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Looking Back At The Big Changes In The Telecom Industry In 2014

As we embark on a new year, we take a look back at the big moments of 2014. These big moves, of course, play a role in what 2015 holds for us in terms of unified communications and the big contenders of the field.

telecommunications From Lync to Skype for Business

Aside from its name change, Microsoft Lync became a mainstay for many business communication systems. It’s common to see business and conference phones with Lync compatibility. The newest version, now designated Skype For Business, integrates both the Skype user interface with Lync’s exceptional features and reliable security. While some may dislike the name change, it makes sense for its evolution.

 

Mitel’s Big Movesmitel telecom news

In 2014, we saw Mitel make some bold decisions. Earlier in the year, Mitel acquired Aastra, advancing Mitel’s standing within the industry. Reeling with confidence, Mitel then made a bid for ShoreTel. This merger would have further strengthened the Mitel name. However, after repeated attempts and ShoreTel’s tenacity, Mitel withdrew and the two remain separate entities.

 

The New Cisco

cisco phone industry newsWith the introduction of new products and welcome upgrades, we saw Cisco gain momentum this year. Aside from the new products, Cisco announced new partnerships and moved forward with their Collaboration Cloud platform. It was a great year for Cisco and we look forward to what 2015 will bring.

These are only some of many moments from 2014 that changed the UC industry. What other events do you think made an impact last year? Do you have any predictions for 2015? We’re hoping for continued advancements and innovation. Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest and share your thoughts!

Startechtel.com supplies you with the best new and refurbished business phones, phone systems, networking equipment, and more. Visit us online to browse our inventory or give us a call to 1-800-564-8045. We are available Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm.

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How To Use The Nortel M7310 Business Phone

 

The Nortel M7310 is an excellent business phone, equipped with numerous features and functions to help you work more efficiently in the office. With a straightforward design and great versatility, the Nortel M7310 business phone is ideal for businesses large and small.

The Nortel M7310 features your standard corded handset and key pad, along with 10 programmable line buttons and 12 dual-function memory buttons surrounding an LCD display screen.

The 10 programmable line buttons are found on the bottom right side of the phone, with the bottom right button fixed as a hands free speaker button. Programmed by your system administrator, a panel going down the middle of these buttons allows for button labels.

Just above these buttons are soft keys that correspond with the 2 line x 16 character LCD display screen. This screen displays the date and time, caller ID information, and more. The soft keys allow you to easily navigate through the display menu.

Above your display screen, you’ll see 12 buttons and a triangle shaped button to the right of them. These are the 12 dual-function memory buttons and the triangular button is the shift key, which allows you to access the secondary functions of these buttons.

For more information on how to use your Nortel M7310 phone, feel free to watch our tutorial video. You may also visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045.

Don’t miss a tutorial! Visit our YouTube channel and subscribe today! You can also find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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New Year’s Cards Are The New Holiday Cards

The holiday season can be rather hectic. Event after event, shopping, gift wrapping, and delivering gifts – it seems like the tasks are never ending. Amid all the stress and chaos, did sending out a Christmas card slip your mind? It’s going to be okay, and here’s why.

Sending out a New Year’s card is much more practical and buys you more time to get them out. Once Christmas is over and done with, you can breathe a bit, thus giving you time to put together your New Year’s Card. And think, while you’re greeting friends and family with well wishes for the New Year, these can also double as Thank You Cards.

Wishing someone a Happy New Year with a heartfelt message seems like a more personal and touching greeting than a Holiday card with a rushed, general message. With more time to think and reflect on what you want to say, your greeting will come off as more sincere and genuine, which most people would appreciate.

Bottom line is that a greeting card, no matter what the reason, is always a nice way to keep in touch with friends and family. While we can simply pick up a phone and shoot a text or call someone, there’s something sweet and sentimental about snail mail.

Do any of you opt for sending a New Year’s greeting card versus a Holiday card? How have your friends and family responded? We would love to hear about your personal experiences. Please share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Your friends at Startechtel.com would like to wish you much happiness, success, and love in the New Year. May 2015 be the best year yet.  Have a safe & Happy New Year!

 

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Shop Startechtel.com’s Holiday Sale!

 

In the spirit of the season, Startechtel.com wants to give back to you. As a ‘thank you’ for your continued loyalty and support, we are offering a special promotion.

