Tag: SoundTel

NEC Software Assurance Amnesty Program

Karl de Vera

As a small business owner, there are two things you never have enough of: time and money. So we all prioritize what we spend both on and make compromises. But sometimes trying to save time and money can cost you both. Now SoundTel and NEC have a special offer that will let you redo a costly decision.

NEC SWA CheckNEC’s Software Assurance Program made it easy for you to maintain the latest software and technology for your business. With the new Software Assurance Amnesty Program, now through March 31, 2014, you can renew an expired SWA contract (for qualifying NEC products) without paying reinstatement fees.

Maintaining your current SWA contract offers significant benefits:

  • Protect technology investments: Maintaining current systems and applications ensures you have the latest technology and tools to stay competitive.
  • Mitigate unforeseen costs: SWA enables you to stay current as technology evolves, alleviating unexpected costs and complexity of a major upgrade.
  • Simplify budget planning: Annual and multi-year contracts are available and eliminate the unexpected costs for bug fixes, service packs enhancements and new releases.
  • Try out the latest features: Upgraded software often includes free enhancement licenses to try out new features such as Desktop Suites and UMobility at no cost to you.

nec-monitor-152webIn addition to renewing your Software Assurance Program, consider addingSountel’s System Protection Plan. With the System Protection Plan,SoundTel will cover all of your telecom related products from your phone system to your phone bill. With an annual visit we can check your voicemail for security is-sues, train new staff and refresh veterans, examine your phone bill for potential savings and back up your existing voicemail and telephone systems database. We will also provide a little TLC for your phones by replacing designation labels.

Soundtel offers significant savings when purchasing these two programs together. Contact us for more details.

Contact SoundTel or call 425.481.5493 or 800.797.3663 before March 31, 2014 and we will help you find the best Software Assurance program for your business and tell you more about our System Protection Plans.

Welcome to UMobility: NEC UNIVERGE SV8100 Mobile Extension

Karl de Vera

To stay coTerminals_largempetitive in today’s business environment, your company needs to be flexible and always available. In this around the clock business world, mobility is a must. With NEC’s new Mobile Extension for the UNIVERGE SV8100, now you can be in the office 24/7. AndSoundTel can upgrade you now.

Mobile Extension gives you access to all of the features of your office phone from almost any external communications device, including your mobile phone, home phone or other device, to simulate an extension of your office phone. One number access lets your customers reach you wherever you are and they will never know you’re not at the office.

One-Number Access

With one number access, you can use the same business phone number for both your desktop phone and mobile extension so customers, vendors and business associates need only one number to reach you. This can dramatically decrease amount of time it takes you to respond.

Flexible Call Control

Incoming calls that are not answered by a mobile device can be set to follow internal routing, including to your office voice mail. You can also control who gets through. When you combine Mobile Extension with the SV8100 Call Forward Both Ring feature, both your desk phone and your mobile device ring simultaneously. Unanswered calls to your direct extension can be routed to office voice mail, while internal and transferred calls are not.

Management of Mobile Extension Calls in Progress

Remote Mobile Extension users can access their office phone features on their mobile device even when answering a Mobile Extension call. You can transfer the call, place it on hold or insert the caller into a conference right from the extension.

Access to All Key Desktop Telephone Features

Offsite workers can now manage the features of their office communications systems. With the UNIVERGEMobile Extension, they can access their office telephone-based productivity tools right on their mobile devices.

Mobility Features:

  • Enables mobile user to intercom anyone in the office using that person’s extension number instead of being routed through the receptionist or voice mail system.
  • A mobile user can mask their caller ID as their office number when making external calls.
  • The mobile user can transfer a call to an office extension directly.
  • If a call transferred to a mobile user isn’t answered, the call is sent to the user’s office voice mail instead of mobile voice mail.
  • When a call is sent to a user’s desk phone, the call can be set to ring on the desk phone and the mobile device at the same time.
  • While talking on the office phone a user can transfer the call to their mobile device, allowing the user to leave their office if needed.

nec-monitor-53-resized-600*Mobility requires a SoundTel technician to set up and train the user on the functions.
*Depending on phone system configuration, Mobility may require two phone lines to be in use on the phone system per user.
*Mobility uses 2 ports per user counting towards total phone system port availability and can be upgraded by a port upgrade license. (64 ports, 256 ports, 712 ports)

For 30 years, we have assisted companies like yours in their every communications need. We are a local, family-owned business invested in our community. ContactSoundTel or call 425.481.5493 or 800.797.3663 to learn more about the NEC UNIVERGE SV8100 Mobile Extension or any of the wide range of mobile communications solutions offered by SoundTel.

