Business VoIP Blog

Unified Communications Requires an Understanding of Your Organization First

2010-03-11T09:25:00.003-05:00

UC or Unified Communications is all the buzz. By now, almost certainly someone in your enterprise has approached the topic of a unified communications strategy – even if you have not yet defined what that means for your organization. Whether you are at the strategic, conceptual, or deployment stage, one thing for sure is your UC experience will likely be better if it is a partnership.

As suggested by techtarget UC is “not as simple as putting in a circuit. This is more business consulting than technical architecture. Enterprises usually overlook or underestimate the non-technical aspects of planning and deploying unified communications projects, which is where a UC consultant can help IT departments.”

Continue read about Unified Communications

Click, Dial, Conference & Transfer Calls Via Web Interface

2010-03-10T04:21:00.007-05:00

AVAD Assistant Enterprise - View Demo

The AVAD Assistant-Enterprise automatically includes a web-based account for managing incoming & outgoing calls. For advanced features, users may upgrade to the Premium Assistant Enterprise.

The telephony toolbar enables users to make and accept telephone calls and change telephone settings from within Microsoft Outlook, Internet Explorer and Firefox.

End-User Benefits:

Web-based Call Management
Advanced call control capabilities include a pop-up notification when a call comes in, and enables the user to answer the call, place it on hold, send it to voice mail, or transfer it to another party, without leaving the Microsoft application they are using.

Centralized Contact Directory
Click-to-dial capability from the Outlook contact directory and Internet Explorer Web pages.

Advanced Call Features
Three-way conferencing and caller identification.

Point-Counter Point: Hosted Vs Premise VoIP

2010-03-09T14:42:00.002-05:00

A very good interview discussing the relative benefits of a Hosted VoIP solution vesus a Premise based VoIP solution.
in reference to: http://www.mgraves.org/voip/2010/03/pcp-hosted-voice-vs-cpe/comment-page-1/#comment-4208 (view on Google Sidewiki)

Virtual PBX Phone System Small Businesses Can Afford

2010-03-09T11:45:00.000-05:00

Small Business Virtual PBX Phone System (VoIP)

AVAD Technologies Virtual PBX Business Phone System offers a powerful set of fully configurable Virtual PBX features that can be easily customized. AVAD Technologies Virtual PBX Business VoIP Phone System does not require the purchase of additional telecom hardware and can be remotely configured via AVAD's Web Portal.

More Benefits;

No Expensive Telecom Equipment Required
Multi-Location Expandability
Add Features As Needed

AVAD Virtual PBX Offers the Following Features;

AVAD can put together a Business VoIP phone system that is customized to your business. You can request an on-line quote or call AVAD at (800) 733-4136 and speak directly with a Business VoIP Specialist.

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

AVAD Hosted VoIP Call Recording

2010-03-08T04:13:00.004-05:00

Ideal Call Recording Solution for small/medium sized companies

Automatically records all or selected calls
Live call monitoring
Integrates with AVAD's Call Center
Easy-to-Use: Browser based call access
2-hour installation: No specialists required
Pay-As-You-Go: $.025/min per employee

Why Choose AVAD Technologies Business VoIP Call Recording

The issue is simple: You want to comply with regulatory requirements and improve customer service by recording and retrieving phone calls. You don’t want to disrupt operations, exhaust your annual budget or pay for expensive implementation services.

You require a straightforward, dependable and affordable voice recording system. With AVAD Technologies Hosted VoIP Call Recording, Recordings can be indexed by time, agent/employee, date, group, and a variety of other fields, making for hassle-free, instantaneous record retention, search, and retrieval.

Additional Features

Record All Calls
Playback Calls
Look-Back Call Recording
On-Demand Call Recording
Live Call Monitoring
Screen Recording*
Quality Management*
Selective Recording
Multi-Site Call Recording
Call Tagging/Exporting
Audit Trail PCI Compliant
Fine-Grained Privileged Access
Auto-Delete
File Management/Archiving
Filtering (IP-DID Range)

Why Choose AVAD for your Call Recording Needs? Browser Based Technology: recordings can be retrieved from anywhere at anytime with the right administration rights.

