VoIP Supply Sets Sail on Lake Erie

July 11, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski
moondance_cat_voip_supply_company_picnic

VoIP Supply’s taking the company picnic to Lake Erie on the Moondance Cat in Buffalo, NY (Image courtesy of Alenka Lawrence / AlenkaLawrence.com)

Today is VoIP Supplyannual company picnic and we’ll be taking a ride on the Moondance Cat through the Buffalo harbor and onto Lake Erie.

So, if you happen to call in to our office after Noon today, you’ll know where we’re at.

Thank you to all of our loyal customers for another successful year. Without you we wouldn’t be able to enjoy this beautiful summer day out on the water. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you throughout the rest of 2014 and beyond.

Have a great summer!

Xorcom VoIP and Unified Communications for Business, in a Nutshell

July 10, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Xorcom was founded in 2004 as a privately-held IP-PBX manufacturer.

Taking full advantage of the Asterisk® Open Source IP-PBX platform, Xorcom offers the hotel industry, business enterprises, and government agencies a powerful and flexible telephony platform.

If you’ve been thinking of using Xorcom for your application, you should watch their newest video (above) which explains, in a nutshell, all of their sophisticated features such as:

  • Desktop call management, recording and monitoring
  • Visual voicemail
  • Virtual fax
  • Conference bridges
  • fhref

  • Auto attendants
  • Remote employee connectivity
  • Advanced intrusion detection and security alerts

Xorcom states that their products “offer automated fail-over for both the IP-PBX and telephony interfaces, easy integration with third-party products, central browser-based management and much more.”

Need Xorcom Help?

Need help getting a Xorcom system up and running?

Talk to one of our VoIP sales reps today by calling 800-398-8647 or click here for our Xorcom VoIP and Unified Communications options.

VoIP Q & A: Plantronics Voyager, Cisco SPA112, Grandstream GXV3140 Skype Phone

July 8, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Questions about VoIP devices and services are regularly submitted to VoIPSupply.com through a technical support ticket or via the “Ask The Expert” tab on our product pages.

We respond to these requests directly but more often than not, this Q & A would be helpful for lots of other folks.

Below are your VoIP questions answered – Real questions from real people  just like you.

Plantronics Voyager PRO HD

Plantronics Voyager PRO HD

Q:  I want to use this Wireless headset [Plantronics Voyager PRO HD] with a VOIP system that I plan to install on my iMac… does it only function with a mobile device (phone), or will it work with any desktop/laptop computer as well? Thanks!

The Plantronics Voyager PRO HD is a monaural Bluetooth headset designed to connect to iPhones and Android phones.

 

 

 

 

However the Voyager PRO HD user guide does say:

If your phone, laptop or tablet PC supports Bluetooth A2DP stereo streaming, you can listen to streaming audio

Technically that sounds like it could work with your Bluetooth enabled laptop or, you might want to pair the headset with the optional Plantronics Voyager PRO HD USB adapter with your laptop or desktop.

Personally I haven’t had the best luck pairing Bluetooth headsets with my Windows 7 laptop – it can never seem to install the correct drivers. My desktop computer at work, on the other hand, has no problems working with Bluetooth and wireless headsets that are connected via the USB adapter.

Then again, you’ll probably have no problems with your iMac. And the USB adapter is a good backup plan if the Bluetooth won’t sync.

Another option is the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC B235 which boasts multi-device connectivity

Another option to consider for connecting to laptops and desktops is the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC B235 which is an advanced Bluetooth headset that comes with a USB Bluetooth dongle – it’s multi-device connectivity lets you manage PC and mobile/tablet phone calls from a single headset.

 

Q: Is the Lynksys PAT2T being phased out, and the Cisco SPA112 will be the new product to replace it? I want to make a purchase, but will be reluctant to do so if the Lynksys PAP2T is being replaced.

A:  You’re correct. The Lynksys PAP2T is End of Life – it has been replaced by the Cisco SPA112 VoIP Adapter.

The Lynsys PAP2T, if you can find one, might still work for what you need. But since it is no longer being sold and is no longer supported by Cisco, we recommend going with the SPA112 replacement.