Plantronics Voyager Legend UC Headset

Karl de Vera

voyager-legend-ucCustomers and regular readers of our blog know that I am rarely without a phone headset. Since they are a constant fixture on my ear, I am always looking for the most comfortable, best sounding set I can find. Recently I discovered the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC headset, and I can honestly say it is the best set I have ever had.

The Voyager Legend UC is ideal for the demands of the mobile professional like me. It features easy connectivity to PCs, smartphones, and tablets, as well as precisely-tuned audio, easy-to-use voice controls and comes with advanced charging accessories.

The Voyager Legend UC was designed to work as a single headset on multiple devices. The Bluetooth® mini USB adapter can stay in your laptop USB port for always-ready PC connectivity, while the industry-first Smart Sensor™ technology lets you quickly take a call without a click – it senses when you put on the headset and automatically answers PC or mobile calls while softphone presence is automatically updated so colleagues know when you are available.

A newly added voice command menu lets you use your voice to answer calls, check battery level, redial, put headset in pairing mode and for a host of other headset commands. Caller Name Announcement (mobile only) tells you who is calling without needing to glance at your mobile phone, while enhanced voice alerts announce remaining talk time, connection status, battery level and mute. Precision tuned triple-mics with enhanced DSP provides for superior noise cancellation. PC Wideband delivers heightened speech clarity, for the best possible audio quality, while advanced WindSmart® technology provides three layers of wind protection. Integrated A2DP lets you listen to streaming media from your mobile phone or tablet.

The Voyager Legend UC includes two great charging/storage accessories. The portable charging case stores the headset and USB adapter and provides a visual battery status for both headset and charging case – delivering up to 14 hours of additional talk time. And when work takes you into the office, use the desktop stand for easy charging and storage.

voyager-legend_caseI use my mobile headset nonstop throughout the day and this is the best I have found for that type of usage. I always recommend customers use a high-quality headset like the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC to stay connected to their businesses and make the most of their time.

For 30 years, we have assisted companies like yours in their every communications need. We are a local, family-owned business invested in our community. Contact SoundTel or call 425.481.5493 or 800.797.3663 to learn more about the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC headset or any of the wide range of sets we carry, as well as all our mobile communications solutions.

Phone Tips and Tricks: Using Absence Message on your Panasonic Phone System

Karl de Vera

finger phoneWhen you are out of the office do your co-workers wonder where you are and when you will return? You can improve your inter office communications with Absence Message. When you use this feature the Absence Message will appear on the telephone display of the internal caller who calls your extension.

DBS-824 and Large DBS

To Assign the Absence Message:

Press ON/Off

Dial 71

Dial the message number (0-4 unless you have customer messages 5-9 set up)

0 = In Meeting

1= At Lunch

2=Out of office

3=Vacation

4=Another office

Dial the date or time of your return, using MM/DD or HH/MM (24-hour) format

Press ON/OFF

To Cancel Absence Message:

Press ON/Off

Dial #71

Press ON/OFF

DBS 576 and DBS 576HD

To Assign the Absence Message:

Press ON/Off

Dial 729

Dial the message number (0-4 unless you have customer messages 5-9 set up)

0 = In Meeting

1= At Lunch

2=Out of office

3=Vacation

4=Another office

Optionally, a return time can be input by entering up to a 4 digit number. Examples of return times include:

9 = Return 9:00

615=Return 6:15

Press HOLD

Press ON/OFF

To Cancel Absence Message:
Press ON/Off

Dial 729

Press HOLD

Press ON/OFF

NEChospitality77smSo the next time your are away from your desk give this feature a try.

