Using Unified Communications to Improve Your Chain of Command

I normally do not post on these types of topics, but this one I found interesting. About three quarters of the way down the article it talks about how Dr Martens used Unified Communication to improve internal, not external, communication. We often talk (and sometimes struggle) with who and why Unified Communications will benefit an organization. The message is old and stale and almost a ‘been there, done that’ attitude.

Here is a great example of how this successful organization implemented simple technology to improve communication within an organization, better communication between Quality Control and Supply Chain / Manufacturing across the Globe. Not the same old never miss a call as a sales person.

Take a read, I can point to a few of our own clients who have done the same thing, but sometimes it is just nice to look across the pond to see how a client and their needs are very similar no matter where you go.

http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/analysis/2393025/dr-martens-selects-value-for-money-shoretel-over-cisco-avaya-mytel

The Benefits of Integrated Applications in the Workplace

High Tech Communications often preaches the benefits of integrated applications in the workplace.  Long gone are the days of replacing phone systems simply because they are old - you now need a driving reason, one that will help shape your business. I read the attached blog from ShoreTel because it (on the surface) started talking the same language that we speak. However, although the article is not incorrect, I felt it lacked the punch that it deserves.  

Companies look for key competitive advantages to set themselves apart from their competition, this is something that will allow them to accomplish just that. Having information at your fingertips when a client calls your Sales or Service desk is not only time saving (reducing operational costs), but also improves customer satisfaction. This concept is not new, however, it is often lost in translation and sometimes falls by the wayside because it is not sexy. It is just as important now as it was ten years ago. Not to mentions, we (including myself), say the term CRM - but what about other databases within the organization? Tying together an ERP system to the VoIP solution opens up more service possibilities. What are those possibilities? How about automatic call backs based on service history.  CRM is a Sales tool and may not have that information readily available.

Again, this is not to take away from the article as I think it touches upon some key points like ROI and reducing operational costs (Point #4), but not because of a lower phone bill. It is much, much more grand and achievable than that and the message could use some new, enhanced focus. In fact, after reading it a few times I am not sure what point #4 has with this article at all. If you do maybe we should talk live?

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/benefits-linking-crm-voip-systems

Finding the Best Cloud Storage for You

Our marketing team found the attached article, I thought it was a good read and wanted to share it out with our followers. Now, High Tech does not often get into the sale of cloud storage so you may wonder why this topic has come up. The answer is simple: Technology is so tightly intertwined that we often get into value conversations with our clients on every aspect of their business. Knowing what (or where) to the answer is important even if this is not part of your business. I pride myself and our firm for helping companies locate useful information. When business’s look for storage we talk SAN and VM Servers and Terabits, but more often than not the users themselves just need something and send a large PowerPoint to a client or share an Excel file real time across the city. This easily solves those business related issues.

Now, back to the article. At the very end, the most important set of points can be found in the summary. High Tech uses multiple options here from Dropbox to iCloud to OneDrive, and to be honest, each person will say theirs is better than someone else’s for whatever reason. I am a Google fan, I use Google Drive. My kids use iCloud as they are iPhone/iPod users. After reading it and evaluating my own requirements I realize that they are all great, for the most part free, and will provide most people with more storage then they will ever use in their lifetime. Just make sure that when you choose one (or more than one), the other parties you intend to use it with (if this is for business) can access it as easily as you can.

Enjoy:  http://www.zdnet.com/article/whats-the-best-cloud-storage-for-you/

The Importance of Staying Current

“$4!^ happens, design for that fact”. By far my favourite subtitle yet in any of the articles that I have been writing on. This article from GFI, a long standing partner of High Tech, simply points out that staying current, listening to instructions, and ensuring change control measures are in place are positive practices to have in your business.

The best part of the article talks about the stuff you don’t plan for... So plan for it. People believe their businesses are immune to failure or errors, but they are not. The worst part is that many people do not plan for it because they believe it is complicated and expensive. I will draw a comparison to ShoreTel, a communication system solution we implement. In order to provide true and lasting redundancy your simply need to add an appliance. If that sounds simple, it's because it is.

When GFI talks about redundancy, it is along a similar path. Add in a secondary server or migrate to Cloud or VMWare. Build yourself up and keep the infrastructure current. Nothing is worse than having a state of the art facility from 2010 when it is 2015. How do you effectively implement a state current solution? That is where we come in, but before we do, please read this article and ask yourself if you think a few minutes of your time is worth the discussion.  And before you answer, yes it is. Make the time, have the conversation, keep your technology current.

http://www.gfi.com/blog/on-the-importance-of-patching-and-staying-current/

Is It Time to Rethink the Desktop Phone?

