Improve Skype For Business Audio/Video Quality

May 18, 2016 by Ying-Hui Chen

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When it comes to video chatting, nothing is worse than having poor video and/or audio quality. In fact, most of the users could have a better Skype for Business experience if they put some effort into meeting the fundamental requirements. Let’s learn some Skype for Business video functions and how you can enjoy quality video calls.

Skype For Business Video Capability

In addition to the standard softphone functions such as answering/ending/rejecting calls, replying with instant message or audio only, and do not disturb setting, Skype for Business Video also offers four video layouts (Gallery View/ Speaker View/ Content View/ Compact View) and the ability to mute/unmute, turn off video or photo, set full screen or normal view. To learn detailed video functions, please visit Microsoft’s site.

How Can I Improve The Poor Audio/ Video Quality?

There are many possible reasons that can cause poor audio/ video quality. Here we provide four main reasons and solutions to help you ensure a good video chat experience.

Good Network Connection

Internet connection is always the top reason that comes to mind that can cause poor video quality. Make sure you have enough Internet bandwidth and stability to support the video calls. A wired connection usually has better performance than wireless connection.

Certified Hardware and Devices

Be sure to use certified devices and hardware for your calls to ensure the optimization of your call quality.

Right Location

During a video call, we tend to focus on the image from the other end of the call and neglect the lightness on our own side. Detecting the lack of brightness, Skype webcam system will automatically adjust the signal to reduce quality and brighten your image. Therefore, make sure the location you pick has enough light source and no other distractions such as noisiness.

Upgrade System and Equipment

Keeping your system and equipment up to date can minimize malfunction and avoid poor video call quality. Visit Microsoft’s website for the latest version of software and make sure your device and equipment are not outdated.

Once you meet all the requirements above, remember it’s always good to test before you start important video meetings. Utilize the test function in Skype for Business to test both audio and video device. Detailed step by step instruction can be found here.

For more information about improving Skype for Business audio and video quality, please visit Skype’s website or contact us at 1-800-398-VoIP or at [email protected]

Lee Marlow of Digium Switchvox Speaks about VoIP in Educational Systems – Part One

May 16, 2016 by Jeff Quinn

Recently, I had the pleasure to speak with Lee Marlow of Digium Switchvox to discuss VoIP Service and VoIP Hardware in school systems. Our conversation involved lots of great information, so I decided to break this in to two parts. Here is the first half of our conversation.

1. What particular VoIP features do you feel benefits schools the most?

School officials need a solution that is not only easy-to-use and cost effective, but one that will improve the communication flow among administrators, faculty and parents/students. The flexibility of the right UC system can improve efficiencies, reduce costs and be an integral part of a school’s safety process. Our features help improve the phone system experience for office staff, teachers, parents, and students. These features include:

Flexible Call Routing
- Digium offers advanced call routing to ensure calls get answered quickly and efficiently. You can keep it simple by routing calls to office staff or use advanced call routing to overflow calls to different groups.
Informational Call Automation
- Our solution can also help reduce calls by automating communications for special events like severe weather, bus emergencies and other school events.
Emergency Notifications
- Digium’s phones can provide visual and audible notifications for emergency situations.
Unified Communications & Mobility
- We include Voicemail to Email and a smartphone application that allows staff to make calls from their mobile that appear they are coming from the school.
Plus much more
- Paging
- Conferencing
- Call Queues (Ring Groups/Hunt Groups)
- Call Recording
- Switchboard Productivity Tool
- Reporting

2. You have dealt with schools switching to VoIP before. What do you see as hurdles and how can they be avoided or simplified?

School systems face a multitude of challenges when considering transitioning from a legacy phone system to a more advanced unified communications (UC) solution. Planning is an essential component of any IT project – especially when installing a new communications system in a school. A detailed Site Survey and Statement of Work is the first key step. Scoping changes in a VoIP project can cause delays and cost overruns if not identified in the initial planning phase. Selecting an experienced partner who focuses on IT and VoIP implementation in the education field will help ensure a seamless migration.

