Reasons to Choose Expert NEC Telephone System Support

NEC telephone systems are renowned for their reliability. However, when they any telephone system goes wrong, it can be complex to fix and cause devastating disruption to your business. In this article, we ask: Why should you employ expert NEC telephone system support?

NEC specialists

Businesses choose expert NEC telephone system support because they are confident that the engineers have acquired a high level of expertise. This is confirmed because they are an NEC approved partner, which means that they are verified by the company themselves. NEC specialists are very experienced at fixing NEC telephone systems. Therefore, when something goes wrong, NEC-approved engineers can quickly identify the problem compared with inexperienced engineers. This results in less downtime and a reduced impact on the profitability of the business.

Vast expertise

NEC approved engineers are trained to install, maintain and support the complete range of NEC telephone systems, to a standard that is approved by NEC. This includes older NEC systems, which other support providers might consider too ancient to service. NEC approved expertise and skills are highly beneficial because they ensure that telephone systems can function for longer and are, therefore, better value.

Decreased downtime

NEC approved engineers are prepared to fix NEC telephone systems to guarantee a minimal amount of downtime. Therefore, many parts are in stock, so that you do not have to wait for them to be ordered. This also means that a competitive service is delivered compared with other companies because NEC approved engineers can repair the problem in a much faster time. The emergency engineer service is included as standard so if you have a support contract with NEC-approved engineers, you do not have to pay the usual call-out fee or the additional cost of labour and parts.

Comprehensive service

Businesses praise NEC approved support because it is highly reliable. This is because you will benefit from technical help whenever it is required. Same-day emergency engineers are available to come to your aid, should your NEC telephone system require fixing. This immediate support provides assurance that there is minimum disruption to your business. NEC specialists not only provide excellent on-site support, but they also guarantee remote support. This means that if your location is hard to reach, you can still benefit from their expertise. Another reason to choose expert NEC telephone system support is because your system is regularly updated, ensuring the smooth-running of your business.

Various payment plans available

The payment options for having expert NEC telephone system support are vast and flexible. You can choose a pay as you go service or gain more savings by taking out a maintenance and support contract. If you are on a budget, basic support is a great option to provide emergency cover. However, full management is also available and this option guarantees NEC expert support any time of day. The prices are dependent upon the level of protection required.

Expert NEC telephone support is the best option for ensuring that your NEC telephone system is safeguarded from downtime. Friendly, helpful engineers are able to provide superior knowledge and expertise, which has been approved by NEC itself. This will provide peace of mind and guarantee that the functionality of your business will quickly be restored.

For expert NEC telephone system support from a company you can trust, contact Midland Networks today on 0800 849 8585. 

How Can The Right Phone System Help Your Small Business?

Having a phone system in place is an integral part of co-ordinating small business activities. Information and communications technology (ICT) is the integration of telecommunications with the computer technology and any system needs to work for you now, and during your company’s future development.

So, what are the important points to consider when selecting your best option phone system, as a small business?

Firstly, you need to have a clear understanding of what your phone system is for, who will be using it and where.

• Are you looking to save money, but not compromise standards?
• Do you require one telephone number that rings in multiple positions around the premises?
• Will you need text, email and phone messaging facilities?
• Will managers need to see at a glance who is available to take calls and who is busy or off site, and all call durations?
• Do you want to use computers as telephones?
• Will you benefit from having wireless IP phones so that data can be accessed by staff when they are not at their desks?
• Will you take advantage of technology that integrates your phone system with your Client Relationship Management or CRM system?
• Are intercom features required?
• Will your phone system be utilised for video conferencing?
• If a system is right for your needs now, will it still be effective as your business grows?

For small businesses, Voice Over Internet Protocol, commonly known as VoIP or internet telephony, is proving to be popular and cost effective. It also offers superior quality systems when compared to the copper lines of a traditional telephone system.

VoIP is a private telephone network operated via an internet service, which is usually in place already, and although it was originally marketed for large businesses, it is perceived as the future of communications technology for all size enterprises, computer to computer, either in its limited in-house form or in its broader form where VoIP can handle all business call requirements.  

Cloud based VoIP systems are perfect for expanding businesses that will need capacity for additional lines and have set budget requirements.

VoIP works at internet hotspots so calls are easy to make and receive in public places so this is an advantage to any firm that has field staff, regular conference attendees and international business travellers.

You can obtain phones that look like traditional phones and these connect to the Ethernet via a router. The private branch exchange (PBX) hardware and software are pre-installed for immediate use.

Normal telephones use an analogue telephone adaptor (A.T.A.) and the VoIP system sends a voice message, which is analogue data, and converts it to digital signals so that the data is transferred via packets using the internet protocol (IP.) For calls to a traditional telephone, the system reconfigures the signals back to analogue before it meets the call recipient. Perfect.

When choosing a phone system for your small business, the most important thing is to ensure that the type of system, and its features, are right for the individual needs of your business.

For phone systems for small businesses in Worcester, Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands area, contact Midland Networks on 0800 849 8585.

