The Landline Lives On
January 28, 2010
In this day and age, virtually everyone uses a cell phone as their primary means of communication. Not only does the cell phone provide mobility, but they also now feature a litany of additional applications to make life easier. Many people have even forgone traditional landlines in their home in favor of the convenience and versatility that cell phones afford.
One realm where telephone cabling is still a necessity is in business. Regardless of what industry you are in, it is advisable to have a reliable landline so that customers can call you anytime. The landline also provides a consistent connection and dependability that is often missing from cell phone coverage.
Reliable Seattle Phone System Installation
December 10, 2009
Despite the struggling economy, I was able to move my small business into new office space in downtown Seattle over the summer. When I started the business, it was just me and my wife, but now we have 15 full-time employees and recognized the need for expansion. At first I thought that the transition would be easy, but there were several headaches, from changing over the letterhead to setting up the utilities.
One aspect of the move that was painless, however, was the installation of the phone system. Thanks to the recommendation of one of my clients, I was able to find an affordable Seattle phone system installation company that did that job in a jiffy and caused no problems. I’m happy to say that the business is now thriving in the new location, and we haven’t experienced a single hiccup with the phone system.
A 21st Century Mode of Communication
November 24, 2009
Voice over Internet Protocol, commonly known as VoIP represents a real shift in the way business communications can be conducted. The service converts a human voice into a digital signal capable of traveling anywhere in the world over the Internet. That signal is then converted back into one that a regular telephone can interpret at the other end of the line. An IP phone system might utilize a special phone or it might go from one personal computer to another.
The price structure of VoIP can get a bit tricky, however, depending on the service one uses. Some carriers charge a flat rate for any call placed to and from any location. Others charge more for the equivalent of a long-distance call. The main drawback of the service is that VoIP is ineffectual during power outages while regular landlines continue to be functional in many cases. Despite that single inconvenience, the new technology looks poised to shape business and personal communications well into the 21st century.
How To Set Call Park (Hold) On a Panasonic Phone System
November 12, 2009
On the Panasonic systems we have programmed a call park button to park a call. During a conversation press PARK 1 or 2. The call is now parked and holding.
Anyone can retrieve the call with the handset down then pressing PARK 1 or 2. Then picking up the handset.
An illustration of this features use follows: A call comes in for Joe. The receptionist parks the call by pressing PARK 1. The call is then announced over the intercom or paging system that Joe has a call parked at 1. Joe can go to any phone and press Park 1 and be connected with the caller. Voila!
How To Reset Passwords In A Panasonic Voice Mail System
November 11, 2009
As system administrator of your Panasonic Voice Mail System, you have the ability to delete a password from any mailbox. By following these steps, you delete the existing password (without knowing what it was). You can then log-in to the mailbox and enter a new password if desired.
* Call the Voice Mail, press POUND 6, STAR 999.
* Enter password if requested, followed by # (POUND)
* Dial 4 (For other features)
* Dial 1 (Mailbox Setup)
* Dial 3 (Reset Password)
* Enter the mailbox number in which you wish to delete the password
* Press 1 to delete the password
When satisfied with recording, press STAR STAR STAR to exit or POUND 6 for another function
How To Delete A Mailbox In A Panasonic Phone System
November 10, 2009
You have the ability to delete a mailbox and create a new box as the administrator of a Panasonic Phone System. This is recommended when an employee leaves the company and a new employee takes the same desk. This clears out all the old employees greetings, messages and settings and returns the mailbox to the default setting. This is also recommended if you have a problem with a particular mailbox. Just delete and rebuild and the problem should be resolved. The user will need to redo their greetings.
* Call the Voice Mail, press POUND 6, STAR 999
* Enter password if requested, followed by # (POUND)
* Dial 4 (For other features)
* Dial 1 (Mailbox Setup)
* Dial 2 (Delete)
* Enter the mailbox number you wish to delete
* Press 1 to delete mailbox
When satisfied with recording, press STAR STAR STAR to exit or POUND 6 for another function
How To Create & Edit A Mailbox On A Panasonic Phone System
November 9, 2009
As the administrator of your Panasonic Phone System, you have the ability to delete a mailbox and create a new box. This is recommended when an employee leaves the company and a new employee takes the same desk. This clears out all the old employees greetings, messages and settings and returns the mailbox to the default setting. This is also recommended if you have a problem with a particular mailbox. Just delete and rebuild and the problem should be resolved. The user will need to redo their greetings.
* Press the Voice Mail key, dial POUND 6 STAR 999
* Enter password, if requested, followed by #
* Dial 4, Dial 1, Dial 1
* Prompt, “Enter the mailbox number” Enter the extension number or mailbox number you wish to create or edit, Press 2 to accept. Note, they are usually the same unless you are making a ghost box)
* Prompt, “Owners name is not recorded, to change press 1, to accept press 2″ (it’s not necessary to record here, press 2)
* Prompt, “Owners Extension is not recorded”, enter the SAME extension number as step one, press 2 to accept
* Prompt, “No letters of the owners last name have been entered”, Press 1 to change, enter the first 3 or 4 letters of last name (Spell on dial pad) press 2 to accept. NOTE: If your voice mail is set for spell by first name, enter the first 2 or 3 letters of the first name here and also in the next step. That’s right, the first name in both places.
