Why Do We Wear Green On St. Patrick’s Day?
But why do we pinch those who do not wear green on St. Patrick’s Day? You’ve got American tradition to thank for that one. It is believed that wearing green made you invisible to leprechauns, who would pinch anyone they could see. Those not wearing green were visible to leprechauns, thus susceptible to a pinch. People continue to pinch those not wearing green as a reminder.
This St. Patrick’s Day, we’re pinching your purse strings. Shop our stock at Startechtel.com from March 10-17, 2015 and save some green. When you spend $350 or more on refurbished equipment, we’ll take $40 off your order! Invest in refurbished phones and equipment from top manufacturers like Avaya, Cisco, Mitel, NEC, Panasonic, Nortel, and more.
Shop online or call us at 1-800-564-8045. When ordering, you must mention the promotion to receive the discount. Online orders, please mention promotion in the Order Comments Box. This offer applies to refurbished equipment only, website pricing only, and may not be combined with any other offers. Shop now before this offer ends on St. Patrick’s Day!
Order over the phone by calling 1-800-564-8045, visit us online at www.Startechtel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Posted in Holidays, Nortel Networks | Comments Off on Why Do We Wear Green On St. Patrick’s Day?
Are Cloud Service & LTE The Future Of Telecom?
When offered together, cloud services and LTE complement each other beautifully to create a rather seamless communication experience.
Cloud Service
By maintaining systems in the cloud, this allows users to save time, space, and money. In terms of phone systems, cloud services eliminate the cost and complication of the PBX systems. Instead of purchasing expensive equipment that will soon be outdated, your system is virtually managed by your service provider, which offers a low monthly fee. Because it is maintained virtually, upgrades and expansions can be done easily. Besides being much more cost-effective, cloud services offer increased flexibility.
Long Term Evolution (LTE)
With increased data consumption and the accessibility of Wi-Fi nearly everywhere, LTE provides an edge with its consistent performance. While shared public Wi-Fi is often slowed down because of the amount of users, LTE retains its speed. As LTE availability becomes more widespread, it may soon give Wi-Fi connection a run for its money. Also, in conjunction with cloud services, LTE offers the proper connectivity and bandwidth for the system to maintain ideal functioning.
While we are quite familiar with these terms and how they work, taking an in-depth look at what they can potentially offer helps us understand how they will influence telecommunications in the long run. What are your thoughts on cloud service and LTE? Is there anything else we should watch for in the future? Share your thoughts with us on our social networks – Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For great new and refurbished business phones and equipment, visit us online at Startechtel.com. If you would like to speak to us directly, please call 1-800-564-8045 during our business hours Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm. Our staff is always happy to help.
Posted in Business Phone Systems, Telecom News | Comments Off on Are Cloud Service & LTE The Future Of Telecom?
Polycom Soundstation 2 Phones – Quality Conference Phones
The popular Polycom Soundstation 2 line is comprised of analog conference phones suited for small to mid-sized conference rooms (up to 10 participants). Many businesses have already reaped the benefits of this outstanding conference phone. The Polycom Soundstation 2 upholds the Polycom reputation, delivering a beautiful design that houses quality and convenience.
With Polycom Acoustic Clarity™ technology, voice quality and clarity is improved, allowing your conference calls to run smoothly, boosting productivity and performance. With Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR) and full duplex abilities, background noise, clipping, and drop-outs are eliminated while users can be heard from up to 10 feet away. Interference from mobile phones or other wireless devices is eradicated so that no technical distractions are present for your conference calls.
Flexibility is another advantage that the Polycom Soundstation 2 has over other competitors. With expansion microphones (supported by the “EX” model), the Soundstation 2 is able to function brilliantly in medium-sized conference rooms, picking up voices up to the far corners of the room while cutting background noises. You can also connect the conference phone to a mobile phone for remote calls or a computer for Internet calling. And since it’s an analog phone, it connects to any standard analog telephone line for easy installation. For models with a backlit display, call information and menu options are conveniently shown.