 

Q:  I am traveling to the US and my parents will remain in Puerto Rico. I want to know if this equipment [Grandstream GXV3140] is recommended for daily contacts with them via SKYPE. They are at a elderly home facility which has internet connection, but i am not sure what i need for this. Please let me know if you recommend this or something else. 

A:  The Grandstream GXV3140 is a Skype certified IP Video that makes it easy to make Skype video calls with its integrated web browser and 4.3in Color LCD screen.

You can make free voice and video calls via Skype on the GXV3140 just by plugging the phone into your network or, internet connection.

Since this phone is Skype certified, Skype comes pre-installed. With this phone you can call any other Skype users whether they’re using a GXV3140 of their own or a webcam, laptop, cell phone, or tablet. You just need the internet or, network connection to make this happen.

The Grandstream GXV3140 is currently in stock but it’s going end of life so you may want to consider its replacement, the Grandstream GXV3240.

Grandstream GXV3240 - Direct replacement for Skype certified GXV3140

Grandstream GXV3240 – Direct replacement for Skype certified GXV3140

 

Stay Tuned

Check back next time  for more VoIP Q & A.

Thanks for your questions!

Second Straight Fast Track Award for VoIP Supply in 2014

June 30, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

fast-track-voip-supply-2014

We’re proud to announce that we were just named one of Western New York’s (WNY) fastest growing companies in 2014.

VoIP Supply received the Fast Track Award which honors privately held businesses in WNY that have strong sales growth.

This is the second straight year and fourth time in the company’s 12 year history that we’ve earned this distinction.

Fast Track Award for Strong Revenue Growth

Buffalo Business First newspaper held their annual Fast Track Companies award reception on June 25, 2014 where the were revealed.

VoIP Supply, with 7.68% sales revenue growth from 2011 to 2013, ranked 43rd out of 48 long-established companies.

VoIP Supply’s CEO, Ben Sayers, is proud that his company made the list again as a Certified B Corporation that is currently involved in a yearlong volunteer campaign, VoIP Supply’s “Year of Giving,” to give back to the community and help a different charity every month.

VoIP Supply is a sustainable business with the mission to “Do well so that we can do good for others,” says Sayers.

With a focus on conscious capitalism, Sayers says that, “It is our hope that our actions will be an example to other businesses in the area, showing that a company can continue to grow even while putting people ahead of profits.”

What are the Business Benefits of Android VoIP Video Phones from Grandstream?

June 25, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

grandstream-gxv-webinar-reminder-voip-supply
Last chance to register for the next webinar in our Grandstream Learning Series.

Thursday’s webinar, June 26, 2014 at 2 PM EST, will give you an opportunity to learn and ask questions about the many multimedia features of the:

Android-based Grandstream GXV3240 and GXV3275 Video Phones Presented in New Webinar

June 20, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski
grandstream_gxv_video_phones_webinar_voip supply_banner

Grandstream video phones combine Android operating system and apps market with desktop VoIP features and HD video conferencing.

We’ve joined forces with Grandstream to offer you webinars through the Grandstream Learning Series.

Next up on the schedule is your chance to get a first-hand look at the new Grandstream GXV Series of Android-based VoIP Video Phones.

We encourage you to attend to ask questions and learn how they can fit into your business communication solution because as Gina Narcisi at SearchUnifiedCommunications points out, “There’s no doubt that consumerization has impacted business needs, and employees expect more of the features they are used to using in their personal lives — like video — at work. ”

  • When: June 26, 2014 at 2:00 PM EST
  • Where: Online. Click here to Register
  • What: Explain how business communications can be enhanced through the phone’s abilities to make video calls, initiate video conferences using multiple popular platforms, and access popular business and productivity apps from the Google Play Store such as Skype, Microsoft Lync, Salesforce1, and GoToMeeting.

grandstream-gxv-webinar-cta-voip-supply

Grandstream GXV3240 Multimedia VoIP Video Phone for Android

The Grandstream GXV3240 is a multimedia Gigabit VoIP Video phone with 3-way video conferencing, a tiltable CMOS camera, and HD audio/voice.