3. What are some reasons why schools should switch over to VoIP?

A reliable communications system is critical to any organization, but the ability of a school to connect administrators, teachers and parents is particularly important, especially as it relates to the safety of students. Digium has helped more than a thousand schools select the right phone system. Our customers range from the 5th largest public school district to colleges and universities, as well as very small charter schools.

Shrinking Budgets are an issue for all school systems and the transition to VoIP along with the benefits of Unified Communications means significant reductions in operational expenses as, well as increased efficiency. Fortunately, working within a tight budget is one of our core strengths.

4. Where do you see the teachers/staff/IT benefiting the most?

The job of the teacher is complex, and rarely ends when the last student leaves the classroom. Whether it’s managing the relationships with parents or juggling a workload of grading papers and planning classes, inevitably, a teacher must take work home. Switchvox includes many features that can make a teacher’s job easier, whether it’s in the classroom or working from a home office. Mobile applications allow teachers to have the same connectivity at home that they have in the classroom. Teachers can access their voicemail from anywhere; and can call parents using a school phone number instead of a personal cell or home number. Switchvox Mobile also makes it easy to dial into a conference room to speak with parents, administrators, or other faculty members, all while grading papers from home.

Teachers can also manage their presence and let everyone in the school know where they are or what their class is doing. These notifications are customizable so each teacher can set a specific status such as, “Out to recess,” “Testing in progress,” or “In the cafeteria.” Juggling the communications tasks that come with managing a school can be difficult. The right solution can free up time and increase efficiency for administrators by automating absentee and other routine calls. It’s very easy to create custom greetings and messaging to enhance the school’s professional image.

The ease of use of our web-based system allows IT to manage the system from any computer connected to the network. Every feature is included in the initial and since the system is permission based, features can be enabled or disabled with a click of a button. Gone are the days of creating a service ticket to make moves, adds or changes. IT managers can provide better support for their teachers by selecting a function on their Digium desk phone and move the call to their mobile phone and can be in the classroom before the teacher can finish giving their request.

Part Two Coming Soon!

Check back in a week for the second half of our conversation. If you have any questions or inquiries in the meantime please contact us at 1-800-398-8647 or [email protected]

Webinar Recap: Revolutionize Your Business Communications

by Ying-Hui Chen

Last month, Revolabs and VoIP Supply hosted a joint webinar to present Unified Communications (UC) solutions that can help you stay on top of the communication trend and save costs to put back in growing your business. If you want to revolutionize your business communications and expand onto the next level, you will want to catch this webinar recap.

As you may know, Unified Communications (UC) has been growing fast over the years. In this fast changing world, audio is especially crucial in delivering effective communications. Revolabs UC products are here to ensure you have superior communication experiences.

Revolabs UC Products

From small conference rooms to executive offices, Revolabs has the ideal solutions to meet your unique business requirements. Their main UC products encompass FLX UC 500, FLX UC 1000, and FLX UC 1500.

All solutions are compatible for many cloud-based platforms such as Skype for Business and Google hangout as well as VoIP service, bridging VoIP and softphone calls into single solution. Two optional extension microphones (midwoofer and tweeter) gives users outstanding quality and volume.

The FLX UC series gives you both professional quality and nature sound. The ultra wideband audio further takes users onto the next speech quality level. For more information about audio quality, please refer to: How to Prevent Audio Fatigue.

If you are looking for a wireless solution that can free you from your desk, take a look at Revolabs FLX 2. It is the first wireless IP and bluetooth capable conference phone worldwide that gives you the flexibility you need. Users are able to mix and match multiple microphones.

For people who are searching for an ideal solution for remote training purpose, YAMAHA YVC-1000 could fit it just right. It offers HVAD (Human Voice Activity Detection) capabilities by filtering out noise automatically and only allowing for the human voices to be heard.

VoIP Supply’s Additional West Coast Site and Cloud Service

Already known as North America’s leading provider of VoIP solutions, VoIP Supply is dedicated in providing ideal VoIP solutions to customers and resources to our partners. We recently added a new west coast warehouse and provisioning site in Las Vegas to enhance fulfillment efficiency and capability.

