Nationals say NBN broadband plan inadequate

Nationals say broadband plan inadequate
22 Feb, 2010 01:30 PM
THE RUDD Government's broadband plan will still bypass towns and villages of less than 1000 people in the New England area, according to The Nationals Duty Senator for the electorate, John Williams.

Sen Williams said he has identified 14 localities in New England including Ashford, Moonbi and Bundarra that will not receive the much-trumpeted high speed broadband, yet towns like Mt.Isa which is ‘already well served by broadband will get the new service’.

“In the meantime Attunga, Gilgai, Tingha and Deepwater have been waiting for more than two years for Labor to make good on its election promises,” he said.

"The so-called National Broadband Network is an uncosted $43 billion plan that is seemingly going nowhere and being run by a Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy, who is trying to deflect criticism of other issues in his portfolio.

“By admitting it will only reach 90 percent of the population, the Rudd Government is neglecting residents in Bendemeer, Delungra, Nundle and Emmaville and telling them there is no equity of service.

“In fact, given that the network will take eight years to build there is every likelihood larger towns and cities like Tamworth, Armidale and Inverell will be at the end of the list.”

EveryTel stock the Following Secondhand Samsung Equipment

EveryTel stock the Following Secondhand Samsung Equipment

SAMSUNG IP TELEPHONY SYSTEMS

Samsung OfficeServ 7030

Samsung OfficeServ 7030

Offers small businesses (requiring about 1 to 20 extensions) an unrivalled level of features and functional flexibility, without the high price tag. The OfficeServ 7030 can be configured with a full range of analog trunks and extensions, digital trunks and extensions, IP devices, wireless, standard SIP in multiple combinations.



Samsung OfficeServ 7100

Samsung OfficeServ 7100

The OfficeServ 7100 is designed specifically for the small to medium sized company, supporting up to 32 extensions and a maximum of 30 trunk lines with either analogue or digital connections. It is highly configurable and can be tailored to your individual requirements. At the same time the OfficeServ 7100 can be upgraded easily and expanded as business needs change.

Samsung OfficeServ 7200

Samsung OfficeServ 7200

The next generation of IP platform is the OfficeServ 7200, providing IP based wired and wireless solution for voice and data communication. OfficeServ is the ideal solution for the future and the present office because it can simultaneously support both traditional voice communication, voice over IP (VoIP) based data communication, and wireless solutions through Wireless LAN.

Samsung OfficeServ 7400

Samsung OfficeServ 7400

OfficeServ 7400 is the ideal solution for today's office and your future office offering enhanced communications to handle increasing and evolving traffic patterns. Your OfficeServ 7400 simultaneously supports traditional voice communication, VoIP (Voice over IP), IP-based data communication, and wireless solutions through wireless LANs.
SAMSUNG IP & DIGITAL HANDSETS

Samsung IP Video Phone System

Samsung IP Video Phone

* CMOS 0.3M Pixel Camera
* 3.5” TFT Colour LCD
* QVGA (320x240 pixel)
* VOD, Video CID
* Image Capture & Playback
* Video Code: H.263, MPEG-4
* Navigation key and scroll button
* Fully handsfree
* 5 fixed function keys: Screen/PIP, Camera Off, Transfer, Hold, Speaker
* Adjustable LCD panel
* Choice of ringtones
* Headset capability
* Wall mountable

Samsung 64 Button Operator Console Phone System

Samsung 64 Button Operator Console

* 64 programmable keys with LEDs
* Can be assigned to any OfficeServ digital handset

Samsung Office 38 Button Phone System

Samsung Office 38 Button

* 48 character display (2 x 24)
* 38 programmable keys with tri-coloured LEDs
* Fully hands free
* 5 fixed function keys: Redial, Conference, Transfer, Hold, Speaker
* Adjustable LCD panel
* 3 context keys and scroll button
* Built-in speakerphone
* Choice of ring tones
* Headset capability
* Wall mountable

Samsung Navigator 21 Button Phone System

Samsung Navigator 21 Button

* 48 character display (2 x 24)
* 21 programmable keys with tri-coloured LEDs
* Navigation keys
* Fully hands free
* 5 fixed function keys: Redial, Conference, Transfer, Hold, Speaker
* Adjustable LCD panel
* 3 context keys and scroll button
* Built-in speakerphone
* Choice of ring tones
* Headset capability
* Wall mountable

