Vivotek Unveils Extreme Weatherproof PTZ IP Camera Series

October 31, 2011 by Nathan Miloszewski

Vivotek has released a new series of extreme weatherproof speed dome IP cameras. Aimed at replacing earlier models, the new Vivotek SD83xxE PTZ cameras will of course have IP66 rated enclosures for tough outdoor conditions from snow to desert extremes.

The new Vivotek Outdoor PTZ IP camera series will also provide:

Joystick controlled PTZ features with 360° continuous pan and 90° tilt functionality with automatic patrol option.
H.264 compression including MPEG4 and MJPEG encoding for flexible video streaming tailored to your needs.
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) Pro support for challenging lighting conditions.
IR-cut filter for true day/night functionality.
Local data storage on an SD/SDHC card slot.

Model Differences

The main differentiating factors in the new models are resolution and optical zoom capabilities:

SD8311E: 18x optical zoom at 720×480 D1 resolution
SD8312E: 28x optical zoom at 720×480 D1 resolution
SD8313E: 36x optical zoom at 720×480 D1 resolution
SD8362E: 20x zoom at 1080p full HD resolution.

The heightened image clarity from the Vivotek SD8362E Outdoor PTZ IP camera can reveals detail such as lettering on buildings, containers, or vehicles and can be viewed from as far as over 1 mile (1.6 km) away.

Vivotek SD8311E/8312E/8313E models rely on Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) to minimize vibration from the camera being mounted in high locations and the SD8362E also includes an audio alert feature to detect changes in volume in the surrounding environment.

How to Implement VoIP for Your Start-Up

October 28, 2011 by Garrett Smith

Having a VoIP system for your start-up is an easy decision: your company can use the power of the Internet to essentially run a professional phone system at just a couple dozen dollars a month. But if you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance you’re already convinced about the benefits of VoIP for a start-up.

Now you want to know how to implement the dang thing!

The good news is that integrating VoIP in your start-up is one of the easiest things you’ll do all day and many companies offer this service for free. So let’s learn how you can start integrating VoIP into your current phone system and have it all ready by the end of the day – or maybe even before your lunch break.

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How Easily Can You Hack VoIP and Voicemail?

October 27, 2011 by Nathan Miloszewski

In this video below from an AstriCon session, the Asterisk user conference and expo, real world VoIP security scenarios are discussed including a hack that resulted in $400,000 in fraudulent charges.

VoIP hacks pop up in the news rather frequently and like any other technological scam, it’s a silent threat. Click here to see what a simulated VoIP hacker attack looks like.

Being that it’s silent businesses may not realize why VoIP security matters and if you haven’t yet, take another look at your VoIP security systems.

Via Tom Keating’s VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Thailand Flood Causes Hard Drive Shortage

by Nathan Miloszewski

If you’re looking to buy a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or especially a configurable NVR like those with QNAP that offer your choice of storage, there may be a shipment delay due to flooding in Thailand that is affecting hard drive production.

The damage from flooding could keep factories closed for months so manufacturers who have an immediate hard drive need are stocking up quickly. The last few months of 2011 are expected to be tight and Q1 2012 could be slow when the true impact of this disaster is felt.

If you’re looking into buying an NVR or anything else with a hard drive, sooner rather than later may be the best option as there’s no telling how long the wait could be.

Via The Guardian

What are the Best Phone Systems for Startups?

October 24, 2011 by Garrett Smith

Being in a startup company means you’re facing some special circumstances. Your budget is tight, your income is fluctuating and uncertain, and the office space always seems to be more “space” than “office.”

But there are ways to stay lean in these cases, and one of those solutions for cutting office expenses is to use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems for your phones. Not only will this technology often be cheaper than traditional phones, but it will be easier and more flexible to manage.

If you’re already sold on the idea of VoIP, however, one question remains. What are the best VoIP phone systems for accomplishing just that?

Let’s take a look at a few.

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Dual Choice With New Polycom Soundstation Duo

October 20, 2011 by Nathan Miloszewski

Does your office already have VoIP but some areas still use analog? Are you considering making the swith to VoIP but, you’re not sure when?

Your conference phone choice is easy then because VoIP Supply now offers the Polycom SoundStation Duo IP Conference Phone.

Dual Mode IP Conference Phone

Whether your business is planning a migration to VoIP service or is already enjoying the benefits, the latest Polycom conference phone works in dual environments. The Polycom SoundStation Duo is a dual mode analog and VoIP conference phone offering support for both telephony platforms. (more…)

Save Money on VoIP

October 19, 2011 by Nathan Miloszewski

Saving money is good. Saving money on VoIP, in our opinion, is even better.

