Small Business Telecommunications

Know your 4G wireless networks and their future

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

As many of you know the 4G (fourth generation) wireless network evolution is in full swing. What does this mean to Indiana Telecommunications Provider customers/users?

Higher data throughput speeds
Lower latency*
Internet global mobility
Excellent geographic coverage
Improved in-building penetration

*Latency is the amount of time it takes data to travel end to end within a network

Verizon Wireless has estimated that 100 million people will have their 4G wireless network coverage by the end of 2010. USB modems are expected to be the first devices used, followed shortly thereafter by smartphones and mobile hotspots. By 2012, industry analysts estimate 50 million user devices will have embedded wireless capabilities. LTE technology will support videoconferencing, real time gaming apps, home heating/air control, as well as appliance control.

There are currently 3 different types of 4G networks.

LTE – Long Term Evolution

WiMAX – Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

HSPA+ – High Speed Packet Access (Emerging 3G Technology)

LTE technology has been chosen by the 3 largest wireless carriers. Meaning it will support more than 100 billion customers. Verizon Wireless plans to be the first U.S. carrier to have nationwide 4G coverage. AT&T is currently upgrading their network to HSPA+, but plans to migrate to LTE starting in mid 2011. T-Mobile is beginning to deploy it’s 3G technology and has indicated their choice as LTE when they begin to move forward. Sprint chose WiMAX rather than LTE. They launched their 4G network in late 2009 in partnership with Clearwire and operate their WiMAX network under the Clearwire brand.

Speeds expected with the new 4G networks:

	*LTE*	*WiMAX*	*HSPA+*
*Download*	5 – 12 Mbps	Up to 4 Mbps	1.5 – 7 Mbps
*Upload*	2 – 5 Mbps	500 Kbps	1 – 4 Mbps
*Expected Latency*	Up to 30 ms	Up to 100 ms	Up to 100 ms
*Global Adoptation*	Yes	No	Yes
*Contiguous U.S. Coverage*	Yes (VZW only)	No	No
*Carriers*	VerizonWireless Vodafone China Mobile T-Mobile	Sprint	AT&T (plans to migrate to LTE starting in mid 2011)

Mbps = megabits per second Kbps = kilobits per second ms = milliseconds

This undoubtedly will bring greater options to the world of remote worker solutions and small business telecommunications. The idea of being able to download information at a multiple Mbps via a USB Modem or even a Smartphone opens a world of possibilities.

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2G vs 3G vs 4G . . . What's it all mean?

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

Being curious about the new 4G network that is being boasted over the airwaves by Sprint, I decided to do a little research about the differences of the G-World and what it means. It's really pretty simple when you know the basic history of the words and the types of networks they refer to.

1st generation (1G) refers to the Analog System which was the first in wireless telecommunications. This network was not capable of handling the overwhelming response to the many users of cell phones today.

2nd-generation (2G) referred to the new world of Digital wireless telecommunications. This type of network allows more users simultaneous access to the network. Along with 2G networks came the age of cell phones that were capable of sending data as well as voice.

3rd generation (3G) generally refers to higher data speeds, always-on data and even greater voice capacity than previous generations. This type of network has helped increase productivity in the work force and allows users to do even more multi-tasking.

4th generation (4G) is somewhat vague and suggests even higher data speeds. These types of networks are more data-centric and based on standard Internet technologies. Often voice services are provided through a special form of VoIP.

If you are using your cell service to meet the demands of remote worker solutions, then most likely you've already experienced the improvements that 3G networks bring with regards to data speeds. The 4G systems through the use of WiMAX boast speeds in the 3 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up range. Once the 4G systems in wide spread usage, we can only hope that it will benefit small business telecommunications as much if not greater than the move to 3G did.

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Cell Phone 101 - Flight Mode

Monday, February 8, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

Most airlines and many governments ban the use of wireless radio devices during flight. These bans are enforced for two major reasons.

The most well-known is to prevent interference with the plane's onboard systems.
The other is to prevent interference with cell phone networks on the ground. Current systems are unable to handle phones at a plane's altitude and speeds.

Flight Mode is also referred to as Standalone or Airplane mode. Turning on any of these modes in your phone allow's you to safely use the non-wireless functions of your phone (such as music, games, picture gallery, pre-recorded videos or organizer functions) during flight. This can be critical for smart phone users who want to catch up on some remote worker solutions tasks while in flight.