Fine grained privilege access system: Make sure employees in your organization access what is necessary and only what is necessary to carry out their daily tasks. Fine granularity with sensible defaults: Out of the box, the software sets privileges the way most organizations do. However, if you have any special needs, it is possible to attach users to any number of security profiles that define access level to each business objective. Complex organizational structures can easily be mapped to AVAD by using the hierarchical group system.

Scalable – from 10 to 10,000 users single or multi-site: There is no limit on the number of recording services reporting to the central database logger. The capturing process can happen anywhere between fully centralized to fully distributed

Low impact pilots: No implementation costs or specialized hardware or software required. Pilot can be up and running within two hours.

Low purchase price: Pay for only what you use on a monthly, annual or per call basis.

Low implementation costs: Installs in hours with no specialists required.

Flexible tagging system: Attach any kind of information to your recordings manually or programmatically via the OrecX API, bookmark interesting places in calls and be able to search through all this personalized information instantly.

Open source, open API: Possible to develop your own extensions to the system - integrates well in existing CRM systems The web service API is easily usable from any programming language, without any special compiler or environment. It is as simple as requesting URLs and parsing XML in return. The Open source Plug in architecture allows organizations to add their own processing modules to OrecX.

Operating system: AVAD runs on Windows and various flavors of Linux. Other posix operating systems can be supported on request.

Analytics ready: Simple integration with other dbases to build detailed file names OrecX is compatible with all industry standard databases (Oracle and IBM DB2, MS-SQL...) and open source (PostgreSQL, MySQL). It is possible to have AVAD log to an existing database for integration into another business system in production.

Screen Shots

Browse Recorded Calls

File Management

Group Management

User Live Management

Recording Detail

AVAD Releases Business VoIP Pricing Quotes

2010-03-04T15:28:00.004-05:00

AVAD Technologies provides Business VoIP PBX phone service to small and medium size businesses in the continental United States. AVAD has begun releasing quotes for its Hosted VoIP phone service.

Quote 1: Medium Size Manufacturing Company (03/03/2010)

A medium size manufacturing company located in the Midwest needs to replace an aging PBX system. The company has 43 employees spread out in 3 geographically separate locations.

View the details Business VoIP Phone Service Quote here.

Quote 2: Small Real Estate Company (01/20/2010)

A newly forming 8 person Real Estate office located in the Southeast United States requires a phone system.

View the details Business VoIP Phone Service Quote here.

If you would like a quote for Business VoIP phone service from AVAD Technologies, please call (800) 733-4136 or you can Request a Business VoIP Quote On-Line.

VoIP Can Increase the Productivity of Your Business

2010-03-02T04:30:00.002-05:00

Prior to the introduction of Voice over IP, businesses had few choices and were paying too much for traditional business phone services. In addition, many businesses are not convinced a Business VoIP Phone system is reliable. VoIP technology has matured to the point that allows us to deliver a comprehensive package of PBX features at a price even small businesses can afford.

Studies have shown that many business owners are not aware of the capabilities of a Business VoIP system. The study also revealed that many small and medium sized companies believed a VoIP telecommunications system would cost too much to purchase and manage.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Business VoIP Phone systems offer a feature rich package of PBX functions without the need to purchase telecommunications hardware. A Business VoIP Phone System allows businesses to choose and pay for only those PBX services they actually need. Upgrading a Hosted VoIP Phone system is a simple process from a technical perspective and generally does not require additional telecommunications hardware.

Creating a multi-location system is no different then adding a phone in your current office location. Hosted VoIP Phone systems simplify adding additional geographic locations, including home based employees. New office locations can be added in any location that has a high speed internet connection.

By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

Add Your VoIP Blog to My.AllTop.com/VoIP

2010-02-23T10:02:00.017-05:00

Add your blog to My.AllTop.com/VoIP

If you would like your blog added to My.AllTop.com/VoIP please post a comment at the bottom of this post and I will add your blog to the My.AllTop.com/VoIP Directory.