The GXV3240 is a great solution solution for a high-tech school campus or a fast-paced business that uses their own API for custom apps with its integrated WiFi, a built-in web browser, and HDMI connectivity.

grandstream_gxv3240_voip_supply

Android-based Grandstream GXV3240 VoIP Video Phone with Access to Google Play Store

Features & functions:

  • Visual: Generous 4.3″ (480 x 272) capacitive touch screen and megapixel CMOS sensor camera with a privacy shutter.
  • Audio: 6-lines with up to 6 x SIP accounts, free IPVideoTalk account including video mail, HD Wideband Audio, up to 6-way audio conferencing and 3-way video conferencing, speakerphone with acoustic echo cancellation.
  • Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, PoE, USB, SD, HDMI, EHS with Plantronics Headsets, Android 4.2 OS, access to Google Play including custom apps with Google API and Grandstream SDK toolkit, integration with Grandstream GXV Series of IP Surveillance Cameras, and built-in web browser.

Grandstream GXV3275 Multimedia VoIP Video Phone for Android

Want an Android tablet on your desktop that can also make and receive voice and video calls?

Then the Grandstream GXV3275 is for you.

This a 6-line multimedia video phone with a 7″ color touch screen, integrated WiFi, a built-in web browser, and HDMI connectivity.

gxv3275_front

Android-based Grandstream GXV3275 VoIP Video Phone with 7″ Touchscreen

Features & Functions:

  • Visual: Large 7″ (1024 x 600) capacitive color touch screen and megapixel CMOS sensor camera with privacy shutter.
  • Audio: 6 lines with up to 6 x SIP accounts including FREE IPVideoTalk account with video mail, HD Wideband Audio, up to 6-way audio conferencing and 3-way video conferencing, speakerphone with acoustic echo cancellation.
  • Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, PoE, USB, SD, HDMI, EHS with Plantronics Headsets, Android 4.2 OS, access to Google Play including custom apps with Google API and Grandstream SDK toolkit, integration with Grandstream GXV Series of IP Surveillance Cameras, and built-in web browser.

“The new Grandstream GXV3240 and GXV3275 video phones offer a unique user experience by combining the power of Android, VoIP, and video conferencing all from your desktop,” said Tom Costelloe, Marketing Manager of VoIP Supply.

VoIP Q & A: Grandstream UCM6100 IP PBX for Unified Communications

June 19, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Usually in our VoIP Q & A Blog Series, we answer questions about submitted to us through tech support tickets on VoIPSupply.com or via the “Ask The Expert” tab on our product pages.

This time we’re sharing the questions and answers from the Grandstream UCM6100 PBX webinar that was held as part of our Grandstream Learning Series.

These were real questions from the attendees that were answered by Grandstream’s tech support team. We hope that this is a comprehensive guide on how to use a UCM6100 series PBX and what they’re capable of.

Grandstream UCM 6100-banner-voip-supply

Door Phone and Door Station Support

Q: Can it [UCM6100] support door phone, control, attendance systems? E.g. Helios 2N, any others?

A:  Yes, it supports door stations. We have verified this against FXS/FXO devices from Viking Electronics as well as 2N.

Q: Can we use this system to open gates or use in a system gate?

A:  Yes, this system can perform door station functions depending on the device being used. We’ve interoped with Viking Electronic devices.

Q: The scenario would be a system with several video-doorphones + one GXV3140 + UCM6102. While one video-call from a video-doorphone is being attended from the GXV3140, there are other video-calls being received from other doorphones and those video-calls should be put on queue. How many calls can be queued?

A:  This would be handled like any other call. Since it is video, it will now have video codec being negotiated. You can configure the call queue based on your own preference.

asterisk

Asterisk

Q: Because Asterisk is open source, does Grandstream contribute to this effort?

A:  Yes, we comply with GNU/GPL and provide the source details on our FAQ page.

Video Softphones

Q: Any recommended free video softphones for use?

A:  At the moment, we do not have any free apps listed for video calls. It would be suggested to use a softphone that supports h263, h263+, h264.

IVR Security

Q: Standard set of security protocols to avoid hacking, security issues through IVR?

A:  There are several ways of securing the UCM IVR.