For over 25 years, we have assisted companies like yours in their every communications need. We are a local, family-owned business invested in our community. Contact SoundTel or call 425.481.5493 or 800.797.3663 to learn about getting the most out of your phones, upgrading your current system and more. Arrange for your free 15 minute CheckIn communications system analysis andSoundTel can help make sure your business is protected.

Phone Tips and Tricks: Browser Based Maintenance on NEC Phone System

Karl de Vera

Collaboration_23Browser based maintenance is one of the best features of a modern business phone system. If you have an NEC IPK2 or newer system, this feature is available to you with NEC’s Web Pro. Below we review some of the most basic features of this program.

Web Pro for the NEC SV8100 and IPK2

To start the program:

  • Open Internet explorer (Web pro does not work properly with Chrome)
  • In the web address field enter the IP address of the phone system
  • Enter your user name then password. Both the user name and password are case sensitive.
  • Default user name: ADMIN1
  • Default password: 0000 (four zero’s)

If you are unable to log in:

  • Check your IP address
  • Check your user name and password, remember both are case sensitive
  • Check your internet access and access to your network. Both are needed to access Web Pro
  • Call SoundTel for help

Swapping two phone locations
Available with the SV8100 software 3.0 and above. If you own a SV8100 and do not see the following feature, you will need a firmware upgrade.

  • Log into the phone system administration page see “To start the program” above
  • Click on the Swap icon
  • Use the drop down menu to select the two extensions you want to swap locations
  • Ensure both users are not on the phone
  • Click the Apply button to save
  • All of the data for the phone is now swapped including name, buttons, extension number, and voicemail box

Change the name displayed on a phone

  • Log into the phone system administration page (see “To start the program” above)
  • Click on the System data icon
  • Click on 15.XX Extension setup to expand the column
  • Click on 15.01 Extension basic setup
  • Use the drop down menu to locate the extension name you want to change and click on it
  • In the field 01 Name clear the previous name and type the new name of the extension
  • Click on the Apply button to save

nec-monitor-53-resized-600For over 25 years, we have assisted companies like yours in their every communications need. We are a local, family-owned business invested in our community. Contact SoundTel or call 425.481.5493 or 800.797.3663 to learn about internet security, anti-virus, firewall protection and more. Arrange for your free 15 minute CheckIn communications system analysis and SoundTel can help make sure your business is protected.

 

 

Basic Troubleshooting for Your Communication System

Karl de Vera

phonestarewebThe storm season has begun in the Northwest, with some high winds and heavy rain lately. Many homes and business in the Seattle and King and Snohomish county areas suffered loss of power and communications during the recent storms. Any time your business is experiencing any type of communications problems, including intermittent blackouts or dropped calls, you should ask yourself these five questions:

  1. When did the problem start? Did something happen around this time that could cause this problem.
  2. Have you made any changes to your network or infrastructure that may be affecting your communication system?
  3. Is the problem on all lines or one line?
  4. Is the problem on one phone or all phones?
  5. Is the problem constant or intermittent? If intermittent can you recreate it?

When did the problem start? Did something happen around the same time that could have caused the problem. Look back at the recent weather and see if it coincides with the beginning of your communication system issues. Even if the storms in the region didn’t hit your business directly, it may have caused problems somewhere else that cascaded to your phones.

Have you made any changes to your network or infrastructure that may be affecting your communication system? The timing of the problems and recent storms could be simply a coincidence. Recent changes made by you or your provider could be causing issues because of incorrect installation or incompatible parts. Check into the last time any changes were made to hardware or software.

Is the problem on all lines or one line? Is everyone in your office experiencing the same issue or is it confined to one line? Issues with a single line are usually easier to diagnose and correct, but be sure the problem is actually limited to that single line and not just more pronounced than on other lines.

Is the problem on one phone or all phones? Problems with the actual phones may be different than problems with the line. If possible, try moving the problem phone to a different location to see if the problem moves with the phone. Try to track down and isolate as best you can the starting point of the problem.

Terminals_largeIs the problem constant or intermittent? If intermittent can you recreate it? Of course it is much easier to pin down a consistent problem. By following the first three steps you can probably find the issue quickly. An intermittent problem can be much more frustrating. Try experimenting with your phones to see if you are able to reproduce the problem. Write down a list of each thing you try and the results you get so you don’t end up working in circles. Keeping a log of intermittent problems will help find patterns as well.