Aside from the basic functions, the Polycom Soundstation 2 conference phones offer so much more. With a user friendly design and price, they are a smart investment for your company.
Shop our selection of Polycom Soundstation 2 conference phones and more online at Startechtel.com. To speak with us directly, you can reach us Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm at 1-800-564-8045. You can find us on our social networks, too – Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Posted in Conference Phones | Comments Off on Polycom Soundstation 2 Phones – Quality Conference Phones
User Friendly Automated Phone Systems
Since most of us are strictly mobile these days, visual IVR provides a much easier way to navigate through automated systems on our wireless phones. Rather than listening to options and waiting for the correct ones, the menu is displayed on your smart phone screen and you can tap your way through the system. This saves time and encourages online interaction, as these services are usually offered through the company’s mobile app or website.
Other alternatives include a call-back system from Fonolo, which eliminates holding time by allowing the customer to input important information and wait for a call back when a representative is available. Seems like an easy and simple idea, however, what happens if the return call comes at an inopportune time for the customer?
Regardless of the innovation, most people prefer speaking to a person rather than interacting with automated prompts. However, for big companies, automated technology is a common way to cut costs. If these redesigned systems are adopted by big companies, do you think your experience with call centers and customer service change for the better?
We would love to hear from you! Share your views on automated phone systems with us on our social networks – Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest!
For your other telecom needs, visit Startechtel.com or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045. Our offices are open Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm.
Posted in Phone Systems | Comments Off on User Friendly Automated Phone Systems
Chocolate Is The Best Valentine
But there is a silver lining, and that’s the chocolate. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, we can all agree that one of the best things about Valentine’s Day is the abundance of chocolate.
Here’s a few reasons why chocolate is the best Valentine.
No Expectations
Reservations? You don’t need them. Fancy outfit? Not necessary. You may not even need to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy the company of chocolate.
No Disappointments
With no expectations come no disappointments. The only worry you’ll likely have is about how long your chocolate supply will last. And even then, a quick run to the store can easily fix that.
Full Of Surprises
A box full of chocolate could be more exciting than a predictable Valentine’s date. It’s a thrilling guessing game of what type of chocolate you’ll bite into next. If it’s something you don’t like, you can easily move onto the next delicious surprise.
Health Benefits
It is said that chocolate can provide great health benefits. Namely, dark chocolate is said to lessen cravings for sweet, salty, and fatty foods. Basically dark chocolate will decrease my cravings while satisfying my sweet tooth? Winning!
Affordable & Delicious
Chocolate is cheap, and we don’t mean that in a bad way. For the price of an upscale, prix fixe menu, you could buy a ridiculous amount of chocolate and be much more satisfied. Quantity over quality? Nope – with chocolate you can get both!
But do you know what’s just as delicious, but more affordable than chocolate? FREE chocolate! And that’s just what you’ll get from your friends at Startechtel.com. Starting Monday, February 9, 2015, when you spend $300+, you’ll get a free box of chocolates!
Shop our stock of business phone systems and more online or place your order over the phone. Be sure to mention promo when ordering (online orders: use Order Comments Box). You must spent $300 or more (promotion based on website pricing only) to receive the complimentary box of chocolates. Act fast because this offer ends on Valentine’s Day (2/14/15)!
Posted in Holidays, Sales & Promotions | Comments Off on Chocolate Is The Best Valentine
Why Landlines Should Make A Comeback
In Case Of Emergency
Need to call 911? Landlines have got you covered. You may not get stable signal in your home, but your landline does. Power outage and your battery died? Your landline will work. Bottom line, your landline could potentially save your life.
No Health Concerns
It is believed that there is a link between cell phone radiation and increased cancer risk. While research is ongoing and has yet to reach a definitive consensus, home phones do not pose this risk.
You Can Hear Loud And Clear
On your landline, you can hear the person on the other end much clearer (so long as they aren’t on a cell phone).