Your blog must in the VoIP or telecommunications industry.

This is not a gimmick, it is free, no strings attached (a reciprocal link to http://blog.avadtechnologies.com/ would be appreciated). I just want to make sure the blogs listed are active.

Earn Ongoing Referral Commissions

2010-02-23T08:10:00.031-05:00

AVAD Technologies specializes in Business VoIP.

Anyone can earn ongoing commission revenue for referring a Business with 5 or more employees to AVAD Technologies.

We work with IT & Business Consultants that want to leverage their existing client base or individuals who may know of a company that needs to upgrade their existing phone system to Business VoIP.

It is a very simple process, complete AVAD's Reseller Agreement and refer a client. You can be as involved in the proposal process as you like.

We pay 10% commission ongoing of your client's month invoice.

The Hidden Benefits of VoIP

2010-02-22T10:53:00.008-05:00

Reprinted from: Vici Blog

When I came across this post, I thought to myself, this guy really gets it. The blog is a little spammy so I decided to copy the contents and link to the post.

My opinion about this post is at the end of this post.

Business VoIP is About Improving Productivity

You may not have considered it but there are many benefits that businesses can achieve by utilising data networks to carry their voice traffic (VoIP). By marrying this voice traffic with data traffic (IP Telephony) it becomes even more powerful.

Here are a few examples;

Cheaper Phone Calls – as your utilising existing data networks
Simpler Infrastructure – one set of CAT5 cables
Scalable – Extend the existing data network
Reduced Operating Costs – converged system is simpler to manage
Enhanced Customer Service – “Click to Talk” web services and easy role out application like call centers
Flexibility – Remote or home workers can work as if in the office
Follow the sun - Incorporate teleworkers in multiple time zones to extend business hours with incurring overtime

Its fair to say that most people focus on the costs savings but in most cases the business improvements far out way the costs savings.

For example if your business operated from multiple sites it would be possible to have a single centralised system located at one site, with optimal staffing resources to operate, manage and support. No need to have 3 receptionists when one will do!

Say you had staff that wanted to work from home or from a remote office. With this technology it would be easy to give them the look and feel of being in the office and the transparency that their co-workers and customers enjoy. Rolling out a distributed business application such as a contact centre or call centre is much easier and more robust.

But….its not that simple to get right!

You must consider;

Quality of Service – across the data network
Reliability

Neal Gilbert's Response to this post.

"The paragraph where you state "Its fair to say that most people focus on the costs savings but in most cases the business improvements far out way the costs savings." is right on the money.

It is already possible to make free calls, so one should ask why are businesses really moving to VoIP? It the productivity and flexibility offered by this technology that is the driving force.

Companies are no longer limited to hiring local talent because anyone with a high speed internet connection can be part of the company's phone system. Jet Blue uses home based people as reservation agents. Just think about how much they are saving from this.

Conversation with Skype CEO Josh Silverman

2010-02-21T16:06:00.001-05:00

Meet the father of Telecommuting, Jack Niles

2010-02-19T21:39:00.000-05:00

When Should Your Hire a UC Consultant

2010-02-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

Hiring a UC consultant is a Good Idea on Your First Installation

Article By Unified Communications News

A seasoned telecommunications engineer might not have to hire a contractor to replace an aging PBX, but what happens when the CIO utters that phrase that makes one's eyes cross: "unified communications (UC) strategy"? Engineers who don't have the time or know-how can hire a UC consultant to help make those first steps down the UC trail less lonely.

"With almost everyone I talk to who's done a recent UC deployment, if I ask them if they could do something again in their deployment, the most common thing they say is, 'We would get more help up-front,'" said Zeus Kerravala, a distinguished research fellow at Yankee Group who also does consulting work.

In a recent survey of the purchasing intentions among SearchUnifiedCommunciations.com readers, 44% of respondents said their organizations lacked the expertise to implement UC projects in-house, and 68% of respondents acknowledged that they needed to learn more about unified communications.

