Free Telephone services for Social sites.

There is a significant change occurring in the way people communicate. Companies and networking sites are offering free VoIP services over their platforms.  This has been around for a while but the idea that you can communicate for free over websites (and Apps) is picking up speed and may disrupt your service providers’ future plans. The ability to make phone calls, leave voicemail, video conference, and send messages for free (with a simple internet connection) are a strong advancement in communications.  These services would give users a lower cost (in some cases completely free) to communicate with their loved ones, friends, and business associates. Google, Microsoft and Facebook offer the most popular features through VoIP; which allows you to make phone calls over the internet. For those who are curious, here is a breakdown of their services:

Google Voice:  

• Requires a Gmail account to activate your personal phone number through Google Voice.
• You can call anyone in the country (& Canada) for free. The recipients don’t have to be a Google Voice subscriber, so they can call you back at your Google Voice number.
• International calls are 1-2 cents per minute and inbound international calls are the same.
• It offers all of the traditional telephony features like voicemail, call forwarding, conferencing etc.

Skype:

• Allows you to communicate with anyone who has a Skype account, for free.
• In the US they charge $2.99 per month to call unlimited, non-Skype numbers.
• Offers video conferencing, voice calls, messaging, voicemail and 3 way calling.
• They offer a free phone number (for those without an account) but it is $30 a year.

Facebook:

• Requires download of their messenger application. Once you have merged your contacts you have the option of making a free VoIP call to anyone you are friends with.
• Separately Facebook offers Video chat and messaging but they aren’t on the same platform.
• The service doesn’t include a native voicemail but offers a voice recording feature. To use this you press and hold the record button (where you would usually type a message) and speak your message. When you release the button the recording is sent as a message to the intended user.

VoIP services were designed to relay voice over the internet and are being implemented more and more on social networking platforms. Instead of using traditional phone lines and outdated switching stations, VoIP merges voice with visual and audio into one connection path. Everyone you know is on Facebook and communicating with them on a personal level has just become easier. However, it’s not very professional to contact a client this way. That is where Google Voice comes in; it provides you with the same functionality of your office phone without the cost. Skype bridges the gap between personal and professional and is an acceptable platform for video conferencing (and voice) across the world.

The options for free VoIP communication are out there. They do not follow the traditional paths we are accustomed to but certainly traverse high cost and are financially efficient.  VoIP is the natural selection for internet communication and as these types of service grow, service providers may need to reevaluate their business structure.

What is a Network Router?

     

A router links computer networks to the Internet, so users can share information. Since the internet is one huge network made up of (nearly) millions of smaller networks, the use of routers is mandatory. They act as a dispatcher that ensures information arrives at its intended destination. Routers gauge how a message (or information) should be sent, by reading the recipient address and determining how to efficiently maintain the traffic flow of data packets (your info broken into bits) by finding the best route possible. It’s like using your GPS device to find the best route to the baseball game. You know the main highway will be full of traffic so your GPS device (router) will direct you on an alternate path.

One tool a router uses to decide where your Data Packets should go is a routing table. This table is a collection of information that includes connection priorities, rules for routine and special trafficking, and information on which connections lead to the diverse groups of addresses. They can be static or learned dynamically using routing protocols.

There are mainly two different kinds of Routers:

Broadband Routers: Broadband routers can be used to do several different types of things. They can be used to connect two different computers or to connect two computers to the Internet. They can also be used to create a phone connection. If you are using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, then you will need a broadband router to connect your Internet to your phone. These are often a special type of modem that will have both Ethernet and phone jacks

Wireless Routers: Wireless routers connect to your modem and create a wireless signal in your home or office. So, any computer within range can connect to your wireless router and use your broadband Internet for free. The only way to keep anyone from connecting to your system is to secure your router. A word of warning about wireless routers: Be sure your secure them, or you will be susceptible to hackers and identity thieves.

When buying a Router you will want to assess a few things:

• Is your network wired or will it need to include wireless?
• Which wireless standard does your network use? (802.11g, 802.11b, etc)
• How important is security to you?
• What speed do you need your network at?

A router is a specialized piece of equipment connected to more than one network, running software that allows the router to move data from one network to another. It is the backbone of the internet and directs your information to the appropriate locations you desire. When buying a router for your home or business it’s important to know what kind of router you need. We have helped many clients decipher what Router was the most efficient for their business. Determining the correct model is the first step to a productive network. Buying refurbished over New is a great way to keep up network speeds at a lower cost. As always our support team can help guide you through the selection and setup processes.

