How to select a telecom provider without regretting it
The Business Journals by Joe Cogliano, Senior Reporter
It's an all too common story: a vice president of sales loses a big deal because of a dropped phone call or missed voice mail then storms into the office of his company's owner to blame the phone system glitch for missing quota that month.
Now the owner is ready to switch telecommunications providers.
Every business has working phones and computers so it takes some sort of pain — like that big deal gone out the window — before most business owners will even consider switching telecom companies, said Dan Baldwin, executive director of Telecom Association, which publishes BusinessPhoneNews.com.
In the past, the question of how much static is on the line and how expensive is the bill were about the only two issues that might make a business look at switching providers. These days telecom systems are infinitely more complex, tied to computers and software, so the process of selecting a new telecom provider should take a lot more consideration.
Employee Incentive Extended!
Our Employee Incentive has been extended! If your employer uses PriorityOne's phone service this is your chance to win a $100 VISA Gift Card!
>> Download pdf with details on how to win << or visit this page
Send a referral to PriorityOne, a small to medium sized business owner, who has the need for our services, which includes hosted phone systems and high-speed internet. When your referral signs on for service from PriorityOne – you will receive a $100 VISA gift card, perfect for holiday shopping!*
Who is a good referral for PriorityOne?
- A business owner looking to save money on their costly or outdated phone system.
- A business owner who wants more control over features their phone system can provide.
- A business owner who can get in touch with support right away and not wait on hold
- A business owner who wants a reliable phone system supported by the internet.
- A business owner who has multiple business locations and needs a more seamless phone system to connect these locations.
- A business owner who has mobile workers and needs them to stay connected like those in the office.
Not sure how to describe what we do? Here are some ideas…
- PriorityOne provides hosted phone systems, also known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Voice data is sent through the internet and is more cost effective and easy to manage than a traditional phone system. You are using our phone system right now!
- In addition to internet phone systems, we provide high-speed, affordable internet service for businesses.
- We help businesses implement reliable phone systems that are easy to manage, flexible and affordable.
Where do you send your referral once you have one?
- Send the name, company and phone number of your referral to: Kaitlin, Marketing Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and someone from PriorityOne will follow up with that person.
- Give the referral our phone number and have them call 518-533-4480
Questions? Email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Visit www.priorityonenet.com for more information about PriorityOne
*Limit one gift card per person. Referral must sign up for PriorityOne’s VoIP or Internet Service and sale must be considered closed for participant to receive gift card. Business that is referred must have between 3-50 employees.
VoIP Service Surges in Popularity Among Business Customers
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) January 16, 2012
original source
More and more business managers are saying goodbye to traditional landline phones and hello to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telecommunications systems these days.
Business leaders have realized VoIP service's many benefits, such as much more affordable domestic and international calling and the elimination of the need for in-house PBX hardware and related maintenance required for traditional telephony systems. In fact, 75% of all international calls are being made over the Internet.
The massive transition to this cost-effective technology is more than a trend; it's a glimpse into the future of business telephony. And, it's a money-making opportunity for VoIP service providers ... if they give customers what they want.
WhichVoIP, a company with expertise in VoIP and telecommunications services, recently surveyed current business VoIP customers about their needs and expectations from service providers.
When asked, "What items are the most important to your VoIP business service purchase decision," the responses were as follows:
Nearly 80% of those surveyed said the price of the service was an important consideration in their decisions to select VoIP instead of a traditional telephony system;
Slightly more than 60% of those surveyed said the value-added features and functionality --- offered with VoIP service at no extra charge --- appealed to them when considering VoIP in their business phone service purchasing decision;
Nearly 60% said "knowledge of sales staff";
Slightly more than 30% said "friendliness of the salesperson."
"This is real data from customers telling us what they would like from providers --- not only in terms of service, but also in terms of the sales process," Mike Bragg, CFO of WhichVoIP, said. "Business VoIP service providers who seek business customers can benefit greatly from the information our survey revealed."
For potential customers who are still skeptical about VoIP and its many useful features, service providers and their sales team should have other selling points ready to share in efforts to close the deal. Here is a couple:
Hosted VoIP phone systems involve a substantial cost savings by enabling a company's workers to make and receive calls via the Internet using a headset and microphone.
