Category Archives: small office phone

VoIP Provides Access to the Previously Unreachable

Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) has provided businesses a new means of communication. It has moved phone calls off traditional phones lines and onto the internet. VoIP can be more cost efficient than legacy options and can help call centers provide better customer service.

According to what IP telephony professional Itay Rosenfeld wrote in Telecom Reseller, it seems like VoIP is taking over the world. In reality, research found that 143.2 million people and businesses subscribed to public switched telephone network (PSTN)-style VoIP services in 2012, with the majority located in the United States, France and Germany.

Firmology said that with a premium VoIP system, call center employees can gather customer information before the call is even answered. They can see who’s calling, what services the customer has previously used and any issues experienced. Call activity is logged automatically in CRM and notes are updated if taken.

With these great innovations, it’s a surprise more companies are not making the switch, said Rosenfeld. One main reason is because there’s been a lack of access to emergency services like 911. Businesses love saving money but not losing access to the fire and police departments.

According to Fox affiliate WXIN, however, some areas in the U.S. have new high-speed systems that allow emergency officials to make phone calls, send text messages or distribute emails to people subscribed to the IP-based system.

But what about reaching officials? Rosenfeld reported that there’s a new option that supports phone capabilities from a single IP-based interconnection and provides access to emergency services. Whether a company uses cloud communications, VoIP or SIP trunking, this new option connects emergency calls via the PSTN. It also creates access in locations where cell coverage is poor or where a phone number is needed that’s not tied to a specific provider or place.

VoIP has emerged as the new standard for enterprise communication, and vendors (such as Telephone Magic Inc.) offer the media gateways and other solutions to ensure seamless and reliable integration of IP-based communication regardless of an organization’s size or its current telecommunications environment.

(via Sangoma)

New phone for Small Office / Home Office (SOHO)

Well I must say it’s about time someone filled the void left by the Nortel Venture 3 phone system for small or home office applications. Enter the NSQ412 Landmark 4-line phone, which can be expanded up to 4 lines and 12 handsets.

While the Venture 3 phones remain available, many of these have been refurbished numerous times as new Venture 3 phones have long since been unavailable. The NSQ412 phone is a true replacement for the needs of most small office and home office requirements that were previously satisfied by the Nortel Venture 3 platform.

The NSQ412 4-line phone boasts a long list of features usually found only on expensive business telephone systems. Things like caller ID with a 200 number log, a 200 name & number directory (150 private / 50 public), wireless headset capability, a great 2-way speakerphone, one station / all station page, and much more.

NSQ412 Landmark Phone Features:

  • Allows up to 12 phones on a system
  • Caller ID w/ 200 number log
  • 50 Record public directory
  • 150 Record private directory
  • Message waiting LED
  • Backlit LCD
  • Line status indicator
  • Individual/ All-Page
  • Call timer
  • 4 Different ringer sounds so each line has its own
  • Auto line select
  • Intercom
  • 2-Way Speakerphone
  • Call transfer
  • Headset jack – works specifically with the Plantronics CS50R Headset* for hands-free calling.
  • Mute key for handset
  • Hold
  • Programmable flash
  • Redial
  • Pause
  • Clock
  • View Larger NSQ412 Image

It’s great to see that someone has finally addressed this void in the telecom market. So many small businesses do not require a full blown phone system with a Key Service Unit (KSU) and costly additional modules like voicemail systems and the NSQ412 phone clearly offers enough expansion for just about any small office application. Better still, these are NEW phones – not an old retread as so many phones are now for small office requirements. Cheers everyone!