The proliferation of hosted-private branch exchange (PBX) solutions has led to a surplus of information about these virtual telephony systems. But small business owners should consider the pros and cons of both hosted PBX and on-premise PBX systems when evaluating a new system for their offices.

Business phone systems reviewer Software Advice has recently put together an article discussing the five important considerations for small business owners deciding between Cloud-based and on-premise PBX systems. The team at Software Advice suggests that buyers consider the following:

1. The Real Total Cost of Ownership

On-premise systems typically require a large upfront investment, while hosted systems are paid for with more affordable, monthly payments. But buyers should consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) of these systems in addition to the initial capital necessary to purchase a new phone network.

For example, a recent study from No Jitter, Comparing the TCO for 24 UC/IP-PBX Solutions, showed that after only three years, the TCO of Cloud-based systems was greater than on-premise solutions. In addition, while the initial investment was largely absorbed in year one for on-premise systems, costs increased at a steady rate with hosted PBX systems.

2. The Value of Specific vs. Bundled Functionality

Today, the technical capabilities of hosted and on-premise PBX systems are largely equal. One difference, however, is how these features are bundled. Hosted PBX providers commonly bundle features and charge a set per-user price. On-premise PBX, on the other hand, often provides buyers greater flexibility on the features and functionality they want to pay for (particularly, offering more customization for specific users).

If customization is important, buyers should make this clear up-front when working with PBX providers. Buyers may have to shop around to find a hosted provider that offers the perfect bundle. Alternatively, buyers should have a detailed list of features for hosted providers to ensure they are given an accurate price quote.

3. Ease of Customization

Customization is often attainable with on-premise systems, as an on-staff IT professional commonly oversees the system’s deployment and management. With hosted systems, customization is often handled by the provider. While vendors may offer some customization, they are often unable to make extreme customizations for every customer.

If your system requires advanced customization, on-premise PBX may be a more reasonable option. If choosing a hosted option, work with a vendor to discuss the exact customizations you need and what they can offer.

4. User Experience

To ensure voice quality, on-premise PBX systems will prioritize data traffic. With hosted PBX solutions, voice and data packets will often fight for preference, which leads to deteriorated voice quality.

Hosted vendors may offer a Session Border Controller (SBC) device to help improve data quality, but this will considerably add to system’s cost and complexity. If you think voice quality may be an issue in larger networks, consider this when evaluating hosted vs. on-premise systems.

5. True Costs of Tech Support

If your company currently manages your own data, chances are you already have a well-staffed IT team–and implementing a hosted PBX system is unlikely to eliminate your existing staff. Rather, this just transfers support responsibility to a third-party and adds to your current support costs (rather than reducing them).

If you currently don’t have an IT team, then hosted PBX can potentially save your company from having to hire technical staff members. However, you should also consider how relying on third-party support works with your company’s current strategies. If your telephone system is critical to your business, you should be very comfortable with your vendor that will be responsible for system support.

For more information on both on-premise and hosted PBX solutions, check out the following article from Susan Campbell at Software Advice: Are On-Premise PBX Systems the Best Choice for SMBs?

Via Software Advice Blog

Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, best selling author, and marketing wizard who excels at explaining business ideas in everyday ways you can understand.

Recently, Vocus hosted the webinar titled No Secrets, No Shortcuts where Godin “showed us how the era of mass media – where marketers could simply advertise, reap the rewards and repeat – is done.”

The webinar is now available on-demand here.

How To Succeed Today?

Succeeding in today’s environment, Godin explains, is about making real connections.

Here are his 6 tips for doing this:

1. Tell a story
2. Practice permission marketing
3. Focus on the niche
4. Be extraordinary
5. Connect customers to each other
6. Give away you ideas

Via Brian Conlin | Vocus Blog

If you use Asterisk or Switchvox phone systems, check out this recorded Digium webinar that walks you through how to build custom apps for Digium phones.

The webinar shows real-world examples of how to use your CRM apps right on your desk phone:

“In this webinar, VoIP experts Sean Pimental and Billy Chia walk through the ins and outs of the Digium Phone App Engine API. More than simple XML browser pages, the Digium Phone App Engine allows powerful native apps to run directly on your IP phone written by using simple set JavaScript APIs. You’ll learn everything you need to know to get started building custom business phone apps.”

