Business telecom has got to be one of the most complicated aspects of running your shop, warehouse, office or building. In fact, many business owners completely hire out all telecom duties to brokers and consultants and put full trust in their ability to handle any and all communications in the cheapest manner possible. But what if you are no in a position to do that for your business? Are you prepared to take on the mammoth task of setting up your business telecommunications network in and out?
Here are some basics to give you a fighting chance in the world of telecommunications. Being educated in the small things will give you a clear definition to refer back to when the more advanced specifics come into play for your small business.
1) The basis of any smart telecom plan starts with the voice. That would be the phone, in case you're not aware. Voice services vary greatly from Plain Old Telephone Services (POTS) to complete Voice Over Internet Protocol or VoIP systems. There are also integrated solutions that run voice over the same lines (usually T1 lines) that carry data and internet access. Either way, start with assessing your voice needs, then move on.
2) The next logical step in the chain involves the processing and management of data. This would include accessing the public internet, as well as any offsite servers for email or storage, as well as remote access for workers outside of the main building. Most normally, small businesses us T1 lines for data, but other options such as DSL and Cable are available but no recommended for serious businesses with a mind for security.
3) Finally, we need to consider the actual hardware like phones, computers, switches, routers and even a phone system, known as a private branch exchange. This is where the major outlay of money will come in and this is where you should be prepared not to be cheap. The better, more advanced hardware you buy now, the better for you later down the road.
The key is that with today's technologies, all three of these areas can and should be working together to make things easier on you and your employees. If you are patient and do your homework, you may be able to save hours and hours of payroll, or even let most of your people work from home with absolutely no drop in productivity.
You all should be ready to employ the best in technology for your telecom. Don't be afraid to get in and learn all you can.
Here are some basics to give you a fighting chance in the world of telecommunications. Being educated in the small things will give you a clear definition to refer back to when the more advanced specifics come into play for your small business.
1) The basis of any smart telecom plan starts with the voice. That would be the phone, in case you're not aware. Voice services vary greatly from Plain Old Telephone Services (POTS) to complete Voice Over Internet Protocol or VoIP systems. There are also integrated solutions that run voice over the same lines (usually T1 lines) that carry data and internet access. Either way, start with assessing your voice needs, then move on.
2) The next logical step in the chain involves the processing and management of data. This would include accessing the public internet, as well as any offsite servers for email or storage, as well as remote access for workers outside of the main building. Most normally, small businesses us T1 lines for data, but other options such as DSL and Cable are available but no recommended for serious businesses with a mind for security.
3) Finally, we need to consider the actual hardware like phones, computers, switches, routers and even a phone system, known as a private branch exchange. This is where the major outlay of money will come in and this is where you should be prepared not to be cheap. The better, more advanced hardware you buy now, the better for you later down the road.
The key is that with today's technologies, all three of these areas can and should be working together to make things easier on you and your employees. If you are patient and do your homework, you may be able to save hours and hours of payroll, or even let most of your people work from home with absolutely no drop in productivity.
You all should be ready to employ the best in technology for your telecom. Don't be afraid to get in and learn all you can.
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