Is Skype Good Enough for Business?

May 10, 2016 by Ying-Hui Chen

As many of you know, Skype service is free of charge among Skype users. Actually, until today, millions of users rely on Skype service to communicate over the internet with friends, families, and even business partners. You certainly would wonder if you could utilize Skype in your business as well. To answer that question, we first have to take a look at the pros and cons of Skype.

Pros

Skype is well known for its less expensive service and easy installation process which are the two main unbeatable advantages in the industry. The fee can be as low as $0.02/ minute for Skype and $2/ month for Skype for Business. Simply download the software, you are ready to talk!

Covering almost all basic VoIP functions that users expect, Skype satisfies VoIP users with fundamental needs. Skype for Business further expands the capabilities such as the number of attendees allowed in the same video conference to better fit for business usage. Here is a list of the unctions you can expect from Skype and Skype for Business:

Call waiting and forwarding
Voicemail
Caller ID
Video calling and screen sharing
SMS text messaging

You can visit Skype’s page for more detailed features and functions. To learn about the difference between Skype and Skype for Business, please refer to our blog.

Cons

It sounds great so far; however, if your business requires more advanced functions such as call return and blocking, you may want to seek for other VoIP service providers. Also, Skype doesn’t provide emergency call (911) service like many other VoIP service providers or landlines offer. Therefore, you will want to have a backup support for emergencies.

In addition, Skype for Business is designed to be used as a softphone that can only generate calls through a computer, cellphone, or tablet apps but not on a regular telephone. To have the best communication quality, certified hardware is required. Visit our store for Skype for Business equipment and Skype equipment.

Back to our question, is Skype good enough for your business? It depends on how much your business needs for VoIP. For small business with a limited budget who only expects basic VoIP functions, Skype could be a great deal. However, for larger-scaled companies and enterprises, the functions and services offered by Skype might not suffice their demands.

If you are looking for a VoIP Cloud Service provider that can meet your unique business needs, please give us a call today at 1-800-398-VoIP or fill out the form below for a free Cloud Service consultation. Our VoIP expert will evaluate your case and find you a perfect match for your business.

What are the key things to consider when choosing a right switch for VoIP?

by Youleidy Vega

There can be a lot of apprehension and uneasiness when switching to VoIP. These emotions are understandable as the dependability of businesses on their voice system is profound. A successful VoIP migration is heavily dependent on choosing the right infrastructure that will support the demanding requirements of voice. When shopping for switch infrastructure, consider asking the following questions to help you find that perfect switch you can depend on.

Is this switch “voice aware”?

Because VoIP is delay sensitive, network issues can result in poor voice quality, which can in turn hinder your business flow. For this reason, the LAN infrastructure needs to be able to recognize and prioritize voice over less important tasks. The root of prioritization is in your switch. ADTRANs NetVanta Switches offer “voice-aware” features that guarantee voice quality from your VoIP networks.

Does this switch simplify VoIP rollouts and management?

Getting started with a VoIP system calls for extensive VoIP deployment expertise, and if you don’t have the right IT support, it can become both an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. ADTRAN’s NetVanta Switches make it easy to deploy and manage your VoIP setup with features that include built-in setup wizards and zero-touch phone setup so that your rollouts are faster. Moreover, Adtran switches provide comprehensive intelligence tools, on-demand reports, and powerful monitoring tools for quick troubleshooting if issues were to arise. What is even better is that ADTRAN switches can be managed on the go from any device at any time through ADTRAN’s cloud-managed service, ProCLOUD.

Does this switch guarantee maximum network uptime?

When choosing the right switch, this question is ideal. You need a switch that is reliable and offers enhanced features to ensure maximum uptime. ADTRAN’s NetVanta Switches meet these standards. Select switches come with surge protection and backup power options to eliminate power concerns. You can rest easy knowing that your network will remain up and running even in the event of a power outage. Moreover, the NetVanta Switches provide faster recovery from unexpected network issues by automatically backing up switch configurations to ProCloud.

