Signs That It’s Time To Get A Business Phone System
Your Call Volume Is Increasing
In the beginning, it was feasible to take every call. But as your business begins to grow, so does your call volume. It is now wiser to prioritize your calls and allow your employees to handle customer service issues and direct calls as necessary. With a business phone system, you have a variety of features at your fingertips. For example, your employees can take general business calls, while important phone calls can be sent to you directly.
You Are Taking Your Work Home
It is ever important to balance your work and home life. Stop taking calls at all hours of the day on your personal cell phone. With a business phone system, you can stop business calls to your personal phone at a specific time. Callers can leave voice messages and you can enjoy your time away from work. But, if necessary, you can also access your messages remotely.
Your Business Is Expanding
Coordinating between a couple employees on personal cell phone numbers can be difficult. And if you’re adding more employees, it will only get worse. With a business phone system, you can organize your departments, phone numbers, and voicemails accordingly. Auto attendant can help your callers navigate to the appropriate department through a prerecorded menu of options, and calls can be forwarded to personal phones as needed.
Your Workers Are On The Field
A business phone system may not make sense if your employees are constantly on the go and rarely in the office. But current technologies allow you to do more. For example, most VoIP systems allow you to manage your system via smartphone app. And some systems even allow you to make and receive calls with your business number and get voicemail to text via your mobile phone. There are many special features and functions that can benefit your business – it is wise to explore your options.
You Are Missing Calls
Missed calls can mean missed opportunities. For companies with relatively high call volumes, business phone systems are ever important. Never miss a call again by setting up appropriate features and functions. For example, when lines are busy, you can supply the caller with the option to continue holding or to leave a message, or the call may be rerouted as necessary.
Have any of these scenarios applied to you? If so, it may be time for you to invest in a business phone system. Feel free to browse our options online or request a free phone system quote. If you would like to speak with us directly, feel free to call 1-800-564-8045.
Do you remember when your company finally made the leap and installed a business phone system? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest to share your story!
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How To Change The Extension User Names On The Comdial DX-80 Phone
Do you know how to change the extension user name on the Comdial DX-80 phone? It’s easy. We have broken down the steps for you to follow along.
First, from any phone within your system, dial FEATURE # *. Next, you will enter the admin password which is # # # # # # # #. Then, press the Show key. Using the keypad, enter 0405, followed by the extension number you wish to change. You may name any extension from 101-156. Press the Chg key. You will then use the keypad to spell out the name.
Remember how we would text before touchscreens on our smartphones, before autocorrect, and even before T9? That is how you will input the username. For example, if you want an S, press 7 four times. An E? Press 3 two times.
After you have entered the name, press Hold, then press the Speaker key to end. If you need to change another extension user name, please repeat these steps.
And now you know how to change the extension user name on your Comdial phone. If you have any questions regarding these steps, please contact us. You may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
We are always posting new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
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VoIP Services For Your Business
VoIP Services
Whether you go the hosted Cloud services route, or manage your own system, switching to VoIP technology will afford your business a multitude of benefits. VoIP solutions are available for fax, email, voicemail, conferences and work across business phones and mobile phones. Connect your communication routes to make it easier for customers and colleagues to contact you. Keep your employees accessible to your customers for improved service and business. Aside from this, VoIP services can often be more cost-effective upfront and in the long run.
Downsides
Perceived downsides of VoIP include reliability and latency. People may find that calls may not be as reliable on VoIP as on other systems. Latency issues deal with how long a command takes to respond. However, both of these issues can be addressed by choosing the right provider. If you have concerns, whether it’s regarding reliability, latency, or something else, seek a provider that addresses these concerns and puts forth an effort to safeguard whatever it may be.
Emergency Calls
Emergency calling from VoIP systems may be a concern for some. Emergency calls from traditional phone systems can easily be tracked since the phone number is linked to a physical location. IP technology lacks that direct relation. However, VoIP calls can be tracked. An Internet service provider can track an IP address and, in most cases, the signal can be tracked.
Security
Telephone hacking can be a threat to businesses, but with the appropriate safeguards, you can keep your VoIP calls safe. If available, take advantage of security options (ex. encryption or firewalls) from your provider. You may also be interested in anti-virus software. This will protect you from known viruses, but because attackers are always creating new viruses, it is imperative to maintain and keep your software up to date. Before switching to VoIP, assess your telephone security needs and choose a provider and/or software accordingly.
