BCS Provides Business Phone System Sales, Installation, Support and Service

Back to School Checkup

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Almost every parent has a back-to-school checklist for their child: annual physical, new clothes, school supplies, etc. But what about the school? Many schools, both public and private, have been operating for a long time. This means that throughout the years, they have had their own checklist to run through to make sure every part of the building is running smoothly when students return – including technology.

For schools, the most important system is the phones. Parents need to be able to contact administrators without worrying about getting disconnected or a busy line, and administrators need to be able to connect to the right classroom to reach teachers quickly. For your back-to-school checkup, make sure your phone system is still working for you.

Another important system to check is the one you use to teach students. Is your school still running on old, roller cart projectors? To make use of all of the amazing tools out there for students and teachers now, and encourage participation through interactive tools, update your technology with new projectors or smart boards!

Finally, you’ll want to check your computers for updates, and double check your network security. With the amount of online programs used to log grades and assign upload homework, keeping your student’s information protected is important, and keeping your network updated and secure will make the school year a breeze for teachers, parents and administrators.

However, we know that busy teachers and administration don’t have time to manage technology and troubleshoot issues as they come. That’s why outsourcing IT strategy, maintenance, monitoring and repair is a smart choice for many schools and school divisions. For more information and expert advice on choosing the best options for your school, contact BCS Voice & Data at (757) 497-3100.

Encouraging Communication

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Have you ever had that employee that just can’t bring themselves to make phone calls? With the way most businesses run, phone calls, emails and video conferencing are taking the place of in-person meetings between clients and other employees. This means that the employee avoiding phone calls may not be communicating with clients and coworkers much at all!

We’ve written before about the importance of telephone etiquette, which is often the first step in encouraging your employees to pick up the phone. People who have recently entered the work force may have an added fear factor from not having much experience on formal phone calls.

As with any activity, habits picked up in the office are often learned behaviors. Encourage your employees to pick up the phone by doing so yourself. If you have the time, instead of having your secretary or office manager pass messages throughout the office, pick up the phone and relay the message yourself. This will get them comfortable with picking up the phone without notice or an agenda, and they will get more familiar with the buttons and functions.

Another step is confirming your employees understand how the phone system works, and making sure it is easy to use. So many of us are used to making calls easily from our cell phones, and your employee may be avoiding making out-of-state calls because they just don’t know how! It is a great idea to include a phone system guide in your employee welcome packet.

If your office is having trouble making calls because your phones don’t work properly or are too complicated, it may be time for a new system. Whether you’re looking for something new or used, the experts at BCS Voice and Data Solutions can help you find the perfect phone system to get your employees excited about having good communication with your clients! Contact us today for a consultation.

What Does a Modern Conference Room Need?

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Conference rooms still serve the same purposes they have always served: a huddle room for the exchange of ideas and updates between employees, and a quiet place to communicate with clients. However, with more people working remotely, more companies expanding internationally and more businesses using digital platforms for their businesses, the modern conference room requires technology updates that bring us far, far away from conference rooms of the past.

So, what does a modern conference room need?

Your conference rooms need to have the technology to communicate with employees and clients who can’t be in the office with you. This means that you’ll need a great phone and video conferencing system, and the tools to support them. For instance, a phone system that just makes calls can’t help you keep up with remote employees. Choosing a system that is fully integrated means you’ll spend less time forwarding calls trying to connect to the right person, and more time on the work you’re there to do. Similarly, a video conferencing system is no good if you don’t have desktop or network sharing to make sure everyone on the call is looking at the right information.

Aside from the technology to make conversation and collaboration easy, your conference room should be comfortable! This means making sure your seating is arranged so employees and visitors don’t have to strain to see each other or the presentation in front of them. Make sure the color and lighting in the room is comfortable, but not too comfortable – you don’t want your clients dozing off because of yellow, dim lighting putting them to sleep.

Your company’s message and goals are the most important part of communication and connecting with new clients, but the way you send out your message can have a huge impact. To learn more about the solutions that BCS offers to update your conference room, give us a call at (757) 497-3100, or use our online contact form.

Staying Connected During Events

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Spring has finally arrived, which means warm-weather events are starting to pop up everywhere. It’s the season for home and garden shows, baseball and soccer games, concerts, and festivals. These events are fun for attendees, but stressful for organizers and employees, especially when trying to stay in contact with one another.

We’ve written about the importance of staying connected via office phone systems before, but how do you maintain that same level of communication at an event? Group texts can become confusing and messages can get lost if each employee doesn’t have every contact saved. Emails can create long threads, where scrolling through an email chain becomes annoying and time-consuming when you’re trying to find information quickly.

Systems like the Mitel MiCollab Client merge the call control capabilities of phone systems with contact management, Dynamic Status and collaboration applications, in order to simplify and enhance real-time communication. This means that through a single access point, you can control your communication with everyone in your organization, on or off the premises.