When talking about the ADTRAN NetVanta Switches, the answer to all of the questions above is, Yes! NetVanta Switches offer better voice quality, they maximize up time and they are easy to set-up and manage, making them the best switches for VoIP, period. To learn more about NetVanta Switches, call us at 1-800-398-VoIP.

How do I Answer and Hang Up My VoIP Phone Using The SpeakerPhone Feature?

May 9, 2016 by Steve Lopian

For the sake of this blog post we will use the Polycom VVX 410 as an example, but most VoIP Phones all have the same steps when it comes to using your speakerphone.

On the front face of your VoIP phone you should have a button that either has the word “Speaker/phone” or an icon of a speaker. Example on the VVX 410 below.

If your phone rings, and you would like to answer using speaker phone, you can press this button. Once pressed, you will immediately be engaged in the phone call via your speakerphone (no handset required).

Once your call is complete, and you wish to hang up, simply press the speakerphone button again to end the call. If you would like to take the call off speakerphone, simply lift up the handset. This will automatically switch your call from speakerphone, to handset.

And that’s it! Very straightforward and very simple! As always, if you have any additional questions, please give our experts a call at 1-800-398-VoIP

Five Steps to Join VoIP Supply Partner Program

by Ying-Hui Chen

VoIP Supply’s Partner Program is designed to assist all of our valued partners who want to offer the perfect telecommunications solutions to their clients. In order to give you a big picture of how our Partner Program works, we would like to break the process down into five simple steps.

STEP ONE: Briefly Understand VoIP Supply Partner Program

Visit out website and read our blog: 5 Benefits to Join The VoIP Supply Partner Program to have the basic understanding of our Partner Program and the benefits you can take advantage of. Our product offerings include hardware, VoIP service, Internet Service, and On-site implementation.

STEP TWO: Contact Us

Once you have a brief understanding of the program, simply fill out the form below or on our website, or contact Don, our Channel Manager, at 716-213-6906 to request a free consultation. Our specialists are here to help you find the option that can best fit in your business needs. Currently we have two Partner Program options available: Referral Partner and VoIP Supply Partner.

partner

STEP THREE: Detailed Discussion

Our specialist will contact you shortly after you submit the consultation request for a further discussion. Based on your specific business demands, our specialist will guide you to the best option and discuss the flexible custom solutions you may need such as onsite installation, internet or PRI connections, etc.

STEP FOUR: Confirmation

Once you decide to join our Partner Program, you will be given the terms and condition to confirm our partnership. Read them through carefully and contact us anytime if you have any concerns.

STEP FIVE: Get On Board!

Now, you are ready to broaden your business capability and start enjoying VoIP Supply Partner Program benefits! With our industry aggressive commissions, dedicated VoIP support, and bountiful resources, we will take your business onto the next level and help you succeed.

If you are interested in joining our Partner Program or have more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Don, our Channel Manager, at 716-213-6906 or email us at [email protected]. We are here to provide you any VoIP assistance you may need.

What Lync Users Need to Know About Skype for Business

May 4, 2016 by Ying-Hui Chen

April 2015, Skype officially launched Skype for Business to replace Lync, combining features of Lync and the consumer Skype software. This announcement aroused a great deal of discussion about the upgrades, differences, and direct impacts on current Lync users. In this blog, we will share some key information that Lync users need to be aware of about Skype for Business.

What’s New?

Skype for Business rolled out as an update to Lync, improving the discoverability of the dial pad, access to controls and device selection interfaces. The three main benefits of this upgrade include Skype-Inspired Design, Global Reach, and Full Lync Feature set.

Skype-Inspired Design: To align with Skype’s user experience, Skype for Business delivers familiar Skype icons for audio and video calling, a call monitor to keep active calls visible while switching between apps, as well as the integration with Skype directory. This gives the updated users the look and feel of Skype.
Global Reach: Skype for Business enables enterprises to connect to the entire Skype network through IM, audio, and video, expanding their global reach.
Full Lync Functionality and Simplified controls: Skype for Business keeps all the features and functionality as well as the control, security and reliability that Lync users expect. It also simplified the control and patch processes.