Webinar Topics:

• What makes Digium’s Phone App Engine Different
• How Business Apps Help in Your Niche
• JavaScript API vs XML Browser Pages
• The Anatomy of a Business Phone App
• Developer and Non-Developer Resources

Click here or image above to watch Digium’s Phone App Engine API Webinar on YouTube.

Over the next couple months Yealink will be releasing several new phones and to use a popular idiom; with the new Yealink SIP-T4X Series, Yealink are really breaking the mold.

What Is It?

The Yealink SIP-T4X series are the latest VoIP phones from Yealink. The series currently consists of three phones, an expansion module and a Bluetooth dongle. The new phones mark a big break from the familiar look of the popular Yealink SIP-T2X and Yealink SIP-T3X series phones with a completely new design.

Part of the new design, one of the biggest difference between the new models and the older ones is the lack of a paper insert for programmable keys. A common feature on previous Yealink phone models the paper insert has been replaced by “flexible buttons” that can be programmed for different features. Some of the other notable new features include non-slip rubber feet, a foot stand with two positions and ergonomic recessed buttons.

Another new feature of the new phones is Yealink Optima HD Voice. Optima HD voice is the combination of software and hardware design with wideband technology to help maximize acoustic performance.
The new Yealink phones are:

Yealink SIP-T46G – The SIP-T46G is the first of the new phones to be released and is the higher end of the new models. Geared towards executives the SIP-T46G is the only phone that supports the new Yealink EXP40 expansion module and the BT40 USB dongle. When paired with EXP40 expansion modules the SIP-T46G can have up to 240 additional programmable keys.

• 6 line appearances
• Yealink Optima HD Voice
• 4.3″ 480 x 272-pixel TFT color display
• Dual 10/100/1000 RJ45 Ports
• RJ9 headset port
• Built-in auto sensing IEEE 802.3 af Power over Ethernet
• Optional 5V DC power supply (not included)

Yealink SIP-T42G and Yealink SIP-T41P – The SIP-T42G and SIP-T41P are the two entry level phones in the SIP-T4X series. The two phones share most of the same similarities when it comes to line appearances, features and physical appearance. The only difference between the two models is the SIP-T42G is Gigabit while the SIP-T41P is 10/100.

• 3 line appearances
• Yealink Optima HD Voice
• 2.7″ 192×64-pixel Grayscale Graphical LCD
• Dual 10/100/1000 RJ45 Ports (SIP-T42G)
• Dual 10/100 RJ45 Ports (SIP-T41P)
• RJ9 headset port
• Built-in auto sensing IEEE 802.3 af Power over Ethernet
• Optional 5V DC power supply (not included)

Who Is It For?

With three new models in the series the Yealink SIP-T4X covers all the bases of phone users. While described as entry level phones, the  SIP-T41P and SIP-T42G will cover most phone users’ needs from casual users through call center and sales staff. For users who need a little more from there phone such as receptionist and executives the SIP-T46G will be a good option with the ability its to add additional programmable keys through the EXP40 expansion module.

Pricing and Availability?

Yealink SIP-T46G – MSRP $269 – Available now
Yealink SIP-T42G – MSRP $179 – Shipping June 30th
Yealink SIP-T41P – No Price has been released but my guess is that it will be in the $130-150 range – Shipping August 30th
Yealink EXP40 – MSRP $105 – Shipping June 30th

VoIP Supply has been selling Polycom phones for over 10 years and now we’re proud to announce that we’ve reached the Platinum level of Polycom’s Certification Program.

Who cares, you might ask?

What this means for you, the Polycom customer, is that you’re guaranteed to get the peace of mind and level of service you deserve.

This Polycom certification recognizes top partners with high levels of Polycom product knowledge, support, and expertise in helping customers find the right communication solution.

Customers who seek out a Polycom Platinum Certified Partner know that they will be completely taken care of by a reseller who has a great working relationship with Polycom.

