by nsgadmin | Jul 25, 2014 | News and Updates
Today’s consumers demand more rapid, quality service. Business owners striving to offer just that can effectively deliver by focusing on their areas of expertise, whether it’s banking, staffing, manufacturing… You get the idea. Unfortunately, many business owners struggle with another challenge – stretching themselves too thin. This conundrum has led to another growing trend.
Most accept the reality that our tech-driven world inevitably will continue in that direction, with consumers expecting certain technology to be available, consistent, and reliable as part of their experience. Along with that trend also has come the reality that not every business has the in-house skills, not to mention the time, to effectively manage the technology driving their companies.
Enter Network Services Group. We know crucial it is for owners and employees to be able to focus on their jobs – not data networking services – in order to provide great service. Our team offers award-winning support as we help successfully architect, deploy, and run your most critical applications.
If you’re still not sold on managed data services, chew on this:
- Shifting from a break-fix model to managed services essentially outsources every technology and systems aspect, save your employees. We handle tech deployment, integration, maintenance, support, upgrades, and innovation.
- This takes pressure off employees who previously handled IT, often in addition to their primary jobs, and allows them to offer more strategic input.
- Owners and employees have more time to focus on developing more in-depth customer and market insights.
- It allows for closer alignment with managers and executives throughout the company for a more deliberate business strategy.
- As an owner, having the tech portion of your business off your plate will allow you to key in on innovative methods for more effective, future-focused operating techniques.
- Click here for more benefits of managed data services.
We serve thousands of businesses in Arkansas, providing managed data services that deliver the best-fit phone and data infrastructure solutions with the highest level of skill and customer service. Let us do the same for your business by calling 501-758-6058, or contact us here for more information.
by nsgadmin | Jul 14, 2014 | News and Updates
There are several factors to consider when selecting your business phone services, whether a small startup or large corporation. In fact, your company’s size plays a key role in determining what type of managed phone system you need.
Network Services Group (NSG) has an extensive portfolio and deep roots in telecommunications. Since its founding in 1989, NSG has maintained its initial focus of delivering quality products, telephone systems, and outstanding customer service.
But we also evolve as the needs of our customers change and the pace of technological advances in the industry accelerate. We now serve thousands of companies of all sizes in Arkansas.
Choosing the right managed phone system is vital because it remains one of the easiest ways to communicate both internally and externally – and it is essentially your lifeline to customers.
What you should know about business phone services:
- Consider whether the size of your staff is likely to grow – and when. This will help determine the solution you’ll need to support your plan.
- Decide what features are essential, and use that list when comparing systems. Consider whether you’ll use a receptionist or auto-attendant for incoming calls, and whether you’ll need conference calling, call forwarding, voice mail, etc.
- If you have or will have multiple locations, you will require a different solution than one for a single office. Some systems require hardware in each physical location, and you may be able to use different types of systems if locations vary in size.
- Consider what type of technology is available and appropriate. Private Branch Exchange (PBX) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are the two most common systems. Many businesses are moving to VoIP.
- Test options like adding new lines, programming new features, and removing ex-employees. This will help you choose a user-friendly system and reduce ongoing service costs.
Whether you have a few users or a thousand, NSG gives you all the capabilities you need, delivered as a cloud service or a complete on-premise system. Call 501-758-6058, or contact us here for more about our business phone systems or IT managed services.
by nsgadmin | Jun 26, 2014 | News and Updates
Recently we addressed some of the reasons why scheduled IT upgrades are important to factor into your business’ budget. And after working with a variety of clients over the last quarter of a century, we also realize that making sure you get the most for your money is just as crucial.
When you choose IT consulting for business from Network Services Group (NSG), it won’t take long to realize you’ve made the right decision. Our data networking services team continues to evolve to provide the latest in IT solutions – and we provide only those that offer the greatest benefits to you and your employees.
We’re a home-grown company that now serves thousands of customers in Arkansas, including banks, medical firms, attorneys, staffing agencies, manufacturers, car dealerships, service companies, and more. Here are just some of the ways NSG meets and exceeds expectations:
- In today’s work environment, we recognize the need for voice solutions that go beyond simply dialing and receiving calls, voicemail, and caller ID. We offer advanced business phone systems, including VoIP solutions, that create powerful connections between people both inside and outside your business.
- From networks and servers to tablets and desktops, our dedicated team takes care of everything needed to maintain and complement your computer network. Our support is responsive, friendly, and backed by high standards and the most superior disaster and recovery service.
- Our team regularly implements and trains with the newest and most advanced technology solutions for business. Working with us allows your company to be more effective and relevant.
- We take painstaking efforts to clearly communicate with our clients, ensuring you get exactly what you want. You’ll never have to guess where your requests and support issues stand with us.
Let NSG provide our professional, reliable, and superior services for your business. Whether you’re looking at a complete overhaul, needing specific system upgrades, or need guidance on your upgrade, we offer the best in IT consulting for business.
Call us today at 501-758-6058, or contact us here for more information on our custom-tailored phone and data infrastructure solutions.
by nsgadmin | Jun 13, 2014 | News and Updates
Business owners sometimes think of an IT disaster as they would any other. They figure the likelihood of an extended network failure is comparable to that of a lightning strike or shark attack.