How your VoIP phone and Computer relay information over the Internet.

Whether you are sending an email, making a phone call, or making a video call everything you do on your computer or phone is transmitted in similar way. An internet connection provides you with the complex tools and devices to send and receive information to the precise locations. Being in the Telecom business we feel that having knowledge of how your VoIP system works can help you better understand and diagnose your needs and possible issues.  It may seem like a complicated process but really it’s just like sending a letter through the Postal system.

The internet is just like an online postal service. The only difference is it's quicker online. Your desk (computer) has an IP address. It sends your letter (email) to a switch (walk to your mailbox) which directs your message to your server (mailbox). The mailman delivers your message (via Ethernet cable/fiber) to the post office (router). Then your message is sent via highway or airmail (cable or wireless) to the next office (another router) on its way to the destination. The process of relaying your message from office to office is called the Cloud (or router backbone). Then the letter is delivered to the address (recipients’ mailbox) and a switch determines which device inside the house or office should receive the message. Once it arrives to the recipients’ computer the process ends.

Here is how it breaks down even further:

• All information is broken into smaller bits called data packets. (Breaking your letter into smaller letters)
• These packets get labels attached to them that indicate the final destination. (Each letter is given the same address).
• These labels (with addresses) are sent through routers. These Routers determine the best way to send the information and sometimes split up the packets to travel different paths. (Think like this: your mini letters individually find the quickest way to San Francisco from New York by avoiding cities that are too busy. Instead of going through Chicago one may go through Des Moines.)
• Once they arrive at the final destination they are all reassembled in proper order for you to view or hear.

This is just a basic explanation of how your internet and phone connection works. There are many different models of routers, switches, servers and additional security measures like firewalls.  You can also send secure information with encryptions; those require additional processes to decode like sending a letter via Certified mail or having to provide a signature to receive a package. The general structure of a connection is a little more complicated than the postal system but is a good comparison when trying to understand how it works. This knowledge can help you to diagnose and resolve any system errors in your phone or internet connections. A quick synopsis of how things work will encourage you along your path to finding solutions.

Why buy 3rd Party GBIC's over OEM

For those of you that don't know, a GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter) basically allows different types of media to be used in a port. You can swap them in or out depending on what kind of media goes on that port. Say you have a switch with 16 GBIC slots, you connect either copper or some variety of fiber to the port and the GBIC is the middleman. GBICs are also hot-swappable, which adds to the ease of upgrading electro-optical communication networks.

Something we have been noticing is that OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) models are losing their ground due to Third Party devices. These 3rd Party converters are compatible with all of the major manufacturers and meet or exceed the specifications of the OEM provided product.

For Example:

• The GLC-SX-MM has a list OEM list price of $500 and 45% off list would make it $275.
• New 3rd party GLC-SX-MM's are available for 90% off list (or, around $50).

Customer's see the value of switching to 3rd party over OEM because they provide the same performance at a fraction of the price.

Compatible Manufacturers include:

• Cisco
• 3Com
• Adtran
• Alcatel Lucent
• Avaya/Nortel
• Brocade
• HP
• IBM
• Juniper
• NetGear
• Telco Systems

and many more.

Not all GBIC models are compatible with these systems, but we can help you decipher the correct model for your needs. With this knowledge, is there any reason to not buy 3rd party for all your GBIC needs?

Are the delayed handsets enough to save BlackBerry?

With all the leaks and rumors the BlackBerry handsets weren’t a well-kept secret.  They debuted their two new handsets, their new operating system and their brand new App Store (see previous article here). What was surprising about this event was that pre-orders and orders were given a speculative date of March.  Why such a long wait? When Apple and Samsung debut a new product, pre-orders begin immediately and within 2 weeks they ship. We have not been given a clear reason why but there is some evidence we can look to like the Super Bowl Ads, service provider testing and internal issues within BlackBerry itself.

I would assume BlackBerry booked Ad space during the Super Bowl months in advance. They must have thought that they would be ready for release by the time of their announcement and following that, the Super Bowl.  Some believe that the Super Bowl Ad was bought to inspire people and consistently keep BlackBerry fresh in the mind. They may not have been equipped to ship their new handsets but they have done one thing correct; throughout their re-branding they have constantly given us pieces of information, building the intrigue.