No Dropped Calls
Dropped calls? Not likely on landlines. Again, unless the person you are conversing with is on a cell phone, the dropping of the call won’t be your fault.
You’re Paying For It Anyways
Your phone service is likely included in your cable or internet service bill, so, as long as you’re paying for it, you might as well use it, right?
Cool Designs
It’s hard to deny the aesthetic appeal of antique and vintage phones. Aside from a bit of nostalgia, they can be a conversation piece for your next party. Or you can add some flair to your décor.
Conversation
Because most home phones are wired, you are tethered to its base, forcing you to stay put, focus, and truly engage in the conversation. With mobile phones, we often attempt to multitask simply because we can. Unfortunately, this makes us less present in the conversation. Landlines will allow us to hone our communication skills for a genuine interaction.
Reliable Equipment
So long as your phone is working fine, you won’t need to upgrade. With mobile phones, it seems a new phone is available every few months. Avoid the distraction or temptation to upgrade with your landline phones.
Dramatic Effect
If you got into an argument over the phone, do you remember slamming down the phone when you hung up? It helped to get some anger and frustration out. Furiously tapping a screen doesn’t quite have the same effect. Also, slamming down your cell phone can cause expensive damage that you don’t want to pay for. Home phones are fairly sturdy and can take the beating.
Better Sleep
If you adopt a policy of only using your mobile phone when you’re out, it will be easier to disconnect at night. Instead of spending time in bed on your phone, you can get to sleep sooner. Plus, without that added stress, you will likely rest easier at night.
No Pocket Dialing
No more accidentally calling someone in the middle of something potentially embarrassing. Make and engage in calls when you please, not by mistake.
These are just a few reasons to consider re-adopting your landline. Are there reasons that we missed? Are there reasons you want to banish the landline? Let’s start a discussion – connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest. We look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re looking for a new home phone, we’ve got plenty. Find residential phones, antique phones, novelty phones, and more at Startechtel.com. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call Monday through Friday 7:00am-5:00pm at 1-800-564-8045.
Posted in Telecom News | Comments Off on Why Landlines Should Make A Comeback
Be My Eyes App
That is the essential premise of the Be My Eyes app. Created by Hans Wiberg, who happens to be visually impaired, the Be My Eyes app is a way for the visually impaired to get help without necessarily “asking” for it. If you constantly ask a person for help, like a neighbor, for example, the person may grow tired. But with the Be My Eyes app, helpers voluntarily sign up because they truly want to help.
So how exactly does the app work? Users are divided into two groups, “helpers” and the visually impaired. When a blind user needs help, he or she opens the app, the rear-facing camera is activated and they are connected to a helper. The app notifies helpers until someone picks up. Helpers are not obligated to answer, so, in a sense, they are on-call.
The app has been tested, with relative success, in Denmark for some time. Tasks are usually simple, such as identifying things within the home. While helpers are not offered incentives, they can accrue points from providing assistance. The significance of these points is yet unclear.
The Be My Eyes app is being offered for free and is only available on iOS for now. However, it is said an Android app is in the works. The app is nonprofit and was funded by a $300,000 donation, but Wiberg predicts the need for more donations to maintain its free service.
Do you know anyone who could benefit from this app? Would you sign up as a helper? Share your thoughts on the Be My Eyes app with us – Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
For you telecom needs, visit Startechtel.com and browse our stock. For more information on our products, or to place your order over the phone, give us a call at 1-800-564-8045.
Posted in Telecom News, Useful Apps | Comments Off on Be My Eyes App
Switch – Cloud Based Enterprise Phone
Switch is bringing the ultimate communication tools to businesses small and large. Its unified communications system provides a company’s employees one number to ring across various devices, as well as the ability to send messages, share calendars and documents within the infrastructure. This allows for employees to be more transparent and easily accessible within the company and, in turn, results in improved productivity.