Can I still Use Lync Interface?

Absolutely! Administrators have the ability to control and choose when you would like to roll out the updated experience to your users. For Lync Online users with Office 365 ProPlus, Office 365 Business Premium or Office 2013, the default is the updated Skype for Business interface and for Lync Server users, Lync UI will be the default experience.

Switch back to Lync Interface

Administrators are able to adjust the setting from the new Skype client design back to the familiar Lync user interface design for their users. Click here for detailed instruction of how to switch between Lync and Skype for Business interfaces.

Upgrade to Skype for Business

You could use Remote PowerShell in Office 365 or utilize the PowerShell script provided by Microsoft to implement the migration to Skype for Business.

If you have more questions about Skype for Business, please visit our website or follow the links below for more information. You can also consult with Microsoft.

Can I Use WiFi Phones With Grandstream UCM?

by Ying-Hui Chen

Our tech support team at VoIP Supply offers great pre- and post-sales support plus provisioning, consultations, configuration, and installation help. We get a lot of VoIP hardware and software questions and would like to share the solutions with everyone.

In previous Mom’s calling Q&A series, we have discussed: How to Program GXP2200 Expansion Module. Today, we have more new real questions and answers from VoIP users just like you.

Can I Use WiFi Phones With Grandstream UCM?

Q: Can I use WiFi phones with Grandstream UCM? Is Incom 1000G a good choice? How does it perform hold and transfer functions? How would Spectralink 8440 work with UCM system?

A: They will both work but the Spectralink 8440 will be a more expensive option. They both will perform hold and transfer functions. They can also use feature codes to transfer with the UCM which might be an easier method. There is also the Grandstream DP715 and the Grandstream DP710 if they had any interest in a DECT option that is auto-provisioned with the UCM.

Stay Tuned

Come back for more VoIP questions and answers next time! If you have VoIP questions to ask us, please submit a technical support ticket or contact our VoIP experts today at (866) 582-8591.

Adjusting The Brightness Of Your Grandstream GXP2135

April 29, 2016 by Steve Lopian

If the 2.8 inch color display on your new Grandstream GXP2135 is too bright or dim out of the box, then follow these quick and easy steps to adjust the brightness! Because not all office settings are the same, Grandstream has made it simple to customize this small, but important detail on your new phone.

Start by pressing the round Menu button on the front face of the phone.

Then select Preference, followed by Appearance.

Once you are there, select Idle LCD Brightness. From there, you will be able to adjust the brightness of your screen by pressing the Left and Right arrow keys.

Reveal The Truth About Better Sounding Headsets

April 28, 2016 by Ying-Hui Chen

A study designed to identify the effect of superior noise-canceling headsets on a retailer’s inbound contact center with over 500 seats was conducted by Vidal Consulting Group. It targets headsets that are able to eliminate 90% or more of background noise and tracks certain key performance indicators from the targets.

The performance result shows a noticeable improvement in both the agent and customer experience: A significant decrease in average hold time and a meaningful increase in revenue per call.

80 agents in total took part in this case study, 40 in the Control Group, who used the same headsets throughout the study, and the other 40 in the Sample Set, who were given VXi headsets after the first 4 weeks. Half of the sample set (20 agents) were given VXi Passport 21V binaural headsets, and the other half received VXi V150 Wireless Office headsets.

The chart below presents what they found:

To have a copy of the full case study details, or to learn more about the benefits that VXi’s superior noise-canceling headsets can bring to your business, please click here.

What’s The Difference Between Skype and Skype for Business?

April 26, 2016 by Ying-Hui Chen

It all started a decade ago when Skype blurred the boundary between international and domestic communications. Today, Skype has been used by over 300 million people all over the world, creating unprecedented bonds among people.

Well, that’s not the end of the story. Skype has further reached out to the business market, focusing on business communication tools people use at work. So, how is Skype for Business different from Skype? Let’s look from three main aspects: Capability, Cost and Security.