What about the carriers? They all agreed to launch the same day in the US but did they have sufficient testing time? The current reason the US is getting the Z10 later than the rest of the world is that carrier testing is taking longer. The major carriers may not have had enough time with the handsets, and since they will be fielding support issues they probably wanted to ensure quality.

It could be that BlackBerry didn’t supply them with samples quick enough, or the FCC testing of the Z10 model is being delayed which impacts Verizon and Sprint. Or perhaps the US carriers were concerned about BlackBerry’s viability and wanted to see the market reaction. This supports the Super Bowl Ad and the pre-emptive debut on January 30^th. If intrigue was less than they hoped, carriers would have time to scale down their orders and plans.

BlackBerry (RIM at the time) did cite that they had to wait for a certain dual-core processor to become available. This reasoning supports the idea that they couldn’t make enough units in time to give all four of the major carriers an adequate launch date. Production delays could also be excuses though. It’s possible that BlackBerry just needed time. So they slowly leaked information to keep up intrigue about their new designs, buying time to physically build their brand and devices.

Recently Home Depot dropped their contract which held around 10,000 handsets. Why would they stick it out with BlackBerry all this time only to drop the contract 6 weeks before the new units are available? Is this a foreshadowing moment for the new BlackBerry?

The actual release date has been leaked for March 27^th on T-Mobile. Solavei, a smaller startup carrier who piggy backs on T-Mobile’s network, has them available now for $1000 with a $50 unlimited plan. This smaller customer network allowed the upstart MVNO to finish testing the BlackBerry Z10 earlier than their competitors. Verizon has confirmed that they would offer the Z10 for $199 with a two year contract and it is expected to be priced similarly on the other networks. There is no new release date on AT&T, Verizon or Sprint but you take what you can get for now.

BlackBerry has consistently promoted their new designs and we know the network carriers are all on board. The issue is if the hype of their January 30^th event and the Super Bowl Advertisement campaign will be enough to last us until the handsets become available. A closer availability date in the US definitely would have been optimal but here’s hoping consumers don’t forget to buy the new Blackberry handsets when they are finally available at the end of March. This is a make or break moment for BlackBerry. They are losing contracts, and delaying their new product release. Is this a grim outlook for the company or will they pull through?

How to deal with a Scammer in Sales

If you stay in sales long enough you will eventually run into a scam artist. These are people who try to get your product for free through lies and manipulation. Apparently they need your high dollar product in great quantities and quickly. Otherwise their boss will have their job. You empathize with them and get excited because you are getting a large sale. When the product ships you call to ensure quality but they don’t answer. Then you get a call from your accounting department asking how to get a hold of the contact because they haven’t received payment or the credit card is now being denied. That sinking feeling in your stomach tells you what you should have seen coming: You have just been scammed.

Their urgency in obtaining your product was really a ploy to get it before you could notice what they were doing. New and seasoned salespeople experience these situations and they have both made the mistake. This happens.  It doesn’t look or feel good but it’s all part of the job. Scammers utilize many tactics for diverse business models. Here are a few indicators you can use to combat those that would misuse your ambition.

1.       Urgency: They have a project that went awry and need your product overnight. They don’t mind paying for extra shipping they just need it ASAP! Of course they do. They want the product as quickly as possible so they can flip it before you and the authorities catch on. If they are a new customer calling at the end of the day requesting Overnight Priority; Do yourself a favor and tell them it’s not going to happen.

2.      Its high price and they need a modest to high quantity of it. A scam artist isn’t going to waste their time with one or two items but they aren’t going to order too much. That would cause suspicion. They are going to stick with a modest quantity at a modest price. This leads you to believe that if this deal goes through, there will be more to come. Don’t kid yourself.

3.       Delayed payment: You will be asked to overnight and they will give you a PO number. Naturally they will send a check immediately to your accounting department and the PO is a reference. Always ask a new customer to fill out a credit application before placing orders. You may also want to ask your Accounting deptartment to check the company’s Dun and Bradstreet information for activity. What about credit cards you say? Usually their credit card will be approved for funds but won’t clear after delivery. It could be stolen or inactive. 
 

4.       Domains: Did the client contact you via email? Check the address. Gmail, Hotmail, Aol or any other free account is a red flag. Gather their info and confirm it by calling the company before you go any further. Sometimes they get tricky and create a domain that is similar to a reputable company like @forbescorp.com, when it’s actually @forbes.com.  

5.       Phone numbers: Many will call from a cell phone and tell you they are on site. These are more of a yellow flag, but if you are feeling nervous check the area code.

