Blue Light Emergency Phones
These blue light emergency phones can be seen on nearly every college campus, and, while they may not be used as often, it doesn’t seem like they’re going anywhere. Since they are already set up, are relatively easy to maintain, and can be of great help in emergency situations, there is no immediate need to uproot these phones.
The blue light emergency phones provide a direct connection to campus police. These phones are more convenient that memorizing the campus police phone number or searching for it in your cell phone. Because it’s campus police, the response time is also likely to be faster than calling local police from your cell phone.
Most people usually have their cell phones with them, but in the event that a student leaves their phone in their room or their battery has died, these emergency phones provide an easy and reliable way to get help.
Also, when a call is made, the blue strobe light is activated, easily alerting others of a nearby dilemma. Other students can attempt to help or, in extreme situations, seek refuge from the potential assailant. The blue light also helps the campus police determine the location of the incident.
While some are ditching the blue light emergency phone system, many are still maintaining and even upgrading their systems. Updated phones may include security cameras and paging systems from campus wide announcements.
Overall, these campus emergency phone systems seem like a good system to keep around. In the wake of recent campus violence, any extra means for safety are a good idea.
For phone systems, emergency phones or personal emergency alert pendants, visit Startechtel.com. Can’t find what you need? Give us a call toll-free at 1-800-564-8045; our staff would be pleased to assist your search.
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Video Phones In The Workplace
This law firm is implementing a video phone telecommunication system throughout their offices worldwide. In an attempt to replicate in-person contact, employees’ offices are equipped with video phones. While some have adopted this system, others are reluctant to fully participate, tilting the camera to display the ceiling or even blocking the camera.
With video phones, it’s hard to be distracted during a call, as it simulates a face to face interaction. This keeps you focused on the conversation at hand while minimizing miscommunications. It will also help workers build stronger relationships with clients and co-workers.
Concerns may stem from the inability to really multitask while conversing. The argument can be made that it is quality over quantity of work. Also, some may be concerned with appearance, no longer able to hide behind the phone line or computer. While these vanity issues seem like a nuisance, making an effort to look presentable can boost confidence. Increased confidence can improve mood and positively influence productivity.
Fiscally, this is fairly significant endeavor. The firm believes these video phones are a sound investment. Despite those who approach these phones with hesitation, the goal is to make video conferencing as common as email. Over time, workers will hopefully warm up
to the new system and the firm will experience stronger connections.
We carry a variety of video phones for your home or business needs. Find new and refurbished items to accommodate your budget. Call us at 1-800-564-8045 or visit us online at Startechtel.com. Invest in meaningful interactions in your home or office today.
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Could 911 Emergency Centers Switch From An Analog System To An IP System?
By adding the option to text in emergencies, this helps those with hearing issues contact 911 without having to use additional assistive devices. Text-to-911 also benefits those who cannot risk being heard or found in their situation. For example, as seen in many movies, when an intruder is in the house, it’s often that emergency call that gets the person caught. Texting provides a covert way to alert authorities, possibly minimizing safety risk for the individual.
Upgrading to an IP system will allow interconnection between various public safety answering points (PSAPs). This means that, should a PSAP lose power or become affected by a natural disaster of some sort, calls directed to that PSAP can be rerouted to the nearest functioning PSAP. This keeps emergency services available in extreme situations.
With advantages come disadvantages. The idea of upgrading all systems sounds good in theory, but the act of getting clearance, funding and the actual process of replacing equipment can be time consuming, complicated and costly. On top of that, 911 services are handled differently from state to state.
Another concern is the text-to-911. I’m sure we’ve all encountered unsent texts or delivered texts that were never received. When using text-to-911, there is no way to determine whether or not the text was actually received. That, in itself is a problem, as emergencies may go unattended.
However, even if the text is received, there’s a lot that can be lost in translation. Receiving a text message varies greatly from an actual phone call, where you can hear inflection in a person’s voice, as well as background noise that can provide different clues. Without hearing a person’s voice, urgency can be misinterpreted, which can throw off prioritizing certain emergency situations.
While there are still some areas to be discussed and finalized, the push to upgrade emergency systems and services on all fronts will likely prove to be greatly beneficial. As with every new venture, there may be hiccups in the early stages, but only time will tell how this will all work out.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this subject – feel free to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ and let us know what you think. And for your phone system needs, visit us online at Startechtel.com or call us toll-free at 1-800-564-8045.
