Monkeying around with your Business Phone

8/26/2022

‘Monkey business’: Sheriff’s Office in California shares amusing story of a phone call from a zoo

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office in US’s California shared an interesting incident about how they received a call that left them baffled. In a Facebook post, the law enforcement agency wrote that their deputies have seen a fair share of “monkey business” in the county but nothing quite like this.

The Saturday night the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call that got disconnected. The dispatchers then tried to call and text back on the same number but they received no response. The deputies were sent to investigate the matter and the address took them to the offices of Zoo to You near Paso Robles. Continue reading.

Simplified Communications can connect your company with tools to prevent device misuse!

Copper: Decommissioned

7/28/2022

Is your business using a landline?
Your phone system may be impacted!

Landlines aren't necessarily going extinct, but phone lines using copper infrastructure are going away.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated that all Plain Old Telephone Service lines be replaced with an alternative. The FCC made this order in 2010, giving just ten years for phone companies to adjust their business model and find alternatives for their customers.

Business Purposes for Traditional Landlines

Old Telephone systems
Elevators
Fire alarm systems
Burglar alarm systems
Point of Sale
Red Phones
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) backup
Fax Machines

Many alternatives to copper have arisen, and we are happy to be your guide, simplifying technology that continues to evolve!

The 3G Shutdown Is Coming—Here’s How That Affects You

1/19/2022

AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile will put down 3G for good this year. Even if you don’t have a 3G phone anymore (and chances are you don’t), the technology most certainly changed your life

The history of the world is divided into two eras:

B3G (Before 3G): During this time, cellphones were primarily used for talking and texting. Sure, you could load a website but you could also snowshoe from New York to Alaska in the same amount of time.

CBE (Cellular Broadband Era): Once the heavens opened and the cell towers ushered in 3G, we got it all: speedy mobile web browsing, apps that let you summon a car (or burrito) to your door and an endless stream of selfies. And it only got faster as time went on.

Starting next month, the third-generation wireless networks that served as a rocket booster for the smartphone will be turned off forever.

Will the 3G shift impact your business?

Cloud-Based Phone Systems

6/9/2021

Remember when every business phone system looked like this?

Old School Phone System

Simplified Communications offers Cloud-Based Phone Systems to simplify your business and amplify communications.

As the technology fades for On Premise phone systems and servers, your business may be ready to invest in a new way of communicating.

Traditional phone systems may make for a huge tax write-off, but they're a depreciating asset that quickly degrades with the growth of newer, lighter, more efficient cloud-based systems.

What are the benefits of using Cloud-Based Phone Systems?

Cloud-based phone systems are becoming the future as more businesses are looking to:

Eliminate the cost and complexity of on-site hardware installation, set-up, and maintenance
Enhance collaboration and improve productivity, without the hassle of running new phone lines
Easily support remote workers and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) work spaces
Reduce communications and network management costs
Manage the phone system from a web-based portal and easily move, add, change, or delete lines
Protect against outages and natural disasters with cloud-based remote data centers

Cloud-Based Phone Systems

Are you ready for a Cloud-Based Phone System?

Talk to an agent

Microsoft Teams Voice Integrations

7/13/2020

Microsoft Teams may be one of the most important additions to your business this year. Whether you're new to the software or have been enjoying its perks for awhile, Teams is releasing several new features:

Dual Screen Support
Improved File Sharing
Together Mode

The goal of these new releases is to make Teams function more like a real-life meeting.

While Teams is great, voice integration options are missing; features that a receptionist or switchboard might offer like handling calls and automated after hours messages.

We recommend using a voice platform that can integrate with Teams to access enhanced features like:

Inbound calls can be directed as needed
Core features like an auto attendant for before or after hours
Ring multiple phones from one number
Call center capabilities
Use multiple voice providers allowing them to switch if one provider goes down

Our experts can help determine which voice platform will work best for your organization.
As your company gets comfortable with a remote environment, consider using our recommended enhanced features to further maximize on all that Microsoft Teams has to offer.

Not sure if your business would benefit
from Microsoft Teams?

Speak to an Expert

Simplify your Restaurant phone call system.

6/11/2020

The restaurant industry has undergone one of the biggest shifts since sliced bread. Restaurants that once accommodated dozens or hundreds of hungry diners with a full waitstaff, are now scrambling to answer incoming phone orders--on one phone!