The Mode settings can usually be found in your Phone settings and may be accesible through any of the three types of modes referenced above.

However, not all airlines have policies that accommodate devices with airplane mode; some airlines still ban the use of all phones during flight regardless. Something you will want to ask about if you're planning to fly. Be a responsible small business telecommunications user while aboard a flight and follow the flight attendants directions on cell phone usage.

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Nexus One by Google - Too much hype?

Sunday, February 7, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

There has been a lot of hype about the new Nexus One released by Google. Although the news is very exciting, is it to much hype? Currently this phone can only be activated with service through T-Mobile on a 2 year contract for $179.

The Nexus One device may also be purchased unlocked without a contract for $529.

The Interconnect Group Blog - Nexus One by Google - Too Much Hype?

The unlocked version will recognize SIM cards from any mobile service provider using the GSM standard.

The Nexus One's antenna supports four GSM radio frequencies (850/900/1800/1900) and three 3G/UMTS Bands - 1/4/8 (2100/AWS/900). These cover most major GSM mobile providers worldwide, including T-Mobile US, but not the 850 MHz 3G band used by AT&T.

Although this phone is one of few that offer the Android mobile platform, the Motorola Droid and Droid Eris by HTC available from Verizon Wireless, are competitively priced. The Motorola Droid has a QWERTY keyboard to enhance the touch phone experience, especially if you are looking for a phone to meet your small business telecommunications needs. The Droid Eris by HTC is more comparable to the iPhone.

Android, is the first free, open source, and fully customizable mobile platform. Android offers a full stack: an operating system, middleware, and key mobile applications. It also contains a rich set of APIs that allows third-party developers to develop great applications.

Don't worry Verizon Wireless users, it is expected to be available with Verizon Wireless and Vodafone in the Spring of 2010. If you would like help deciding which phone meets your small business telecommunications needs, then please stop in and see me at the Interconnect Group's Mooresville location.

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Unlimited Plans from Verizon Wireless

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

With the roll out of newly priced Unlimited Talk plans from Verizon, there also comes other changes that may or may not be so exciting to you. I'll briefly discuss a few points that may impact your small business telecommunications budget.

The new Unlimited Talk plans for $69.99/monthly access are for single line planse only. These plans can include Unlimited Text as well for an extra $20/month.

These plans are also available for Family Share Plans. The Unlimited Talk plans for families are $69.99/month for the primary line and $49.99/month per share line. If you want to add Unlimited Text to your family plan you can expect to pay an additional $30/month on the primary line.

Verizon has also decided to categorize their phones into 3 different categories. These being Simple Feature Phones, 3G Multimedia Phones and 3G Smart Phones. Simple Feature phones will now be the only phones that can be activated without adding and additional data feature to the device at additional charges.

If you have any specific questions regarding this post please leave a comment below via The Interconnect Group blog comment interface. If you would like to find out more on how to minimize/maximize the effects of plan selection on your remote worker solutions or small business telecommunications budget, then contact me by leaving a comment submission below.

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Wireless 3G Networks. . . .Which one do you choose?

Thursday, January 28, 2010 by Dawn Tomey

We've all seen the carriers bragging about whose network is the best. This information will hopefully let you make your best informed decision when choosing a Broad Band Access Modem, especially for your small business telecommunications oriented clients.

The Interconnect Group Blog - Wireless 3G Networks...Which one do you choose?

When comparing the carriers, you will find that the price and usage allowed are the same. The top 3 carriers are currently offering 5GB of monthly usages for $60. The network, not the cost should be your major qualifier for determination of the carrier you choose.

Be sure to review the providers "worry free" guarantee before signing on the dotted line. Some providers give a couple of days to return and cancel service, after that they keep your full activation fee. These policies are different based on each carrier and the last thing you want to do is choose a small business telecommunications provider that doesn't meet your coverage needs.

With more options for 3G Networks, there are new alternatives for those who don't have access to DSL, Wireless Networks, T1 connections, and tired of dial up. With more wireless router options and an activated USB modem, a 3G wireless network can be easily set up to meet remote worker solutions needs.

With the freedom of 3G USB modems, many consumers are deciding to disconnect or port their landlines to their wireless carrier. Why pay a monthly bill for dial up ISP and landline service only to be chained to your house, wireless goes just about anywhere you do.

