Mobotix Adds VoIP Supply to Global Partner Network

October 26, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

Shopping around for IP surveillance cameras is one thing but, deciding which one of those thousands of cameras is the right fit and will actually perform as advertised is quite another thing.Mobotix MX-Q24M-Basic-D22

That’s why, for those customers that need trustworthy help to make the best decision, we’re happy to announce that the Mobotix Global Partner Network now includes VoIP Supply as a Registered Mobotix Partner.

Not just a fancy title, what a Registered Mobotix Partner means for customers is:

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The History of Social Media Infographic

October 20, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

At some point very soon, we will all stop talking “Social Media”, and put the focus where it belongs – The Global Media Network that connects us all.

From Copyblogger, A History of Social Media [Infographic], shows a pictoral rundown of social sharing through the ages.

From the very first email sent in 1971 to the user friendly interfaces we enjoy today, this Copyblogger infograph shows that “there’s nothing new about social media” and that, “most social sharing still happens outside of social networks.”

See for yourself  with this timeline:

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Switchvox Review – Full Features for the SMB

October 19, 2012 by Christina Smith

Throughout the month, I have been conducting a series of reviews of our most popular IP PBX’s.  I spoke about 3CX, the Windows-based IP PBX software that entered into the arena in 2008 and is quickly growing­. I also mentioned Elastix, which is an Asterisk-based platform that is still purely open-sourced which has been quickly gaining popularity, especially among the budget-conscious crowd.  The capstone of my review is Switchvox by Digium. Switchvox, like Elastix, is an Asterisk-based platform which was developed by Four Loop Technologies and perfected by Digium in 2007.

switchvox-solutionSwitchvox is a commercial version of Asterisk, so the source code is no longer open. Switchvox offers a polished, clean, and professional packaging of Asterisk amazement. VoIP Supply uses Switchvox as our VoIP phone system, so it is the phone system closest to our hearts. It is most often sold as an appliance with the IP PBX software pre-installed  although you can purchase the Switchvox SMB software as a standalone and install on your own hardware. Switchvox appliances are offered in three flavors, the Switchvox 65 which will support up to 30 users, the Switchvox 305 which is ideal for up to 150 users, and the Switchvox 355 which will support up to 400 users.  Beyond 400 users, you may need to look at multiple appliances or possibly an Enteprise solution. Each Switchvox appliance can be customized for PSTN access when necessary by installing Digium analog or Digium digital telephony cards.  If you prefer to keep the transcoding load off your IP PBX appliance, you can also use Switchvox in conjunction with a Digium T1 gateway.  Technically, you can use Switchvox with any VoIP gateway, but when possible, we recommend using an end-to-end solution to simplify technical support when it is needed (I talk more about this later).

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Obama Prefers VoIP

October 18, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

Over the summer the Democratic presidential campaign contacted VoIP Supply for help with setting up their call centers.

We’re always honored to be trusted with a large job and it was a great opportunity to provide a phone system comprised of several hundred 8-port and 24-port FXS VoIP Gateways and some basic phones:

President Obama Likes VoIP Supply’s Phones and Gateways

VoIP Supply was confident that this phone system would work just fine for their application. What we didn’t expect was President Obama to try it out for himself.

But, here he is visiting a Virginia campaign office, surprising the workers with pizza, and jumping on the phones VoIP Supply provided.

Welcome to the world of VoIP, Mr. President.

President Obama on VoIP Supply Phones, Campaign 2012

(Picture courtesy of Dave Sloane)

Elastix Quickly Taking Center Stage

October 11, 2012 by Christina Smith

Three years ago if you asked us what the hottest open source platform was for your IP PBX, we would have said Trixbox CE.  It was free, easy to use, and always being

Elastix MiniUCS

Elastix MiniUCS

updated. Well the one thing that is certain around here is death, taxes, and CHANGE! With Trixbox CE going the way of the geese up here in Buffalo, NY, we have found that Elastix is quickly becoming the platform of choice when installing a new IP PBX. In fact, Elastix is more than just a phone system… it can be your entire UC strategy!

Elastix as an IP PBX

Elastix is an open source, Asterisk based UC system which can be downloaded and run on any PC, server, or laptop.  I mentioned above that Elastix can be your entire UC strategy. This is because the Elastix platform includes a VoIP phone system, an E-mail server, Instant Messaging, a fax server, and a video conferencing system.  If you are coming to VoIP Supply, chances are you are looking for an IP phone system. However if you are just starting out, Elastix is a great way to integrate all your communication methods into one platform for ease of use and unified functionality… hence the buzzword UC (Unified Communications).

