Evolving technology allows Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) to provide better services for customers, and many will compete for your business by offering better internet plans. While this can be to your advantage, especially if you’re struggling with your current service provider, switching to another ISP is not a simple matter. Here are five things to understand when considering a switch.
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• Internet speed: Internet speed is usually the main reason people choose a new ISP. It’s important to know what speed is ideal for your use. There are three types of internet connectivity: DSL, which while inexpensive is very slow and comes with almost no customer support; Cable, which has a large capacity for downloads; and fiber, which although newer, has the fastest speed and can handle a lot of bandwidths. 
• Investigate: When considering a new ISP, investigate its firewall and router, which are responsible for handling your outbound data traffic. 
• Email provider: While hosting is typically not a problem for homes and private connections, it can be a major issue for businesses. If your current provider hosts your e-mail, make sure to do updates updates before switching. You’ll need to do the same for your website if your current provider also hosts that. 
• Time: Before switching ISP’s, make sure you know how long installation will take. With some companies, it can take one to two months before they can install new services. 
• Support: Consider your new ISP’s customer support. When a problem occurs, you need to be able to get help quickly and easily. Check out reviews on line and ask friends and colleagues for their recommendations. 

A reliable internet connection is essential in today’s world. If you’re ready to switch internet service providers, Simplified can help you choose one that’s right for your specific needs. 

While the full effects of natural disasters are still being assessed, many are using them as a way to gauge the resilience of their businesses. If a hurricane, flood or wildfire were to strike, how quickly could you be back up and running? A business continuity plan addresses the four “R’s” of response, resumption, recovery, and restoration and can help you plan for both catastrophic natural disasters, as well as events like power outages, computer viruses, and equipment failure.

Here are five things to consider in a business continuity plan

• Do you have an alternate power supply? How long can it sustain your operations?
• Is your data protected and backed-up? How quickly can it be restored?
• Will you be able to take calls from employees, customers and vendors?
• Do your insurance policies have adequate coverage to protect you and keep you going?
• Do you have alternate vendors/suppliers should your primary ones not be able to deliver to your company?​

​Your business continuity plan should also include a business impact analysis to determine what happens if key employees are not able to work for any number of reasons. Do you have other trained and knowledgeable staff who would be able to cover for key employees?
While the above points are important, keep in mind that during a disaster, stress levels are high, and your first priority is your people and their physical and emotional needs. 

Since your company’s telecom services can account for 5-20 percent of annual expenses, it makes sense to perform a telecom audit in order to discover where you may be losing money and identify ways to save. When performing a telecom audit, professional auditors like those at Simplified will examine your local telephone bills, long distance invoices, wireless services, internet and VoIP bills, and current tariff charges. From this information, your auditor will prepare but a detailed and comprehensive report.

The most common areas to find savings are:

• Surcharges
• Usage
• Late payments/interest charges
• Shortfall penalties
• Term liabilities
• Contract renewals or expirations
• Contract terms and conditions
• Taxes and governmental billing
• Account reconciliation

Once the audit is complete, Simplified agents work for you to negotiate better rates through your current provider or by helping you find a new one. For more information on how a telecom audit can help your business, contact Simplified today.​