Much like everything else, VoIP services are not perfect. But overall, the advantages of VoIP technologies far outweigh the disadvantages. Affordability, efficiency, versatility, and scalability are just some of the reasons businesses want to switch.
Have you adopted VoIP services within your business? What benefits have your experienced? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For excellent VoIP telephones and equipment, visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045.
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How to Make a Conference Call on the Nortel T7316E Phone
Conference calls can help businesses save time and money by enabling meetings over the phone. Rather than traveling to meet in person, employees and business partners may conveniently holding meetings over the phone.
The Nortel T7316E business phone enables conference calling, among other beneficial features. Do you own a Nortel T7316E phone? Do you know how to make a conference call on your phone? Fret not – we will show you how to make a conference call, simply follow these steps.
Before we begin, your phone may be equipped with short codes. Short codes are numbers you may dial for certain functions from any types of phones within your telephone system. The short code for Conference Held Calls is *47, and it may be enabled on your system. By dialing *47, you may start a conference with the callers you have on hold.
If you have a connected call and any held calls, you may start a conference between yourself and those calls by pressing FEATURE 3. Otherwise, you may follow these steps to start a conference call.
Begin by placing a call to the first party, or answer an incoming call. Next, place this call on hold by pressing the HOLD button, or FEATURE 3. Now you may dial the second party that you would like to add. Once they answer and consent to joining the conference, press FEATURE 3.
Should the second party not answer, or decline to join the conference, you may hang up the handset or press the RELEASE (Rls) button. To return to the first party on hold, press its call appearance, or the button next to the flashing icon.
Already engaged in a conference call, but want to add more parties? It’s simple – press the HOLD button or FEATURE 3 and the appearance key for the conference call will show a fast flashing icon. If the conference call is hosted on another telephone system, the conference will hear your music on hold. If the conference call was made on your system, the conference will continue while you dial the party you wish to add.
When you get a hold of the new party and they consent to join the conference, you may press FEATURE 3. If the part doesn’t answer or declines to join the conference, you may press the RELEASE (Rls) button or hang up the handset. Return to the conference by pressing the appearance key/fast flashing icon.
And that’s how you make conference calls on the Nortel T7316E phone. If you have any questions regarding these steps, please contact us. You may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
We are always posting new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
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How To Choose The Right Home Router For You
Type
Choosing between a wired or wireless router is likely one of your first decisions. These days, there seems to be a high demand for everything wireless and most routers support Wi-Fi connectivity. However, if you’re not ready to commit to wireless completely, most routers on the market have ports on the back to support older gadgets without built-in Wi-Fi.
Support
If you want your devices to browse the internet at the fastest speeds possible, choose routers that support “802.11n” or “802.11ac” broadcasting protocols. These connections are also great for streaming as you will need a high speed connection to get high definition video from the internet.
Broadband Range
If you’re concerned about connecting all your devices, 2.4 GHz for a single-band is fine, however, your speed will be compromised. Because most wireless routers use the same band, you will likely catch interference in areas where numerous wireless networks are present. To decrease the likelihood of interference, you may want to go with 5 GHz. Most of these routers support 801.11b/g/n broadcasting protocols, which allows compatibility with older devices.
Dual-band Vs. Single-band
Dual-band routers are great for things like a wireless home entertainment system. With dual-band routers, you can dictate which devices go on which band, depending on how they will be used. While dual-band routers help to combat broadcast problems associated with single-band routers, and offer better features and functions, dual-band routers tend to cost a bit more.
Router Range
Knowing the router range can help you decide if the router suits your needs. You can test it yourself or you can go online and check out reviews. If your router has a replaceable antenna, you can increase the range for swapping out the old antenna for a new, higher range antenna.
Software & Security Features
While technology is improving, hackers are getting smarter. Protect your network by choosing a router with advanced firmware that includes a decent firewall plus additional features and support to match your needs.
Choosing the right router for your home can make a significant difference in the way your home devices work and stay connected. Hopefully these tips help make your decisions easier.
For a comprehensive selection of affordable routers, shop our selection online at Startechtel.com. You may speak with us directly by calling 1-800-564-8045 between 7:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday. Or connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
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How To Program Speed Dials On The Nortel T7208 Phone
Does your office use Nortel T7208 phones? Do you know how to program speed dial, or auto dial buttons, on your Nortel phones? These speed dial buttons will allow you to dial specific phone numbers with just a touch of a button. Follow these steps to learn how to program internal, external, and personal speed dials on your Nortel T7208 phone.