How Birmingham Busineses can Benefit From Better Data Cabling

Better Data Cabling For Birmingham Businesses 

Communications within your Birmingham business should be efficiently managed, cost-effective and pro-actively benefit your enterprise. By knowing how you can gain from better data cabling, you have the potential to give your business the edge over your competitors and maximise system security.

How data cabling has developed

CAT5 cabling was invented in the 1990’s for use over LAN transmissions up to 155mb/s including Ethernet and additional technology was added, thereafter, which led to the introduction of the superior CAT5e cabling standard. CAT5 cabling is no longer manufactured, and the standard is rarely installed these days, so if you have this obsolete cabling then it is definitely time to invest in better technology to improve network performance and maximise efficiency.

CAT6 cabling works to 250Mhz, while CAT5e works to 100MHz. CAT6 cabling offers high video transmission and LAN performance levels. This superior cabling standard is twice the speed offered by CAT5e and, because the bandwidth is broader, it can handle network traffic more effectively.

Generally speaking, CAT6A cabling is the minimum standard used within data centres and computer rooms and it works to 500MHz.

CAT7 is a newer cabling standard, it is used for Gigabit Ethernet communication and it runs at up to 600MHz. It has an overall shield as well as shielding for each individual pair and these act to deflect interference, making this cabling standard far superior to CAT5 and CAT5e in this regard.

The above options transmit with electrical signals, but fibre optic cabling, in comparison, uses light signals, at the speed of light. This makes this type of cabling perfect for computer networks, telephone and broadband services and even for security - it is ideal for CCTV use, for example.  

Unlike the electrical based transmission, fibre optic cabling is not susceptible to electromagnetic interference. This means that there is less risk of signal related issues and, therefore, less chance of telephone calls being compromised by crackling or echoing.

Large amounts of digital data can be carried swiftly and, while it has a high carrying capacity, fibre optic cabling utilises less power while it operates compared with traditional methods.

Fibre optic cables are also a thinner and lighter material to work with. This means that in small locations, money can often be saved on the cost of installation.

Instead of opting entirely for copper or fibre communications systems, a number of West Midlands based businesses have found that a fibre core with copper horizontal cabling provides the optimum business solution, whether in an industrial or commercial environment.

Whichever cabling you opt for, the decision you make will impact on your business efficiency, downtime and service levels. So, it’s recommended that around 15% of your network cost is spent on cabling, as it should last for up to 20 years and you want the most secure product that you can afford to invest in.

Businesses of Birmingham, if you want to be competitive, it’s time to improve your data cabling. For high-quality data cabling in Birmingham, look no further than Midland Networks. We can design and install a superior cabling infrastructure that will meet your business’ needs both now and in the years to come. Call today on 0800 849 8585 to speak to one of our engineers. 

How can small businesses benefit from using Office 365?

Office 365 represents a collection of software combined with service subscriptions that allow subscribers access to productivity software programs. Office 365 is revolutionary in the way that small businesses are now run by offering more flexibility and user autonomy. More small businesses are investing in subscriptions because they have found Office 365 to be beneficial, but why?

Low maintenance and hassle-free updates

Imagine if you could employ a whole IT department for the price of your Office 365 subscription? Well, Office 365 achieves this and more. There is no need for multiple tech employees to set servers up, update software and install patches every month because the Office 365 subscription does this for you. Microsoft is responsible and swift to respond if a server crashes or hard drive has to be fixed. There is no need for the timely process of updating or maintaining software in-house any more or the cost it incurs: Cloud 365 deals with this hassle so you can focus on productivity.

More secure than other cloud services

Microsoft has made security a priority when designing its online services. One assurance is that if a transmission is intercepted by anyone, they will not be able to read it without authorisation. This is due to the Office 365 applications being accessed via a 128-bit SSL/TSL encryption, ensuring that private correspondence and vital data remain confidential. Microsoft upholds strict standards due to its Microsoft Trustworthy Computing initiative. It guarantees that anti-virus signatures stay current as well as other security measures adhering to Microsoft's initiative. There is also use of multiple virus engines to provide anti-spam filtering and anti-virus protection to help keep information safe at all times.

Very reliable with significant uptime scheduled

Small businesses often lose out when frequent downtime results in reduced productivity and lost profits. Office 365 has 99.9% scheduled uptime which is confirmed in the service level agreement (SLA) provided by Microsoft Online Services. This is achieved because Microsoft have numerous datacentres worldwide, which host redundant network architecture. Therefore, a datacentre is always able to step in when another suffers an outage, ensuring little service interruption. Office 365 provides your business with uptime that can be relied upon.

Highly Accessible with cross-platform integration

Office 365 is invaluable to many small businesses because it can be accessed at any time in any location providing there is a web connection.  This is all possible because Office 365 resides on a cloud, allowing employees access to a comprehensive set of MS tools including Word, Outlook, Excel and others. This is a crucial selling point because small businesses rely on adaptability to survive. This accessibility is further enhanced by Office 365's extensive integration across many platforms. It can be accessed on virtually any device including Window and Mac desktops and laptops, multiple tablets, Android, iPhone and other smartphones.