From December 22, 2014 until January 2, 2015, shop with us and earn special gifts. When you spend $250 or more, you’ll receive a free $20 Target gift card. When you spend $650 or more, you’ll receive a free $50 Visa gift card. And for orders of $1000 or more, you’ll receive a free Blu-Ray disc player! Hurry, while supplies last!

This offer is based on website pricing only and may not be combined with any other offers. To receive the promotional gifts, customers must meet the minimum purchase and mention promo when ordering (Online Orders – please mention promo in the Order Comments box). Gift cards and Blu-Ray players will be mailed within one week of purchase. This promotion ends on January 2, 2015 so shop now before it’s too late!

Our inventory is filled with new and refurbished business phones and phone systems from top manufacturers. Visit us online to browse our selection or place your order over the phone – call 1-800-564-8045.

Wishing you the best this holiday season from everyone at StarTechTel.com!

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How To Change The Phone Password On The 550.4400 Intertel Axxess

 

Having trouble with your Intertel Axxess 550.4400 phone? Don’t remember how to change the password? Lucky for you, we’ve got a video that will demonstrate how to do it. Follow along step by step with our tutorial on how to change the password on your Intertel Axxess 550.4400 phone.

To begin, you can either pick up the handset or use the speakerphone, and dial 392. Next, you enter your current password (if this is the first time changing your password, the default is your extension number) followed by the pound sign (#). You may then enter the new password you wish to use, followed by the pound sign (#). Listen for a confirmation tone, and after you hear it, enter your new password again followed by the pound sign (#) for verification purposes. After you hear another confirmation tone, your password has been changed and you may hang up.

Our series of tutorials are here to help you with common problems encountered with popular business phone models. Visit our YouTube Channel and subscribe! You may also connect with us on our social networks – Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Find our wide selection of business phones, phones systems, networking equipment and more online. You can contact us Monday – Friday 7:00am-5:00pm at 1-800-564-6294.

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Benefits Of Upgrading To A VoIP Phone System

So you’ve had your phone system for years. Sure, you’ve had your ups and downs, but ip business phonesyou’re so accustomed to it and you’ve invested the time and money to maintain it, it feels pointless to upgrade. You could be doing yourself and your business a disservice.

Change is hard, but it can be good for your business. Your money would be better spent upgrading to a VoIP phone system, rather than fixing issues with your existing system. With a VoIP phone system, the total cost of ownership is lower in the long run, and you get excellent features and adaptability up front.

Special Features

With VoIP systems, you get a better variety of features than the limited abilities of an old PBX system. Aside from basic features, like caller ID and call forwarding, you can integrate various forms of communication. Your calls can be automatically forwarded to your mobile phone when you’re out of the office, and voicemails may be forwarded to you via email so you can listen to them from your computer. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) integration allows customer information to automatically pop up when they call, allowing you to better service your customers.

Phone Options

The options for VoIP phones are vast. Smart design and convenient features allow you to work remotely and efficiently. For example, softphones allow you to connect to your computer and make calls over the internet with software. With CRM integration, this helps to easily navigate through your customer profile and communicate with them through your computer. Your productivity could increase noticeably, helping your business thrive.

Maintenance & Development

Since VoIP phone systems are managed through network connections, maintenance and simple upgrades can be scheduled to avoid peak hours and executed quickly. Much like your computer, you may also backup your phone system configurations, should anything occur. Because of the convenience of network connections, VoIP systems offer much more flexibility when it comes to scalability and expansion.

Considering upgrading to a VoIP phone system? Let Startechtel.com help you! Browse our selection online, or speak directly with our knowledgeable staff. Feel free to contact us at 1-800-564-8045. Our offices are open Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm.

You can also connect with us on our social networks. Find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest!

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Award-Winning Grandstream IP Video Phones Available on Startechtel.com

Grandstream Networks has something new to brag about. As a top contender in the IP voice and video markets, it’s only natural that Grandstream receive due accolades for its innovative products. The Grandstream GXV3240 & GXV3275 IP Video Phones For Android were awarded the 2014 Lync Pioneer Award. These phones the only desk phones within the Lync ecosystem to support native Lync video calling and video conferencing, without requiring an external camera. And luckily, you can find both of these phones on StarTechTel.com

Grandstream GXV3240 Multimedia IP Phone for Android™

Business Phone SystemsOur Grandstream GXV3240 Innovative Android OS Video Phone offers an all-in-one communications solution. Integrating video conferencing with your Android smart phone offers a well-rounded device. This phone also offers 6 lines with up to 6 SIP accounts, up to 6-way audio conference and 3-way video conference. With a smart price and exceptional features and options, it’s no wonder this IP phone won the Lync Pioneer Award.