1. Password on outbound route
2. Specify permission/privilege level
3. Disable dial trunk option.

Park BLFs and Shared Line Appearances

Q: Are there plans to add Park BLFs or Shared Line Appearances?

A: On the latest firmware for the UCM we support BLF for parking lot. Shared line appearance has already been requested and is taken into consideration for the future release.

API

Q: Is there a way to install A2Billing?

A: The UCM is a locked down asterisk system so you cannot instlal any applications onto the appliance. however, a later firmware release will support API and allow users to pull caller data for billing programs.

Zero Config

Q: Does the endpoint manager support other vendor phones for configuration and Key defs?

A: No. The UCM can only zero-config Grandstream products at the moment.

 

Grandstream UCM6102

Grandstream UCM6102

BroadSoft Softswitch

Q: Is the UCM6102 certified to work on BroadSoft softswitch?

A: At the moment, it is stil under certifcation and has not been fully supported. Working in progress.

Voicemail to Email and Remote Voicemail Access

Q: Are we able to listen and delete voicemail directly from Outlook so the voicemail is also deleted in the UCM?

A: No. Voicemail sent to your email needs to be removed from the PBX. It does not sync up with your email. This has been requested for future consideration.

Q: How do you listen to your voice messages remotely, from a phone not registered to the UCM?

A: You can dial into the UCM via IVR, then dial an option for a dummy extension(not registered) and have that dummy extension undconditional forward to your voice mail system *98

Call Monitoring and Recording

Q: Calls Monitor Feature?

A: This has already been requested and is being implemented for a future release. However, we do have an option to record calls.

Q: Can we direct the recordings to external storage?

A: This is done automatcally when a USB/SD is connected to the UCM.

Service Providers Tested

Q: What providers have been successfully tested with this?

A: 3NG, Nexvortex, Callcentric, Clearfly, vitelity, Phonepower.

google voice_logo

Google Voice Support

Q: Can google voice be integrated on the UCM?

A: No, this is not supported unless it uses SIP signalling.

G.729 Codec

Q: Any license fees to use G.729 codec?

A: No licensing fee for G.729, we have a license for the max number of concurrent calls on the UCM.

Grandstream HT704 Adapter

Grandstream HT704 Adapter

How to Add Additional Analog Phones

Q: How to add FXS phones if i need more analogue phones?

A: All UCM models come with 2 FXS ports. You can add more by using an ATA or FXS gateway like the HT700 series or GXW400x/4200 series.

LAN Ports for Failover

Q: Are the 2 LAN ports in UCM6104 – for a failover mode – i can use 2 separate internet connections? or is there another purpose to the 2 LAN ports?

A: Exactly, this is used for failover purposes.

Demo Programs and Training

Q: If we want to be more familiar with the product do you have some DEMO programs?

A: We do provide UCM trainig events. You can visit this page for all the upcoming events: http://www.grandstream.com/ucm-events

Need More Lines

Q: What I can do if i need more than 16 lines?

A: You can peer an FXO gateway to the UCM. We provide FXO gateways to extend this. Here’s the link to the guide.

T1 or DSL Support

Q: Can we use a T1 or DSL Service?

A: T1/E1 is not supported on the UCM61xx series. However, we are coming out with a UCM65xx series that will support such services.

CounterPath Bria Desktop Client

CounterPath Bria Desktop Client

Desktop Clients

Q: What kind of desktop clients are you supporting? And on what OS?

A: We support either Linux/Mac/Windows. Any soft client that is SIP compliant works with our UCM. E.g CounterPath Bria.

Concurrent Video Calls

Q: Max concurrent video-calls supported?

A: This is anywhere between 6-10 calls.

Storage

Q: Does the UCM6100 series use a disk or SSD for storage?

A: Internal flash storage.

Q: Does the USB port of UCM6104 suport a passport drive (which doesn’t have its own power)?

A: That should be fine. I have used a Buffalo 1TB drive without power and was just fine.

System Recovery

Q: I have read that asterisk-based systems have known lock-up issues that typically have to be resolved by a system reboot. How has that been dealt with for this solution?

A: Our system recovers itself during these moments and provide core dump files that can be analyzed by our developers for root cause.

