Starbucks Wireless Phone-Charging Stations
It’s likely we’ve all experienced this at least once: searching for an open outlet to charge our phones so we take advantage of the Starbucks atmosphere and free Wi-Fi while powering up. With the installment of these wireless phone-charging mats, there’s no need to carry our chargers or depend on outlet availability.
Some Starbucks locations in Boston and San Jose have begun executing these charging stations, but the question still remains: will this work? The wireless charging stations are Duracell Powermats, but not all phones are equipped with wireless phone-charging abilities. There are phone accessories on the market which will enable this wireless charging, but will the masses give in? If so, the wireless charging industry may see a substantial boost in sales.
Aside from compatibility issues, this venture could turn out to be a promising one. With coffee, free Wi-Fi and charging stations, will more business people opt to work out of the office and in a Starbucks? Will this eventually take a toll on productivity? Does this further illustrate our dependence on technology?
We would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Tweet your opinions @Startechtel, post your thoughts on our Facebook wall, or share with us on Google+.
For your communication and networking needs, visit Startechtel.com and find business phones, phones systems, networking equipment, parts and accessories, and more. If you require assistance, feel free to live chat with us online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045.
Posted in Telecom News | Comments Off on Starbucks Wireless Phone-Charging Stations
Voice vs. Text – Which Method Of Communication Will Prevail?
Voice-to-text or voicemail transcription allows voicemail messages to be converted into either text messages or emails. The benefit of this would be allowing a better timeline for messages in one place. No need to take the time to call your voicemail inbox to listen to messages. The downfall would be availability and accuracy of transcription. What you say and what people hear or read can vary drastically. For example, how accurate is the voice command on your smart phone? Have you ever misinterpreted a text because you read something wrong, or a key word was missing?
Despite the shift away from it, voice messages and live phone calls still hold substantial value. There will always be room for miscommunications, whether face to face or in text form, but when you’re speaking with a person over the phone or listening to a voice message, you get a more personal exchange. You can interpret the inflections and tone of voice for a better understanding of the message, whatever it is.
But in terms of convenience, for most people these days, email and text messages seemingly win. With smart phones allowing us to easily access our email accounts, and text messages serving as a more immediate communication route, phone calls and voice messages may become a thing of the past. These days, people don’t bother setting up their voicemail or fail to leave voice messages, instead sending a quick text to follow up the call. Smart phones even offer a text option if you reject a call. Voicemail transcription seems like the only way to keep voicemail alive in this text-based society.
And in the sense of true unified communications, voicemail transcription would take us a 
step closer to that. But are we willing to trade convenience for quality communication? Would you prefer voicemail transcriptions or do you still rely on voice messages? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
For your communication system needs, let Startechtel.com help you. Visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045. We’re open Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm PST. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have and assist you in placing your order.
Posted in Phone Systems | Comments Off on Voice vs. Text – Which Method Of Communication Will Prevail?
Transitioning From POTS to VoIP Phone Systems
It’s no surprise that slowly, but surely, landlines are being phased out. How many of you still use a landline at your home or business? With the introduction of VoIP phone systems, plain old telephone service (POTS) is diminishing, but will it ever go away completely? If major phone companies have any say, then the answer is yes. AT&T has already chosen two cities to be guinea pigs for eliminating landlines completely.
Leaving landlines behind means turning to VoIP phone systems and mobile services, both if which do not provide the reliability of POTS. Are we willing to sacrifice reliability for cost and convenience?
A switch to VoIP phone systems enables a significant cut in costs, providing both phone and internet service for one low price, with the benefits of advanced features. Convenience through integrated communications is enticing enough, but a lower cost is the icing on the cake. While the Internet can provide a faster connection and the ability to sync all of our communications, its connection is unpredictable in comparison to POTS. With inconsistent connections, call quality and ability can be compromised.
With POTS, great reliability is standard. Think back to your landline: how often did you encounter a dropped call? Was the sound quality, more or less, stable and clear? There are certain aspects of POTS that cannot be replaced, but this dependability comes at a cost. POTS typically cost more and features, such as long-distance calling, are added expenses. On the other hand, familiarity makes landlines easy to set up and use.
The transition from POTS to VoIP phone systems seems inevitable and quite difficult. While many have already abandoned POTS for a strictly mobile phone communications, to get rid of it completely will take time. Reliability seems to be the main issue, with alarm systems and public safety services expecting stable, unfailing connection in times of emergency.
Have you switched from POTS to a VoIP system? Or do you use your mobile phone as your main communication device? Which do you prefer? Do you believe there’s no escaping the eradication of landlines? Share your thoughts – find us on Twitter, Facebook, or Google+.