Internal Speed Dial
Press FEATURE * 2. Next, press the button you wish to program. The display will read “Intercom:_” and you may enter the extension number. The display will read “Programmed” when you have successfully programmed that button.
External Speed Dial
Press FEATURE * 1. Next, press the button you wish to program. The display will read “Program and OK” and you may enter the telephone number. Next, press OK and the display will read “Programmed” when you have successfully programmed that button.
Personal Speed Dial
Press Feature * 4. Enter the two digit code (any two digit code from 71 to 94) that you wish to assign. Next, enter the telephone number, and then press OK. The display will read “Entry xx stored” and you will have successfully stored that phone number to that two digit code.
Programming speed dials on your Nortel T7208 phone is as simple as that. If you have any questions regarding these steps, please contact us. You may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
We are always posting new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
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Are You Considering Switching To VoIP?
VoIP Features
For a smooth transition, VoIP phones usually maintain the familiar look and feel of traditional business phones. However, the difference is the availability of special features. These features may include call recording, specialized conferencing features, and more.
The features and functions of VoIP systems, and any phone system in general, play a large role in your ultimate decision. Beyond that, your service provider and your VoIP phones should have a certain level of compatibility based on the specific features and functions you desire. For example, high-definition voice is a fairly common and excellent feature provided by VoIP systems, however, your devices must have the capacity to support it.
Scope Of Service
You have the option of starting fresh with a new VoIP system, or you may adjust and adapt your current phone system. If you go with the former, you may supply your own network, and your vendor would provide a phone system which IT manages. The latter would require the use of analog telephone adapters to VoIP-enable legacy telephones.
Another important factor is deciding between a cloud- or on-premise-based system, along with maintenance and professional services. Your specific needs and budget will help determine which services you should or should not enlist.
Network Requirements
Your network requirements may vary whether you’re executing a full transition or transitioning in a series of phases. Remember, you will be going from having your telephony network on its own to integrating it within your data network. VoIP does not use a lot of bandwidth, however, the new influx of traffic may interfere with performance. This can be resolved by upgrading cabling or capacity, or prioritizing voice traffic.
Another alternative could be to route your voice data over a separate data network. This offers a higher level security while still providing the numerous VoIP benefits.
Future Expansion
VoIP systems can offer versatility when it comes to future expansion abilities. To ease your way into a VoIP system, you may want to work with a vendor who offers a hybrid service. Long-term needs should also be considered before jumping into a new system.
While choosing a VoIP system can take some time, money, and much thought, the benefits will pay off. Browse our selection of VoIP business phones, systems, and equipment online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045. Our knowledgeable staff is always ready and willing to assist you. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
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How To Park And Retrieve Calls On The Nortel M7208 Phone
The Nortel M7208 phone is great for environments with shared telephones, such as retail departments, repair centers, or call centers. In these settings, employees may need answer calls and redirect them as needed. For the Nortel M7208 phone, you may park and retrieve calls as needed.
What do we mean by “parking” a call? Basically, when you park a call, the call is put on hold and assigned a number for retrieval. These retrieval numbers start at 101 and can go up to 109. When you park a call, the assigned number will appear on your display screen. You will need to this number to return to the call.
If you find yourself on a call and you need to park it, you may inform the caller about the hold, then press the FEATURE button (it will look like a globe with a ring around it) followed by 74. You should then see the retrieval number on the display screen and you may hang up the phone. To retrieve the call, press INTERCOM and dial the retrieval code from any telephone within the system.
An Exclusive Hold will put your caller on hold and only allow access to that call from your phone. To execute an Exclusive Hold, while on an active call, press the FEATURE button and then press the HOLD button (a red button with an image of a handset facing up). On your phone, the line button will flash, but the line button will remain solid on other phones so that no one else may access the call. Simply press the line button to retrieve the call.
And now you know how to park and retrieve your calls on the Nortel M7208 phone. If you have any questions regarding these steps, please contact us. You may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
We are always posting new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
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The Growth Of Cloud Based Systems
Cloud based systems offer a myriad of benefits, which include (but are not limited to) the following:
Unified Communications
Cloud based systems offer a seamless way to integrate your devices, which, in turn, rounds up all your means of communication. By consolidating, you are able to access all aspects of communication from the device of your choice.
Affordability
Because no hardware, such as a PBX system and wiring, is required, you are only have to worry about your business phones or calling devices and their maintenance. For hosted services, a monthly fee is sometimes imposed, but usually offered at reasonable prices.
Management
Again, since everything is hosted in the Cloud, management of your system becomes nearly effortless. You can access your system from virtually anywhere, as well as monitor and analyze your billing to maximize your financial benefits.