As an IP phone system, elastix offers all the great features that we have come to expect in a phone system these days. Such features include voicemail, configurable IVR,  support for softphones, caller ID, call hold, transfer, forward, do-not-disturb, and least cost call routing. Some unexpected features that Elastix also has is presence, call recording, voicemail to email, fax to email, virtual conference rooms, and integration with some CRM programs such as TigerCRM and SugarCRM.  Similar to some paid distributions of Asterisk, Elastix offers a PBX integrated calendar with support for voice notifications along with a phonebook with click-to-dial capabilities.  Just like many other high profile phone systems, Elastix offers a large selection of call reports right out of the box. If your company is a call center centric business, you may benefit from Elastix’s Call Center module, which is an extra, but it’s a FREE extra! (I love free extras!)

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US Companies Warned Not to do Business with Chinese Telecom Manufacturers

October 8, 2012 by Nathan Miloszewski

Morgan Korn at Yahoo! Finance reports on an interesting telecommunications story with big implications, China’s Huawei, ZTE Threaten U.S. National Security Interests: House Intelligence Report.

A report generated by the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee after an 11-month long investigation warns that, in the name of privacy, intellectual property, and national security, U.S. companies should be wary of doing business with Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp.

Further, as two of the world largest producers of critical telephony equipment, the report states:

China has the means, opportunity and motive to use telecommunications companies for malicious purposes… Industry giants like Huawei and ZTE provide a wealth of opportunities for Chinese intelligence agencies to insert malicious hardware or software implants into critical telecommunications components and systems.

Via Yahoo! Finance

First Look: Polycom RealPresence Group

Today was a busy day for Polycom as they started the day by ringing the opening bell on the NASDAQ before unveiling their newest additions to their video conferencing selection. Part of  their new video conferencing product lineup announced the Polycom RealPresence Group

What Is It?

The Polycom RealPresence Group Series has been designed to complement and expand on the existing Polycom RealPresence HDX Series, with both series sharing common features as far as interoperability, scalability and video/audio performance. For all that they share there will be certain features that will be supported by the RealPresence Group but not the RealPresence HDX and vice versa.

Some of the features unique to the RealPresence Group include 1080p60fps for people and content, a new user interface and remote, and HDMI inputs/outputs. On the other hand some of the features that are currently unique to the HDX Series include ISDN/POTS connectivity, People on Connect, MS Lync 2010 Qualification and UC-APL certification for US FED.

Within the new RealPresence Group there are three new video conferencing solutions and a new camera.

Polycom RealPresence Group 300

Polycom RealPresence Group 300The Polycom RealPresence Group 300 is designed for use in small conference rooms, huddle rooms and offices. The RealPresence Group 300 ships with your choice of either the Polycom EagleEye III or new EagleEye Acoustic camera, codec, new Polycom RealPresence Group Microphone Array, cables, and remote control.

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3CX Windows-Based VoIP Phone System Review

October 3, 2012 by Christina Smith

In the 3 years since VoIP Supply started representing and selling 3CX VoIP Phone system we have seen an amazing increase year over year and quarter over quarter in interest from businesses worldwide of all shapes and sizes.  Perhaps there is something to this growing trend… maybe a Windows-based IP phone system is the right choice for you… Let’s review the Why’s and Why Not’s of running a 3CX phone system.

Why 3CX?

Software-Based

Unlike many of the other VoIP systems that are on the market, 3CX is a software solution. When you buy 3CX you will not receive any deliverable hardware, only a license keycode. This is a big PLUS because it allows3CX My Phone Window you to load the software on any hardware device you choose, as long as it is running .Net v4 or higher.  That pretty much means you will need a PC or server running Windows XP Pro SP3,  Windows 7 (Pro  or Ultimate),  Windows Server 2003 SP2,  Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2.  Small businesses can run this program on a desktop PC or even a laptop, whereas larger enterprises should run it on a server or server farm.  You will need approximately 200MB of free HD space for the 3CX phone system.  Additional space will be needed for voicemail boxes and prompts, depending on how many mailboxes you will be hosting.

Windows XP Pro SP3,  Windows 7(Pro  or Ultimate),  Windows Server 2003 SP2,  Windows
Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2

Standard Features and More

3CX is not a watered down version of Microsoft Lync. It offers all the same features that you would expect from any VoIP PBX including the usual caller id, call forwarding, do not disturb, 3-way calling, call transfer, central phonebook, voicemail, music on hold, call logging, call reporting, and Message Waiting Indication (MWI).  3CX also incorporates leading Unified Communication (UC) features such as presence, BLF, voicemail and fax to email, and video calling.  3CX software includes the 3CX MyPhone web-based utility to manage voice and incorporate email and instant messaging. Similar to the “Switchboard” from Switchvox, the 3CX MyPhone opens on your PC or Mac window and will give users visual access to other colleagues (onsite and remote), transfer calls, launch calls, monitor call queue status, view call history, manage phonebooks,  manage voicemails, and instant message other colleagues.  3CX MyPhone can be incorporated with Microsoft Outlook and other popular CRM features* to integrate your communication strategy. Launch calls from your Outlook address book or from emails. Identify incoming calls while 3CX matches up the originating number with the contact in your CRM system. 3CX allows you to unify your communication strategy – hence UC.