For business phones, phone systems, and equipment, choose StarTechTel.com. Find a great selection of VoIP phones, networking equipment, and more online. Feel free to give us a call at 1-800-564-8045 with any questions or to place your order over the phone.
Posted in Vodavi Phone Systems, VoIP Phone Systems | Comments Off on Transitioning From POTS to VoIP Phone Systems
What Type Of Phone System Works Best For Your Business?
Landline phone systems offer the best reliability, but costs can be higher. If you have a small to medium sized business working within an office, a landline system may make more sense. Your calls have a much smaller chance of being dropped and clarity of the call is better and more reliable.
VoIP phone systems are Internet-based and can be cheaper than a landline. With advancing technology, VoIP phone systems can work almost as reliable and fully as a landline system. However, internet service can be sketchy at times, depending on your provider. If you are confident with your provider, you may want to choose a VoIP system to save a decent amount of money. If you have any doubts or qualms, you may want to skip this system.
The benefit and problem with mobile phones only is that you can take it with you. This makes you easily accessible, but also keeps you plugged into work all the time. If you maintain two separate phones, a personal cell and business cell, that doubles your phone bills. If you consolidate your business and work phone, it may be hard to track which calls, emails or texts were worked related or not. While this poses some difficulty, the significant price difference and convenience of always having your work with you can prove noticeably beneficial. This option works best if you own a small company and you are the sole contact person.
The phone system that best suits you depends on the industry you are in and the size of your company. For very small or start-up companies, mobile phone systems can be easy, especially if there are a limited number of contact people. For small to medium businesses based within an office or store, a landline or VoIP system could be beneficial. VoIP systems with be dependent upon the reliability of the local internet service provider. For larger businesses, budgets are noticeably higher, so a combination of these phone systems could work best, to yield greater productivity rates.
Let us help you decide what works best and track down the appropriate equipment for you. Give us a call at 1-800-564-8045 to speak directly with a salesperson, or browse online at Startechtel.com. If you come across any questions while browsing, feel free to start a live chat with us – you will find the live chat option in the upper left hand corner.
Posted in Phone Systems | Comments Off on What Type Of Phone System Works Best For Your Business?
Intertel Axxess 550.8560 Large Display Business Phone
The Intertel Axxess 550.8560 business phone offers a large, 6×16 character LCD display with 8 soft keys. This beautiful, large display screen has an adjustable LCD contrast, making it easier to read caller ID, date, time, and more. The soft keys help to guide you through menus and features. No need to reference a user manual, you can easily browse through menus on the display screen.
Adaptable and user friendly, the Intertel Axxess 550.8560 display phone is ideal for various environments and industries. An adjustable base helps to fit your stand preference, while the 8 levels of volume for the speakers, ringer and handset cater to your hearing ability. With a message lamp, you can rest assured you’ll be alerted for a call or voicemail. Worried the lamp or screen may go out? The Intertel Axxess 550.8560 business phone performs a self-test to check the keys, lamps and LCD screen. The phone takes care of itself!
With 23 programmable keys, you have the choice of setting your most used functions to keys of your liking. Choose from functions like answer, transfer, hold, conference call, and more. You may also store up to 10 speed dial contacts, making it easier to place calls to people you communicate with regularly.
The Intertel Axxess phone also allows you to answer calls in hands-free mode. A convenient headset jack provides more versatility during calls, and possibly benefiting productivity overall.
With numerous helpful and convenient features along with affordability, the Intertel 
Axxess 550.8560 display phone is a steal. Its attractive design, ease of use and versatility make it hard to deny.
Shop the Intertel Axxess 550.8560 Large Display phones online at Startechtel.com today. We offer both new and refurbished Intertel Axxess 550.8560 phones, in the charcoal color. For specific questions, join a live chat with us online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045.
Posted in Intertel Phones | Comments Off on Intertel Axxess 550.8560 Large Display Business Phone
Microsoft-Nokia Merger
A deal that was proposed in September 2013 has finally come to fruition, a mere seven months later. The integration of Microsoft and Nokia seemed out of the blue and confusing, and analysts were quick to weigh in on the decision.
With both companies working closely together over the years, and Nokia’s recent underwhelming sales, it made sense that Microsoft would extend an arm to save the declining company. Both companies have faced struggles with an industry heavily dominated by iOS and Android platforms.
