Technology Consulting | VoIP Phone Systems | Managed Services https://baytechsystems.com Providing IT services for your business Mon, 04 Nov 2019 23:19:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://baytechsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cropped-baytech_ico-pulseway-32x32.png Technology Consulting | VoIP Phone Systems | Managed Services https://baytechsystems.com 32 32 Common Features of a Business Phone System https://baytechsystems.com/common-features-of-a-business-phone-system/ Fri, 12 Jul 2019 23:20:13 +0000 https://baytechsystems.com/?p=533 Business class Telephone systems can be expensive. It would be good to know all of the features available in a business phone system before making a purchase. One of the most important factors when choosing between phone systems, are that the functions of the system you’re buying will be useful to your business.

Remote Phones

Make and receive calls like you’re in the office via your mobile phone app (Apple iOS and Android) or a physical VoIP handset in your home office. A phone system that adapts to your business needs!

Call Waiting and Transfer Function

One of the foundations necessary for success to a business is a good phone system. The main purpose of telephone systems is to provide a variety of functions to manage calls, customers and employees. An important function of any telephone system is the hold and transfer function. The hold and transfer of phone systems usually refers to the ability to place a call on hold while you select the location you need to transfer to, and let the receiver know that you have a call before the transfer. This may be an essential function for customer service. For example, how many times has this happened – a call is transferred, but there is nobody to receive you call? This can cause a high degree of frustration. When choosing among phone systems, consider having the transfer function a part of the telephone network for your company. It is a great feature that can help alleviate the frustration of the customer and employee, by allowing the call receiver to be made aware of the situation before responding. This can also help ensure fast and reliable service to your customers. One of the most important functions in a business is to effectively manage customer traffic. With the hold and transfer function you can expect the phones to be available in your office; you are one step closer to customer satisfaction.

Conference Calls

The conference call feature is another essential characteristic of a business phone system. Conference calls are designed to allow people who might be in different buildings, floors or even different countries to talk together at the same time. This can save valuable time and money. Many companies have a line in, usually 800 numbers that can be called, for example, telecommuting employees can have meetings with a central manager. This can be a great asset to a company. Conference calls, depending on the type of PBX phones used, can also be video capable. If you are using a simple telephone system, there is often a function to put the other party on hold or mute to allow the necessary privacy during a conference call. This can help in situations where negotiations are taking place with parties in multiple locations, offices or with a number of companies. There are a variety of conferencing functions and options available on phone systems and office telephones in today’s market. You should give careful consideration when choosing the functions of a phone system in the office. A company must have the functions it intends to use, while minimizing the number of functions in the phone system that are not used very often. In business, it’s all about being innovative and cost effective, certainly something that can be accomplished with conference calling features.

Integration of multiple phone numbers, lines and extensions

In business, even small ones, there are usually multiple phone lines. If you have enough employees to consider a phone system, then you probably noticed that one of the features of phone systems and its main benefit is the integration of extensions, lines, and even multiple phone numbers that can be sent through a single business phone system. This can greatly increase your company’s ability to handle customers and employees effectively, which is the main objective behind the use of business phone systems. The main thing to look for when considering a phone system is how much capacity the phone server you are using is going to be able to expand and grow. It’s also a good idea to consider and compare traditional services with voice over IP when it comes to bringing together extensions, lines and multiple phone numbers. There are even phone systems that can handle your data needs as well as analog. After all, a central system has its benefits such as the ability to change the line if something goes down, or directing call volume automatically, rather than having to make modifications at the last moment. With integrated lines for the entire company, you can implement things like voice activated au attendants, which allows customers to run through an automated system to help get to the place that can best serve their needs. This can free up employee time and / or reduce unneeded staff.

Line Designations

One of the most difficult tasks of any phone connected to the system is line designation. Phone systems have come a long way from the previous office telephones and telephone systems. As your company grows, you can add new lines, move lines, and change the names of the lines. This is one of the main advantages of having a telephone system for your business. Anticipating the needs of your business, you can ensure that the telephone system you are going to buy for your office is something that can grow with you in the future. Because PBX phones can grow with your company and offer a wide variety of useful functions and features. This is true even if some features, such as changing names and locations of the line are used very rarely. Having the ability to update your system quickly and efficiently is one way of doing business. It also ensures that your customers and employees can communicate with the right place at the right time, all through your telephone system.