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What’s The Best Business Phone System For You?
You must also consider your budget and the amount of people in your business. Is your business likely to expand and grow within the first few years? You may want to opt for a larger capacity system or one that will be easy to expand.
With advancing technologies, it may be wise to ditch the analog system and go for VoIP system. While they may cost more, you are paying for clearer calls, less dropped calls, and better efficiency. Unified communications abilities will link all your means of contact together preventing you from missing an important call. This can result in better productivity within your business, making your investment solid.
You will want to choose between an on-premise system versus a cloud system. Would you rather have the equipment in office and manage it yourself or are you willing to let a third party manage and maintain your system? There are pros and cons to both, but it depends on your personal preferences and what’s more reasonable for your setting.
If you have existing phone system equipment, you must be sure your new equipment is compatible. Avoid excess costs by checking compatibility first. Along the same lines, you want to be sure that the equipment is user friendly and you feel comfortable with the system.
The best business phone system for you is one that makes you feel comfortable with its features and confident in its performance. It will help boost your productivity thus decreasing cost of ownership in the long run. It will connect communication channels to provide an improved business environment.
Let Startechtel.com help you find the best business phone system for you. Visit us online to browse our equipment or fill out our free phone system quote form. You may also contact us toll-free at 1-800-564-8045 to speak directly to one of our informed representatives.
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Jabra Products
Our Jabra Bluetooth headsets have great battery life along with compact and comfortable
design. A great hands free alternative, Jabra Bluetooth headsets are perfect for people on the go. Purchase a single headset or pair it with a convenient touch screen charging station.
Jabra corded headsets supply a direct and secure connection, eliminating the need for charging. Optimal for the worker tied to his or her desk, our Jabra corded headsets deliver superior performance with easy plug-and-play installation.
Some prefer a secure connection, others need to move. Our Jabra cordless headsets will let you do just that. Our Jabra cordless headsets boast extreme versatility by permitting multitasking. This can lead to better productivity within the workplace. You can pair your headset with a headset lifter, offering more convenience.
Jabra headsets are compatible with nearly all major brands. Choose any Jabra headset and it should sync easily with your business phone or smart phone. Aside from its great compatibility, Jabra headsets feature advanced noise cancellation technology to produce the best audio with minimal interference.
We are proud that our selection of quality products is expanding. Shop our newest addition of Jabra headsets and accessories at Startechtel.com. Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-564-8045 to speak directly with our staff.
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Save Money by Upgrading Your Business Phone System
Your old phone system may be working fine, but it could be costing you more to maintain than simply upgrading to a new business phone system. Maybe you don’t like change and don’t want to have to learn a new system, but upgrading could benefit you and your business in numerous ways.
Maintenance in itself can take time and money considering older parts are harder to find, thus increasing their price as well. Also, finding a technician familiar with the system can be difficult. Installing a new system, and possibly upgrading to a VoIP or Cloud-based system, can decrease maintenance expenses and improve reliability.
Switching to a digital system can also boost efficiency. Call logs can be recorded in real time and stored for future reference and connectivity is faster and clearer over a digital system. This helps your employees save time, process more calls and reduce confusion.
Digital systems can also offer better features in comparison to older systems. As
technology advances, certain features become standard, and are not always offered with older phone systems. Call forwarding, for example, allows a person to receive calls when working out in the field. Voicemail alerts and the ability to check messages remotely help the worker stay connected. These features may not be available with older systems, possibly interfering with your business productivity.
If you have a larger company with multiple locations, you can benefit from upgrading to a Cloud-based system. With this system, you can connect multiple locations through the same system. Because it functions through the internet, connection is fairly rapid and secure.
With many things to consider, upgrading your business phone system can be a wise option for you. While it may cost more upfront, upgrading can lead to a lower total cost of ownership in the long run.
Explore your options with Startechtel.com online or speak directly with our sales team at 1-800-564-8045. Get a free quote or discuss different options with us – we’re happy to
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Special Needs Phones
Those in the hard of hearing population may find amplified ringers, handsets and headsets
beneficial to their telecommunication needs. Because one sense is diminishing, other senses step up to compensate. This is precisely why amplified ringers and doorbell signalers usually come with a visual sensor as well. If they have trouble hearing the rings, a flashing light may be easier to grab their attention.