Skype v.s. Skype for Business

Capability

Both Skype and Skype for Business allow users to message, share files, and video chat. Simply install the software and prepare the required hardware, you are ready to chat! The difference is the number of people you are allowed to meet up simultaneously. While Skype allows you to have up to 25 people on group calls with 10 people video enabled, Skype for Business has the ability to raise the limit up to 250 people!

Cost

skype 4b-2 Skype is free among Skype users but calls to and from landlines, VoIP cloud services and mobiles are not free. Although they require Skype credits, many less expensive call plans are available for you to avoid hefty international call charges.

Skype for Business is not free in all cases. There are two basic plans available:

$2/ month per user with an annual commitment
$5.50/ month per user with an annual commitment

The cost of Skype for Business varies case by case, we encourage you to consult with Microsoft for a proper calculation. Visit our website for more detailed information.

Security

Both Skype and Skype for Business offer privacy settings that protect your account from being disturbed by scammers. In most cases, your account is secure and it requires some effort for criminals to invade. However, Skype for Business allow you to have better controls. In addition to the authentication and encryption for producing and archiving private communications, it also allows Skype providers to control their guests’ accounts. They can easily disable or enable certain functions or calls to make the communication more efficient.

Depending on your needs, Skype for Business could be a cost-effective substitute for other VoIP services considering the functions and costs. If you are interested in learning more about Skype and Skype for Business, please visit our website, or Skype’s website or simply give us a call at 1-800-398-VoIP, Our VoIP experts are here to help and will be happy to assist you with any questions you have!

VoIP Supply Open House: Learn about VoIP and Tour One of The Best Places to Work in WNY

by Ying-Hui Chen

Are you curious about what it is like to work in one of the Best Places to Work in WNY? Are you interested in trying out popular Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) equipment? Whether you want to learn more about VoIP or you just want to have fun and network with VoIP Supply staff, now is your chance!

VoIP Supply is hosting an Open House event on May 25th at their office. This is an incredible opportunity for you and your business. It doesn’t matter if you are an existing VoIP users or VoIP beginners. Come visit VoIP Supply, one of the Best Places to Work in WNY, and learn how VoIP can save you a fortune. Register here today!

Grand Prize is a Polycom RealPresence Trio Conference Phone valued at $1,199! Must RSVP and be present at the event to win.

Event Information

Date: Wednesday, May 25th, 2016
Time: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
Location: VoIP Supply | 80 Pineview Drive, Amherst, NY, 14228
This event is free and open to public. Light appetizers and drinks will be served.

Bring Your Phone Bill For A Free Consultation

We would like to give you a free consultation based on the phone bill you bring to us and evaluate how much you can save for you. On average, our VoIP specialists can save customers 23% off their monthly bill. So, what are you waiting for? Prepare your phone bill and register now!

What Else Can I Expect From The Open House Event?

Here we provide a list of the things you can expect from the Open House event. You are welcome to participate the parts that interest you.

Free VoIP Consultation
30 -minute Presentation: VoIP Introduction
VoIP Supply Office and Laboratory Tour
Try out Popular VoIP Equipment
Polycom Giveaways
Delicious Foods and Drinks
Network with VoIP Supply Staff
Register and Present to Win Polycom RealPresence Trio Worth $1,199!

If you are interested in attending VoIP Supply Open House event, please fill the form below to register. We look forward to meeting with you!

This event is sponsored by Polycom.

What are the key things to consider when choosing a right switch for VoIP?

Is this switch “voice aware”?

Does this switch simplify VoIP rollouts and management?

Does this switch guarantee maximum network uptime?

How do I Answer and Hang Up My VoIP Phone Using The SpeakerPhone Feature?

Five Steps to Join VoIP Supply Partner Program

STEP ONE: Briefly Understand VoIP Supply Partner Program

STEP TWO: Contact Us

STEP THREE: Detailed Discussion

STEP FOUR: Confirmation

STEP FIVE: Get On Board!

What Lync Users Need to Know About Skype for Business

What’s New?