VoIP Supply is a Polycom Platinum Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP) that is:

• Installed Voice Sales Certified
• Voice over IP Sales Certified

“VoIP Supply works hard to educate customers first, to help them make the best decision,” said Garrett Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at VoIP Supply. “I’m proud of everyone at VoIP Supply for delivering Polycom’s highest level of customer support that has allowed our company to be rewarded as a Platinum Certified Partner.”

For many years all I knew of Yamaha was their motor vehicles and musical instrument but since working at VoIP Supply I’ve gotten to know a different set of their products, USB conference speakerphones.

Yamaha USB Conference Speakerphones

Yamaha currently offers three different USB Conference Speakerphones with each of them targeted at a different use scenario.

Yamaha PJP-10UR

The Yamaha PJP-10UR is compact speakerphone that is designed for desktop and personal conference phones. The PJP-10UR has an optimal microphone range of 1.5 feet. This range combined with the sturdy aluminum body, light weight and included cloth storage bag make it a good match for road warriors.

• Microphones – 4
• Speakers – 2
• Pick up Range – 5ft Max 10ft
• Max Volume – 80db
• Adaptive Echo Canceller
• Noise Reduction

Yamaha PJP-20UR

For voice and video calls in larger offices and small conference rooms the Yamaha PJP-20UR is a great solution. The USB powered PJP-20UR features easy plug-n-play setup and features dedicated keys for volume control and LED lights for microphone mute status.

• Microphones – 3
• Speakers – 1
• Pick up Range – 1.5ft Max 3.25ft
• Max Volume – 85db
• Adaptive Echo Canceller
• Noise Reduction
• Supports RoHS

Yamaha PJP-50USB

The third of the Yamaha speakerphones is the Yamaha PJP-50USB which is designed to be used in conference rooms. Like the other two speakerphones the PJP-50USB is USB powered and features easy plug-n-play set up. The phone can cover a range of up to 32 feet and for larger rooms you can daisy chain 4 units together for greater coverage.

• Microphones – 8
• Speakers – 4
• Pick up Range – 10ft Max 16ft
• Max Volume – 85db
• Adaptive Echo Canceller
• Noise Reduction
• Supports RoHS

At this point, you are probably already considering a new VoIP phone system.  If Switchvox, Frost and Sullivan’s choice for global growth leadership in Unified Communications, is a system you are considering or have already purchased, below are some training opportunities that you need to mark on your calendar!

View all Switchvox Appliances

Free and Paid Switchvox Trainings that are Available now!

Is Switchvox Right for you? A live demonstration of Switchvox UC Phone System  - FREE held every Thursday at 3pm EDT – Click here to register!
Register for this webinar to see the Switchvox system for yourself. Once you see the ease of use and expanded feature set of the Switchvox system, you won’t consider any other VoIP system, and you surely won’t want to use your legacy PBX.
Intro to Switchvox User Training – online training for your phone system users for one year – $995 for one year – Click here to buy!
If you have already made the choice to switch to Switchvox and are now faced with the daunting task of training all your phone users, let Digium help! This online course gives your users a self paced tutorial on how to be more efficient with Switchvox, complete with an optional certification exam at the end!

Switchvox Admin Training – online training for your administer to use and configure Switchvox for one year – $295 for one year – Click here to buy!
Sure Switchvox is easy, but so is tying your shoe and you had to be trained to to do that, right? This self paced online course will teach you how to professionally configure and maintain your Switchvox system.

Advanced Switchvox Admin Training – online training to optimize and troubleshoot for your PBX admin for one year – $295 for one year – Click here to buy!
This 2 and half hour self-paced course brings you beyond just a professional Switchvox admin. With such topics as troubleshooting and advanced IVR creation, this course is sure to make you the master of your domain!

Free Trainings Available for Digium Phones

Already have a snazzy open sourced Asterisk®-based IP PBX?  There is a great training for you about the possibilities that JavaScript opens for Digium phones that work with Asterisk®deployments. Maximize the resources you already have by building custom applications for your business right on your phone!

Customizing Business Phone Apps with the Digium Custom API – FREE Thursday May 16th at 3pm EDT – Click here to register! 