Join the VoIP Supply Wholesale Buyers Club when you’re buying frequently or in volume. It’s the quick and easy way for:

Substantial discounts based on purchase volumes.
Dedicated on-going account management.
Devices configured/tested based on your exact specifications.
And more…

As with any VoIP Supply order you’ll get on-time order processing, shipping, and prompt service response.

Creating an online account only takes a few minutes. Sign up today and start saving today. And while you’re saving, don’t forget to add our investment protecting Go3 Extended Warranty that adds three full years of hardware failure coverage, for any reason!

VoIP Supply, Entrepreneurs Leading the Way in the New Economy

October 14, 2011 by Nathan Miloszewski

THRIVE! Magazine took the time to acknowledge innovative Western New York companies enhancing the community’s quality of life and adding value to customers:

“We selected a handful of companies both local and locally based, some small, some large that are making a difference. So be inspired that like you, there are people who care about our future as a city and region.”

VoIP Supply was selected as one such company and highlighted in Kyle Patterson’s article, “Innovation,” describing VoIP Supply CEO Ben Sayers’ serial entrepreneur process of capitalizing on emerging markets and creating a company culture that not only survived the economic downturn but thrives in the oft-maligned Buffalo-Niagara region:

“The last place I worked was terrible. I have always loved working. I want to have fun and everyone works better when it’s not a high pressure place. Work hard and play hard is kind of the deal,” said Sayers. In terms of developing further technology companies in our region Sayers says, “I don’t know if there are enough entrepreneurial leadership programs. I think people are afraid.” The solution, Sayers says, is adding more incubators and creating an environment where innovation thrives.

VoIP Supply would like to thank THRIVE! for the recognition by continuing to educate customers and remaining an example of Western New York success.

Affordable Do-It-Yourself Home Surveillance

by Nathan Miloszewski

Entry level IP cameras are dropping in price and are easier to install than you think. Unlike webcams, IP cameras are standalone devices the don’t need a continuously running computer to allow them to operate. Plus, you can access images from your IP camera anywhere, including mobile phones.

Nik Rawlinson of CNET writes “How to set up a cheap home security system using Dynamic DNS” and outlines, in great detail, the steps you’ll need to follow:

Site your IP camera
Sign up to free Dynamic DNS forwarding
Set up your router

That’s all you need to start monitoring your cats from work.

Home IP Camera Suggestions

Here’s a few affordable indoor IP cameras that are great for home, office, or vacation home use. Wired and wireless options are available on some models and these IP cameras can be controlled remotely, from a standard web browser wherever you are:

ACTi ACM-4201 ($266.00): Supports two-way audio, hardware motion detection, megapixel imaging, and low light capability in a compact design.

Panasonic BL-C1A ($99.95): Plug and Play Installation, built-In Web Server/IP address, 10x digital zoom, integrated Motion Sensor with E-mail alert, and 4-lux Night View mode.

Axis M1011-W ($179.00): Ideal for securing locations such as small businesses, boutiques, restaurants, hotels or residences. These intuitive and dependable cameras offer best-in-class image quality and professional monitoring capabilities.

Via CNET UK

VoIP Supply Expands Sales Team, Improves Customer Experience

October 13, 2011 by Nathan Miloszewski

VoIP Supply is pleased to announce the addition of a new associate in October.

Courtney Hamp has been named as Senior Account Development Manager to educate customers and provide VoIP solutions. Mr. Hamp joins VoIP Supply from AT&T Mobility as a National Account Executive and prior to that, he served as Installation Agent and District Trainer for the Geek Squad.

“VoIP Supply is very pleased to add a new member with a strong technological background,” said Ben Sayers, CEO of VoIP Supply. “VoIP Supply always looks to its new members for a fresh take on bringing customer experience to an even higher level.”

What Our Customers Want

Improving the customer experience at VoIP Supply is not a hollow gesture; it’s taken seriously and continually examined. The best example of this comes from VoIP Supply’s CEO himself.

In his post, What My Customers Want, Sayers explains that “VoIP Supply’s mindset is to communicate, always and excessively, both internally and externally.” Going further he outlines how this is accomplished:

“Taking the time now to document, train and inspect will create much happier customers and a much more rewarding business experience. Talking to your customers, listening to their concerns and needs and acting immediately shows an understanding of the situation and the intent to correct it while preventing it.”