Music on Hold

Music on hold is a feature offered by business telephone systems. Music on hold allows individuals, customers, and employees who have to wait hear music. One thing that can cause serious problems with customers is the absolute silence while they wait, making the wait seem even longer. Listening to music while waiting on hold makes the time seem to pass quickly, even if the waiting time becomes long. Playing music on hold has a calming effect, and can keep clients somewhat calm while they wait. This can have a number of benefits for customers and your business. Phone systems with music and other types of messaging systems are used very often. The music on hold feature is easy to set up and can be a worthwhile consideration for anyone who runs a company that deals with high call volume and customer service, especially if the hold time could be several minutes. When you’re selecting features of a business phone system, the music on hold is one of the important features that should be considered. The benefits far outweigh the traditional silence that is accompanied in an original office telephone.

Central Voicemail System

Another benefit and useful feature of business phone systems is a centralized voicemail system. This is where all the voicemail is stored, in a central location. It is usually a standard set of features that can be offered through a phone system. These may include customizing or automating messages and personal messages for various extensions. There are even options for a voice mail system that allows a person to leave a message or be transferred to another operator. This can be a great help in situations where several people have to help a client. A voice mail system allows you to collect your voicemail from any phone or location, rather than be appointed by that extension the telephone system has assigned to you. The voice mail systems also usually have a central number or PIN to permit the review of voice mail from a remote location. This can be a very profitable and useful feature of a phone system and office telephones in general. The voice-mail systems usually have a series of away messages that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as out for lunch and vacation messages. In reviewing the different types of phone systems, consider a telephone system that has a voicemail system.

Multiple Lines

Another benefit for a single phone and a role that can be very useful is the ability to have several lines. These are the types of lines where a single phone line can have a large number of extensions, or manage a large amount of traffic on a set of lines. This is especially useful in the search of phone systems that can manage traffic in call centers. With this course, it is important to ensure that the telephone system can direct the traffic properly and ensure that calls are directed to the correct locations. You can create serious problems in customer service if the calls are lost while waiting to be placed, during transit or after they have been transferred by the telephone system. One of the features you need to carefully consider when purchasing a phone system is its ability to handle the inbound traffic of your business.

Auto Attendant

An auto attendant is a wonderful and innovative feature of the phone system. The auto attendant is a system message that gives you the menu options and information during your call. This system may be essential for routing and addressing high-volume calls, or even creating a small business to target a particular department. This undoubtedly deserves consideration. You can configure the wizard to automatically gather information for you as well as routing and directing calls. This may be a function that saves time and other resources. When a caller hears the options of the auto attendant they can select the proper destination of their call. This means faster and more efficient customer service. When viewing the market for phone systems, consider the possibility of telephone systems that have an automated attendant function. Not only can this feature be used during normal business hours, but can also send calls to voicemail. Phone systems that come with a wide variety of features and options, the role of automated is one of the many options available, depending on the phone system.

Directory Services

The directory service can be different depending on which routing is easier to use and maintain. The directory service options are on the menu, usually auto attendant menus, which asks if you know the party you are trying to reach, or if you would like a list. This directory is usually created either by name or department and search options. The customer does not need to spend extra time looking for the department they need. They can simply use the directory and go directly to the appropriate person. These are all the essential functions of a phone system. When deciding on a phone system for your business, consider all the options that will save you time and money.