The VoIP system also enables calls to be directed to mobile devices, so company employees can conduct business while travelling or otherwise away from the office location.
WhichVoIP is a leading VoIP website that educates its viewers on the diverse offerings available in this developing technology, both to residential and business users, through articles, reviews, and blogs.
More About WhichVoIP
WhichVoIP.com is based in Seattle, Washington and the company consists of experts in the VoIP and telecommunications field. The team members utilize their expertise and knowledge to help consumers understand VoIP technology, and provide comprehensive information to enable consumers to make educated decisions that are appropriate to their needs
Next Webinar "An Introduction to Benefits & Features of a Hosted Phone System" Tuesday, January 24th 11am-12pm
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6 Signs it's Time for VoIP
Consider the technology upgrade if your current phone system is causing you to lose business and efficiency
It's a rare business owner who wakes up one morning and decides that legacy migration to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the best possible use of company assets.
Maybe it should happen more often, though, since replacing a "legacy" telephone system with VoIP can improve quality and save money.
So, how can you tell whether your company is ready for VoIP? Here are six signs:
1. You think VoIP has something to do with "very important persons." What is VoIP? VoIP turns voice information and data into digital information that's transmitted in the same format as information that passes over the Internet (VoIP includes other packet-switched networks besides the Internet). It has become a standard technology for large companies and is increasingly becoming one for small businesses.
2. Company voice mail says, "Your call is very important to us," yet it's impossible to reach a real person. How much business can you lose when a potential customer calls and gets lost in an endless loop of voice-mail options? ("Press 1 if you're sick of wasting time and want to reach an honest-to-God human being.") With VoIP, key contacts can be literally a call away, no matter where they are.
3. You think "unified communications" means everyone is talking at the same time. VoIP can provide unified communications (UC), integrating voice (landline and mobile), email, instant messages and conferencing. Having all communication over one network is more efficient and eliminates duplication of wiring and switching equipment. By combining voice and data, you can also allocate bandwidth based on varying traffic requirements, which can improve productivity and lower costs. In addition, users can access all voice messages in one place.
4. Every facility your company owns has its own system. How ironic is it that some phone systems won't talk to each other? Different systems result in high maintenance and management costs, and low functionality. Compatible technology is as important for telephones as it is for computers. If your company has multiple locations, VoIP enables them to all be on the same system easily. Your phone system will be scalable and can grow with your business.
5. The only function your phones have is a busy signal. VoIP is feature-rich and user-friendly. Users can access all features using a PC-based application. In addition, system administration can be handled through a standard browser. There's no complicated programming, so trained technicians are not needed.
6. Your PBX lease is up for renewal. Why invest more in old technology? You'll likely find it increasingly difficult to purchase parts for your system and maintain it, and your monthly usage charges are probably higher than they should be. Your outdated PBX system will have to be replaced sooner or later, so why not replace it now?
You can wait for your phone system to crash and burn. Or you can take advantage of the new technology that's available today and create a competitive advantage for your company. It's your choice.
PriorityOne can help you upgrade your phone system quickly and easily. Call us today for a free telecommunications analysis. We will work with you to find the best solution for your business and save you anywhere from 30-50% monthly. 866-578-5355.
What to Do If Your Business Gets Hacked
By Riva Richmond
original source
Your business has been hacked. It's bad news, but it doesn't have to cripple your operation.
Cyber-crooks increasingly are targeting small businesses to steal information such as passwords that lead to bank account balances and credit lines, customer data and sensitive product details. Hackers also may try to virtually hijack company computers or websites and use them to attack others online. They know most small businesses lack the security expertise, data protections and response tools that large companies have at their disposal.
Falling victim to a hack can be costly. Malicious or criminal data breaches on average cost victim companies $318 per compromised record in 2010, according to Traverse City, Mich.- based research firm Ponemon Institute.
But having a security recovery plan can make the process smoother and less expensive. Here are six critical steps to take if your business has been hacked:
1. Find out what happened.
To respond effectively, get a full picture of what happened, including how the hackers got in, which computers and accounts were compromised, which data was accessed or stolen and whether any other parties -- such as customers or business partners -- were affected.
