloud accessible from mobile devices as well as desktop computers. Depending on the speed of the connection, even mobile users can run data-heavy applications and exchange large files easily. Office phone features, email and other services can sync between devices so employees can do business virtually anywhere with their preferred device.

Gives small businesses a competitive edge – Cloud services level the playing field, allowing smaller businesses to compete with bigger companies. Small businesses can start small, and gradually increase their usage over time, depending on their growth trajectory. Cloud communication services are also self-managed so businesses don’t typically need full-time IT staff to set up and maintain things. This allows them to deliver results faster, cheaper and with higher quality, enabling them to compete and win against larger firms.

Eliminates need for traditional phone system – With IP phones, the cloud provider hosts, maintains and upgrades all of the phone system technology, eliminating the need for a premises PBX. Setting up and configuring the system is self-managed through a web browser.  In this way, new lines and features can be easily added with virtually immediate availability.

Technology is flexible and cost-effective – Companies get their own piece of the cloud within a shared infrastructure. This solution is for organizations that value flexibility, managed security and affordability. Instead of an upfront capital investment, they simply pay a monthly fee on a per-user basis.

Others opt for a private cloud managed in-house by their own IT team. This gives them exclusive access and more control over their cloud infrastructure.

A hybrid solution uses both private and public infrastructure. The company’s IT team takes care of a part of the in-house cloud, while the rest is off-site. That way, a business can manage sensitive data like customer files in-house, but store less-sensitive information with a third party.

The demand for cloud communication services is growing. It’s just a matter of figuring out what kind of solution is best for your business. PhoneAmerica is ready to help you review the implementation choices. Contact us today: (610) 296-2850 or creimel@phoneam.com.

Mitel Support Q&A Regarding its Purchase of Toshiba

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With Toshiba’s surprise exit from the telecom market, Mitel has stepped in, acquiring Toshiba Telecom’s assets and support obligations. The deal has been completed. To keep you informed on Mitel’s obligations, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Watch the video: Mitel VP Mike Conlon talks about the Toshiba acquisition

What you need to know now…

1. Who is Mitel?
Mitel is a global market leader in UC and collaboration solutions, serving more than 60 million business users in more than 100 countries. Mitel supports the communication needs of the smallest business to the largest enterprises – both in the cloud and on premises.

2. What exactly has Mitel acquired from Toshiba?
Mitel acquired certain assets, inventory, and support obligations from Toshiba’s unified communications business, specifically:

  • IPedge platform (premises-based IP PBX and IP phones)
  • Strata CIX communications platform (digital hybrid solution)
  • VIPedge platform (cloud version of IPedge)
  • Associated peripherals and applications

The transaction also includes an agreement to provide product and service continuity. To accomplish this, a number of key Toshiba sales, support, and R&D employees have joined Mitel to serve existing Toshiba customers and partners.

3. What changes should customers expect and when?
It is business as usual for Toshiba customers and partners. Continue to follow the same processes as before with respect to service, support, and fulfillment for Toshiba products.

Any changes to products, programs, or processes resulting from the acquisition will be communicated to you by PhoneAmerica well in advance.

4. Are my current contracts with Toshiba still valid?
Yes, contracts will remain valid. Mitel is now responsible for fulfilling all contracts immediately.

5. Will my warranties still be in effect?
Yes, and this includes the SUS (Software Upgrade and Support) plan. And Mitel is now accepting extended warranties.

6. Will any service quality/policies change?
No. Mitel is as committed as Toshiba in delivering quality products and services to its partners and customers. You can expect the same or better quality of support from Mitel.

7. Will Toshiba inventory levels remain the same?
Inventory levels fluctuate with all businesses; however, Mitel is confident it can ensure continuity of supply for the foreseeable future.

8. Will quotes I received on Toshiba solutions still be honored?
Yes, if they are backed by Toshiba or an accredited partner.

Going forward…

As a Toshiba customer, why should you consider staying with PhoneAmerica and Mitel for the long term?
Mitel is enabling Toshiba customers to not only extend the life of their products but also to make a graceful transition to next-generation technologies, with access to Mitel’s entire line of premises, hybrid, and cloud-based platforms and applications.

As a major global player in the unified communications and collaboration industry, Mitel is a well-established, stable business. The company has a strong vision, mission, and customer-first focus, and it is investing heavily in technology for the future with new products and technologies in the pipeline.

As you assess your next steps, we’re confident you’ll want to continue to work with PhoneAmerica. Our team has a proven reputation for high performance and decades of stability. Together, PhoneAmerica and Mitel will ensure your Toshiba system is supported now and in the future.