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AT&T Introduces Syn248 Hybrid VoIP System for Small Businesses

October 1, 2012 by Christina Smith

AT&T and Vtech, the makers of the Synapse VoIP Phone system, have partnered to bring the benefits of a VoIP PBX to very small businesses with no IT staff.  The new Syn248 phone system by AT&T allows you to use your existing phone lines to connect to a VoIP PBX for your office.  Using the AT&T Syn248 phone system, small businesses or SOHO’s can enjoy an auto-attendant, day and night menu options, and a dial by name directory in a low cost, all inclusive package. Syn248 Phone System

The Syn248 consists of 2 pieces of equipment: A Syn248 Gateway and the Syn248 Desk phone. Connect the Syn248 PSTN gateway to your PSTN  lines. A single Syn248 gateway can connect up to 4 PSTN lines, use 2 gateways for up to 8 lines.  The Syn248 gateway holds your auto attendant and supports day/night menu options, custom on-hold message recording, and a dial-by-name directory.  The gateway has a small form factor for desktop or rackmount storage. It also has a single FXS port so in the event of a power outage, you can still use an analog phone to connect to the PSTN.

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Patton Smartnode High Port Count FXO Gateways

The Patton Smartnode 4300 series gateway and Smartnode 4400 series gateway-router have been useful to the VoIP world for many years as a high port count FXS gateway, or IP Channel Bank. Now, with the addition of 8 new models, the SN4300 and SN4400 offer FXO connectivity as well.
The Patton Smartnode 4300 series is a VoIP Gateway offering 12, 16, 24, or 32 FXS or FXO ports.  Similar to the SN4300, the 4400 is an enhanced package including a router.  The Smartnode 4400 offers complete access routing with 2 10/100 Ethernet ports, NAT, Firewall, PPPoE, DHCP, DynDNS, multiple VLANs & VPN with IPsec.
High port count FXO gateways allow for some key features in SMEs.  First, they allow for PSTN connectivity for local calls. Using SIP trunks is great, but if a high volume of your calls are local, why not use the PSTN? Two and 4 port FXO gateways are readily available, but larger businesses may need more, and stacking gateways is no fun. If the SME has multiple locations in different geographic regions, adding high port count FXO gateways at each location and linking them via the Internet allows the business to take advantage of low cost local PSTN calling in each remote region.
In large organizations who rely on SIP trunking for their voice communications, the Smartnode 4400 and 4300 can provide PSTN fallback in the event of an Internet outage. The SN4300 is a fantastic addition to the server closet for call centers where voice connectivity is the absolute heart of the business and downtime cannot be tolerated.
The Smartnode 4300 and 4400 is also a great appliance for businesses who want to move to VoIP in a gradual series of steps and not all in one weekend. You can start by implementing a VoIP PBX and using an FXS gateway to give your users the ability to continue to use their analog phones. Or you can connect your IP PBX to the PSTN so you can learn how to best use the features in your VoIP PBX while still relying on the trustworthy service of your PSTN for access.

The Patton Smartnode 4300 series gateway and Smartnode 4400 series gateway-router have been useful to the VoIP world for many years as a high port count FXS gateway, or IP Channel Bank. Now, with the addition of 8 new models, the SN4300 and SN4400 offer FXO connectivity as well.

The Patton Smartnode 4300 series is a VoIP Gateway offering 12, 16, 24, or 32 FXS or FXO ports.  Similar to the SN4300, the 4400 is an enhanced package including a router.  The Smartnode 4400 offers complete access routing with 2 10/100 Ethernet ports, NAT, Firewall, PPPoE, DHCP, DynDNS, multiple VLANs & VPN with IPsec.

SN4300_app2-1

High port count FXO gateways allow for some key features in SMEs.  First, they allow for PSTN connectivity for local calls. Using SIP trunks is great, but if a high volume of your calls are local, why not use the PSTN?  Two and 4 port FXO gateways are readily available, but larger businesses may need more, and stacking gateways is no fun. If the SME has multiple locations in different geographic regions, adding high port count FXO gateways at each location and linking them via the Internet allows the business to take advantage of low cost local PSTN calling in each remote region.

In large organizations who rely on SIP trunking for their voice communications, the Smartnode 4400 and 4300 VoIP gateways can provide PSTN fallback in the event of an Internet outage. The SN4300 is a fantastic addition to the server closet for call centers where voice connectivity is the absolute heart of the business and downtime cannot be tolerated.

The 4300 and 4400 Patton Gateways are also great appliances for businesses who want to move to VoIP in a gradual series of steps and not all in one weekend. A gradual migration to VoIP is achieved by implementing a VoIP PBX and using an FXS gateway to give your users the ability to continue to use their analog phones. Or you can connect your IP PBX to the PSTN so you can learn how to best use the features in your VoIP PBX while still relying on the trustworthy service of your PSTN for access.

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