A MiCollab user who also has Dynamic Extension or Dynamic Extension Express can answer an incoming call directed to their desk phone on a device of their choice – for example, on a cell phone or home phone. It’s like having your entire office on hand, no matter where you are or what device you’re using, making for stress-free communication with quick access to contacts and the emails, files and documents associated with that contact.

The experts at BCS Voice and Data Solutions are ready to help your event season run more smoothly with connected employees and easy-to-access, protected information. Call our sales desk today at (757) 497-3100 to discuss your company’s unique needs and how BCS can help!

Should I Buy a Used Telephone System?: Cons (Part 2)

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In our last blog post, we talked about the benefits of buying a used telephone system rather than one that is brand new. At BCS, we sell and stand behind both used and new phone systems, but acknowledge that different clients have different needs. While used business phone systems typically cost less, are more readily available, and act as a good starting points for many businesses, they also have their drawbacks.

Cons

  • Possible shorter lifespan. While all the used systems we sell are of the highest quality and thoroughly tested, they are typically older and more likely to break down in the future. All products have a shelf-life. If you are planning to upgrade to a new system in the not-too-distant future, then used may be the best option, but if you plan to keep the system long-term, consider buying new.
  • Finding replacement parts can be a chore. Manufacturers start retiring system components after a number of years and when something breaks or you need to add new users, locating the part you need can be a challenge. When you purchase from BCS, however, we will do everything we can to find an identical or comparable component when your system requires it.
  • Less feature-rich. Buying an older system often means settling for fewer cutting-edge features. While this isn’t always the case, you will experience a bit of a trade-off when purchasing used.

No matter which route you choose, BCS Voice & Data can find you the business phone system that fits your company’s size, mission, and unique needs. Call our sales department today at (757) 497-3100 to talk about your options.

Should I Buy a Used Telephone System?: Pros (Part 1)

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If you’re a startup with limited capital or a business owner who is simply looking to save a little money, you may be thinking about purchasing a used business phone system instead of buying brand new. When big companies liquidate, they often upgrade their phones and sell the old system to be refurbished and resold. This gives buyers major cost advantage and is often quite quick and convenient. At BCS, we sell both new and used phone equipment for businesses, and recommend the best solutions for a company’s unique needs. This is the first of a two-part series that covers the pros and cons of purchasing a used business phone system.

Pros

  • Cost. Like we’ve mentioned, the cost savings associated with buying used instead of new can be significant. A phone system is a critical part of any business, new or established, and it is also one of the bigger investments (alongside servers, computers, and other technology). For the decision maker looking to get a bigger bang for their buck, used may be the way to go.
  • Accessibility. New phone systems tend to have a longer lead time when it comes to ordering and delivery because of short supply and intricate customization, while used or refurbished systems are usually in stock and ready to go out of the box.
  • Helpful Stepping Stone. If your company is just getting started, you may not be ready to commit to a new, full-featured business telephone system. A used system, while still a significant commitment, allows you to figure out what works and what doesn’t before upgrading in the future.

If you don’t need to see the list of “cons” when it comes to buying used and are ready to see our used and refurbished inventory, give BCS Voice & Data Solutions at call at (757) 497-3100.

Small IT Upgrades Lead to Big Improvements

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Has your business technology kept up with the needs of your workforce? Many small-to-medium sized businesses stick with what they know over a period of years because updating technology seems like an overwhelming investment of both time and money. This leads to network downtime, lost productivity, and in some cases, frustrated employees. Our advice is to make the following upgrades piece by piece. It doesn’t all have to be done at once, but here are a few options to consider:

  • A Better VoIP Business Phone System. Most businesses have long since graduated from traditional PBX telephone systems to affordable, richly featured, and adaptable VoIP phones. Recent years have seen vast improvements on the VoIP model and it may be time to check out your options. Our manufacturers carry systems that offer mobile twinning, integrated video conferencing, and seamless unified communications functionality. These features make it easy for employees to work remotely and accommodate an expanding team.
  • Sound Masking. If your office has an open floor plan or is a call center, you probably face a great deal of ambient noise that can disrupt phone conversations and video conferences. Cut down on the chatter and clatter your clients hear with a sound masking system. BCS’s IT consulting pros can assess your office space and come up with a workable strategy to mask ambient noise and thus enhance your professional image and employee productivity.
  • Virtualization Implementation. Virtualization is the creation of a virtual version of operating systems, storage devices, network resources, or software. It’s smart to include a virtual component server-side, especially as your business grows. Virtualization

BCS Voice & Data Solutions is an IT consulting and network monitoring company in Virginia Beach, Virginia, that serves clients both locally and nationally. Whether you are looking for a VoIP business phone system, structured cabling services, or basic IT consulting, we can help. Call our sales desk today at (757) 497-3100 to discuss your company’s unique needs and how BCS can help!

What’s Not Working With Your Business’s Phone System?