Stay Tuned

Check back next time  for more VoIP Q & A.

Thanks for your questions!

Buffalo and Western New York Entrepreneurs Credited for Building Niche Companies by ‘Mastering the Rockefeller Habits’ Author, Verne Harnish

June 18, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski
verne-harnish-rockefeller habits1

Syndicated columnist, author, and founder of worldwide Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) acknowledges hyper-specialized focus of Buffalo and Rochester small business owners

You know who Verne Harnish is if you’ve read the book “Mastering the Rockefeller Habits,” perused Fortune Magazine, taken an executive training class though Gazelles, or have ever interacted with the influential member companies of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO).

Over the past 30 years Harnish is responsible for all of the above having written a book endorsed by CEO’s worldwide, becoming a syndicated columnist, and founding two organizations to help executives and entrepreneurs reach their goals.

And recently he has acknowledged the success of EO Western New York companies throughout Buffalo and Rochester which Harnish says is due to their CEO’s focus on specialized marketplaces:

I’ve visited a large number of EO chapters throughout the world and I think I’ve found the most business savvy of them all – Western NY (Buffalo and Rochester). The EO members in that chapter get it – they are building “hidden champions” – growing companies focused on hyper-specialized niches and then chasing a select group of customers around the globe. (The Growth Guy, June 5, 2014)

VoIP Supply CEO Ben Sayers, also an EO Western New York member, explains that “The recognition from Harnish is a great achievment for EO Western New York because it’s based on his vast experience helping CEO’s grow their companies and learn leaderships skills.”

EO West New York rgb
EO was founded in 1987 with an educational vision carried out by each chapter around the world that brings entrepreneurial members together, so that they can learn and grow from one another in both their work and personal lives.

The EO Western New York chapter currently has 48 member companies that employ over 1,200 people.

Buffalo Business is Growing

This is a remarkable time to be a growing company in Western New York.

The impression area businesses have made on Harnish coincides with the 43North startup competition offering $5 million in cash prizes, incubator space, and mentorship to the winning business ideas who agree to operate in Buffalo, NY.

The 43North contest got a huge response with nearly 7,000 entrepreneur applicants from 96 countries.

43North is part of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion initiative to develop new economic opportunities in Buffalo and Western New York.

While new start-ups are on their way, Harnish showed appreciation for some of the established EO Western New York companies and their CEO’s by pointing out their successful specializations such as:

  • Amy Castronova, CEO of Novatek Communications: Creates technical and process documentation and training specifically for medical device companies.
  • David Mammano, Founder of Next Step Education Group: Helping high school students, parents, and counselors figure out post-graduation options.
  • David Rivers, Founder of KegWorks: The #1 website in the world providing equipment and supplies for home bars.
  • Brian Brault, CEO of PURE: Focused on providing processes and technologies to create the cleanest hotel rooms in the world.
  • Michael Linehan, Premier Laser Spa Founder: Expanding across the entire east coast of the US.

Harnish says the laser focus and expansion of EO Western New York companies can be attributed to “the lack of a local market and growing up around firms like Kodak.”

VoIP Supply’s Yearlong Community Service Schedule Gives Back to Buffalo and Western New York

June 13, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

voip supply volunteering

We like to volunteer and help our neighbors through local charities.

VoIP Supply has embarked on a “Year of Giving” to give back to our Buffalo and Western New York community.

Based in Amherst, NY, VoIP Supply is a Certified B Corporation (B Corp) committed to running a sustainable business with higher standards of social and environmental performance.

“We like to be an example to our fellow local businesses,” said Ben Sayers, CEO of VoIP Supply. “VoIP Supply puts people ahead of profits and that hasn’t hurt us; we’ve proven that a company can still be successful while acting responsibly.”