VoIP Supply also offers cloud services called CloudSpan MarketPlace, a one-stop shop for you to shop for VoIP service providers. Partnering with the most trusted VoIP Cloud Service providers, we are able to present you with numerous proposals and guide you towards the ideal solution. Click here to request a free consultation.

If you are interested in learning more about this webinar, contact our specialists at 1-800-398-VoIP or email at [email protected] for further discussion! We will be thrilled to hear from you and learn what you have to share!

What is light, bright and can stop interruptions? Kuando Busylight that is!

by Youleidy Vega

Just like the name implies, the Kuando Busylight by Plenom is a light indicator that serves many purposes. First, it can be used to alert your colleagues when you are on a call so that they don’t walk in on you during a conversation. When on a call, the Busylight will light up sending a clear message to anyone in the office that you are on a call and should not be disturbed.

It is impolite to interrupt your coworkers when they are busy. It also looks very unprofessional when you are on an important call and someone comes into your office or near your cubicle shouting one thing or the next. Busylight indicators solve this issue with variants for both desk phone and softphone users.

Secondly, Busylight is also very helpful in reducing the number of missed calls. If PC’s do not have speakers, or if the headset is on the desk, employees are unable to hear calls as they come in. Missed calls not only reduce user satisfaction, but they also reduce customer service satisfaction.

With Busylight, every time a call or IM comes in, users are alerted with both an audible and visible blink. And if you still happen to miss a call, Busylight will provide a notification every four seconds until the missed call or IM is addressed. With right different ringtones to choose from, users can categorize calls by tone. Even better, Kuando Busylight will only play call notifications and will not play any other sound from the PC, so set up is a breeze because no audio settings are required, which means no IT support costs.

Benefits of Busylight:

Prevents missed calls
Unifies Communication
Its software offers valuable hot key functions for easy call handling
Provides visual presence to the open office so that interruptions are nonexistent

If your office is moving away from desk phones and embracing Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business or Cisco Jabber, don’t take on this challenge without the Kuando Busylight indicator. This valuable and cost effective solution is available in two designs: the Kuando Busylight Omega UC Presence Indicator and the Kuando Busylight Alpha UC Presence Indicator.
The Omega has been specifically designed with a bigger light for cubicle environments and open office plans. The Alpha has been designed to be used with monitors and/or laptops and has a smart click on/off system.

The Kuando Busylight is also available as a solution for use with the Jabra GN 9300 Series, Jabra Pro 9400 Series and Jabra LINK 850 and Jabra Motion Office.

For deskphone users, Plenom offers the Kuando Busylight Combi solution. The Combi is not compatible with softphones, or mobile devices because it is meant to indicate to others in the office when you are busy on your headset or deskphone. The Combi is compatible with 90% of all desk phones and headphones, so it is very likely that it will integrate smoothly with your current phone system.

But wait, there is more. Plenom also offers the Kuando Box, which connects to the desk phone and PC to unify user presence status in Microsoft Lync. Setup is as easy as 1,2,3. You simply download the software, connect the KuandoBox to the phone/ headset and PC and Whala, the desk phone status is unified with Lync. When an employee is on a call, Microsoft Lync will automatically update his/ her status to “On a call” as soon as the handset is lifted. This is of huge value to businesses where presence is important and can really add to work efficiency and team collaboration, when used correctly.

Applications that are compatible with Kuando Busylight include:

Microsoft Lync & SfB
Cisco Jabber
ProCall 4+ Enterprise
XPhone Unified Communications
Swyx Softphone
Go Integrator
Anywhere365
Go Connect
Click2Dial
Samsung Xchange
Ucplus
Five9
Tanss
DIALit
UCware
xCALLY

The Busylight Indicator is supported by Microsoft Lync 2010 or Microsoft Lync 2013, Cisco Jabber; Windows XP SP3, Vista Windows 7 or Window 8; .NET 3.5 framework.