This can be a difficult process involving costly security consultants, but you may be able to get less expensive help from companies you do business with, including your Internet service provider, security software company or website hosting firm. But the best route may be to contact your local, county or state police computer crimes unit and the FBI, which can do forensic analyses and provide valuable guidance.
2. Seek legal advice.
If you don't have a special cyber-insurance policy that will provide an experienced attorney, you may need to hire one to navigate the legal issues. For instance, when hackers gain access to the personal information of customers or employees, you likely have a legal obligation to notify them, says Todd B. Ruback, a Warren, N.J.-based privacy attorney who specializes in data breach response.
You may also be required to alert state authorities. Because there isn't a federal data-breach notification rule, companies that do business nationally may have to comply with as many as 46 different state laws. You also could face liability lawsuits from affected parties.
3. Communicate early and often.
Quick and honest communication with affected employees, customers and partners -- about what happened, what you're doing about the problem and what they need to do -- is often more than just a legal requirement. It may be necessary to salvage your business.
"A data breach can be fatal for a small business" if monetary losses, the cost of rebuilding or reputation damage is high, says Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance, a public-private partnership based in Washington, D.C. "Maintaining trust in a crisis is the best way to hold onto your customers."
4. Eliminate the problem.
To limit the damage, you may need to take disruptive and costly steps, such as removing infected computers and shutting down your website while you clean up. Consider reformatting hacked computers and restoring data with clean backups, or simply buy new computers.
If hackers exploited a software flaw, apply a "patch" from the software maker that fixes the problem or implement a recommended workaround. If they stole passwords, secure your accounts and set new, complex passwords that will be hard to crack.
5. Rebuild.
Put in place the technology and policies to help fend off future attacks. Make sure your computer operating system and other software are current and, if possible, receiving automatic updates to fix bugs. Consider designating one computer for online banking only, meaning no Web surfing and no email that might expose you to malware designed for financial fraud.
6. Revisit your security plan.
Make sure your security defenses are running properly and that data is being backed up securely. Your IT manager should consider setting up activity "logging," or tracking, on all devices on your network so any future problems can be investigated more easily, says Brian Honan, principal consultant at Dublin, Ireland-based security firm BH Consulting.
Check with customers, partners and vendors to see what they're doing to protect your data. Consider buying a cyber-insurance policy if you don't already have one. Also, create a disaster recovery plan and train employees so everyone can respond quickly and calmly if faced with a hack or other crisis again.
Win a $100 VISA Gift Card from PriorityOne!
If your employeer uses PriorityOne's phone service this is your chance to win a $100 VISA Gift Card!
>> Download pdf with details on how to win << or visit this page
Send a referral to PriorityOne, a small to medium sized business owner, who has the need for our services, which includes hosted phone systems and high-speed internet. When your referral signs on for service from PriorityOne – you will receive a $100 VISA gift card, perfect for holiday shopping!*
Who is a good referral for PriorityOne?
- A business owner looking to save money on their costly or outdated phone system.
- A business owner who wants more control over features their phone system can provide.
- A business owner who can get in touch with support right away and not wait on hold
- A business owner who wants a reliable phone system supported by the internet.
- A business owner who has multiple business locations and needs a more seamless phone system to connect these locations.
- A business owner who has mobile workers and needs them to stay connected like those in the office.
Not sure how to describe what we do? Here are some ideas…
- PriorityOne provides hosted phone systems, also known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Voice data is sent through the internet and is more cost effective and easy to manage than a traditional phone system. You are using our phone system right now!
- In addition to internet phone systems, we provide high-speed, affordable internet service for businesses.
- We help businesses implement reliable phone systems that are easy to manage, flexible and affordable.
Where do you send your referral once you have one?
- Send the name, company and phone number of your referral to: Kaitlin, Marketing Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and someone from PriorityOne will follow up with that person.
- Give the referral our phone number and have them call 518-533-4480
Questions? Email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Visit www.priorityonenet.com for more information about PriorityOne
*Limit one gift card per person. Referral must sign up for PriorityOne’s VoIP or Internet Service and sale must be considered closed for participant to receive gift card. Business that is referred must have between 3-50 employees.
A Case for VoIP
By John Moore
original source
Cost savings plus converged network efficiencies make an attractive case for IP telephony, even during a sluggish economy.