Samsung Navigator 14 Button Phone System

Samsung Navigator 14 Button

* 48 character display (2 x 24)
* 14 programmable keys with tri-coloured LEDs
* Navigation keys
* Fully hands free
* 5 fixed function keys: Redial, Conference, Transfer, Hold, Speaker
* Adjustable LCD panel
* 3 context keys and scroll button
* Built-in speakerphone
* Choice of ring tones
* Headset capability
* Wall mountable

Samsung Office 7 Button Phone System

Samsung Office 7 Button

* 48 character display (2 x 24)
* 7 programmable keys with tri-coloured LEDs
* Fully hands free
* 5 fixed function keys: Redial, Conference, Transfer, Hold, Speaker
* Adjustable LCD panel
* 3 context keys and scroll button
* Built-in speakerphone
* Choice of ring tones
* Headset capability
* Wall mountable

Samsung Wireless IP VoIP Phone System

Samsung Wireless IP

* Colour LCD Screen
* 25 hours standby time / 2.5 hours talk time
* Dedicated hold and transfer keys
* Navigation keys
* Conference buttons
* On/Off key
* Headset capability
* Polyphonic ringtones
* Key lock
* Call log
* Vibrator mode
* CLIP (Calling Line Identification Presentation) display

Samsung OfficeServ SoftPhone Phone System

Samsung OfficeServ SoftPhone

* System Soft Keys
* Speed Dialing
* Call Pickup
* Call Hold and transfer
* Caller ID Display
* Message / Voice Mail indication
* Phone Book
* MS Outlook Integration
* Video Call
* Camera On/Off, PIP (Picture in Picture)
* Uses standard PC camera (not supplied)

SAMSUNG MESSAGING SOLUTIONS VIEW BROCHURE >>

Samsung Automated Attendant Phone System

Samsung Automated Attendant

Incoming calls are never kept waiting to be answered with Samsung’s Auto Attendant. The Auto Attendant can answer multiple calls simultaneously; providing different greetings for each extension or department.

Samsung Remote Fax Retrieval

Samsung Remote Fax Retrieval

Samsung Messaging Server provides advanced fax messaging features designed specifically to enhance the use of fax documents within your organisation.

Samsung Voice Mail Phone System

Samsung Voice Mail

SAMSUNG Voicemail offers advanced call facilities and puts the user in control by allowing voice messages to be left when staff are busy or out of the office. Users can record their own personal greetings (busy, no answer, out of office, on holidays)
SAMSUNG COMPUTER TELEPHONY INTEGRATION VIEW BROCHURE >>

OfficeServ Email Gateway

OfficeServ Email Gateway

Whether you’re on the road or in the office, Samsung Messaging Server’s Email Gateway feature gives users the ultimate tool to access and manage all voice, fax and email messages directly from their email inbox. New voicemail and fax messages are presented in email inboxes as WAV or TIF file attachments with time and date summary information.

OfficeServ Call

OfficeServ Call

OfficeServ Call is an advanced call management application that gives users simple access to the features and functionality of their Samsung OfficeServ handset directly from their PC desktop.

OfficeServ EasySet

OfficeServ EasySet

OfficeServ Easyset is an easy to use, web-based application that allows you to configure an OfficeServ handset to your preferred setting at the click of a mouse.

OfficeServ Operator

OfficeServ Operator

A receptionist is often a customer’s first point of contact in an organisation, and making a positive, professional first impression is imperative for customer satisfaction.

OfficeServ Softphon

OfficeServ Softphon

Every time you leave the office, irrespective of distance or geographical location, you can have the comfort and functionality of your office phone right there on your PC, laptop or PDA*.

OfficeServ Dataview

OfficeServ Dataview

Ideal for call centre environments and organisations requiring reporting, OfficeServ Dataview provides statistical reports, real time monitoring and scheduled reports on the call traffic of a Samsung OfficeServ system using a web-based user interface.

OfficeServ Manager

OfficeServ Manager

OfficeServ Manager is the main configuration tool for Samsung OfficeServ systems and includes an administration mode and a supervisor mode

OfficeServ Link

OfficeServ Link

OfficeServ Link is the core of Samsung's OfficeServ suite of CTI applications. The OfficeServ Link application is a software application that links the SAMSUNG telephone system to a Windows based computer.