Busylight Indicator is a great investment for many business settings, including call centers. They can help improve productivity, communication amongst the team and collaboration. Moreover, customer satisfaction can be largely increased when employees are picking up their calls the first time they come through. The Kuando Busylight Indicators are a reliable and cost effective solution for any business, big or small.

To find out more about the Kuando Busylight Indicators, please feel free to give our VoIP experts a call at 1-800-398-VoIP.

Make Your VoIP System Secure

May 13, 2016 by Ying-Hui Chen

lock There are a lot of tempting benefits that lure more and more traditional phone users to switch to VoIP phone systems: Less expensive phone service, bountiful features, high flexibility, less phone wiring, you name it.

However, don’t overlook the potential risks you are facing. Because VoIP is an Internet-based communication system, it could be as vulnerable as any other Internet-based devices. To avoid IP-based threats such as identification theft, phishing (spam), and IP worms/ viruses, it’s important to take precautions.

How to Secure Your VoIP Network

Some enterprises choose to separate their VoIP network applications from other networks so that when the harmful activities happen on other networks, VoIP network won’t be affected; however, this solution is usually high cost involved. Below are some other common methods to secure your VoIP.

Authentication and Encryption: The system only allows traffic from recognizable sources. Advanced authentication may require both ends of the communication to authenticate each other to enforce the defence.

VoIP Firewalls: Firewall is a protection between your VoIP network system and the outer data. It filters out the suspicious data when it goes in and out of the network.

Antivirus programs: Use gateway and host-based antivirus programs to protect VoIP servers. VoIP Supply carries Internet Security Appliances to provide a comprehensive gateway security solution and VPN connectivity.

Update System: Choose to deploy the latest security equipment. If your system is outdated, remember to update it frequently to defend new threats.

Keep Awareness: Keep your eyes on the VoIP system. Take action when you spot any issues and educate yourself to be familiar with the latest attacking techniques.

With proper precaution, you can make your VoIP lines as secure as traditional telephony. If you have questions about how to enforce your VoIP security, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 866-582-3715. We are here to help you with anything for VoIP.

RenegadePBX Pro – Fast, Easy and Reliable.

May 12, 2016 by Youleidy Vega

The RenegadePBX Pro is part of VoIP Supply’s own line of IP PBX appliances. In its 3U chassis, the RenegadePBX Pro is the largest of the Renegade bunch. It offers a scalable solution that can be crafted to meet the needs of any size business.

The RenegadePBX Pro permits users to host pretty much any platform: 3CX, Elastix, AsteriskNOW, FreePBX, Ezuce Uniteme/SIPXCom, as well as Digium’s Switchvox platform.

This PBX application can either be purchased as a blank canvas with no software integrated so that you can customize the solution that best suits your interest.

What’s even better is that the RenegadePBX Pro can be connected to any SIP trunking provider, and still gives users the freedom to connect to old legacy infrastructure via telephony card. This powerful appliance comes ready with basic call features, and provides the ability to configure up to four platforms.

Some of the features of the RenegadePBX Pro are:

Intel i5-3550 LGA 1155 CPU
500GB SATA hard drive
4GB DDR3 RAM (Upgradeable to 16GB)
400W power supply
4 PCI slots, three PCI Express slots (One 1x PCI-E, One 4x PCI-E, One 16x PCI-E)
Video Out (HDMI, DVI, VGA), mouse and keyboard ports
6 USB Ports
Dual GbE ports
On board audio
300 extensions / 100 concurrent calls (varies on configured specifications and system usage)

The RenegadePBX Pro is guaranteed to satisfy. VoIP Supply stands behind all of our products, and even more behind the Renegade line as it is our very own creation. The Renegade family offers solutions from the smallest office to enterprise sized settings. If you’d like to learn more about the RenegadePBX Pro or any of our solutions, please call us at 1-800-398-VoIP.

The RenegadePBX Pro has been used as a fantastic solution for hosted platforms as well as on premise-deployments.

Worried about VoIP Cyber-attack? VoIP Service Provides Reliability & Security

May 11, 2016 by Jeff Quinn

When it comes to VoIP service the reliability, security, and uptime can be of question. Especially when the VoIP Cyber-attacks are increasing all over the world. We understand that when dealing with the internet there can be concerns and we want to dissipate those right away.