The benefits of Voice over Internet Protocol technology have long been known: lower equipment and maintenance costs and, by virtue of combining voice and data over a single network, simplified network management. Nonetheless, large enterprises have been slower to adopt the technology than small businesses.
In 2009, VoIP penetration among U.S. business was 42 percent, according to market research firm In-Stat. Industry experts say there are several reasons for the relatively slow adoption, especially among large businesses.
"Telephony has traditionally been held to a standard of five nines uptime — basically, 10 minutes of downtime per year — as well as having a very high level of voice quality," says Hyoun Park, telecom and unified communications research analyst at Aberdeen Group.
"There have been concerns in telecom departments about the ability to provide both of those metrics through Voice over IP," he says. "In addition, companies also worry about moving from a proprietary voice network that is particular to just carrying voice, to a converged network where voice becomes an application."
Making the Transition to VoIP
Large firms have also succumbed to the misconception that they must totally abandon current phone assets to adopt the new technology. Businesses with large telecom systems have made significant investments, so their turnover rate is likely to be much slower," says Jeff Ridley, director of product management at ShoreTel. And companies typically don't even start looking at VoIP until their circuit-switched Public Branch Exchange (PBX) system becomes cost prohibitive because of repairs and workarounds.
How to Protect Your Business's Mobile Devices
By Jonathan Blum | November 21, 2011
original source
Given the growing mix of smartphones and tablets that do double-duty for business and personal use, these devices are among the most difficult company assets to manage and protect. When one of those tools goes missing, not only would the employee's personal information be at risk, but company email, messages, video assets and -- most worrisome -- client contact information, company log-ins and access codes all could be potentially exposed.
Small firms now find themselves having to keep tabs on a constantly-changing roster of employee-owned and managed devices. How should a small business track, manage and protect its smartphone inventory? One solution is to find a combination of software and gadgets that allows you to not only track company-affiliated mobile devices, but protect and manage the work information stored on those devices.
Here are some problems to anticipate and steps to take to head them off:
A Short Guide to VoIP
VoIP is a new form of business communications technology that is gaining popularity. Understanding this service is an essential requirement for anyone considering its implementation in their business, but what is VoIP and how does it work in the business world?
VoIP systems are an increasingly popular choice for businesses, offering them an alternative way to transmit telephone calls. Here is a quick guide of everything you need to know about business VoIP systems:
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is a system by which verbal calls are transmitted across a computer Internet Protocol (IP) connection instead of over a telephone line. This means that all of the correspondence and data transmitted between a business and a client is done so across one connection.
What is Hosted VoIP?
Hosted VoIP systems are designed to address some of the problems encountered from combining VoIP with PBX (Private Branch Exchange) systems. These systems can incur larger expenses due to the need to install specialist equipment in each branch or office of a business. Hosted VoIP systems use a separate hosting platform in order to eliminate this, transferring the savings onto the customers. This offers a more reliable and easily accessible service, making it easier for business to conduct their daily tasks and correspondences.
What Do You Need for a VoIP System?
VoIP systems will require one Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to be installed. This is a singular phone line which is used to give the office its broadband connection which is then used to enable the VoIP system to work.
Other than that, businesses will just need to have relevant phone handsets installed – something which they are likely to have anyway. Providers of these services will be able to advise businesses on what features and equipment they need in order to make a VoIP system work but these will usually be items already held by most businesses.
What Are The Benefits of VoIP Systems?
VoIP systems have a number of great benefits the main one of which is reduced costs. As they only require one PSTN line businesses will not have to pay for multiple line rentals. This means that they can still deal with a large volume of calls but without encountering large costs.
VoIP systems also help to reduce costs by offering businesses a number of competitive rates on calls and other services. A VoIP provider will often offer incentives in order to give businesses fair and competitive prices for their communication systems. This means that businesses could benefit from free calls between their offices and cheap international calls, or other such offers.
VoIP systems are also incredibly flexible. The amount of handsets in an office can be increased quickly and easily, allowing the VoIP system to grow and expand with the business. This means that the system is scalable and therefore more efficient and cost effective.
Call us for more information about VoIP systems and how it can help your business save money and operate more efficiently. 866-578-5355.