Never do your first UC deployment on your own

"[UC applications] are unlike any application most network managers have dealt with before, and there's only a couple ways to get that experience," Kerravala added. "I always maintain you should never do your first UC deployment on your own."

Enterprises usually overlook or underestimate the non-technical aspects of planning and deploying unified communications projects, which is where a UC consultant can help IT departments, according to Roberta J. Fox, president and senior partner at Fox Group, an independent telecom consulting firm based in Mount Albert, Ontario.

Continue Reading Hiring a UC consultant is a Good Idea

To learn more about AVAD Technologies Hosted VoIP system please call (800) 733-4136, or visit us on the web at VoIP.AvadTechnologies.com

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

VoIP & Disaster Recovery

2010-02-19T06:07:00.008-05:00

Business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities are a key benefit of AVAD Technologies Hosted VoIP PBX telephony solution. Unlike traditional telecommunications systems and premise VoIP solutions, a hosted PBX solution from AVAD Technologies ensures that your phone service is always available, even if your physical office location has been rendered inoperable.

What happens if I loose power or my office become inoperable.

Because AVAD is a Hosted VoIP system, callers to your business will still be able to reach any employee and leave a message. Your employees will also be able to retrieve their messages. Your primary phone numbers, including toll free numbers can be re-routed to an alternate location in a matter of minutes. AVAD Technologies Hosted IP PBX can be pre-programmed to forward calls if the primary users phone becomes inoperable for any reason. This means that in the event that your office location becomes disabled, no human intervention is required. In addition, all PBX services (Auto-Attendants, Hunt Groups and voice mail accounts) will continue to function.

Easily Set Up a New Location

If you are able to retrieve your IP phone sets, they can be plugged into any high speed internet connect and function as if they were in their original location. Your employees can even take their phones to their home offices, provided they have a high speed internet connection, and operate as if they were in their offices. Callers to your company will not be aware that your primary office location is no longer operational.

If you are unable to retrieve your IP Phones, AVAD can ship replacement phones to any location in as little as 48-hours. When the replacement phones arrive, simply connect them to any high speed internet connection and they will operate as if they were in your original office location.

To learn more about AVAD Technologies Hosted VoIP system please call (800) 733-4136, or visit us on the web at VoIP.AvadTechnologies.com

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

Easy Installation of AVAD's Business VoIP PBX

2010-02-19T05:06:00.012-05:00

Simplified Business VoIP Installation

The installation of AVAD’s Business VoIP PBX is significantly easier and less expensive than installing a traditional PBX phone system. This is because other than the individual phone sets; there is no other telecommunications hardware to purchase or install.

When the phones arrive, simply unpack, place phones at each work station and connect to your network using the supplied Ethernet cable. The IP Phones arrive at your location fully operational. Setting up remote locations is no different than setting up your main office. Once a remote office location phone is connected it is fully functional and automatically part of your business phone system.

Use existing in-place network wiring

You don't need to rewire your office. There are no additional network wires to run as you can use your existing network cabling. The AVAD VoIP system does not require the purchase of additional hardware with the exception of VoIP phones and Router. Simply connect an existing Ethernet cable (from your network) into the back of the phone and connect another Ethernet cable (from a jack located on the back of the phone) to your workstation, plug in the power supply and your phone is ready to go.

Installation of AVAD’s Business VoIP PBX can take as little as 2 weeks.

Retain existing phone numbers Retain your existing telephone numbers or get new local numbers, the choice is yours. Your company can also keep its existing extension number scheme of adopt an entirely new one. You can have a up to 7 digits in your extension number scheme. Many customers use this opportunity to reorganize their extension number system.

Manage your entire Business VoIP Phone System from any location

AVAD’s IP PBX makes it easy to centrally manage your entire phone system for all your office locations. In most cases, you can make the changes yourself via AVAD Business VoIP Web Portal we can add any Business PBX feature to your phone system the very next day. Adding/moving or changing the phone's user is a simple process that you can do, or call our support line and one of our technicians will do it for you at no charge.

Learn about Porting Your Phone Numbers.