OfficeServ ACD Call Centre

OfficeServ ACD Call Centre

Samsung OfficeServ ACD Call Centre is specifically tailored for mid sized organisations or corporate departments requiring a sophisticated customer interaction management solution for 10 to 100 agents. It is designed to enhance customer service levels, lower call abandonment rates, increase staff productivity and accountability



OfficeServ CTI Server

OfficeServ CTI Server

Samsung’s OfficeServ CTI Server’s compact design provides a fast and reliable link for connecting end OfficeServ CTI applications to the Samsung OfficeServ range of communication systems.

FixTel Australia can provide and service the following Telecommunications products

FixTel can provide and service the following Telecommunications products

New Telephone Systems |Used Phone Systems | Used Handsets | VoIP Telephone | Cheap Mobile Phones | Internet Cabling | Telephone Headsets | Data Cabling | Messages On Hold | Cheap Phone Calls | New Phone Lines | Cordless Phones | Conference Phones | GSM Gateways | Commander Phone Systems | Telephone Systems | PABX Phone Systems | Office Phones
100% Money Back Guarantee |Phone System Training | Phone System Installation | Phone System Warranty | Ongoing Phone System Maintenance
Alcatel Telephone Systems | LG Aria Telephone Systems | Avaya Pabx Systems | NEC Telephone Systems | Panasonic Telephone Systems | Samsung Telephone Business Systems | Telephone System Manuals.
FixTel Supply

Wireless Headsets | Messages On Hold | VoIP Phones | Messages On Hold | Alcatel telephones | Avaya telephones | LG Aria Business Phone System | NEC Phones | Samsung telephones | Panasonic telephones | Cisco Systems | Cisco telephones | Conference Phones | Mobile Phone Deals | Mobiles | second hand warehouses | Phone Systems Rental | VoIP Business Systems | Used Phone Handsets| Business Telephone Systems and New Business communications equipment.

Avaya IP Office phone system

is an all-in-one solution specifically designed to meet the communications challenges facing small and medium sized businesses.

Due to its modular design, Avaya IP Office telephone system can scale from 2 to 360 extensions to meet the needs of home offices, small businesses, stand-alone business locations, and multiple branches and head offices. Built on Avaya’s latest advancements in converged voice and data technology, small-mid sized businesses can benefit from many of the advantages that sophisticated communications can deliver.
Avaya IP Office Solutions

FixTel provide customers a powerful way to capitalise on the benefits of IP Telephony. FixTel can provide a complete communications architecture that includes Avaya software, infrastructure and voip services.

Tags | australia, Avaya, best, brisbane, broadband, cabling, commander, new phones, Optus, Perth, sydney, Telephone Systems | Phone Systems | Used Handsets | VoIP Telephone | Cheap Mobile Phones | Internet Providers | Telephone Headsets | Shopping Cart | Messages On Hold | Cheap Phone Calls | New Phone

Five Benefits of VoIP - Multi-Site Clients

Five Benefits of VoIP - Multi-Site Clients



For those with several branches scattered across the nation, for those who manage a call centre business or for those with multi-site clients, it’s important to remain connected all the while reducing those high cost telephone calls. This is one of the best reasons to switch to VoIP. However, for multi-site clients, this is not the only reason to make the switch.



Voice over Internet Protocol is revolutionizing the way in which we communicate. This is because voice over internet protocol uses an internet connection as the main access to telephony systems. You can combine your email, voice mail, fax machine, telephone, messaging and web conferencing services into one simple and cost saving service.



Below we have listed five of the best benefits that come with VoIP for Multi-site clients and business branches.



1. Economy of scale- with VoIP there is no need to have a voice mail at every location. You can have one that serves all of them which equals a more efficient way to stay connected and on top of your customer messages.



2. VoIP phone systems also feature web based configuration interface which means you can maintain your phone system through the net.



3. Save on long distance calls and international calls between the different offices and branches. You can easily connect to your customers and clients on a global scale without incurring those international fees.



4. Roaming allowances; calls can be diverted anywhere in the world with SIP protocol characteristics. For multi-site clients, call centers with remote agents and multiple branch businesses, this is vital for a successful and smooth running company.