Simplified Communications recognizes this unprecedented challenge, and has crafted a simple solution to keep your staff calm and patrons fed--without burdening your bottom line.

A Cloud Based Phone System can be implemented in about 7 days. Restaurant Phone System Features

Phone calls can be routed to a desk, cordless and/or cell phone to accommodate any scenario
Incoming callers are put into a queue with an automated message that keeps them on the line, and even explains specials or sells desserts while staff is handling other callers
The system can allow for texting with customers
Auto Attendant: Thank you for calling your favorite restaurant! Your order is important to us! Our specials today are...
Call Parks: calls are parked on Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, etc.
Voicemail to email with transcription (no more listening to long-winded voice messages; just read it quickly and return calls as needed)

Pricing is based on a per phone basis and includes the phone, so there is no equipment to purchase.

Pricing runs roughly $35 per phone. We can assist in determining how many phone lines would be needed, based on your usual customer demand.

We understand that solutions need to be put in place simply and immediately. Our team is ready to assist you so you can get back to feeding your customers!

Simplify your Business Cellphone

4/29/2020

Remember how technology was supposed to make our lives easier? Jet packs, flying cars and a sweet little robot to bring us our coffee--ahh, memories of a future that hasn't happened, yet!

Anyone working from home right now is realizing the power of technology, and its severe limitations.

We've compiled some tips to ease your day-to-day relationship with your cell phone, specifically the phone being used for business purposes.

Simplify your Purpose:

List the top purpose for your phone, and include a list of things your phone is NOT intended for (distractions on social media, checking the stock market, Identifying your cellphone's purpose will allow you to load it with necessary apps, and give yourself and others the right expectations.

Simplify your Boundaries:

If you have a phone for personal use, and a separate phone for business, it can be fairly easy to establish boundaries. But if you have one phone for all your communications, it may be next to impossible to set boundaries with your Mom (who calls repeatedly during meetings), or your Favorite Client (who texts big, urgent ideas on the weekends).

Take advantage of Unique Tools:

Take advantage of the unique tools your phone offers that your computer and other devices don't do as well. Voice technology and quick photos are easiest from your cellphone.

Get the best deals and devices.

Simplified Communications has the access and expertise to connect your business with the best deals and devices. Talk to one of our Brokers today to:

Save money: Simplified Communications will work on your behalf to identify the best deals and best cellular plans to meet your needs, and the needs of your staff/team.
Get the latest devices: Simplified Communications can more easily acquire the latest iPhones, tablets and Android devices for your employees and co-workers.
Explore options: Simplified Communications will ensure your team has access to the best possible cell coverage. Make sure your company is connected!

Talk to a Broker

Simplified Communications works daily with businesses and cellphone services. We are well-versed in the tools available, as well as the obstacles of technology. Reach out to your telecom broker today for assistance!

Benefits of working with a Telecom Broker

2/24/2020

Advances in technology are happening faster than ever. Communication devices and systems are upgrading and improving--but also becoming more complicated.

Simplified Communications simplifies the telecom process for you.

1. Simplify your schedule: make just one call!
Telecom brokers remove the hassle of comparing contracts, waiting on hold and learning a myriad of service plans.

Simplified Communications handles the upfront negotiations, and ongoing relationship--ensuring honest invoicing and service.

2. Simplify growth.
Telecom services of businesses are impacted greatly as growth, expansion or relocation occur.

A telecom broker can guide the process by asking the right questions to minimize the growing pains and allow the business to focus on their growth.

Let us assist as devices, software and service providers expand and change.

3. Simplify technology.
Even businesses happy with their size and location recognize that to continue to provide high levels of customer satisfaction, occasional changes in equipment and telecom services are important. A telecom broker helps to identify areas that could improve. We may also recommend how to replace fully depreciated equipment, and whether a purchase or lease is preferred.

A telecom broker becomes a one-call source for staying current on technology changes. Choose a broker that is committed to staying with you long after your new services are in place. A pro-active broker will keep you informed with regular updates as service solutions evolve.

Telecom brokers can assist in addressing glitches or failures in communication services. We offer remote resolution assistance as well as scheduled testing and system back-ups.

4. Simplify your wallet.
Telecom brokers audit your bills to ensure your company is getting the right deal. We know how to spot an error or duplicate charge. We also know how to give you the best deal possible from each service provider.

If you have considered switching carriers, we can assist in finding the best deal for you.

Simplify your bottom line with a telecom broker.
Simplify your business with Simplified Communications.