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

Business VoIP - Click & Dial from any web page

2010-02-18T17:04:00.006-05:00

Internet Explorer/Firefox Call Control Tool Bar

View On-Line Demo

The AVAD Assistant-Enterprise automatically includes a web-based account for managing incoming & outgoing calls. For advanced features, users may upgrade to the Premium Assistant Enterprise.
The telephony toolbar enables users to make and accept telephone calls and change telephone settings from within Microsoft Outlook, Internet Explorer and Firefox.

End User Benefits
Web-based Call Management

Advanced call control capabilities include a pop-up notification when a call comes in, and enables the user to answer the call, place it on hold, send it to voice mail, or transfer it to another party, without leaving the Microsoft application they are using.

Centralized Contact Directory

Click-to-dial capability from the Outlook contact directory and Internet Explorer Web pages.

Advanced Call Features

Three-way conferencing and caller identification.

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

Commonly Asked Business VoIP Questions

2010-02-18T16:23:00.007-05:00

Business VoIP FAQ

What is VoIP?

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows you to make and receive phone calls and faxes over the Internet instead of through the telephone network.

Why should my business use AVAD VoIP service?

Integrate voice and data over a single network
Leverage your IT investment
Flexible telephony solutions
Savings are often 30% or more
Efficient use of capital expenditures

Can I still keep my existing phone numbers?

Yes, in virtually every case.

How reliable is AVAD VoIP service?

We guarantee our service 99.99%. Many of today's largest corporation are using VoIP.

Is my business too small to take advantage of VoIP?

No. Our services are designed for businesses with 5 or more handsets.
We also work with companies that need flexibility in their telecom products — those who have many remote or satellite offices, or with employees who work from home.
Call us and talk to us about your needs. We'll find a solution that's right for you.

Is my business too large to take advantage of VoIP?

No. Depending on your technology strategy, AVAD may be the perfect strategic partner. By moving your telecom technology to AVAD, you get the most powerful telephony tools available. Contact us and talk to us about your needs. We'll find a solution that's right for you.

How can I determine if AVAD services are right for my company?

That's our job, we'll be able to provide the right solutions for your company's needs.

Will my business be more productive with AVAD?

Yes. With AVAD VoIP, your business has many powerful tools to enhance productivity. Our Sales team can help you decide which of our programs, is right for your company. And if you become a customer, we will continue to help you maximize the value of your AVAD VoIP system.

How much will my business be inconvenienced by the transition to AVAD VoIP ?

It won't be. The cut-over will be well planned and executed. You can keep your existing telephone system in place up and until you decide our system is ready to go. Your employees will be able to use both systems side by side until they get comfortable. We do the installation behind-the-scenes.

Do I need to provide a T1 line to use AVAD telephony products?

Not always. Depending upon your internet connection usage requirements, you may be able to use a cable or high quality DSL connection. A T1 connection is always preferable. AVAD can assist you in acquiring T1 service.

We have existing contracts in place, can we still take advantage of AVAD VoIP services?

In most cases YES. Let our Sales and Customer Service team help you with a contractual review.

Will I be talking on a headset connected to my computer if I move to VoIP?

No. IP Voice replaces your traditional PBX system. You still use telephones to make calls. However, AVAD supports the ability to use a headset and soft phone on your computer.

Can we make calls while we are accessing the Internet?

Yes. VoIP phone calls share the Internet connection with other computers that are on the network. For full quality control we recommend using a router with Quality of Service capabilities such as Edgewater routers. This will configure voice traffic to have priority over data for consistent high call quality. When not on the phone, the entire bandwidth is available for data access!

How do I manage my VoIP network so I don't need to worry about disconnects, poor sounding calls, application failures, and other problems?

You don't need to manage anything, that's what we're here for. Our professionals deliver the best features and network available.

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

Talking About Business Voip

2010-02-18T10:57:00.007-05:00

Business VoIP is not just about saving costs

All human endeavors are dependant upon communication, speaking, listening, reading and writing. Successful small businesses are dependant upon timely high quality communication. Voice over the Internet Protocol, or Business VoIP is communication both from within and from outside your organization.