These are just a few indicators that you may be dealing with a dishonest person. If you are skeptical at all about a new customer use the tools available to you. Call their company direct, have them fill out a credit application and utilize your accounting department. It is much better to be safe than sorry in the case of a spammer. You don’t want to get penalized or lose your job due to negligence. Remember to gather as much information as possible with open ended questions and qualify your client before you place any orders. Safeguarding yourself may take some extra time but it will be worth it in the end.

How to Reset your Cisco Phone

Telecom and IT administrators run into numerous problems while dealing with their Cisco IP phone systems. Administration options in the Network Config and Phone Settings menus are hidden by default to ensure that users do not make changes that can affect the operation of the phone. One issue arises when the end user is having trouble getting the units to register with their Call Manager. A reset clears out any other network information that resides on the units to a default state. Besides ensuring that everything is properly plugged in your first step to resolve this issue is to do a Factory Reset.

Think of this as a reference guide to resetting your phone. Please use these procedures to your advantage.

Model 7902

1. Lift the handset, then press and hold the Menu button for about 3 seconds
2. Press # to go to the extended menu.
3. Enter the code # 322873738.
4. Hang up the phone. The phone resets.

Model 7905/12

1. Press the Menu button
2. Use the Navigation button to select Settings, and then press the Select softkey.
3. Use the Navigation button to select Network Configuration, and then press the Select softkey.
4. Pres **2. The phone will display, 'Do you want to reset all system settings to default values?'
5. Press the Yes Softkey

Model 7920

1. Press the Menu softkey
2. Press **#
3. Press the Green Key (with a handset icon) to open the administration mode.
4. Choose Menu> Phone Settings> Factory Default.
5. The phone displays the "Restore to Default?" message.
6. Press the OK Softkey. All settings are deleted.

Model 7921

1. Arrow Down to Settings.
2. Select Phone settings or press 1
3. Press **2
4. Quickly press Yes to confirm (left soft key).

Model 7935/36

1. Press the Menu Button.
2. Press the Up or Down scroll button to select the Admin Setup menu.
3. Press the Select button.
4. Enter the administrator password (the default admin password is **#) and press the Enter softkey.
5. Press the Down scroll button to select Restore Defaults.
6. Press the Select button. The following message appears: "All settings and data will be lost, including the phone book entries. Press Yes to confirm or No to exit."
7. Press the Yes softkey

Model 7937

1. Press the Applications button (the button that looks like a globe).
2. Press **1

Model 7940/60

1. Unplug the power cable from the phone, and then plug in the cable again.
2. Immediately press and hold # and while the Headset, Mute, and Speaker buttons begin to flash in sequince, release #.
3. Press 123456789*0# within 60 seconds.
4. If you repeat a key withing the sequence (for example, if you press 1223456789*0#), the sequence is still accepted and the phone resets.
5. If you do not complete this key sequesnce or do not press any keys, after 60 seconds, the phone continues with its normal startup process. The phone does not reset.
6. If you enter an invalid key sequence, the phone continues with its normal startup process. The phone does not reset.
7. If you enter this key sequesnce correctly, the phone displays this prompt: Keep network cfg? 1= yes 2= no.
8. Press 2.

Models 7906/11/41/42/45/61/62/65/70/71/75

1. Unplug the power cable from the phone, and then plug in the cable again.
2. Immediately press and hold # and while the Headset, Mute, and Speaker buttons begin to flash in sequence. The line buttons flash in sequence in order to indicate that the phone waits for you to enter the key sequence for the reset.
3. Press 123456789*0# within 60 seconds.
4. If you repeat a key withing the sequence (for example, if you press 1223456789*0#), the sequence is still accepted and the phone resets.
5. If you do not complete this key sequesnce or do not press any keys, after 60 seconds, the phone continues with its normal startup process. The phone does not reset.
6. If you enter an invalid key sequesnce, the phone continues with its normal startup process. The phone does not reset.
7. If you enter this key sequence correctly, the phone displays this promp: upgrading.

  There are a variety of issues that can be solved by resetting your phone. Some of these consist of bad connections, incorrect Static IP addressing, network failures, faulty cables, lack of power and more. Use these procedures as a starting point. While a Factory Reset has been a successful resolution for some options, it will not help physical or operational issues after the unit has been registered. Reset procedures can be irritating and time consuming, but having the knowledge to do it is invaluable.