For the visually impaired individuals, large, raised fonts, Braille and large buttons on phones may make it easier to dial and read the caller id. The raised fonts or Braille allow the person to use their tactile senses to identify what’s what. These big buttons and larger handsets may also assist those with arthritis problems or carpal tunnel syndrome, who cannot easily manipulate their hands and fingers anymore.
We also carry other helpful products such as bed shaker alarm clocks and amplified doorbell signalers with flashing light. These adaptive devices allow individuals to function
independently.
Shop our selection of special needs products for those with hearing, vision, dexterity or mobility problems online at Startechtel.com. You can also give us a call toll-free at 1-800-564-8045 and speak directly with our friendly and helpful staff.
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Panasonic Business Phone Systems
Panasonic offers sophisticated business phones to supply consumers with the best features suited to their needs. Most Panasonic business phones are relatively easy to relocate, have built-in LCD screens and possess helpful features such as Power over Ethernet (PoE), caller ID, Bluetooth capabilities and more. With sleek yet durable designs, you’re sure to find a Panasonic business phone perfect for you.
Aside from great phones, Panasonic also has an excellent line of accessories to enhance and expand their phones and systems. Whether it is an AC adaptor, USB module or DSS console, you can be sure these accessories are reliable and convenient.
At Startechtel.com, we feature three impressive Panasonic phone system packages. Our first package features a Panasonic Key Service Unit (configured for 3 lines and 8 stations) with three 7700 series phones. We also carry a Panasonic Digital Endpoint bundle, which is offered with or without a voicemail system. Both bundles include a Hybrid IP-PBX phone system and three Digital Endpoint phones.
Conveniently, you can build upon these packages based on your specific needs. Add the Panasonic products you need by browsing our vast selection online. Any questions may be directed to our friendly staff, via live chat or phone at 1-800-564-8045. Start building your Panasonic business phone system today.
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IP PBX Phone Systems
A standard PBX requires outside lines and can limit your expansion abilities. An IP PBX integrates voice & data through VoIP technologies. This can provide convenient unified communications (email/voicemail/fax) as well as an easy way to expand as your business grows. Data is transmitted over LAN or WAN and provides a better connection with less fuss – no need to bother with cables & wiring. Long distance fees are thrown out the window and your system relies on a single network. An IP PBX can greatly simplify your hardware system.
Lately, Cloud-Based IP PBX systems have been gaining momentum. The appeal of Cloud communications is that everything is managed over the internet, not relying on a premise-based system. Basically, a Cloud-based system is more like a software system as opposed to the in-office hardware system that is a premise-based system. Cloud-based is ideal for larger companies managing numerous offices in different locations. Your voice and data costs are consolidated to one lump bill, and all locations are connected to the Cloud, making it easier to manage.
While the Cloud-based & Premise-based IP PBX systems run similarly, it breaks down to whether you prefer to have the hardware in your office versus leaving your system in the hands of the “cloud” system. When running a Cloud-based system, a reliable WAN connection is vital to your system. Connection to the Cloud is ever important. For an IP PBX system, a dependable LAN connection is key. The choice comes down to your business needs.
If you need help deciding which way to go or have general questions regarding PBX phone systems, don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-564-8045. Our knowledgeable & friendly staff will be glad to help you. You can also browse our selection online at Startechtel.com, or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ for special promotions and deals.
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Mitel – Aastra Merger / Twice as Good
Mitel acquired Aastra in a merger that was finalized on Friday, January 31, 2014. With both companies focused on a wide range of business communications yet strengths in different areas, this merger should prove profitable for those involved.
Aastra has been known for its comprehensive line featuring excellent communication platforms, applications, mobility solutions with an array of office phones. Providing affordable and attractive business phones, whether digital, IP or Microsoft Lync phones, Aastra does not disappoint with exceptional features and functional design.
Offering great IP and digital phones as is, Mitel has now expanded its products and services. Simplistic and user-friendly design combined with a plethora of features addressing different functions make Mitel a coveted manufacturer.
As this merger is fairly new, it will be interesting to see how this all pans out. With two great companies with grand reputations and excellent products and services to back that up, we can only hope for the best.
Mitel and Aastra are among our best sellers at Startechtel.com. You can find both new and refurbished Mitel and Aastra products online, or you can give us a call at 1-800-564-8045 and we can process your order or answer your questions over the phone.
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