Office 365 helps small businesses to stay competitive and relevant in a forward-thinking society. It is crucial for small businesses to be able to access productivity tools, on the go and when it is least expected that they are required. Office 365 is ultra-secure and cost effective: helping your business to become more efficient and productive. 

At Midland Networks we can offer some of the best rates available on the market for Office 365 from just £2.99 per user per month!  Pop over to our website for more information.  

How Technology Can Help Keep Customers Happy

In business, one of the most important things you want to do is to keep your customers happy. After all, research proves that it is cheaper to keep a customer than to find a new customer. A happy customer will provide the word of mouth recommendations and testimonials that you need to get new customers to hear about your business and the services or products you have to offer.

Sometimes it can be tough to keep your customers happy, but you can use technology to help you achieve this goal. In this article, we provide suggestions for technologies that can help you to maintain a happy customer base.

Social Media

This is a huge bug-bear for many: a business is on social media platforms all the time, but when someone asks a query, has a question or sends a direct message, they hear nothing back. Of course, it is really important to be active on social media platforms, but make sure you are talking to people and not at them. When people respond to a post, talk to them and start a relationship. You are then becoming ‘real’ and the person feels happy that they are being spoken to by a ‘real person’, not a robot.

Live Chat

Live chat apps on websites can work really well, especially if the person that is on your website has a query for you, but they’re at work or busy so they can’t call you. They will be able to send you a quick message through your website, which will come back to you so you can reply quickly to help them find out exactly what they need to know. We know a website company that gained 3 sales in one month, which came through their live chat in the evening, out of office hours.

Emails

How quickly do you respond to your emails? If you are a company that gets lots of emails, then why not set up a direct reply that says you aim to get back to all emails within a set time? Make sure you can meet this set time, and ideally that you can respond before the set time as the person that has contacted you will then be pleasantly surprised at your early response, sooner than they expected.

Website

Don’t make your website over complicated; make sure it is easy to navigate around and for the visitor to your website to find what they are looking for quickly and easily. The easier it is for the visitor to find what they are looking for, the happier they will be and the more likely they will be to purchase your product or service. To test how easy your website is to navigate around, ask a friend that has no involvement in your business to use your website and see how they get on.

Phone system features

Advanced business telephone systems have a wealth of clever features that can help you to keep your customers happy. Automated attendant is one of these; this feature helps to direct callers to the most appropriate person to help them with their query. This reduces call times and improves the chances of first contact resolution, thereby making the customer happy with the way their call has been handled. Modern phone systems also facilitate great software that can help to enhance the customer experience. Whether this is an intelligent CRM system or Unified Communications technology, your customers will be happy that they are receiving fast and effective responses to their queries or problems.

These are just some ways in which technology can be used to keep your customers happy, can you think of any other ways or maybe you have experience of an excellent way technology was used to keep you happy when you were a customer for another company?

How to Retain Your Staff

A high turnover of staff, even when a business is seemingly successful, indicates a core problem. It’s been calculated that at any time, a third of a workforce in an enterprise is considering their exit plan from the job that they’re in. This has an impact on your profit and loss as well as your time usage.

So, what causes a high personnel turnover? It could be a number of issues:

The work atmosphere can have a huge bearing on staff retention. A toxic environment filled with negativity and disrespect is hardly going to enthuse and energise a workforce. It’s worth listening to how employees interact with one another and assess whether there is a prevailing lack of a sense of value.

At management and team leader levels, the procedures and company ethos might be stated unclearly or unprofessionally. Does everyone know what they are there for and why?

Team members need to know when the business is doing well, because one of the largest motivators for staff movement is in thinking that their workplace is in financial difficulties. Keep staff positively informed and they’ll be naturally inclined to work harder and meet goals.

Another reason that people move on is money. If employees feel that they are not being paid enough for their time and expertise, they will walk. Look at it this way: if company A offers a lower wage for performing the same role as company B, are you going to be loyal to company A? No. Nor will your employees.

To retain a full complement of staff, a company must ensure that they feel valued and integral to operations in the business, and not simply a number that is easily replaceable. Inspire loyalty and the job will become more than a salary.

Plus, it’s not enough for most employees to only be paid a basic wage; benefits and subsidies need to be considered, too, and these could tip the balance in your favour.

These are common perks that are hoped for or expected by recruits:

• Business mobiles
• Business vehicle
• Childcare vouchers
• A crèche
• Health insurance
• Healthcare facilities
• Reduced gym membership
• A path to promotion and career development

A growing number of people look for flexibility in a role and a rigid outlook is often one that costs the employer, so it is an excellent idea to offer flexible working hours and work from home options. Work-life balance is often askew, so it helps to give employees a choice of working hours so that they can fulfil work and family or social obligations comfortably.

By offering opportunities to build friendships and a team spirit in social ways, you can make an impact on an employee’s readiness to leave their teammates behind. So, whether it’s a pub quiz, a team sports day, a fundraising challenge or any other team building experience, it should benefit everyone involved.

As the cost to a business of an employee leaving is anything between 75%-200% of their salary, isn’t it better to ensure you’re doing things right?