In order to make an impact, innovative minds from Microsoft and Nokia must work together to improve their existing products or create a new device with the best of their collective inventory. A Windows phone with a more expansive inventory of apps, exquisite camera quality and abilities, and attractive designs for ease of use can potentially provide stiff competition for the existing devices on the market. With many accustomed to either iOS or Android devices, this may be a long and difficult journey ahead of Microsoft. But even the slightest improvement is a step in the right direction.
It will be interesting to see what comes of this deal. Share your thoughts on Microsoft acquiring Nokia with us on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. Visit Startechtel.com for great new or refurbished telecommunications equipment and support. We offer a variety of services, simply visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045. We are always willing to help.
Posted in Telecom News | Comments Off on Microsoft-Nokia Merger
Your Wireless Connection and Networking Equipment
When connection is slow, it’s common for people to take a look at bandwidth. Along with this, the number of devices must be evaluated as bandwidth allotment depends upon that. Which router is best suited for you will be dependent upon your individual needs. Some routers have better bandwidth but can only accommodate so many devices. Other routers maintain a lower bandwidth, but can connect more devices. Utilizing the maximum number of devices for a given router may compromise performance. You may want to limit the number of devices, or possibly add more routers to your network.
Along the same lines, the types of devices connected can affect connection and bandwidth. Take a look at how many mobile phones, laptops, etc. will be connecting to the router and go from there. You may configure your router based on this information. Also, it’s important to make sure that no unauthorized devices are connecting to your network. Not only will this slow your connection, it may open your network up to hackers and compromised security.
Location is an important aspect as well. Signal will be hard to transmit through thick walls. Figure out where most devices will be situated and find an open area to place the router with the appropriate connections. Depending on the spread of these devices, the frequency can be set for a small or large area accordingly.
It may also help to prioritize tasks during peak usage times. Any maintenance or updating should be done at night, when workers are out of office. In terms of updating, it’s important to keep the router up to date. This will help performance and security.
While these pointers seem like commonsense, one of them could be keeping you from the maximum performance of your wireless connectivity.
Find great networking equipment and accessories at Startechtel.com. Have questions about our products? Give us a call at 1-800-594-8045 and our staff will be happy to help.
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Your Wireless Connection and Networking Equipment
Business Communication Is Shifting Towards BYOD
It’s hard enough for people to disconnect from their personal cell phones, so what happens when work and business is added to the mix? Using cell phones as business phones can be more convenient for certain companies and industries, but it is a practice that can put workers at risk, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Businesses that use BYOD or supply work cell phones should enforce the fact that business calls should not be handled while driving. A hands free alternative should be provided as needed. However, if an employee is at fault in an accident involving cell phones and business calls, businesses could find themselves in hot water. With smart planning and compliant workers, these programs can work, but businesses and employees alike should proceed with caution.
Another potential problem with having a work cell phone is that you may never completely detach from work. It’s important to be able to separate leisure time and work time. Being available at all times can lead to stress and poor health choices. Is the benefit of a more flexible schedule worth the potential risk of burnout?
Does your company utilize a BYOD program or do they supply work cell phones? How has this impacted your work and home life? Have there been any problems with distracted driving? We want to hear about your personal experience and what you have to say about this topic. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
For business phones, parts, and accessories, networking equipment, phone systems and more, visit Startechtel.com. Call us toll-free at 1-800-564-8045 to speak directly with our sales representatives – we are happy to help.
Posted in Business Phone Systems | Comments Off on Business Communication Is Shifting Towards BYOD
April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. While texting and cell phone use are major concerns as of late, other distractions include eating, drinking, grooming, adjusting radios and even talking to passengers. Fines for texting or handheld cell phone use are so high in hopes to deter drivers from engaging in the activity. These practices not only put the driver in danger, but also passengers, other drivers and innocent bystanders.
It is important to instill the fact that whatever it is, it can wait. Let the necessary people know you will be driving and take care of any business before you get on the road. Get your directions in order or set up your navigation, and then proceed. Turn your phone off or put it on silent so you won’t have the impulse to pick up your phone. Keep it out of reach and resist the urge to locate it while driving. If you absolutely need to use your phone, safely pull over on the side of the road or any safe area and attend to your business.
Bluetooth headsets and voice commands have made it easier for people to tend to their personal affairs while in the car, however, they can still be a distraction. Employ these hands free measures with caution, and stay alert while operating a motor vehicle.
Are you guilty of texting while driving? What will you do to stop distracted driving? Share your thoughts and opinions with us. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
At Startechtel.com, you can find great hands free options such as Bluetooth headsets. Shop online today or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045. Help stop distracted driving and make the roads safer for everyone.
Posted in Phone System Equipment | Comments Off on April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