5. VoIP is also scalable which means if your business grows, so can your telephoning system. This is important for any business that hopes to expand in the future.



With VoIP you are preparing your multi-site company for efficiency and growth which inevitably leads to more profit and success.

More about my background

The best Australian Telephone Company in - Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Perth & Adelaide

Sholl Communications (Aust) Pty Ltd was established by myself in 1986.

Sholl Communications was a privately owned Australian company that grew over a period of 20 years with 80 full time staff and true offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney. We also had licensed partners in Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra and Darwin.

We were authorised dealers for AVAYA, Alcatel, Samsung, Aristel, Telstra, Chubb, Krone and Clipsal and had clients with 2 – 20,000 phone extensions. We were one of the few companies that could offer full in house services for Voice & Data Cabling, Security and Electrical Installations. We also had an IT Service Department for networking Voice and Data (VoIP)

We use to installs Fibre Optic Networks, Dslams and Satellites across Australia.
We had a pre-owned Telephone System Department and as an authorised Telstra Dealer can assist in ordering/relocating new phone lines and internet needs such as ADSL.
All this gives you, one company to help with all your needs.
The could help you with New Telephone Systems, Used Telephone Systems, Mobile Phones, Headsets, Home & Business Security and ADSL Broadband solutions.



Sholl had an outstanding customer service record, and strived to maintain the highest level of customer satisfaction.

The service managers, project managers and administration staff work together to actively monitor and respond to all customer requests.

The competitive advantage is the personal relationships our experienced representatives have with our customers. By providing you with a name and face you could trust, you can enjoy greater confidence in knowing that we are committed to you as your communication solutions provider.

We were committed to bringing you the highest quality of telecommunications services regardless of whether you are simply buying a used commander handset for your current phone system or require a more complex, integrated voice and data solution. We use both leading edge and proven technologies to provide powerful communications tools for you and your business.

We also partner with the best companies in each of our business divisions, companies like Chubb Security, Telstra, Avaya (AT&T), Samsung, Polycomm, Plantronics and Australia Post to name a few.

I sold Sholl Communications to a Publicly Listed Company which I remain a major shareholder and still trades today ASX (HTC)

Products I cover

I can give you sound advice on the following products

Server Racks & Wall Cabinets
VOICE & DATA INSTALLATIONS
• Data Cable Install Cat5E Cat6
• Phone System Maintenance
• Phone VOIP Network and VOIP Telephone Cabling
• Fibre-Fiber Optic Installations
• Network Hardware - Hubs, Switches & Routers etc.
• Integrated Voice and Data Cabling
• Telephone System Repair Service
• Digital Phone System Maintenance Service
• Cable Certifications
• Computer Access Floors & Air Conditioning
• Wall Mount Cabinets, Racks & Computer Cabinets.
• Patch Panels 16 Port & 24 Port
• LAN Network Cabling Trays, Cable Management Systems
• Underground Conduit & Pit Installations


ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS Rec 15027
[Click here] for UPS,
PC Uninterruptible Power Supply
• All types of Electrical Installations
• Test and Tag electrical equipment
• Switch board upgrades
• Service & Maintenance
• Exit & Emergency Lighting Maintenance
• UPS Power Systems, PC UPS, Computer UPS
• Electrical Rewiring, New Connections
• Safety Switches


SECURITY INSTALLATIONS
• Chubb Home & Business Security
• Alarm Systems
• Access Control
• Monitoring
• MATV
• CCTV (Closed Circuit TV)
• Video Cameras


IT COMPUTER SERVICES
• PC Hardware sales
• PC Software sales
• PC upgrade
• Virus & Spyware removal
• Firewall installation
• Wireless networking
• Website design & hosting
• Graphic design & Flash MX Animation
• E-commerce & payment gateways
• Database construction
• Specialist programming services
• Network design & maintenance
• Telstra Bigpond ADSL installation
• Domain Name registration
• Onsite servicing

Voice over IP (Voip)

http://voiptube.blogspot.com/2008/04/voip-phone-voip-software.html

FixTel and Alcatel Telephone Systems

FixTel can supply you with quality Alcatel products.