Grandstream GXV3275 IP Multimedia Phone for Android™

Our Grandstream GXV3275 Multimedia IP Phone for Android is an excellent business business phonesphone. Boasting a 7” (1024×600) capacitive (5 points) touch screen TFT LCD and mega pixel CMOS sensor camera with privacy shutter, you get the best in both video and audio conferencing and communication. Full integration with Microsoft Lync Mobile through your Android smart phone allows for all your necessary apps to be right at your fingertips at all times.

For more information on these spectacular IP video phones, or any of our products, please contact us at 1-800-564-8045. Our office is open Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm. You can always browse our full inventory online at StarTechTel.com. Feel free to connect with us on our social networks as well – Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.

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Happy Thanksgiving From StarTechTel.com!

business phonesNow is a great time to let you know how much we appreciate all of your loyalty and support. Everyone at StarTechTel.com wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving!

We will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2014 and Friday, November 28, 2014 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, December 2, 2014. Thank you for understanding.

Be safe & have a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your holiday weekend.

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Why Video Conferencing Is Right For Your Business

Have you adopted a video conferencing phone system for your business? Those that have know how easy, convenient, and valuable this technology can be for the workplace. For those of you that haven’t, video conferencing systems can boost the overall performance for your business.

Is the cost of upgrading or adding equipment to your existing phone system intimidating? It shouldn’t be, because the benefits of video conferencing will pay off in the end. Some of these benefits include:

Optimized Efficiency

Being able to facilitate face-to-face communication with the push of a few buttons offers your employees a useful communication tool. Facilitating meetings over the video conferencing system allows each person involved to participate from the comfort of their own office or home. Ideas, messages, and announcements can reach employees almost immediately and easily.

Effective Communication

Miscommunication leads to problems, both big and small. Enabling speedy, face-to-face communication helps to portray the appropriate feelings behind messages. As through text and emails, messages can be misread and misconstrued. With video conferencing, your facial expressions, intonations, and body language can be picked up and interpreted accordingly.

Cutting Costs

This may seem like a contradiction, but by paying more for a video conferencing phone system, you end up saving more in the long run. As mentioned previously, virtual meetings can be held in office or across the country. You can save time and travel costs by making the most of video conferencing technology.

For those of you currently utilizing a video conference system within your office, are there any pros or cons that we missed? Share your experiences with peers by connecting through our social networks. You can find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Considering a video conferencing system? Shop our selection of video phones and conference phones, or request a free phone system quote online at StarTechTel.com. You may also speak with our knowledgeable staff directly at 1-800-564-8045.

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Mitel Withdraws Bid For ShoreTel

Telecom NewsEarlier this year, we discussed Mitel’s acquisition of Aastra. That merger proved beneficial for Mitel as they continue to thrive. With this added confidence and a strong drive, Mitel went after another big brand.

Mitel was gunning to acquire ShoreTel, sadly, to no avail. After the initial bid was rejected, Mitel revised its offer and came back with an increased bid valuing ShoreTel at about $574 million. The proposal was supposed to be open until November 20, 2014. But because ShoreTel persistently put off any talks of the transaction, Mitel decided to rescind their bid prematurely.

As it stands in the Unified Communications market, Cisco ranks number one, with Avaya, ShoreTel, and Mitel following respectively. Had ShoreTel accepted the offer, Mitel/ShoreTel would have surpassed Avaya, taking the number two spot and bumping Avaya to third.

While this is good news for Avaya, it is also exactly what ShoreTel wanted. They were clearly not interested in the offer. Customers and shareholders can rest easier at night knowing the deal has been terminated, and for now, no mergers will be happening.

Were you for or against this merger? Were you interested to see how it would impact the telecom world? Share your thoughts and ideas with us. Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and you can now find us on Pinterest!

Startechtel.com offers quality products and service. Find top brands for unified communications, like Cisco, Avaya, ShoreTel and Mitel, when you browse our inventory online at StarTechTel.com. You can also reach us directly at 1-800-564-8045. Our offices are open Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm.

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