To view the individual coverage maps for each carrier, click on the links below:

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Implementing The Right Backup Strategy

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by Chad Whaley

We frequently field calls from new clients who are calling us because they just lost all of their data due to a hard drive crash, laptop theft, or even the occasional natural disaster (ie. Flood, Tornado, or Fire). Being that data loss is very preventable, I constantly try to educate everyone on ways to avoid it. If you do not have a backup strategy in place today, please implement one immediately upon reading this because it is only a matter of time before it will happen to you, if it hasn't already. I've listed key components that everyone should consider or include in a backup strategy.

Major Components of any Backup Strategy

"To Error Is Human" - The first line of defense against what I refer to as the "Oopps Factor". In my experience, a major portion of data loss is due to someone deleting the wrong thing accidentally. There are tools built into Windows 7 to help with this, but the best recovery strategy is having a backup to restore files from. This can be as simple as a single file, spreadsheet or email being accidentally deleted to a whole directory of important files. There have been countless times that our computer support Indianapolis clients have called us to rescue key files.

"Planning for Business Continuity is Smart" - The buzz phrase of the last few years has been "Business Continuity". If you've had anyone sell you on a hosted application or cloud computing, you've undoubtedly heard this buzz phrase. It is referring to the ability for your business to continue operating without requiring a specific physical structure (your current store front or office location) or physical hardware/software. We are big components of a Hosted PBX system that we integrate for some of our Indiana Telecommunications Provider Partners. It helps with Business Continuity because calls can be rerouted in real time to any phone number in the world with a few simple clicks within the portal. A good backup strategy should allow for business continuity in the same way. A remote backup strategy fits the bill. This is why we recommend a Remote Offsite Backup strategy to all of our computer support Indianapolis clients.

"Know the Limitations of Your Key Applications" - A thorough knowledge of key business software applications should be factored into any backup strategy. Certain applications, especially database driven ones, may require special steps to be properly be backed up. In other words, just backing up the physical files might not be enough.

"Servers Require Special Care" - If your company is running on a server, then additional steps many need to be taken to properly backup everything. This can range from a system state file to the Exchange store and log files. Typically, special plug-ins or software are required. The backup solution we use for most of our Indianapolis IT Support clients is Exchange aware as well as being able to handle most major databases. These are key requirements in my opinion.

In Review

I will admit that more and more people are growing aware of data loss and the fact that it is a very real threat to business and personal lives. All data loss can't be avoided, but at the very least its impact should be minimized with a good backup strategy. If you do not have a good backup strategy in place, then please make one today. If you own or operate a business, then ask an Indianapolis IT Support firm such as The Interconnect Group to help you create/implement one. If you are in need of a backup strategy for your personal data at home, then please read a blog I wrote last year regarding 10 Handy and Free Software Programs in which I listed a free backup service for consumers. At the very least backup key documents and files to an external hard drive or USB drive while you're implementing a proper backup strategy.

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Make Sure Internet Connectivity Solutions Meet Business Needs

Monday, October 5, 2009 by Chad Whaley

I am amazed by all the options available to today's business community as long as you are located in a somewhat populated community. Being an Internet connectivity solutions provider, I've been able to design and implement several Internet solutions that meet client's business needs. Internet connectivity has developed for many businesses to be more and require more than just choosing the best rate for the greatest connection speeds. I recommend considering the following:

Reliability
Redundancy
Efficient Utilization
Remote Office Connectivity
Scalability

Reliability is a major concern because Internet connectivity is the lifeline to clients and productivity for most of today's businesses. If your business can't afford to be down, then you may require an Internet connection that has defined Service Level Agreement (SLA) terms as found in T1 circuits.

Redundancy may go hand in hand with your reliability requirements. Depending on the size of your business, redundancy may be met by having a Cellular 3G Card on hand at all times. For larger organizations, a backup broadband connection or T1 might be required to offer the necessary redundancy that is required. If redundancy is important, then I recommend Internet connectivity solutions that implement a dual carrier, dual delivery approach when possible. For example, two T1s from different carriers may still ride over the same Local Loop network which still offers a single point of failure. Where as a T1 and a Cable broadband connection offers two separate paths and two separate carriers.

Efficient Utilization means that I recommend leveraging both your voice and data connectivity requirements in one common connection. Through the use of Voice Over IP (VoIP) deliver strategies found in many new small business telecommunications implementations, PRI T1s and Internet T1s can be combined. The combined connection can be programmed to meet peak demands of both types of use.