Alcatel DECT for On-site Mobility Alactel-Lucent 300/400 DECT Handsets FixTel can supply the Alcatel-Lucent 300/400 Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) handsets offer an easy-to-use, cost-effective and reliable voice communication solution that addresses the mobility needs of evolving business environments. The Alcatel-Lucent 3oo DECT handset provides a convenient and practical solution for the basic personal mobility needs of most business environments, while the Alcatel-Lucent 400 DECT handset addresses more intensive and shared mobility needs. Both models offer simple and efficient voice communications, enhanced usability and compatibility with the ex Alcatel-Lucent base station portfolio. They also offer all of the Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCX Communication Server value-added voice services (such as dial-by-name and multi-line management) the Alcatel-Lucent fixed desk phones support. Alcatel-Lucent has leveraged its extensive voice expertise to ensure that the new Alcatel-Lucent 300/400 DECT handsets deliver high quality calls since voice is still the preferred method of communication. Alcatel Business Phone Features and Benefits The features and benefits of the Alcatel-Lucent 300/400 DECT handsets include: Supports Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCX telephony protocol Lightweight, ergonomic design and intuitive operation Vibrate mode Display backlight Belt clip Colour display (400 DECT) Keypad backlight (400 DECT) Speakerphone (400 DECT) Headset connection (400 DECT) Infrastructure investment protection (compatibility with deployed Alcatel-Lucent base stations - subject to server software support policy) Excellent voice quality and business telephony features throughout the workplace contributing to improved user responsiveness and productivity Long battery life (Lithium-ion technology) Durability in harsh environments (use of carrying case is recommended) FixTel have qualified trained Alcatel Technicians that will install and service new or second hand Alcatel business phone systems across Australia For a wide range of Second Hand Telecommunications products go to EveryTel EveryTel Buy and sell all ranges of Business Telephone Systems including: Samsung, Nortel, Omni, NEC, Panasonic, Alcatel, AVAYA, Commander, Ericsson and LG Aria.

Multifunction Printer

All for one, and one multifunction printer for your wallet

By Joseph Sassine

NEWS.com.au

April 23, 2009 08:50am

Printer savings ... multifunction inkjets are cheaper and can be more cost-effective than laserjets / Katrina Tepper

MULTI-function inkjet printers are extraordinarily useful in the home and a lot cheaper then their laserjet counterparts.

While multi-functions were originally designed to do the work of four machines – copy, fax, print and scan - recent models do a whole lot more.
Here is an overview of multi-function inkjets that will give you more bang for your buck. Click on the links to get more product information.
HP Photosmart Premium C309a
Boasting a lot of features, the HP Photosmart Premium C309a will cover everything you need out of a multi-function.
While it does the usual print, copy, scan and fax, the Photosmart offers double-sided printing, direct printing from various memory devices and has wireless connectivity, although the Wi-Fi is limited to existing networks.
The machine's print speeds are quite fast - it prints draft colour documents in 16.9 seconds and 5.6 pages per minute (ppm) when using normal quality. Printing standard 4x6-inch photos take a quick 26 seconds, while an A4 photo took roughly 1 minute 9 seconds.

Related Coverage

• Versatile printers go Wi-FiThe Australian, 29 May 2009
• HP printer packed with featuresNEWS.com.au, 28 May 2009
• Brother Multifunction cheap as chipsNEWS.com.au, 26 May 2009
• Auto-filing makes greener officeAustralian IT, 26 May 2009
• Cutting waste to save planetAustralian IT, 28 Apr 2009

