2 Big Telecom Guys

Bandwidth Explained

BigOne — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:57:59 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

In Episode 16 Rob and Jeff discuss bandwidth and what it means for you. Various definitions are supplied and then we have a discussion about the various ways you can connect to the Web. Jeff describes the evolution from dialup at 300baud to ISDN ,to ADSL, up to cable and wireless internet and T1 services. While the description of carriers is concentrated on the Greater Toronto area you should find the technical explanations applicable across the globe.

What can I use all this excess bandwidth for? (ask.metafilter.com)
The wireless data crunch (theglobeandmail.com)
The big race to bundle clients (financialpost.com)

Mobility- Anywhere and Everywhere

BigOne — Thu, 13 May 2010 23:51:32 +0000

Episode15 is all about Mobility and what products are out there in the marketplace to let you run your business or practice from wherever you are, given cell access and wi-fi locations. That can include right in an office with your smartphone as your desktop set. The phone can have all the bells and whistles that a clunky desktop phone has but even more on the smartphone device, and that device can leave with you and go where you go seamlessly.

We talk about IP-PBX systems, Androids,Iphones,Ipads,Blackberry's and other smartphones. We learn the functionality of a virtual system such as AltiGen's Max Mobile Server CS. We will discus the applicability of Wi-FI and WAP in the mix and discuss Wi-LAN.

Given the decreasing costs of smartphones the handset price gives great value in that it can be a two way device eliminating the need for desktop handsets. Most of the smartphones allow you to use Line of Business Apps on them and with location tools built in can map routes, monitor deliveries,highlight traffic problems to enable your business to avoid wasted time and deliver higher levels of service.

The AltiGen max-Mobile App is available for the Android,Iphone and Blackberry smartphones now and c improves productivity through mobility. Listen in while Rob and Jeff talk aout the use and integration tools that allows a small business such as a real estate broker or small call center have the same functionality as a Fortune 500 company.

Virtualization- What's In It For You

The 2 Big Guys — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:39:17 +0000

Virtualization is the topic for Episode 14. Rob and Jeff discuss the best integration strategies and tactics to make your business or office run faster, simpler, and with less hassle. Learn how you can have a Virtual-CIO (Chief Information Officer) at hand but not on your premises. We discuss Software as a Service (SaaS), Hardware as a Service (HaaS) and the concept of data protection on-site and off-site, using both physical devices and the Cloud.

Virtualization can make your business have similar tools,capacity and scalability that a Fortune 500 company has without the ongoing expense of direct labour. See how you can make hardware do more with less and gain all the improvements of new software with Software as a Service.

Jeff's firm Codefusion Communications Inc. is a Toronto based Microsoft Gold Certified Partner as well as a Microsoft Small Business Specialist. Codefusion is also an AltiGen Platinum Technology Partner with AltiGen, the leader in IP-based telephony. Listen in as they discuss this new computing idea to do more with less. Jeff also blogs about technology on the Codefusion website.

Cloud Computing- Whats Up There ?

The 2 Big Guys — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:06:29 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Episode 13 covers the relatively new area ,to small and medium size businesses, of Cloud Computing. We provide some definitions,uses for it and considerations for implementation. SaaS (Software as a Service is one of the uses for the Cloud as well as for scalable storage. This podcast itself is stored in the Cloud on Amazon's S3 Servers to enhance availabilty ,scalability and take the load off our regular server.

Jeff's firm Codefusion Communication Inc. is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner as well as a Microsoft Small Business Specialist and Rob is a long time Windows user who also has a Mac. Listen in as they discuss this new storage and remote computing method.

Windows 7- Should I Upgrade ?

The 2 Big Guys — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:58:35 +0000

In Episode 12 Rob and Jeff answer the question- Windows 7- Should I Upgrade ? Windows 7 is the latest incarnation of Windows, the Microsoft© Operating System for personal computers.