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VoIP vs PBX https://baytechsystems.com/voip-vs-pbx/ Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:17:03 +0000 https://baytechsystems.com/?p=525 You may be familiar with the traditional phone land line and cell phones because they are ubiquitous parts of work and play. However, the introduction of VoIP has been linked to increased accessibility of the Internet around the world. This is understandable, because the VoIP phone systems rely on an Internet connection of some sort to function. VoIP telephone systems connect the speakers to each other via a network connection to the Internet. An Internet protocol is set through the VoIP provider that allows a user to the telephone network to connect to a VoIP user or a user of the traditional phone system. VoIP protocols are one of two ways in which people can talk with each other. The most common protocol is DID, or (Direct Inward Dialing), where two computers are connected through a specific network. These connections provide crystal-clear communications because of the speed and the direct connection that this protocol offers. The small number of companies that have embraced VoIP around the world has meant that the telephone network can be a mixed affair. VoIP providers may use access numbers to allow computer users to dial a number to your VoIP phone and connect to a regular telephone system. While the future of VoIP is aimed toward increasing the adoption of these services, the telephone network has been established to deal with different communications platforms.

Finding the Right Business VoIP Phone System

Consumers have been lamenting the issue of choice and find the best bargain in the right phone service for years. The question is usually the number of minutes offered by a cellular phone company or long distance rates through land line providers. While VoIP telephone systems bring a number of benefits for themselves, customers still need to deal with finding the correct service provider. There are some factors that go into choosing the right VoIP phone system for customer needs. It is important to consider firstly, the technological capabilities of a home office or business before purchasing VoIP equipment. A slow connection or poor response times can make a telephone network less than stellar. VoIP companies typically offer unlimited minutes because of the current telephone network technology. Furthermore, many VoIP companies offer introductory fares on the phone or VoIP initial monthly rates to attract new customers. People interested in VoIP should only take these offers if a company is that they have investigated and determined to work with their system. Finally, the VoIP users should call the customer service representatives to ask questions they may have about the services. In this way, they can assess the level of service and to get legitimate questions answered.

The Economic Benefits of Business VoIP Phone Systems

People and business owners alike are choosing VoIP telephone systems because they are generally less expensive than traditional land lines or mobile phones. Traditional phone systems require installation costs, local plans, long distance services, which can quickly add up for a business. Mobile phones are also expensive, with plans to require small payments for services, monthly expenses, and a long-term commitment to the best deals. There are a number of economic benefits for offices looking to use a VoIP phone system. The initial costs of VoIP systems are relatively small, usually only the expenditure required for a telephone network and programs. These may help to reduce spending in the short term for a small business in vital need of communication tools. As well as the monthly cost of IP telephony services are usually less expensive than long-term land lines, since they only need a network connection

Clarity and functionality offered by VoIP Phone Systems

Besides the financial benefits of IP telephony services, there are also functional benefits. The clarity of an IP telephony system is unbeatable, especially when compared with mobile phones. However, clarity is only one factor that leads many consumers to the network of phone systems. In fact, these phones are very functional and offer the user a variety of options that no other phone systems have. Also, VoIP phones are mobile and allow for multiple network functions while committed to another VoIP user. The business people can work on reports or obtain information from your office network while talking to a land line or a VoIP user. They can do their work at home, in a different office, or in a different part of the world, provided there is a network connection available.

VoIP Systems and Working from Home

Workers around the world are moving away from the office or the production line for positions in satellite offices or at home. The reason that many workers are leaving the workplace to earn a wage is that the technology allows them to. Fast Internet connections, the low cost of computer equipment, and the need to lower costs of facilities have led companies to encourage their employees to work outside the office. Telephone network systems and the relatively cheap monthly payments on these systems are helping to facilitate working from home or a satellite office. The self-employed or part-time workers benefit from the VoIP phone systems because they gain the benefits of an Internet network and a telephone system. Companies using IP telephony have a need to connect your employees to your network so that VoIP phones are fully functional. In addition, the telephony network allows a worker at home to be on a conference with colleagues in a corporate office, while sharing files over a fast Internet connection. The only issues arising from working distance through VoIP systems is the network problem that arises from a combination of telecommunications and information transfers.