“Mostly I’m proud that our people share VoIP Supply’s vision by donating their time and helping out local charities,” said Sayers.

voip-supply-certified-b-corp-banner

Our charitable efforts have already started and we have more events scheduled for the remainder of 2014 including:

  • E-Scrap for Camp: VoIP Supply a designated electronic recycling drop-off site to benefit Camp Good Days, helping kids with cancer.
  • Friends of the Night People: Employees volunteered during business hours to help at the Urban Diner, a dignified soup kitchen serving Buffalo’s East Side neighborhoods.
  • Meals on Wheels: Every Tuesday morning in May, teams of two employees deliver meals to North Buffalo residents in need.
  • Shoe Donation: In-house shoe donation aiding a local church’s collection drive to benefit small business ventures in developing countries while keeping old shoes out of local landfills.
  • Hospice Buffalo: Team entry in the Hospice Memorial Walk to raise money for Hospice patients in Buffalo.
  • Hearts for the Homeless: Volunteer group to help this mobile soup kitchen that provides food and clothing for the poor and homeless in Buffalo.
  • Buffalo VA: Effort to help the Buffalo VA Medical Center.
  • United Way Day of Caring 2014: VoIP Supply volunteers will pitch in to help out at the various events on the upcoming annual Day of Caring.

In its 12-year history, VoIP Supply has always donated to local charities including an ongoing $1.98 donation to Buffalo City Mission, the cost of one meal, for every order placed by our customers (Thank you, customers!).

However, the good deeds have not always benefited from a coordinated effort that was inclusive of everyone’s abilities within the organization. “Our company goal is to give back at least once a month, doing something great throughout the entire year which allows everyone at VoIP Supply the opportunity to get involved,” said Paula Griffo, President and CFO of VoIP Supply.

VoIP Supply’s mission, as Sayers has said before, is to “do well, so that we can do good for others.”

Buffalo CEO Ben Sayers of VoIP Supply Recognized as Innovative Entrepreneur in RuleBreaker Awards

June 11, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski
rulebreaker_banner2

Unconventional award dismisses standard business metrics to honor entrepreneurs who became successful doing things their own way.

VoIP Supply is proud to announce that our founder and CEO, Ben Sayers, has been named a RuleBreaker Award winner in the Retailers Over $5M in Sales category.

The RuleBreaker Awards honor business owners and entrepreneurs who break the rules and forge their own path instead focusing on traditional measurements such as revenue and growth.
“Our goal is to salute those who never shirk from obstacles, don’t fear the unknown and persist despite the odds,” said Mike Michalowicz, award co-host and author of The Pumpkin Plan.

VoIP Supply Founded by Serial Entrepreneur

Sayers is a serial entrepreneur who early on in his intrepid career, decided that college wasn’t for him. Instead, he started a company.

That company eventually became the eCommerce business we now know today as VoIP Supply.

Back in 2002, selling Voice over IP (VoIP) hardware was a niche market with few outlets for customers to buy from. Sayers recognized a a growing demand from consumers needing help with installing business VoIP phone systems.

Putting People Ahead of Profits

VoIP Supply is also a Certified B Corporation (B Corp) that puts people ahead of profits, gives back to the community, and is held to a higher standard of accountability. Sayers ignores conventional wisdom and has decided to take the path less traveled by proving that a business can be both profitable and sustainable. “Our goal is to do well so that we can do good for others,” said Sayers.

“All of our RuleBreakers have one thing in common: They’re passionate about making a difference in business,” said co-host Barry Moltz, author of How to Get Unstuck.

About RuleBreaker Awards

The RuleBreaker Awards program was sponsored by Nextiva, Skype and Constant Contact. Winners were honored at an awards ceremony at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York City on June 10, 2014.

Award categories included Service Providers, Technology Providers, Retailers, and Manufacturers.

Winners were selected by a panel of judges including:

  • Ken Yancey, CEO of SCORE
  • JJ Ramberg, co-founder of Good Search and host of MSNBC’s Your Business
  • Anita Campbell, founder, CEO and Publisher of Small Business Trends and BizSugar
  • Ramon Ray, Marketing and Technology Evangelist of Smallbiztechnology.com and Infusionsoft

“We’re proud to honor entrepreneurs who have succeeded by doing it their way,” said Rieva Lesonsky, CEO of GrowBiz Media and a co-host of the RuleBreaker Awards.

  • Featured Posts

  • Popular Posts

  • Read Our Feed

  • Latest

  • VoIP Post Categories

  • Archives