Please contact us today if you have any questions: (610) 296-2850 or creimel@phoneam.com.

 

What is 5G, and Why Should You Care?

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You may have heard some buzz lately about 5G network capability. As technologies like virtual reality systems and home automation devices continue to become more innovative and advanced, we will require a new way for mobile devices to get online. That’s where 5G networks come in. As the next mobile network standard, 5G will provide users with faster network access and more robust coverage areas, providing a more seamless experience for mobile device users.

Though this may be exciting for consumers who can’t wait to get their hands on the latest gadgets or integrate their mobile devices into every part of their daily life, what about business owners? 5G network capability also has some exciting implications for businesses in a variety of industries. In this post, we’ll talk a little bit more about what 5G is and why businesses should be excited for the future of mobile.

What is 5G?

5G networks are expected to change the way we connect our devices to one another and the internet. Though 5G will not be available to consumers until 2020, many are excited about what this could mean for mobile capabilities. 5G will make it easier for users to connect and integrate everything from kitchen appliances to vehicles to medical devices, allowing for new advancements in the Internet of Things.

Not to mention, 5G networks are said to have speeds up to 100x faster than our current networks. This means that users can access, view, and share large amounts of data in a matter of moments. Though 5G network capabilities are still a few years away, this advancement in connectivity is expected to be a real game-changer for mobile.

How 5G Can Transform Business

Though 5G certainly has clear implications for the average consumer, you may be wondering, how can 5G benefit business? The introduction of 5G networks in 2020 will create huge opportunities for brands across a variety of industries. Mobile and wireless connections are critical to the way that modern companies function, and 5G networks will expand business capabilities by increasing the speed, capacity, and connectivity of mobile devices.

But don’t take our work for it. A report by Forbes Insights found that many global business leaders worry that their needs are outpacing what existing networks can provide. In fact, more than one-third of all executives that participated in the survey reported that their current systems are already unable to support the evolving needs of their business. More than 80% of executives surveyed believe that 5G technologies will have positive effects on many aspects of their business including customer experience, employee productivity, and the quality of their product or service.

Now that you know more about how 5G will impact business, you can start to prepare for the future and get the most out of these mobile capabilities. If you want to learn more about the latest trends and news in the telecom industry, visit our blog here.

Top 2017 Telecom Trends (And What They Mean for Your Business)

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As 2017 approaches, now is the time to consider what is ahead for the telecom industry. Understanding predicted trends and what they may mean for your business can help you better anticipate important changes or shifts in the industry. By staying ahead of the curve, you can work to adopt new technologies and find the right telecom services for your business to promote growth and success in the new year. 

Telecom Trends for 2017

Though there is no way to say for sure what 2017 will bring, we can work to predict telecommunications industry trends in the year to come. Here are just a few of the telecom trends that may impact your business in 2017:

5G development will increase.

In the new year, 5G development is set to continue and even increase as the telecom industry starts laying the groundwork for 5G networks. Many telecom companies across the globe have already developed 5G architecture, and many more are working to do the same. In addition, there will also be continued interest in 5G development from other industries such as transportation and energy as more and more industries are starting to see the potential that 5G has to transform the way they deliver services and goods.

Many of the companies that have already started developing 5G architecture are now aiming to start field testing in 2017. This means that the new year may provide one of the first opportunities for commercial offerings during widespread 5G trials.

Mobile connectivity will continue to outpace hardline connectivity.

Even when landline connectivity is an option, more people globally will opt for mobile connectivity. This is because mobile is often more useful, less expensive, and more convenient than hardline connectivity.

As we move into 2017, this trend will continue with more people opting for mobile. Businesses that want to remain competitive in the global marketplace will need to consider the implications of this trend. As more consumers worldwide move toward mobile, businesses will need to respond with more mobile-friendly (or even mobile-first) communications. This not only impacts direct communication but also marketing and advertising techniques.

There will be more holistic network security.

In 2016, there were many data breaches and network compromises that made it clear that network operators need to start protecting more than just the data transfers. In later 2016, more network operators started introducing business-wide encryption as they realized that their software-defined infrastructure is as vulnerable to attacks as the data transferred over their systems.

In 2017, we will start to see more holistic network security. This is important in light of EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Network operators need to deploy their GDPR solutions by early 2018 to ensure compliance.

Now that you know what you might expect from the telecommunications industry in 2017, it is time to start planning for the new year. If you need help deciding which telecommunications products and services are right for you, we would love to help. Contact us today for more information about how your business may be impacted by these telecom trends.