Now this comment is true mainly because I am in the technology field, but I often get into the conversation around desk phones versus, well, whatever the alternative is. At one point I thought as many others did, and that the desk phone was dead. No one wanted to spend the money on a piece of hardware that would sit there and collect dust. I have actually had CEO’s and President’s come up to me and say they want all phones removed from our quotes because no one wants a desk phone anymore. While I applaud the notion that we are evolving into something new, I believe that the desk phone will be with us for the foreseeable future. I am up to debate this, and I will also debate it with myself; but even through all of the hype over the latest smartphone, softphones, and how no one can live without these devices when you go to the office a desk phone is still there waiting for you.

Where do I see the change happening soon? As a sales person on the road I never want to see a desk phone. Simply because there is no point. As a service technician of any nature I never want to see a desk phone. Again, a headset on a mobile is better. Given the way technology can adapt and integrate, this makes perfect sense. Now, as someone who is tied to your desk, say inside sales or accounting then desk phones should still exist. Well, even then some would argue but I say bring the argument on. I enjoy talking about the merits of how the world will change because Apple came out with a new device and ShoreTel has a dock for it. Oh wait…I have an Android.

Enjoy:

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/millennials-rethink-desktop-phone

Microsoft Vs. Google: The Debate Forges On

Microsoft versus Google… The debate continues. To me, this is no different than Apple versus Android - to each their own, and if you choose one that you like better because of the look and feel, just stick with it. I prefer Android for those that care, but if I was to look at Google versus Microsoft, I prefer Microsoft. Why? I am familiar with it - pretty simple really. For years I have perfected my macros and shortcut keys to the point where I am faster without a mouse then with one. As long as Microsoft stays current with its upgrades and feature sets, and the competition charge for their services equal to what Microsoft charges, change is hard to justify. Now, with that said I have looked deeper into this and evaluated both technologies for my personal use. I am not one to stay status quo without doing my due diligence as I recommend each of you do as well.

If you want to cheat, the chart right in the middle of the article gives you most of what you need to know.

http://www.cio.com/article/2936001/cloud-computing/office-365-vs-google-for-work-a-cloud-comparison-for-small-businesses.html

Growing the Value of Video Conferencing

Have you ever wondered why some companies have jumped all over video and some others have not? I have been speaking to video solutions for 15 years and it never ceases to amaze me how many of the conversations go.

In the past, eliminating travel has been a great driver to initiate the conversation, however; are you really going to stop the CEO from travelling to San Diego for a three day trip? Funny enough, I find myself speaking to the elimination of travel more so crossing a city, not a country. No one wants to drive to the remote office when you have to spend 2 hours on the 401!

Thankfully, systems and technology have evolved to become unbelievably affordable. Free…well that is a topic for another post because you do get what you pay for. However, going back to the why - take a read from this article done by Polycom and Quocirca sent to over 800 businesses. You'll find great insight and information.

http://www.itmanagement.com/research/survey-report-growing-the-value-of-video-conferencing-by-fostering-a-culture-of-adoption-30968?mid=3491549&tfso=15057&r=B2BRegMailingCS&mailing=WPLite&mailing_id=1269388

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/

Top Ways Businesses Should Manage Mobile Workers

When I read articles posted by our partner, ShoreTel, I traditionally think Telecom and Unified Communications - as do many of our clients. However, I read this and I was a little taken aback, but in a good way. In bold is a statistic, "24.7 percent saving on fuel costs". First things first, why is ShoreTel talking about fuel savings?

It's not less time on the road because they saved three minutes per day over fifty users talking 25% less to someone somewhere. It's an app one of their clients deployed and integrated into their mobile application that traditionally was used for eliminating the roaming charges on cell phones.

Really? That's pretty cool. The article also talks about establishing policies, but that's a given. Take a read, and once you are done, call High Tech - because we would love to chat about this to get out of the day-to-day traditional conversations.

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/top-ways-businesses-should-manage-mobile-workers

Finding Balance at Work and Home

Today’s discussion takes a leap far, far away from the technology and solution set that High Tech represents. This topic addresses something much more important, something that drives the High Tech working culture. 

Throughout my career, up until only a few years ago, I did a poor job of maintaining a healthy work / life balance.  I drove myself to the brink many days and nights thinking that spending that extra 2-3 hours would provide a better life for myself, my family, friends, and co-workers.  It took some pretty deep soul searching to realize I was looking at this the wrong way and that my life was anything but healthy and productive.  For the past few years as a Manager and VP I have tried to instill a healthy balance in for myself and my family, and I have taken that message to all of the employees I manage and interact with on a daily basis.

In addition, I took it one step further where I moved to work with a company that instills the same mentality in their working environment.  Now, there are days where that all goes out the window, but in general the focus on family is paramount to staying healthy both in mind and body.  By doing so you are not only living a better life outside of work…but you are living a better, more productive life in the office.

Please take a moment to read the attached article and pass it on to those that you care about and work with.  If your office does not recognize the value of a healthy work / life balance then take steps to make that change.  My two favourite points are around taking proper breaks (remember to eat often) and that stress crosses many boundaries and work stress comes home and has a direct influence over mental and family health.

http://mashable.com/2015/04/27/work-life-balance-worldwide/