Along with these great features, Switch is affordable and easy to install. For a low monthly price per employee, the business gets unlimited calls and texts. Employees can transfer their existing numbers over to the system, and Switch has partnered with a VoIP phone maker for those who require desk phones. Switch also collaborates with Google Apps so that each employee is tethered to a Google account. Administrators can then manage all accounts from the system’s dashboard, granting or withholding access as necessary.
The team behind Switch has quite a history. Members have been part of Grand Central, which we now know as Google Voice, and Uber Conference, a strong standalone conference system. With such great minds working on Switch, it’s no surprise that such a promising system was developed.
As Switch makes its way to the general public, the unified communications field may change. From what you know about Switch, in comparison to your business or workplace’s communication system, what are your thoughts? Share them with us. Find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Visit Startechtel.com for excellent business phones, phone systems and equipment. If you have any questions, please feel free to live chat with us online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045. Our office is open Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm.
Posted in Phone Systems | Comments Off on Switch – Cloud Based Enterprise Phone
How To Change The Date And Time On The Intertel Axxess 550.8560 Phone
Is the date and time incorrect on your Intertel Axxess 550.8560 phone? Follow the steps in our latest video tutorial to learn how to change the date and time on your Intertel phone.
To change the date and time on your Intertel Axxess 550.8560 phone, the phone must have administrator features. Without administrator features, the following steps will not work.
Once you have determined that your phone has administrator features, you may leave the phone on hook and enter the feature code for setting the network date and time. For networked phones, the code is 9810, and for non-networked phones, the code is 9800. The date and time should then appear on the display screen.
If the date is correct, you may press the pound key (#) to skip ahead to the time prompt. To change the date, use the keypad to enter the correct date in the MMDDYY format. For example, to change the date to January 14, 2008, you would enter 011408. If you make a mistake, you may use the MUTE button to delete, and the asterisk key (*) will allow you to start over.
To change the time, you must enter the time in a four digit format. For example, to input 8:00am, you would enter 0800. If your phone is using the 12-hour display, press 1 for AM and 2 for PM.
Once the date and time are correct, you may press the pound key (#) to finalize the changes. The display should then read “SYSTEM DATE AND TIME UPDATED.”
Should you forget these steps in the future, you can find this tutorial video and more on our YouTube channel. Never miss a tutorial by subscribing to our channel today! Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest, too.
Feel free to visit us online at Startechtel.com, or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045. Our expert staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Posted in Intertel Phones | Comments Off on How To Change The Date And Time On The Intertel Axxess 550.8560 Phone
Benefits of Hosted VoIP Solutions
While your current system may be working just fine, you may be missing out on the great benefits that come with switching to a hosted VoIP solution.
What is a hosted VoIP solution? They are phone systems that are based in the cloud. No more bulky equipment within your office, eliminating periodic maintenance calls and visits. All processes are handled offsite and within the cloud. Other benefits include the following.
Reduced Phone Bill
Your phone bill is drastically reduced as some systems offer pay as you go and grow plans. Also, it is easier to manage multiple offices as all locations are connected through the cloud.
Eliminate The Need For Expensive Hardware
Because your system is managed offsite, maintaining hardware in your office is unnecessary. The need for replacing old PBX equipment is no longer a worry, saving you more money in the long run.
Free, Helpful Features
Features like voicemail and auto attendant are offered at no extra charge. Your business can utilize these free features to your advantage, possibly resulting in increased efficiency and quality of work.
Use Your Smartphone With Your Business Number – Work On The Go!
Thanks to smart phone apps, you can conduct your business from your smart phone without using your personal number. Notifications for calls or faxes can be sent directly to your smart phone. You can take care of your personal and work business at the same time!
If your phone system is draining you with high phone bill and maintenance costs, it may be wise to consider switching to a hosted VoIP system. Startechtel.com can help you find quality VoIP phones to suit your business and office needs. Visit us online or give us a call to speak with a representative directly. You can reach us Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm at 1-800-564-8045. You can also connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest.
Posted in VoIP Phone Systems | Comments Off on Benefits of Hosted VoIP Solutions