Windows 7- Should I Upgrade

Upgrading to Windows 7 can be done on most older Pentiums and new Dual Core Intel and AMD processors alike. The benefits of Windows 7 include a new user-friendly GUI interface and less problems with integration than the Windows Vista edition. Primarily this is due to the extensive field testing and integration with a wide variety of other drivers, coupled with the distribution of the beta Release candidate.

Jeff's firm Codefusion Communication Inc. is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner as well as a Microsoft Small Business Specialist and Rob is a long time Windows user who also has a Mac. Listen in as they discuss this new software.

Backups and Security -Preserve and Protect

The 2 Big Guys — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:34:20 +0000

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In Episode 11 we discuss the importance of having good backup and security systems. We discover what is available now in backups besides the old tape backup systems. Jeff explains virtualization, real-time backup, and secure offsite backup and we discuss the ways you can implement this technology today before the inevitable crash and burn happens. Learn how computer and network support prevent and protect you from peering eyes,spoof attacks,and viruses.

Having good security of your network involves a number of items. Perimeter security,physical security,virus protection,intruder protection are a few of the topics Rob and Jeff discuss as well as the concept of network auditing and insurance.

Episode 11- Backups and Security

If you want to discover if your operation is protected Codefusion Communications would be glad to offer you a Free 27-Point Network Audit. Call us at 1-877-335-9390 to schedule.

Save More Money on Telecom Costs

The 2 Big Guys — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:05:53 +0000

In Episode 10 Jeff and Rob will discuss further options to finding savings in your telecom costs. Using a variety of tools that are readily available you can lower your costs and still get dependable reliable service. If you are a operating branch offices or have multiple locations where your employees and partners work from this will help you . You can integrate your telecom directly into your line of business computer applications and make your customers happier and your team more efficient.

An example of this kind of integration can be seen at CTFusionInfo where dialers, screen pop-ups can easily integrate your VOIP phone system with corporate databases,Salesforce.com, NetSuite, and other CRM applications.

Episode 10- Save Telecom Dollars

Management Issues in Crisis Markets-Outsourcing 102

The 2 Big Guys — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:38:06 +0000

The management of companies look to save money. They look to their internal resources to be able to take on IT tasks. These people generally do not have the background nor expertise to handle these requirements. As such the management sacrifices a resource that understands their business, to do a service that can be performed by a service provider, in less time and for less money. The resource, generally if applied correctly can make the company more money than they are capable of saving the money.

During a down turn economy the indicators are even stronger to look towards outsourcing as a solution, vs. trying to build capacity or capability in house. Focus your resources on your business and the area of expertise that they are familiar with.Use the service of an organization whose business focus it is to provide expert IT services. In Episode 9 Jeff and Rob discuss how you can maximize results, lower headcount, and focus on your own expertise- which may not be IT.

Episode 9- Outsource 102

Recession Requirements- How To Do More With Less, Faster and Cheaper

The 2 Big Guys — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:27:58 +0000

The economic climate is not improving and more small and medium size businesses are forced to adapt by laying staff off , curtailing expenses and generally being more nimble . In this Episode Jeff and Rob look at some of these issues and discuss opportunities to do more with less, faster and cheaper. Listen for some outsourcing tips.

Episode 8- Outsource 101

Planning to Buy a New Small Business Telephone System ?

The 2 Big Guys — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:31:17 +0000

In Episode 7 we discuss the need for planning before you go to the market to buy a new phone system. Planning for small business teleommunications or a small business telephone system is an activity which allows you to see the basic needs you have , the business processes you would like to improve and allow you to present your requirements to vendors in the marketplace. This planning process also gives the vendors an opportunity to answer your needs. Doing a focused planning exercise also shows you what you can add to either improve customer service, or increase employee satisfaction and productivity.

You can look at features such as automatic call recording and timing if you are a professional advice based business. There are a number of new features in terms of Automatic Call Distribution (ACD), integration with existing CRM systems, such as Microsoft CRM. Listen in and discover how good planning will benefit you in your small business, which through planned scalability grow to be a larger enterprise.

.Listen to our 7th Episode-Planning