Well, believe it or not, they have! The Cisco SPA504 is arguably our most popular Small Business VoIP phone and has been since it came out in 2009.  Not only is the Cisco SPA504 feature rich and sexy, it is pretty affordable too at only $124.99.  The SPA504 offers 4 lines, a backlit LCD, dual 10/100 switched PoE ports, and will support SIP or SCPC.  How do you improve on that for most office desktops?

How about upgrading the 10/100 port to a 10/100/1000 port? The addition of a switched PoE Gigabit Ethernet port allows you to

pass a single network cable to both your VoIP phone and your desktop saving a ton of money on multiple cat5 cable drops.  Using GigE allows even faster data and voice packet traffic to your desktop and phone allowing you to work more efficiently (when used with a GigE switch).  The new Cisco SPA514G has just that! Enjoy all the great features of the SPA504 with the increased speed of the SPA514! What makes it better? Thanks to Cisco’s marketing power, the SPA514 is actually cheaper  than the SPA504G until July 27th!

If the Cisco SPA514 isn’t exactly what you are looking for this quarter, Cisco has some other great items on special as well.

The Cisco SPA512G is a single line IP phone with a backlit LCD screen that offers dual switched 10/100/1000 PoE ports. It is the little sister of the SPA514G with an almost identical footprint, just 1 line instead of 4. It is also the big sister of the SPA502 offering the 10/100/1000 ports instead of 10/100.  The SPA512 is now available for even less than the Cisco SPA502, making it a great value for your ever shrinking budget.

If you are deploying a Cisco SPA phone into a small to medium business, you may also need an attendant console. An attendant console, or sidecar, gives you multiple extensions at the touch of a single button. Cisco attendant consoles are super handy for

receptionists or other employees who will be transferring calls often. Cisco offers two attendant consoles for the SMB. The Cisco SPA500S is great for businesses with 32 to 64 extensions where the person at the other end of the extension won’t be changing much. The SPA500S uses a paper insert to display the extension name, so it will get really messy if used in a company with high turnover or lots of extension moves, however it is budget friendly.  The newer Cisco SPA500DS offers 30 lines with a dynamic backlit LCD.   Because it uses an LCD display rather than a paper insert, the SPA500DS tends to be a cleaner, sleeker look that can be up to date with just a computer entry without wasting paper.  Using 2 SPA500DS will only get you an additional 60 lines, but it is ideal where there is high turnover, part time or interns, or frequent extension reassignment.

If you are not ready to make the change to a VoIP phone yet but are ready to make the change to VoIP service, you need a Cisco ATA.

The Cisco SPA112 and SPA122 ATA’s offer support for two analog phones connected to your VoIP service provider.  As if the Cisco SPA112 wasn’t one of the most competitively priced ATA’s on the market already, Cisco is offering this simplistic VoIP adapter at unprecendented savings until July 27th!

All Cisco Promotions for May 3 – July 27th

• Cisco SPA514G – Now $123.99
• Cisco SPA512G – Now $108.99
• Cisco SPA500S – Now $37.99
• Cisco SPA500DS – Now $69.99
• Cisco SPA112 – Now $43.99
• Cisco SPA122 - Now $52.99
• Cisco SG500-28P – Now $729.99
• Cisco SG500-52P – Now $1479.99
• Cisco SG500x-24P – Now $1329.99
• Cisco SG500x-48P – Now $2324.99

That’s why we’re so proud to announce our nomination for the 2013 Buffalo Niagara Business Ethics Award (BNBEA).

Ethics is the type of corporate philosophy that’s normally recognized so, The American Business Ethics award was founded in 1994 by the Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP) as a way to shed some light on companies doing the right thing.

About BNBEA

The BNBEA is the Buffalo Niagara chapter of this awards program that has been celebrating companies in Western New York that show a daily commitment to ethical interactions with employees, customers, and the community.

The goal of BNBEA is to “raise the consciousness of our entire business community as to the importance of ethical business practices and the critical role it plays in running a successful business.”