Increasing Global Connectivity Across VoIP Phone Systems

One of the reasons why VoIP phone systems have enjoyed a successful flow in the market for business solutions is the portability of these systems. Unlike the land line systems, which require the use of stationary in an office or home, VoIP phone systems have a wireless phone and an Internet connection. The businessmen who travel abroad or just down the street are able to connect your phone to a VoIP network connection in a hotel room or a conference. Providers of VoIP telephone systems are using this mobility as a selling point for companies seeking greater global connectivity. Providers of IP telephony services are constantly working to increase global connectivity for a variety of industries. Engineers and engineering contractors need to use VoIP to talk with customers and suppliers from the workplace. The sales staff will connect your VoIP phone wherever they can to talk with customers and management model as they seek to increase their profits. People are traveling around the world or from a distant place use VoIP instead of mobile phones.

VoIP Phone Systems vs. Traditional Phone Systems

Consumers need to think about their telecommunications needs before leaving your old system to get a VoIP phone. While most people have access to computers and the Internet, it may not always be necessary to add IP telephony services in your home. Landline systems are ideal for families who have no access to a fast network at home or need a phone line when there is an outage. After all, the speed of an Internet network is vital to get the most out of VoIP. Mobile phones are a necessity for families who want to stay in touch with loved ones while they are away from home. These phones are similar to land lines in that it can operate without a main power source, using lithium batteries to keep the lines open. The real question for consumers is whether they need to have a cell phone if you already have a land line or VoIP phone system. The average consumer IP telephony service is one who usually travels a lot. Business travelers or people who have meetings in faraway places can bring their laptop and a VoIP phone with them to be connected. In essence, VoIP is for a customer who wants to stay in touch no matter where they are.

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Is Your Business Phone System Working for You? https://baytechsystems.com/is-your-business-phone-system-working-for-you/ Fri, 04 Sep 2015 19:11:22 +0000 https://baytechsystems.com/?p=404 You may have heard the term VoIP phone system, but what does that actually mean for you and more specifically – your business? Business VoIP systems have been gaining popularity over the past decade as the traditional TDM based phone systems come to the end of their lifespan and become obsolete. Not only are they end-of-life but finding support is becoming ever so harder to find and more expensive.

Even though VoIP phones are considered the new kid on the block, they evolve rapidly (unlike their older brother) and have easily surpassed the market share over traditional systems. What makes the new phone systems attractive to both the business owner and their managing VoIP phone system vendor is the ability to have a la carte features without the expensive price tags. Did we mention that managing the systems is more efficient and cost efficient? One of the main benefits of a VoIP phone system is the ability to integrate with your existing solutions. You are no longer buying a mystery box.

Typical features you would find in a business VoIP phone system:

  • Ability to use your existing data network? Check!
  • Integrate with a wide variety of traditional and SIP service providers? Check!
  • Do you want your voicemail to be sent to your email or mobile device? Double Check!
  • And of course the ability to receive new features with a software update.

Are you ready to get started? We provide onsite consultations. Contact us today, we’re here to help!

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Beware of Ransomware https://baytechsystems.com/beware-of-ransomware/ Mon, 17 Aug 2015 05:50:29 +0000 https://baytechsystems.com/?p=397 There will always be new ways that others will attempt to separate you from your money. Ransomware happens to be the new way.

What is ransomeware? Ransomeware is the new type of malware that infects your PC, very much like a virus, in several ways. Most of the time you do not even have to download any software. You can get infected by browsing to a compromised website which sits and waits for you. What makes this type of malware different from others that once your PC is infected, the specially crafted software encrypts your hard drive in the background unbeknownst to you – until it’s too late that is!

Once your hard drive is encrypted, you will generally get a pop-up message on your screen stating that you need to make a payment in order to get the password and get your files back. The operating system will be unresponsive to any other attempts and the files will be locked. The only way to regain control of your PC is to format your hard drive and perform a complete reinstall of your operating system. They payment that the thieves generally accept is called Bitcoin, an anonymous crypto-currency.

Over half a million PCs were infected with ransomeware just in the first half of 2015! Are you protected?

The best way to protect yourself from ransomeware is to keep your applications and antivirus up to date. Never click links or open attachments from people that you don’t know. As always, regularly backup your files.

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