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Companies depend on a phone system to do more than just make and receive calls. Modern enterprise level phone systems offer video calling capabilities, mobile phone twinning and more. In combination with other communication technologies, the phone your employees use helps make business happen. When was the last time you evaluated your company’s phone situation? Start thinking about what may not be working for you and let BCS help. Common issues include:

  • Users finding the interface too complicated. Sometimes the system you’re using is excellent but your employees just need a little extra training to make the most of its features. Too many cool and helpful features are never utilized simply because the people using them don’t have the time to learn the ins-and-outs of the technology. BCS can train your employees on the advanced features of the latest phone systems. On the other hand, maybe your company could benefit from a line of phones with a simpler interface.
  • Hardware that has aged out. If you are trying to get things done with physical phones that simply can’t keep up with demands or are no longer compatible with other pieces of technology in your office, it’s time to upgrade. This is an inconvenient inevitability for older companies. The good news is that today’s phone systems are easier to update, rely more on software than hardware and maintain their usefulness longer.
  • Too many users, too little capacity. Growing businesses often run into this issue. Perhaps your cloud-based VoIP solution worked when there were only 5 dedicated users, but now you’re up to 20 users and the network can’t handle the volume without downtime. It may be time to move up to a premise-based phone system.

No matter the type of phone system your business needs, BCS is ready to meet your needs. This involves an assessment of your current phone infrastructure, the unique needs of your business, and training employees on new or complex systems. Based in Virginia Beach, BCS Voice and Data provides business phone systems to SMEs and large companies all over the nation. Call us today at 1 (800) 365-8067 to learn more.

 

Benefits of The Toshiba VIPedge and Other Cloud-Based Phone Systems

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UnknownNew businesses and small companies can always benefit from enhancing and streamlining communication. Whether that means investing in cutting-edge customer relationship management software or adopting an open floor plan in the office, these organizations like to keep it simple and make it simpler. If you own a business that fits this profile, you understand what it feels like to be responsible for many different defining decisions at once. Choosing the business phone system that is right for your company’s unique needs can be overwhelming thanks the variety of options out there. Some may seem too costly for your small operation or startup while others require a lot of hardware and space. Cloud-based IP phone systems are popular for companies like yours thanks to their flexibility, security and scalability. One such system we trust here at BCS is the Toshiba VIPedge.

The VIPedge is one of Toshiba’s newer products, and unlike the Strata CIX (premise-based) and IP-Edge (hybrid) lines, VIPedge requires no on-site equipment other than the phones themselves. It is perfect for growing businesses that intend to add users and phones over time thanks to the per-user cost structure that requires less up-front capital. But the minimal nature of the set-up does not mean that the VIPedge system skimps on features. It boasts voicemail with unified messaging, call routing, unified communications and messaging, and personalized voicemail–just to name a few.

Does the VIPedge seem like it may be a good fit for your business? Call BCS Voice and Data today at (757) 497-3100 or fill out this form to get an instant estimate.

3 Types of Innovative Business Telephone Systems

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Communication is key. In our increasingly interconnected age, it’s vital that businesses keep up with the times when it comes to the technology they use to communicate with potential customers, clients and internal staff. BCS Voice & Data specializes in all areas of business communication including network monitoring, unified communication systems, AV solutions, and a wide range of phone systems for companies of all sizes .

You know that your company has its own unique needs and requires a phone system that will help you achieve goals in as efficient a way as possible. It used to be that business phone systems simply had lots of buttons, a monochromatic display, and the ability to transfer to various extensions. Technology has progressed significantly since those days to offer companies of all sizes highly specialized phone systems. At BCS Voice & Data, we closely follow industry trends and work hard to supply our clients with the best and most innovative products. Here are three phone systems that are on the cutting edge of business communication technology.

Mitel MiCollab Client Softphone

The first business phone we have to tell you about doesn’t look much like a phone at all. It greatly resembles your desktop PC. In fact, it is your desktop PC. More and more businesses are embracing the ease and efficiency of softphone technology. A Mitel MiCollab Client Softphone like the MiVoice 2380  is first in its class for workers who travel frequently or telecommute. When connected remotely to Mitel MiVoice Business or Office on a secure network connection, users can make and receive calls right from their PCs. Not only that, but MiVoice technology includes visual messaging, voice recording & more.

MiVoice 5607 Wireless Phone

Sturdier and more secure than a cellphone, the MiVoice 5607 wireless business phone is perfect for use on outdoor job sites where the elements and potential safety risks pose hazards. It has a color display and enhanced Graphical User Interface, as well as messaging capabilities. You don’t have to worry about water or dust damage when used outdoors, because the 5607 is resistant to dust, moisture, solvents and shock.

Mitel 6873 SIP Phone

A top-of-the-line full featured desk phone, the Mitel 6873 SIP Phone boasts bluetooth, 48 programmable soft keys, up to 24 lines, HD audio and a large 7-inch touchscreen color display.  It’s best for employees who treat their phone like another limb and therefore demand a lot out of it.

BCS Voice & Data has the business phone system that your company needs. We are based in Virginia Beach, Virginia and do much of our business around Hampton Roads, but we also loyally serve national clients.  Give us a call today at (757) 497-3100  to start talking through the available options and let us find the best one for you. You can also use our online contact form.