While selecting VoIP service providers to be a part of the CloudSpan MarketPlace there was a detailed vetting process, to allow for the best providers for our customers. During that process, our executive team and solutions experts evaluated the providers for frequency of VoIP outages, the security of the service and other factors that are included with these issues.

Our Service Providers have five 9’s!

The uptime for our service providers is 99.999%! Basically, this means it is very rare their service to be interrupted or disconnected. We see this as a huge advantage for our customers, to allow for maximum use of their phone system without spending time dealing with issues.

With minimal outage time you save your company time and money allowing you to focus on growing your business.

During a disaster we made sure all service providers are fully equipped to handle and reverse any issues/damages. With our headquarters being in Buffalo, NY we understand the weather can create issues for your workplace environment!

Securing the VoIP network

VoIP SECURITY Securing a VoIP network isn’t as simple as securing your typical internet connection. There are specialized pieces of equipment and software that are needed to make sure your information is not at risk.

One piece of equipment that is necessary for securing your VoIP network is a Session Border Controller (SBC). This is a device that is optimized to secure the VoIP traffic coming in to your building. Here are some of the providers we offer for SBC’s:

VoIP Networks/Phone Systems are as secure as other equipment and software in your office. If you ever have any questions or inquiries please contact us at 1-800-398-8647 or [email protected]. Our solutions specialist are always looking to be challenged and show the benefits of VoIP.

FREE Consultations for VoIP Service! Fill out the form below.

Last Chance! Visit VoIP Supply at the Small Business Expo in New York

by Ying-Hui Chen

VoIP Supply enjoyed the great time meeting all of you who had stopped by our booths at the Small Business Expo in Miami and Chicago.

If you missed the two events in Miami and Chicago, seize the last chance! VoIP Supply is exhibiting at the Small Business Expo 2016 in New York. We are here to help with any VoIP questions and to customize the best VoIP solution for you. The event will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center | Hall 1C on June 9th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. VoIP Supply will be at Booth #222. The event is Free to attend. Register HERE today! Thanks to Patton and Grandstream for sponsoring VoIP Supply booth.

WHAT YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM VISITING VOIP SUPPLY AT THE SMALL BUSINESS EXPO

Learn new VoIP solutions and services that will save you and help your business grow
FREE CloudSpan MarketPlace Consultation which includes:
- An evaluation of your current situation
- Pricing, and solution comparisons from multiple providers
- A deep dive into what features are needed to make your business successful
Learn about our full VoIP Bundle Solutions for your business. Click here for details.
Network and reconnect with VoIP Supply staff

If you have any questions about the expo, please visit Small Business Expo website or contact us today at 866-582-8591 or [email protected]. We look forward to meeting with you all at the event!

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.

Improve Skype For Business Audio/Video Quality

Skype For Business Video Capability

How Can I Improve The Poor Audio/ Video Quality?

Good Network Connection

Certified Hardware and Devices

Right Location

Upgrade System and Equipment

Lee Marlow of Digium Switchvox Speaks about VoIP in Educational Systems – Part One

Part Two Coming Soon!

Webinar Recap: Revolutionize Your Business Communications

Revolabs UC Products

VoIP Supply’s Additional West Coast Site and Cloud Service

What is light, bright and can stop interruptions? Kuando Busylight that is!

Benefits of Busylight:

Make Your VoIP System Secure

How to Secure Your VoIP Network

RenegadePBX Pro – Fast, Easy and Reliable.

Worried about VoIP Cyber-attack? VoIP Service Provides Reliability & Security

Our Service Providers have five 9’s!

Securing the VoIP network

FREE Consultations for VoIP Service! Fill out the form below.

Last Chance! Visit VoIP Supply at the Small Business Expo in New York

WHAT YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM VISITING VOIP SUPPLY AT THE SMALL BUSINESS EXPO

Is Skype Good Enough for Business?

Pros

Cons

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?

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