People Ahead of Profits

VoIP Supply is a Certified B Corporation, a new corporate form legally recognized in 12 states, including our home state

New York, that meets higher standards of social and environmental performance.

VoIP Supply puts people ahead of profits and the company holds itself accountable for the ethical treatment of stakeholders, vendors, and customers.

“I’m extremely proud of everyone at VoIP Supply for building a reputation so strong as to be nominated for an ethics award,” said Ben Sayers, CEO of VoIP Supply.

“Employees at VoIP Supply have a mission to provide value,” added Sayers. “Providing value for our customers means that we have to put their needs and interests above our own. We are not here to take from them, we are here to provide for them.”

“The overall belief within the company is that we must do well so that we can do good,” said Sayers.

“There is no better time than now to recognize ethical behavior,” said Fred Holender, President of the Buffalo Niagara Business Ethics Association and Chairman of the BNBEA Awards Steering Committee. “This year’s program received a record number of nominations and we’re proud to salute the finalists’ commitment to the highest of ethical business standards throughout their organizations and the community.”

Winners of the 2013 Buffalo Niagara Business Ethics Award in the small, mid-sized, and large business categories will be announced at the awards luncheon on May 9, 2013, at Salvatore’s Italian Garden in Depew, NY.

VoIP Supply is featuring the latest IP Paging devices from three of the top paging and intercom manufacturers to help schools modernize their emergency notification methods.

The abilities of new IP Paging systems from CyberData, Valcom, and Advanced Network Devices (AND) are not limited like traditional analog systems: 

• One Network:  IP paging systems don’t use separate voice and data networks – they’re combined into one.
• Less Electrical Wiring:  The need for AC outlets and power adapters is removed with Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled IP paging devices which speeds up installation time, provides more flexibility of choice in device location, and saves on the expense of installing power in remote areas.
• Reduce Backup Batteries:IP paging systems reduce the reliance on several costly backup batteries during power failures. Instead, with PoE, a single UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can be used to provide backup power to an entire network.
• One System:  IP paging works as a common system for all public announcements and emergency alerts and users can target messages to specific telephones, speakers, or areas of a building.

Targeted Messaging – More Than Just Speakers

IP Paging goes beyond just bringing voice to groups of people. IP Paging also includes IP Clocks, IP digital signage boards, and an array of IP Speaker choices to round out a unified message.

One of the best things about network-based, IP paging devices is what’s called “targeted messaging.”
When used in together with paging management software, users have the control to send messages, sound or text, to one device, a handful of devices, or all IP paging devices on a network.

IP paging management software from Advanced Network Devices, for example, offers a “Security Guard” mode which can monitor live sound in remote rooms. Users will hear the disturbance before seeing it, providing the option to investigate if necessary.

Many IP paging devices work with 3rd party software such as Informacast, Cisco Call Manager, SA-Announce, and others.

Budget Savings

There are a couple of ways that schools can realize budget savings by using existing speakers from an old analog paging system while gaining enhanced IP paging features from a partial systems upgrade.

School paging systems use a variety of speakers including ceiling, wall, or horn models. When needed, they can be upgraded to something like Valcom IP Paging Speakers, manufacturer of the industry’s first IP loudspeaker and the first PoE loudspeaker.

But if the old speakers still work, why replace them? CyberData offers simple solutions to incorporate them into an IP paging solution:

• CyberData IP Paging Gateway: Similar in form and function to a VoIP adapter or VoIP gateway, an IP paging gateway enables access to existing paging speakers through a VoIP phone system. The interface is designed to use an existing analog zone controller with a telephone answering machine (TAM) interface and can support paging for many zones from a VoIP phone.
• CyberData Zone Controller: A VoIP paging zone controller enables access to existing paging speakers through a VoIP phone system and is designed to use a standard paging amplifier with audio inputs. Some CyberData models support paging up to 15 zone groups from a VoIP phone.

“IP paging expands intercom and notification systems in the way that VoIP provided so many new features to our phones,” said Garrett Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at VoIP Supply. “Schools can easily leverage IP paging systems by combining them with their existing IP voice and data networks while gaining powerful features like mass notification for emergency situations.”