Remote Office Connectivity requirements should be considered simultaneously with the main HQ location. Advance Internet connectivity solutions such as MPLS networks can be utilized to connect multiple facilities (typically more than 3-5 locations). I have worked with clients that have over thirty geographically diverse locations all over the United States that implemented an MPLS Network that carried both their voice and data at a highly reduced reoccurring monthly costs over their previous data only interconnection strategy. As with all complex implementations, it requires proper design and implementation to be successful.

Scalability is often overlooked. All good Internet connectivity solutions should take into consideration a communication growth projection analysis. Depending on the company size, growth projections might dictate the need for greater bandwidth over the next few years. If so, look into adjustable bandwidth products such as DS3 Circuit, Ethernet Over Copper or Fiber Connectivity. These products typically allow for easy bandwidth increases. I also recommend that all good Internet connectivity solutions should also review equipment scalability as well as circuit scalability. For instance, it might be cheaper to purchase a larger router up front with the ability to add extra T1 cards than to purchase a lower model limited expansion model.

The next time you are in the market to get one or many of your facilities connected to the Internet, allow some time to review the greater connectivity strategy. Hopefully, these five points will allow you to select the correct Internet connectivity solutions for your business.

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Help Us Help The Mooresville Chamber!!

Thursday, August 27, 2009 by Chad Whaley

Since our store is the primary place for computer sales and services in Mooresville, we are proud to support the Mooresville Chamber in addition to constantly trying to reach out to our fellow Mooresville Chamber Members. I learned yesterday that the Chamber was running into some issues while trying to use their Quickbooks 2001 version. My immediate response was that we needed to get them updated to a new version. Poof, an idea of a friendly challenge was born. Read on to see how you may help.

Mindy Taylor, the Mooresville Chamber's Executive Director, does a super job for the Chamber. As with a lot of Chamber Members, she has been utilizing the social media web page Facebook to help stay in touch with her clients, Chamber Members. The Interconnect Group has the same goal of obtaining more Fans on its Facebook page to help distribute helpful information about Small Businesss Telecommunications and IT Support for Small Business. The Interconnect Group's blog is linked to both Facebook and Twitter, so once a new blog post is published TINCG Facebook Fans get notified of the new content.

Therefore, I made a friendly wager with Mindy and the Mooresville Chamber. I agreed to reduce the cost of a new copy of Quickbooks Pro 2009 by $1 for every Mooresville Chamber Member that Mindy could get to become a Fan of The Interconnect Group's Facebook page. Ideally, the Mooresville Chamber would wind up with a free Quickbooks Pro 2009 copy and the Interconnect Group would have 170 new Facebook Fans while having a bit of fun during the process.

HELP US HELP The Mooresville Chamber! If you are a Mooresville Chamber Member or work for a company who is a Mooresville Chamber Member, then become a Fan of The Interconnect Group's Facebook page. This can easily be done by visiting the TINCG Blog Site and scrolling down on the right-hand margin to the Facebook badge. Click "Become a Fan". By doing so, you'll be helping the chamber out.

In return, The Interconnect Group will be posting useful information on subjects such as computer network support, small business telecommunications and computer sales and services. If there is a topic you would like help with, then drop us a comment on the blog or email bizsupport@tincg.com a topic and we'll do our best to provide a helpful response via a future blog posting.

Ways to SAVE MONEY now and always on your IT spending!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by Chad Whaley

As an Indianapolis IT Support Firm, we've consulted with clients worried about current economic times. The common reaction is to cut spending, but we're suggesting that our clients implement a cost savings strategy versus an outright cutting strategy. The following are a few areas we recommend focusing on.

Review Monthly Phone and Internet Service Fees

Look into consolidation of voice and data traffic onto a single Internet connection. Our strategic partner, an Indiana Telecommunications Provider, offers blended circuits which are more efficient use of Internet resources. If your company requires multiple facilities to be interconnected, then look into MPLS network connectivity through a single carrier. Be sure to review the contract deadlines on your existing T1, PRI, or Centrex contracts. If there are 3-6 months left before your contract renewal, start shopping around now to find more affordable pricing or consolidated product options that meet your needs. READ THE FINE PRINT! Many carriers have automatic renewal clauses in their circuit contracts and require written notification of your non-renewal.

Use Technology To Increase Productivity and Efficiency

If your budget requires the reduction in headcount, then look into utilizing technology to make your business operations more efficient for the remaining staff. The following are a few solutions that our Indianapolis IT Support Firm customers have found helpful.