If the problem is not readily fixed by someone within your organization, keep all the information you have discovered handy to help in the diagnosis by whoever you call in to work on your system. SoundTel can help diagnose, repair and replace a wide range of phone systems, from simple, older landlines to the most advance cloud-based communications network.

For over 25 years, we have assisted companies like yours in their every communications need. We are a local, family-owned business invested in our community. Contact SoundTel or call 425.481.5493 or 800.797.3663 to learn about diagnosing, repairing and replacing your current communications system. Arrange for your free 15 minute CheckIn communications system analysis and SoundTel can help make sure your business is protected.

Migrating Your End-Of-Life NEAX 2400 and NEC 2000 Telephone Systems

Karl de Vera

NEC has announced End of Support for all NEAX 2400 and NEC 2000 telephone systems effective March 31, 2014. End of Support means no parts and no tech support will be offered by NEC for these systems. Both the NEAX 2400 and NEC 2000 have been End-of-Life products for some time, and NEC will no longer develop or make new parts for them.

NEC2400Your investments in technology are extremely important. They bring value to your business NEC2400and often help increase your bottom line and competitive advantage. But as systems near their end-of-life, the prospect of upgrading to a new system can be overwhelming. The investment in time, learning and money could be more than a small business has resources to manage. SoundTel and NEC are committed to helping you maintain your investment in your current NEC system while providing a clear migration path to a new, upgraded system.

We want to make sure that no customer is left behind when innovation hit the market and new technologies are delivered. Because of this, SoundTel has partnered with NEC and developed a straightforward migration path for systems such as the UNIVERGE SV8500 communications server or the UNIVERGE 3C unified communications and collaboration solution. There are options available to fit any budget.

SoundTel is a fully authorized NEC dealer that can help you choose the right upgrade for your business. For over 25 years, we have assisted companies find solutions to a wide range of communications needs. Our professional staff will make any job a worry-free experience for, saving the headache and stress of trying to do it yourself. As NEC experts, are staff can guide your business to make the most of your current investment in communications systems for the least cost and effort on your part. We can help you through every part of the process and provide best in class customer service following the upgrade.

We are a local, family-owned business invested in our community. Contact SoundTel to discuss which option is best for your company. Call 1-800-797-3663 or 425-481-5493 to learn more about your options for upgrading your systems and for a free communications analysis.

NEC Recognized with Lowest Cost IP Telephony Solution

Karl de Vera

An independent research firm recently found that NEC has the lowest total cost of ownership among top vendors in the marketplace. The report details the costs of IP telephony and Unified Communications (UC), based on research conducted on more than 200 companies. NEC provides the lowest first-year costs, and Microsoft the highest, when factoring capital, implementation, and operational costs.

DT330_12_large The executive summary states: IP telephony continues to be an area of growth for the majority of companies. Though 96% of companies have IP telephony implemented to some extent (including pilots), only 28% have completed their implementations to all endpoints.

The report also highlights the importance of fully understanding the factors that make up the true cost of IP Telephony investments. One example shows that some vendors may offer “free” licenses, but actual first-year costs could be three times higher than the lowest TCO leader. With costs that vary widely, it’s imperative that organizations make sound decisions based on actual data.

In addition to the lowest capital and total first-year TCO, the report notes that NEC has the lowest annual maintenance costs. Although NEC is not the lowest TCO leader in all categories, we believe this independent report will be a valuable tool to help you make the right decision in today’s economic environment.

Terminals_largeThe research was conducted by Nemertes Research. Founded in 2002, Nemertes Research is a certified women-owned business. They are a research-advisory and strategic-consulting firm that specializes in analyzing and quantifying the business value of emerging technologies.

The full report can be accessed here.

SoundTel is a fully authorized NEC dealer that can help you choose, buy and install the latest IP telephony or UC system. For over 25 years, we have assisted companies like yours in their every communications need. Our professional staff will make any job a worry-free experience for you and your employees, saving the headache and stress of trying to do it yourselves. We are a local, family-owned business invested in our community. To learn more about the latest NEC systems and get a free CheckIn to assure your system is doing all it can for your business email SoundTel or call today at 1-800-797-3663 or 425-481-5493 for a full preview.