At 21.2c per A4 page, the Photosmart is reasonably budget-friendly but isn't the cheapest inkjet multifunction when compared to other models.
Canon PIXMA MP980
One of the major issues you are most likely to come across with the Canon PIXMA MP980 is the agonisingly slow print speeds - but if you're willing to wait, it could pay off.
Normal black and white documents print at around 9.6ppm and colour documents print at 3.2ppm on average. This is very slow, especially when other multifunctions within this price range have faster speed.
A handy feature of the PIXMA P980 is the film negative/35mm scanning, which provides excellent quality digital versions, which is handy for photographic enthusiasts. It offers direct printing options from selected media and also comes with integrated Wi-Fi and touch screen panels.
The PIXMA is also quite expensive in the long term and will cost you around 22c a page.
Brother MFC-6490CW
The Brother MFC-6490CW is great for those who do not like being shackled to standard A4 sheets. If you have a yearning to print high quality A3 documents, then this is the printer for you.
While it is not the fastest A3 printer available, it has a host of features and is relatively cheap to run.
Printing speeds are on par with entry-level printers, with a mono document printing at 16.4ppm and a normal quality document printing at 8.1ppm. Colour documents were slower, at 14.9ppm using draft quality and 3.5ppm using normal quality. A3 mono documents averaged 6.3ppm; and normal quality at 3.4ppm. Colour A3 draft documents also ran at 6.3ppm, but using normal quality slows printing to 2ppm.
Epson TX700W
When you start using the Epson TX700W you will soon realise that the company has sacrificed quality for quantity, and lacks the essential features when compared to similar devices.
It has comprehensive connectivity, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, media card reader, and USB; but the TX700W lacks a fax function.
One good thing about this machine is that it prints quickly. Mono text documents in draft quality will print at an average of 24.2ppm and slows to 8.7ppm when using normal quality. Graphical documents print at 25ppm in draft and 8.9ppm in normal quality mode.
It may be fast, but the TX700W doesn't provide the greatest quality.
When choosing your multifunction it is essential to take the running costs into consideration, particularly in the long-term. Ink cartridge replacements can be expensive, particularly if you print a lot. So choose wisely for your needs, and your wallet will thank you later.

Invisible Speakers Story

Emo Labs wins DEMOgod gong for 'invisible speakers'

By staff writers and wires

NEWS.com.au

September 25, 2009 08:55am

The "invisible speaker" technology could turn a room of TVs into a wall of sound. Picture: AFP

Emo Labs boss Jason Carlson shows Mashable.com how it works.

• TV screens turned into stereo speakers
• Transparent film creates hi-fi sound
• Technology: More gadget news, reviews

TVs can be transformed into speakers with a new flat film that produces high-quality sound.
The see-through technology, pioneered by Emo Labs, can be "stuck on" to a TV screen and play stereo sound.
Emo Labs says its speaker system uses two piezo actuators - tiny devices that create fine vibrations - on either side of the transparent panel. The panel is mounted on the TV screen and then clamped in the middle for a stereo effect.
"Instead of pushing from behind, like a traditional cone speaker does, (our) speakers actuate a thin membrane along the side in a manner that creates an extremely efficient, piston-like motion in front."
This creates vibrations from the flat transparent panel, which does not appear to interfere with the screen quality.
The US-based firm is in talks with major electronics makers interested in layering its "Invisible Speaker System" on flat panel TVs to turn screens into giant speakers, Emo chief executive Jason Carlson said.

Related Coverage

• Review: Energy-efficient TV
• Reader's Comments: Hi-fi tech turns TVs into giant speakersNEWS.com.au,
• Magazine has video pageCourier Mail, 18 Sep 2009
• CEDIA winnersThe Australian,
• Kuro becomes the pioneer of plasmaNEWS.com.au, 22 Jun 2009
• Sony Bravia is ultra-thinNEWS.com.au, 15 May 2009

Your Say

What excellent technology! This reduces the awkwardness of large speakers and moved when moving the TV! But I dont like the idea of it creating vibrations.

(Read More)
Sam of Brisbane

The company won a DEMOgod and People's Choice Award at the DEMO technology conference this week.
"It's just possible that these companies are going to be stronger, bigger and more successful because they are launching in this economy," said Chris Shipley, who has reigned over more than a decade of DEMO conferences.
"Right now is the best time to be innovating; there is so much opportunity while a lot of people are scrambling for the hills."
- with AFP