* Prompt, “No letters of the owners first name have been entered”, Enter the first 2 or 3 letters of first name (Spell on dial pad) press 2 to accept
* Prompt, “Class of Service Number is X” Most mailboxes are COS 1, press 2 to accept
* Prompt, “Interview mailbox is not assigned” Press 2 to accept (follow prompts)
* Prompt, “All calls transfer to mailbox is disabled” Normally left as DISABLE, press 2 to accept. If you change it, calls will go directly to mailbox without ringing phone first and message waiting light will not light. When you create a ghost box this parameter is set to ENABLE. Ghost Box:: A mailbox with no telephone extension usually an outside representative.
* Prompt, Message Waiting Lamp etc., ENABLED press 2
* Prompt, Device notification etc., DISABLED press 2
* Prompt, External Message Delivery etc., DISABLED press 2
* Prompt, Auto forwarding etc., DISABLED press 2
When satisfied with recording, press STAR STAR STAR to exit or POUND 6 for another function
How To Change the Time In Your Panasonic Phone System
November 8, 2009
Daylight Savings time has come and some of you have been asking how to change the time in your Panasonic Phone Systems. Here it is:
How to change the time on your Panasonic telephone system:
1. Identify your system (NOT YOUR TELEPHONE) these instructions are
for the Panasonic KX-TD500 digital telephone system but they may work for yours as well.
2. Find and use the main phone on jack 01. You can determine if you
phone is jack 01 by pressing PROGRAM 99 on a display phone then
pushing the number 6 on the dial pad. The phone will read the jack
and extension number on the display. You must have a display
telephone on jack 01 to use these instructions.
3. Press PROGRAM * * followed by the system access code. The system
default code is 1234, yours may have been changed. Your display
should read USR-PGM NO >
4. Press SP-PHONE 3 times. Display reads: 3:15 PM 12 (Hour is
flashing)
5. Enter 2 digit hour. Display reads: 04:15 PM 12 (Hour is flashing)
6. Press FWD/DND button or press the softkey below -> on the display.
Display reads: 04:15 PM 12 (Minute is flashing)
7. Press Auto Dial/Store button. New time is stored.
8. Lift handset and hang up to leave programming mode.
Phone System Help: Choosing the Right One
November 6, 2009
Replacing your dinosaur phone system has been a headache for some. I think I found some help that will ease the pain. The following helpful advice came from a column in Inc. Technology. This will get you phone system shoppers off to a great start!
“With such an assortment of phone systems on the market, business owners need help cutting through the clutter so that they can figure out the best phone system for their business:
#1. Get a head count of employees that need outside lines. Start by considering the number of employees that need to use the system. Then add up the number of extensions needed for fax machines, modems, credit card terminals, etc. If it’s a small office with a staff of fewer than 10 employees, consider off-the-shelf phones systems for considerable savings. But if your business has a staff of more than 40, it’s most likely that a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system is called for. No longer is PBX synonymous for those huge telecom closets you see at large firms. They now come in the small business size and can fit on top of a desk.
#2. Forecast company needs down the road. When considering a system, examine where your company will be a few years from now. Will you increase staff? Will you open branch offices? Is an acquisition or merger likely? Experts suggest doubling the wiring if your company is likely to expand in the not-too-distant future.
#3. Consider VoIP. For phone service, check into Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems. VoIP technology allows businesses to place and receive calls using the Web, offering potential cost savings. Matt Godden, president of Seattle, Wash.-based Xoasis Networks, a provider of small-business VoIP phone systems, says, “If you’re a company with branch offices, you can transfer all calls without hangup and pickup and have one operator manage all four offices” with VoIP. There were more than 4.5 million VoIP users in the U.S. last year, and that number will double this year, according to International Data Corp.
#4. Buy second hand or rent. Try leasing or buying used phone equipment. Companies change phones for many reasons — not just that their phones are outdated — and your company might be able to benefit from some bargains in the market. Some firms specialize in selling refurbished equipment.
#5. Buy at the close of the quarter. For firms that aren’t keen on leasing, keep certain things in mind when buying a new phone system. Purchase at the end of the quarter when sales reps are trying to hit quotas. You may find some bargains. #6. Pick a reputable seller. Who will take your call if the system goes down? Better to deal with a company that will be responsive and help you out of a jam. Most dealers handle not only the sale but installation. It’s important to undertake due diligence when choosing a dealer. The first question should be how many installations the dealer has finished using your phone system. #7. Compatibility is key. Remember to consider the other equipment or services you already own or contract for that you’re not going to replace. Make sure any new phone system is compatible with headsets, conferencing tools, voicemail and call forwarding systems that you already have and use.”
I am personally happy with our Panasonic System. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any who ask. I really like the upgradeable programming capabilities. But, whatever system you go with, I hope you found this information as helpful as I did.
Budget Phone System Requiring No Rewiring
November 5, 2009
You know me, always trying to be helpful… here’s what I found today that caught my eye. There are a lot of business class telephone systems that are available out there that DO NOT require rewiring of your office. The best business phone system available within a budget in my opinion is good ol’ Panasonic…
The Panasonic KX TG6502B is priced around$269
This is a cordless phone with call waiting, caller ID and an answering system. The system supports four handsets, has conference call capability, intercom, hold, mute, flash and redial buttons. What’s really cool is there’s also a waiting caller ID, so you know who’s calling in next.
I personally tried the Uniden system but found that it did not receive incoming calls while using the direct link system feature and so I had to give up using the feature or I would miss calls. Not cool at all.