10 Steps to Relocating Your Office Communications

Karl de Vera

NEC-conference28webMoving your business can be challenging, for you, your employees and your customers. The last thing you want to worry about is your communications. Here is a checklist to make moving all your networking and communications easier:

  1. Audit your Services: Make a thorough audit and listing of all your phone lines, internet access, fire and burglar alarm lines, credit card, fax and postage machines. Figure out what you have now and if that need will change at your new location.
  2. Evaluate Service Providers: A move is a great time to check other service providers to see what is available, possibly saving you money and upgrading your services. SoundTel can provide a free communications analysis.
  3. Schedule Services at you new location: Do this at least 30 days in advance of your move.
  4. Create a floor plan of your new site: Note cable requirements, the number of telephone lines and user extension numbers.
  5. Schedule Voice and Data Cabling: To be done in conjunction with other construction. If no construction needed, schedule a prefield with your equipment provider.
  6. Evaluate Phone and Voice Mail System: This is a great time to upgrade to a new system and save the cost of moving your current system. SoundTel can provide a free CheckIn: a 15 minute no cost / no obligation communication assessment.
  7. Schedule Phone and Voice Mail System move: Schedule move and purchase additional equipment as needed. SoundTel can handle moving and installing your current system, even if you didn’t buy it from SoundTel.
  8. Review Current Voicemail Greetings: Make sure you include a mention of your move and your new address.
  9. Review Phone Ring Patterns: Decide if new location has different requirements for different employees.
  10. Notify Staff of Schedule and changes: Set up a short meeting with your staff so they are aware of everything involved in the communication system move. This will help avoid any missed customer contacts.

Collaboration_17SoundTel can help in all aspects of your move and would like to be your local communications provider. For over 25 years, we have assisted companies like yours in their every communications need. Our professional staff will make any job a worry-free experience for you and your employees, saving the headache and stress of trying to do it yourselves. We are a local, family-owned business invested in our community. All it takes is a quick phone call to (425) 481-5493 and you can focus on the important work: your business.

Reference: https://nzvanlines.co.nz/moving-to-new-zealand.

Communication System Leasing Options

Karl de Vera

Building or updating a modern communication system can be an intimidating expense for a small to medium size business. But purchasing a system is not your only option. So don’t settle for an inadequate system that won’t meet your future needs. Consider lease options that can help your company get the right system for business today and for years to come.

phonestarewebSoundTel has worked with NEC to offer a variety of leasing options to meet almost any business need. Whether your business wants low lease payments, tax benefits, a balloon lease or lease to own options, SoundTel can find the best option for your business, as well as building and installing the ideal NEC system in your office. Lease options include:

Fair Market Value Lease
For the lowest possible lease payments, with an end of lease purchase option (not to exceed the fair market value of the equipment). This type of lease may also have significant tax advantages.

$1 Purchase Option Lease
This lease type gives you the benefits of ownership, such as interest and depreciation deductions. After all the lease payments are made, you can purchase the equipment for $1.00.

10% Purchase Option Lease
At the end of the lease, the option to purchase is fixed at 10% of the original cost, allowing for lower monthly lease payments and a predictable cost of purchase at the end of the initial lease term.

necmonitor356webBalloon Lease
A balloon lease allows for a commitment to a guaranteed purchase price. This is beneficial where the value of the equipment is strong and the lessee wants to leverage that value in order to have a lower monthly payment.

Step Lease
Some equipment requires time to realize its value. A step lease allows lower monthly payments for an initial period before it “steps-up” to the normal payment for the remainder of the lease term. This type of lease is ideal for equipment that has a longer training period or might generate a higher level of revenue at a later date.

SoundTel and NEC also have periodic special offers on leases. These can include 0% lease options, a 1% per month lease with cash out early option, and for smaller systems, a 13 “baker’s dozen” month purchase payment plan. Contact SoundTel to discuss which option is best for your company. Call 1-800-797-3663 or 425-481-5493 to learn more and for a free communications analysis.