Little Secret About Your Next Phone System

One of the most important decisions a small business has to make is how they are going to manage their communications. After all, communications are the back bone of any small business. If they cannot communicate clearly and efficiently with potential and current customers, they will not be in business long. It can be very stressful trying to determine which communications system is going to be best for your business. Adding to the confusion and stress of making the decision is the number of options available when it comes to telecommunications. There are standard hard line PBX systems, standard POTS lines from the local carrier, virtual PBX systems, local numbers, toll free numbers, virtual fax, standard VoIP and hosted VoIP PBX systems… and you could probably find at least a hundred providers for each. It’s enough to make you crazy.
One of the biggest mistakes that small business owners make as they wade through all the choices available to them is that they start at the end and work their way back. Usually they will do an Internet search for “phone systems” and from the thousands upon thousands of results choose a provider. Then they will go and see what systems and features are available. The problem with finding your telecom provider in this way is that you are trying to fit your small business communications needs into a cookie cutter phone system. And there is a dirty little secret in the telecom industry that perpetuates this problem. Small businesses end up finding a provider and then trying to fit their needs into the phone systems that the provider has to offer. Sometimes they fit and sometimes they don’t and that is when the small business loses out. The dirty little secret that these telecom providers are keeping from you is that it doesn’t have to be that way. You do not have to try to squeeze your small business communications into one of their pre- designed, one size fits all solutions.
Instead of finding a provider first and then trying to fit your needs into their solutions, you need to start at the beginning. The beginning is you and your small business. Before you even start looking for a phone system you should know exactly what it is that you want. Finish this sentence, “If I could have everything I wanted in a phone system, it would include….” Then start making your list. Here is a list of questions to help you get started:
How many employees will have extensions?
Would I like to be able to have a dispersed workforce taking calls?
Do I want to incorporate my Internet and phones together?
Do I need my phone system to grow with me?
Do I want to combine my fax and phone system together?
Do I want to be able to do inter-office/inter-extension transfers?
Do I want an automated attendant to answer and direct calls?
Do I want voicemail accessible by email and/or over the Internet?
Do I want to be able to monitor all calls on the system either live or through reports?
Do I want to be able to create forwarding groups so that calls can be forwarded to all extensions within a group of employees?
Once you decide what your small business needs, you can then search for a provider to fulfill those needs instead of finding a provider that you can try to fit your needs into. Having even just a basic understanding of the options available will help you understand your choices and not allow a provider to mold your needs into what they offer. Here is a breakdown of the most popular options:
POTS lines (Plain Old Telephone Service) can be a simple solution for a one man band that does not need an automated attendant to route calls nor any enhanced features such as voicemail to email, virtual fax, follow me call forwarding, etc. Start up costs will depend on if you already have lines established on site or if you are starting from scratch.
A standard PBX (Private Branch eXchange) includes onsite equipment to route calls between employees. These systems are usually cost prohibitive for small businesses due to their large up front costs, they have maintenance requirements, and they are not very flexible in their ability to grow with the business. Your start up costs will depend on how many users you have
Virtual PBX systems include all the features of a standard PBX, but without the initial cost of the switching equipment, ongoing costs of maintenance and will allow for growth. Many small business owners like the virtual PBX set up because it allows them the flexibility that a small business needs and features that help them maintain a professional image. Specific features that benefit small businesses include the follow me call forwarding, automated attendant, multiple extensions/voicemail boxes, and online administration and retrieval of voice and fax messages. Virtual PBX solutions are usually only efficient for inbound calling only.
Hosted VoIP PBX systems take the virtual PBX a couple steps further with the addition of VoIP technology and IP (Internet Protocol) phones so that you have inbound as well as outbound calling happening on one system. It will use your current Internet connection so an increase in bandwidth may be necessary. A hosted VoIP PBX also allows you all of the flexibility of a virtual system because it is scalable and can be used with a dispersed work force whether they are across town or across the country. The start up costs will be a little bit higher than a virtual PBX because you also have to buy the phones.
intimidated into trying to squeeze your needs into a cookie cutter phone system. Your small business is not like anyone else’s and only you know what it needs. So first sit down and write down everything that you would like your phone system to do, learn the basics about what is available, and then find the provider that can fulfill those needs. Don’t allow the telecom providers dirty little secret force you into a phone system that isn’t a perfect fit for your business.

Brandi Cummings, an expert author on the unique issues facing small and home based businesses, recommends checking out http://www.freedom800.com/ a leading provider of business class virtual telecommunications solutions.

