A recent report showed 85 percent of business owners believe their company’s data network is safe from hackers, viruses, malware or a cyber-security breach. However, the victims of 72% of the documented computer security breaches that occurred in 2011 were companies with fewer than 100 employees. Let Network Data Services of North Little Rock help protect your company’s most valuable commodity — data that includes your intellectual property, banking credentials, customer and employee information.
When Microsoft rolled out Windows 8 last year, it was their biggest leap forward since Windows 95. Although it was met with the discomfort of some fans of older operating systems, it has been embraced as an effort to bring Microsoft back into consumer-friendly, modern tech for everyday people. Before you give up trading your start button for a start screen, here are some of the quirks that are really perks for new Windows 8 users.
A recent report from PEW reflects a quarter of Americans using VoIP phone systems for their communications needs, including a substantial number of business owners.
The migration of millions to VoIP comes as no surprise, as the technology allows business owners to save substantially on phone bills. It’s also fast and easy, with IT experts like Arkansas-based Network Data Services to make the transition seamless.
With countless Microsoft enterprise solutions, finding the most effective IT package for your company may seem daunting. Network Data Services is committed to providing a custom fit for your business. Here are what we feel are becoming some of today’s top solutions:
With the slow economy, ever increasing role of e-mail in business , and customers who often choose to call cell phones over main numbers, many small businesses no longer employ a full time receptionist. In fact, many are highly mobile groups that may have no one in the office for long stretches during business hours. Here are a few ideas on how to maintain a professional image and be as accessible as possible to your customers and prospects.
You have staff in the office, you would like an automated attendant to direct calls, but if a caller hits “0” or other options you want to make sure these calls are answered live. Instead of having phones ring, consider having a distinctive bell or chime that goes off for these calls. This creates a sense of urgency that lets your staff know these calls are important and need to be answered live. This can also be impressive to visitors when they hear the bell go off and see your businesses commitment to answering calls and serving your customers!
You don’t always have staff in the office, but want to have the best chance possible to answer key calls. Consider integrating cell phones into automated attendant options. Many telephone systems offer capabilities that will route callers who make an automated attendant selection to a cell phone, group of cell phones or combination of desk phones and cell phones. Features that allow this might be; virtual extensions, dual ring, find me/follow me, or group extensions. Hosted telephone systems may be best suited to provide this type of integration.
Consider office VoIP phones at home. The use of a small business IP phone system or a hosted IP telephone system may allow for IP telephones to be deployed at the homes of staff members or even a home based part time receptionist. These phones can function the same as phones in your office. They can ring when your main number is dialed, DSS buttons can show when other phones on the system are in use, calls can be transferred to other phones on the system or to voice mail.
When planning your solution, keep in mind; telephone system, type and number of telephone lines, cell phone plans, and even your Internet connection are all factors in what is possible. I recommend working with a professional who understands what’s available and being careful about bundled telephone company offerings. Being locked into to the wrong plan will limit your options. Most small businesses are very dynamic, as your needs change your communications solutions need to be flexible to change with you.
To say technology has changed the face of business is an understatement. And one aspect – the merger of voice and data – rapidly is becoming a necessity for today’s companies to stay relevant.
Arkansas-based Network Data Services will keep you up-to-date with the latest (and most cost-feasible) technologies, including mobile devices, teleconferencing and VoIP phone systems. We offer a full range of services, from installation to support and maintenance, tailored specifically to your company’s needs.