Unfortunately, those are good metaphors for what can happen to a business without a proactive approach to business computer support. In addition to ongoing quality customer service, network support that is proactive versus reactive is crucial for keeping your IT systems operating optimally.
Why risk having your business knocked offline for an extended period of time? Imagine not having access to your systems and networks for a week or more. Our expert team at Network Services Group can attest – based on 25 years in the industry – that it’s just not worth the gamble.
- Research shows the average cost of downtime for small- to medium-sized businesses is $12,500 an hour.
- The average cost of downtime for larger enterprises is $212,100 an hour.
- The result: 80 percent of companies experiencing such a disaster without having an emergency plan go out of business within 18 months.
- Of businesses that lose data access for more than a week, 87 percent go out of business within a year.
Here are some benefits of proactive business computer support from professionals like NSG:
- Proactive system management integrates network monitoring software into a business network while developing a strategy for IT professionals to troubleshoot network and device issues.
- It allows business owners to maintain computers and networks at peak performance, with little effect on operations when issues do arise.
- NSG’s backup system keeps your data safe. Your server backs up hourly to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) in your office. Daily backups are copied redundantly on several servers at our data center.
- We also offer cloud-based server and exchange hosting, help desk support, and 24/7 emergency support.
NSG is founder of Network Data Services, a managed service provider to businesses throughout Arkansas. We deliver custom-tailored phone and data infrastructure solutions. Call us at 501-758-6058 or contact us here for all your IT needs.
by nsgadmin | May 23, 2014 | News and Updates
Modern business is more mobile than ever before. It’s commonplace for business owners and employees to take calls from clients on their laptops at the local coffee shop. Voicemail is read in email messages, and smartphones are linked to the company line.
All of this is done through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
VoIP office solutions have become very popular – and for good reason – although some business owners remain on the fence as to its reliability and quality. While glitches may have been common a decade ago, today’s VoIP products and services are leaps and bounds beyond traditional landline-based systems.
Especially with an IT partner like Network Services Group, it’s time to consider ditching your hardwired phone system. Here’s why:
- Hardware and software for VoIP has evolved. Service providers typically offer hardware that is internet protocol ready, a feature that greatly enhances voice quality. You can also connect your business phone to your smartphone, desktop, and laptop.
- VoIP for business can shave a substantial amount off your telecom budget. Prices have lowered significantly due to provider market saturation. NSG will compare and order the best solutions for you (for VoIP or traditional phone services), and often save you money by negotiating with carriers on your behalf.
- Productivity is very likely to increase due to new capabilities. For instance, VoIP systems can be configured to ring simultaneously on several devices. They can also be set to route incoming calls first to the business phone and then to a mobile device – so you can stay in touch in and out of the office. This feature renders a potential phone system failure practically obsolete.
- With a hosted or virtual pbx option, you don’t have to worry about dealing with the phone system. This option allows the vendor to troubleshoot issues, set up the system, and deal with any IT problems that may arise. A VoIP system offers advantages that greatly outweigh any disadvantages for your business.
NSG can help with any business phone system. Call us today at 501-758-6058, or contact us here for more information.
(Sources: score.org, pcworld.com, smallbusinessesdoitbetter.com, blog.voxox.com)
by nsgadmin | May 16, 2014 | News and Updates
With thousands of business clients counting on us every day to provide the best phone and data infrastructure tailored to their IT needs, it’s important for us to help customers understand our products and services.
As many rely on Microsoft enterprise solutions for their companies, Network Services Group stays well-informed of all of the latest features and updates. We want our customers to get the most from their Microsoft business network – period.
Here are just a few advantages of Windows 8 for businesses, including updated features in Windows 8.1. The update introduces new manageability, mobility, security, user experience, and networking capabilities.
Bring Your Own Device
- A new Workplace Join feature eliminates all-or-nothing domain access by allowing users to work on devices they choose while still accessing corporate resources. With this feature, IT can grant some access, but still enforce certain restrictions on devices.
- With Work Folders, employees now can keep local copies of work on their devices and for access from other devices, with automatic sync to your data center. Your IT professionals can enforce Dynamic Access Control policies on the Work Folder Sync Share.
Mobility
- Microsoft has added support for a broader range of its virtual private network (VPN) clients, including Windows and Windows RT devices. In addition, apps now can automatically prompt VPN connections.
- Broadband tethering is enhanced. By turning your Windows 8.1 mobile broadband-enabled PC or tablet into a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, you can allow other devices to connect for internet access.
Security
- More control over corporate information is achieved by marking it as corporate, encrypting, and then wiping it when the corporation-user relationship ends.
- Malware resistance is enhanced with Windows Defender, the free antivirus software in Windows 8. It now includes network behavior monitoring, which is designed to detect and stop the implementation of known and unknown malware.
For more on Microsoft enterprise solutions specific to your industry, click here.
Whatever your IT needs, our award-winning team can help you successfully build, deploy, and operate your most critical applications. Call us today at 501-758-6058, or contact us here.