Cheers
GS

10 most popular phone system features

June 15th, 2008
1. Voicemail
Voicemail saves time and money. Handwritten messages waste time, resources, and are often to blame for ineffective communication.
Just like your mobile phone voicemail, phone system voicemail allows callers to tell you exactly what they want, while maintaining their privacy. Voicemail saves unnecessary return calls and allows you to prioritise call backs.
Which staff members actually receive voicemail is entirely up to you. You may only opt to give it to key staff, or everyone - it’s your choice.
Some systems charge for voicemail and others include it free. Make sure you do your homework.
2. Daytime & after-hours greetings
This is arguably the most important feature on any new system. Day and night greetings ensure your business never misses a call day or night and they ensure you sound professional!
For example, if your receptionist hasn’t picked up after 5 rings the system will pick up the call for you and greet them with your own customised message. “Thank you for calling XXX, your call is important and we will be with you in just a moment…”
Some phone systems can even answer multiple callers at once. While other phone systems allow you to present callers with options to choose from such as “press 1 for sales, Press 2 for admin etc”.
No matter which option you select for your business and customers, the result is you will never lose another opportunity, compromise professionalism or hurry through one call simply to take the next! You will now give every caller the best impression, every time.
At Infiniti we also program the system to answer with time specific messages at different times of the day, week or year. That’s intelligent call management! Some systems charge for greetings while other brands include it free. Make sure you do your homework.
3. VoIP Compatible
VoIP is the latest technology and a fantastic way to slash costs. Any reputable phone system can integrate with cheap VoIP calls but not every system can actually offer VoIP phone system features.
VoIP system features are used for linking multiple sites, or remote workers. They allow other users on the phone system to see, transfer, and receive calls, from other sites and staff no matter where they are located.
If you’re only after cheap calls then it really won’t have any bearing on the system you buy (unless you want to use SIP trunking which is more technical).
4. Music & tailored on hold messages
If you genuinely care about your company image then nothing has as much impact as messages on hold. Not just music but messages about YOUR business. They sound incredibly professional whilst also educating and entertaining your callers.
When you consider that over 70% of callers are left on hold for a staggering 43+ seconds it’s not difficult to see why messages on hold are so popular. At Infiniti some of our phone systems include messages on hold for FREE. Enquire today and see how you can save over $1000 with your own tailored message on hold package with your new phone system.
5. Transfering calls
Even though it is a basic option, “transferring calls” is a key reason many small businesses upgrade to a phone system. It’s important that you and your staff can transfer incoming calls to the right person easily and efficiently. Different brands achieve this in different ways and you need to understand how the system you’re looking at actually works (not just looks). It may not be the right option for you.
6. Speed dials
When you look at how frequently you dial the same phone numbers you soon realise that speed dialling can be a fantastic feature to have.
Whether you use a database, ACT, Goldmine, Microsoft outlook, or just a list of your customers or associates, phone systems can make calling people as easy as clicking a mouse button.
If you are running a computer database or CRM then you should look at how you can tie this into your phone system. Imagine if when a customer calls their whole file could pop up on your screen ready for you.
Some systems charge for this feature whereas others include this at no charge. Make sure you don’t pay for something unnecessarily.
7. Speaker phone
Speaker phones are great for conferencing or just being able to talk, or dial numbers, without having to pick up the phone.
There are a whole range of different handset models to cater for every taste and budget. It is very important you know exactly what your handsets can and can’t do. Most basic models do not offer speaker phone capabilities. Make sure you get the right handsets for your staff and their needs.
8. Warranties & guarantees
Technology is not infallible and ensuring your new system comes with a warranty is a must. You wouldn’t buy a new car without one and a phone system is no different.
In terms of ongoing maintenance and support it is important to check the bona fides of the company you are dealing with. If you are buying from a one man operation then they may not be available when you actually need them. You need to know that a company won’t only install a system, but that they have the staff and technical expertise to quickly resolve any problems that arise.
Alternatively, for maximum peace of mind and insurance you may prefer to opt for a maintenance agreement. An MA guarantees your business a specific service level agreement and response times to any problems you may experience over the life of your phone system.
9. Conference calls
If you conference, or would like to, then make sure you get the right phone system and handsets. Some systems offer sophisticated conference bridging etc while others only offer basic functionality. If you conference then it pays to know a system’s limitations. For example, how many parties can conference simultaneously?
If conferencing is important to you then make sure you ask about full duplex conference phones. Full duplex makes a massive difference to call clarity and quality.
10. Headset compatibility
Headsets are great for mobility, call clarity and noisy environments. They are comfortable and allow staff to multitask while they are on the phone. Headsets are a great addition to any solution however you must ensure that the handsets you get are also headset compatible.
Regards
GS