Workflow Automation (ie. Microsoft Sharepoint Services)
Remote Worker Solutions - Flexibilty can save on overhead costs
Hosted Services - Reduce upfront costs and Cap-X spending
Exchange Server - Shared Calenders, Contacts and Control
Virtual Meeting Solutions (ie. Microsoft Live Meeting)

Take Advantage of Great Offers

Many equipment and software vendors are offering great deals to entice IT spending now. One can find offers from deferred montly payments (ie. 3-6 months same as cash) to great leasing incentives. Leasing companies sometimes allow for the inclusion of the installation services in with the equipment lease which eases cash flow.

Volume Licensing and Software Assurance

Microsoft and other software vendors offer volume licensing discounts for most major products. Generally speaking, it is cheaper to purchase licenses in this way for quantities as small as 3-5 licenses, depending on the specific product. In addition, Microsoft Software Assurance can be purchased. Microsoft's Sotware Assurance (SA) allows for the spreading of license payments over several years while also including free upgrades to newer versions.

Centralized Printing Resources

Although multiple printers are convienant for employees, it is very costly to have "personalized" printers strung throughout the office. Multiple printers use more ink cartridges, power consumption and support spending. As an Indianapolis IT Support Firm, we encourage our clients to centralize printing to a few heavier duty printers/copiers and save money.

Virtual Servers

Studies show that standard multiple server deployments typically include under utilized equipment while consuming full power and rack space. Virtualization of some servers onto a single server typically increases hardware utilization while decreasing power consumption, cooling costs and often support costs. Our Indianapolis IT Support Firm recently migrated a client from five standalone servers down to two servers, one which was using a Hyper-V deployment that allowed for four virtural servers to be running on one machine. This new hardware signficantly increased performance across the board while reducing power consumption, cooling requirements and rack space. Virtualization technology is one that every business with multiple servers should be exploring.

Discover New, Low Cost Marketing Channels

With the growing popularity of Twitter, Facebook and other social media websites, a new affordable marketing channel has emerged. If you haven't started venturing down this road, then we would suggest starting with your own personal Linked-In page and Face Book (FB) page. Once you get your feet wet, then create a Fan Page for your company. Twitter is also very easy to start, but it can get a bit overwhelming for someone new to social media sites. The pay-off really starts to happen when you utilize the social media sites to notify customers and clients of new content, products and services that can be found on your static website or blog. If all of this is way too much for you, then ask one of your younger employees to help, becuase most likely they are updating their status on Facebook as you read this. Be aware that it takes time to reach a critical mass with these new social media marketing endevors, so start now!

Plenty of Choices in Business Phone Systems

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 by Chad Whaley

The days of being stuck with an antiquated business phone system is becoming a thing of the past. As recent as three to five years ago, call routing options and advanced call features were only found in larger corporate phone systems. This is not the case in today's market. The Small to Medium sized Business (SMB) market now has plenty of options and affordable telephone system solutions, thanks largerly in part to the commercialization of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones systems.

Several Indiana Telecommunications Providers offer their own varieties of both premise based and non-premise based solutions. Both options have their place and the following factors should be evaluated with your VoIP Specialists when looking into purchasing a new business phone system:

Number of physical locations serving
Quantity of users and stations per location
Are remote worker solutions required
Are call center features required
Business Phone Support options

There are several affordable premise based phone systems available. Microsoft's Unified Communication has been getting a lot of publicity, but we prefer ADTRAN's NetVanta 7100 solution for systems serving less than 50 users. There are also some great Open Source solutions, but again it must be the right fit for your organization.

As VoIP Specialists, we've been integrating a Hosted PBX VoIP solution since 2005 which is based on the Broadsoft Softswitch platform. Although the Hosted PBX platform lends itself very well to multiple premise companies, it also provides these key benefits:

Lowered Total Cost of Ownership
Feature Enriched Call Routing Options
Superior Business Continuity Features
Remote Web Based Administration

If your company is in the process of moving to a new location or perhaps your old phone system is working against you versus with you, then now is the perfect time for you to review the options available in today's business phone systems. I would recommend working with a VoIP Specialist to determine the right solution for your company.

Since business phone systems are no longer separate from your IT network, I would recommend engaging your IT Department from the beginning of the process. Significant cost reduction may be realized if the new business phone system allows for blended voice and data Internet connectivity.