Imagine the salesperson for a small plastics ‘injection molding’ manufacturer who arrives in the office to simultaneously read emails and listen to voicemail messages. There is an enquiry call from a customer asking about a large order of rubber ducks in three sizes. With small business VoIP, your salesperson then uses the same computer find the current stock level, the next production run and lead-time to delivery date. Then using the same business VoIP the salesperson can return the call to the customer with all the information on hand to impress and nail the order.

A Business VoIP phone system has all the functions and features of a traditional PBX telephone system combined with the data handling capability of a computer and the network connections of the Internet. When you invest in a business VoIP you make your business more productive overnight by putting all your communications on to a simplified high quality footing. A business VoIP phone system protects your data and contacts from disastrous loss or delay and makes all of your business stakeholders accessible instantly regardless of where they are.

Read more Talking About Business VoIP

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

Porting Your Phone Numbers - Its Your Right

2010-02-17T10:18:00.002-05:00

Telecom Act of 1996 Made This Your Right

Under the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) “local number portability” (LNP) rules, so long as you remain in the same geographic area, you can switch telephone service providers, including interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, and keep your existing phone number. If you are moving from one geographic area to another, however, you may not be able to take your number with you.
Therefore, subscribers remaining in the same geographic area can now switch from a wireless, wireline, or VoIP provider to any other wireless, wireline, or VoIP provider and still keep their existing phone numbers.

Read Porting your local telephone numbers

Patent Office to Review VoIP Patent

2010-02-16T10:26:00.001-05:00

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

2001 Patent Threatens VoIP Companies and Innovation

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has agreed to review a controversial patent issued in 2001 that is claimed to cover much of the technology underlying VoIP.

The patent, held by a small company called C2 Communications Technologies, is one of 10 that the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has been trying to strike down for several years through its Patent Busting Project. On Friday, the patent office granted the EFF's request for a re-examination, the EFF said. The digital civil-liberties organization argued that another applicant had submitted basically some of the same technology to the patent office before C2 did.

Read the rest of this article

Oracle Acquires Telecom Start Up Convergin

2010-02-15T13:22:00.001-05:00

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

Oracle Gobbles Up Convergin

Earlier this week, Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) acquired SOA management software developer AmberPoint.

"The combination of Oracle and Convergin is expected to provide a single carrier-grade, standards-based IT platform allowing CSPs to effectively evolve their service delivery capabilities at a lower total cost of ownership," Oracle officials said in a statement.

Read full article

Report: VoIP subscribers to grow in 2010

2010-02-15T10:45:00.006-05:00

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

VoIP market should see slow but steady growth

Dell'Oro has more positive predictions for the VoIP market in 2010. If all goes according to plan the VoIP market should stabilize in 2010 after two years of trouble in a depressed economy.

Dell'Oro expects that if the housing market starts to grow again and service providers continue to offer agressively price VoIP bundles, the VoIP market should do better this year. They believe that VoIP subscriber numbers will grow, but the equipement market may shrink a little due to declining prices. Network modernization projects should unfreeze as the economy improves which will also boost the market.

For more:
- read the eWeek article

A General Business VoIP Video

2010-02-14T16:52:00.003-05:00

AVAD VoIP Articles

2010-02-11T17:53:00.002-05:00

ROI on Business VoIP Phone System

2010-02-10T08:31:00.007-05:00

Posted By AVAD Hosted VoIP PBX Business Editor

Return on Investment is Key When Choosing a Business VoIP Phone System

Economic conditions have forced more and more businesses to cut costs in order to survive the current economic crisis.

The return on investment (ROI) has become a key criteria for CIO's when evaluating a VoIP migration. Most companies now selecting a Business VoIP Provider based on how quickly the technology can pay for itself. Historically, 18 months was a required break even point for a capital investment in technology, today many CIO's are looking to demonstrate a break even point in less than 12-month.

Since Business VoIP Phone System installations have become much easier today, cost savings are helping decision makers justify purchases.

A recent VendorSeek.com article Accelerating ROI on Business VoIP Phone Systems highlights this trend.