Features
With a Cloud based system, you have access to an outstanding amount of features. Standard features can include call diverting, call logs, and auto attendant, while more advanced features may be CRM integration, call recording, speech-recognition, and more.
Installation
Installing a Cloud based system is relatively affordable and stress free. As these systems gain popularity, the number of service providers increases. Choose the provider that best suits your needs and budget. You can purchase or rent IP phones equipped with the features and functions you need, or you can implement a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program within your office. Along with easy installation, these systems deliver great versatility, performance and scalability.
With so many benefits, it’s no surprise that many businesses are making the switch. For affordable VoIP business phones and softphones, feel free to visit us online to shop our stock. If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please call 1-800-564-8045. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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How To Change The Time On The Nortel M7310 Phone
The Nortel M7310 phone offers excellent features and is a popular choice for different office environments. You may know how to execute different calling functions and features, but do you know how to change the time on your Nortel M7310 phone? Don’t worry – we will go over to simple steps.
There are actually three methods in which you can complete the task, depending on your phone. For your convenience, we will go over all three.
Method 1
To begin Method 1, press the FEATURE key (this button may look like a globe with a ring around it). You should see “Feature: ” displayed on your LCD screen. Next, press * * 8 4 6 3 – If “Invalid Feature Code” or another error message appears on your LCD screen, you will need to use Method 2 for programming.
If your display screen reads “Password: ” you may continue and press 2 2 7 4 2. If “RETRY” is displayed on the screen, press 2 3 6 4 6.
When your display screen reads “Hour:01”, you may press the CHANGE softkey button (located below the screen). Using the keypad, enter the hour using two digits. For example, 2pm would be 02.
The screen should change and show AM. Press OK for AM, or press the CHANGE softkey and then press OK for PM.
Press the NEXT softkey below the screen. “Minutes:00” should be displayed. Press the CHANGE softkey then enter the minutes using the keypad.
After entering the minutes, you may press the RLS button (looks like a telephone handset with an arrow pointing down). “End of Session” will appear on the LCD screen and you will have successfully changed the time on your Nortel M7310 phone.
Method 2
For Method 2 and 3, you will need to log into system programming.
Press the FEATURE key, then enter * * 2 6 6 3 4 4 – If your display screen reads “Invalid Feature Code” or another error message appears, you will need to use Method 3 for programming.
If your display reads “Password: ”, you may enter 2 3 6 4 6.
NOTE: You have now entered Programming mode. The buttons on your phone will temporarily change their functions. Once you exit programming mode, normal functions will be restored.
For your M7310, the functions of the 4 memory or line buttons below the LCD display (2 on the left and 2 on the right) will change. From top to bottom, the left side buttons will be the Heading and then Back button. The right side buttons from top to bottom will be the Show and then Next Button.
Using these buttons, press NEXT until you see “Time & Date” on the display. Press the SHOW button to see the current hour displayed. Press the CHANGE softkey to change the hour, then the NEXT softkey to change the minutes. Input changes accordingly. To save your changes, press the NEXT button. Press the RLS button to complete the process and exit programming mode.
Method 3
Press the FEATURE button, followed by * * 2 6 6 3 4 4. Then enter password 2 6 6 3 4 4. The display should read “A.Configuration”.
As stated previously, you have entered Programming Mode and said buttons have temporarily changed their functions. Normal functions will be restored upon exiting Programming Mode.
Using the programming mode buttons, press NEXT. The display will read “B.General Admin”. Press SHOW to display “1.Sys Speed Dial” on the screen, and then press NEXT two times to display the third option “3.Time and date”. Press SHOW and your current time setting will be displayed in the standard four digit format – “Time # # : # #”.
The change the time, press the CHANGE softkey and the display will read “Hour: ”. Press the CHANGE softkey again for the display to read “Hour:_”. You may then enter the new HOUR in 24hour format. For example, 5pm will be 17:00. The display will then tell you that the new hour is programmed.
Press NEXT and the display will read “Minutes: # #”. Press the CHANGE softkey and the display will read “Minutes:_”. You may then enter the new MINUTES using the keypad. The display will then tell you that the new minutes are programmed. Complete the process and exit programming mode by pressing the RLS button.
Use the appropriate method for your situation and you will have successfully changed the time on your Nortel M7310 phone. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss our new video tutorials.
If you have any questions regarding these steps, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-800-564-8045, or visit us online. You can connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest, too!
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