Exploring the Benefits of Softphone and Mobility Applications

I read the attached blog from one of our Flagship Partners, ShoreTel, and the content is great. Although, I'm still not entirely sure where the title of the article came from, hence my seemingly dry commentary to follow below.

Top 5 Advantages of a Softphone, by Chandler Harris. In my educated opinion, there are definitely many reasons to consider a softphone when looking to upgrade or expand your current phone system. The cost of a softphone is significantly less than a desk phone when you factor in everything involved. The flexibility of a softphone is perfect for people on the move. Now, there are many alternatives that can be chosen from that I would recommend first and foremost, however, a softphone is usually a viable option for clients. My issue with the softphone is the deployment of its applications on PC's that are dated and/or running too many other programs already.

Ever had a Windows update randomly shut down your PC? Now imagine being on an important call with a client or prospect. I love technology, and as I previously mentioned, ShoreTel has a slew of amazing products for clients seeking functionality and flexibility that they're not getting from a desk phone. However, softphones for me, are often deployed in situations where they shouldn't be; causing the advantages to be outweighed by potential issues encountered.

Turning the attention back to ShoreTel's recent blog post. To me, the content didn't completely reflect the advantages of a softphone - as stated in the title. What it did do, was identify some great functionality features that ShoreTel will give to our clients when installed. Each point listed is sensible and should be capitalized on by any organization looking to improve costs and drive efficiency within its workforce.

I do, however, fear that the article will be lost due to its entitled "advantages of a softphone" when softphones have been around for so long that they're somewhat considered "last years solution". Instead, we should be talking about ShoreTel's integrated mobility application that would take your softphone to the next level - yes, there is a next level!

Take a look and see for yourself: https://www.shoretel.com/blog/top-5-advantages-softphones

Out With Windows 2003 and In With Windows 10

Well the day is here, I guess it has been coming for a long time and will drag on for even longer - but Windows 2003 Server end of support is upon us!  I was reminded of this fact after reading the attached article from Justin Warren, a contributor to Forbes. The style of this article reminded me of how I would write a full article. My favourite part was at the bottom of the 2^ndpage, a comment about the underlying reasons for the Windows Upgrade mess and how it is a Business Problem… Not just an IT problem.

He commented that 25% of users did not want their systems offline for too long. I would argue that figure is much higher, and in many cases it is business critical that when going through Server Upgrades the infrastructure is not offline at all. One truth we live in day to day is that our clients simply do not have the IT resources to make this happen, or to execute on this type of upgrade. Justin does bring this to light in the article in addition to some other great points… Take a read:

 

 

http://www.forbes.com/sites/justinwarren/2015/07/12/windows-2003-deadline-hightlights-its-maintenance-issues/

RAD Makes WAN Management and Monitoring a Breeze

High Tech Communications has deployed and managed a significant number of data and voice enabled networks throughout Ontario. Our client's systems range from simple point-to-point designs to complete mesh-type networks with many locations unified by using multiple connectivity types (Fibre, Wireless, DSL, etc.).

Once the system is set up and running is when the real fun begins. It's at this point when our clients look to us to manage the extremely important next step - managing the system. We currently use a number of different technologies to manage, diagnose, troubleshoot and repair countless issues - yet, to this day, our clients still ask what we recommend.

Since we pride ourselves on tried, tested and true solutions, our opinions derive from real success - and real pain at times. As a network systems integrator, our solution is this: For every cause to a network issue, there is a solution. The trick is to identify what you need to manage, find a solution you are comfortable with, then narrow it down to one that best works for you.

Our experience has allowed us to provide best practise solutions when clients engage us in such discussions. The most recent application we have explored is provided by RAD - their MiNID devices make WAN management and monitoring easy to utilise.

Read the business case below, and if you are interested in knowing how this is better, or different, than the solutions you currently use today, call High Tech - we can help you.

https://mail.hightechcommunications.ca/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.rad.com/21/MiNID-Business-Case-Solution-Paper/32942/

Extending Your Business Over Cellular

I found the article very interesting, I myself have spoken to hundreds of customers about the flexibility and functionality you could get by extending your business over Cellular.  The true mobility, the enhanced redundancy, the ability to have really small offices communicating seamlessly over a cellular device…the possibilities are endless. 

I can’t think of how often I have looked at extending service through the Internet for the offices with one and two employees, here we have a developing technology that will (again) truly revolutionize how businesses expand and roll out into new territories.

Imagine a sales person starting up in a new town, someone who requires voice and data applications that seamlessly integrate into the corporate infrastructure… all from their Smartphone. If their voice communications (IM, Video, and Voice) is on ShoreTel, then let the sales team grow!

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/difference-between-voip-and-volte

Health Care Professionals Are in Need of Better Communication Technology

When I read the attached article, I could only nod my head and agree. High Tech Communications Inc. works with a large number of health care facilities from small Doctor offices to a few large Hospitals, and we see the struggle these institutions have with their technology. Often budgets are not there to make the desperately needed improvements that would allow the facility and its staff to become more productive, and it is scary how long it could go on before these updates are implemented.

With constant cuts to budget and staffing, I believe the improvement to overall health care in this province must come from multiple sources and multiple approaches. One of those approaches should be to better enable the staff that are on the front line by equipping them with technology to make their tasks easier and enable them to become more productive. If you agree let me know, if you don’t I would love to hear your take on this issue also.

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/medical-professionals-need-better-communication-technology-survey-finds