Tag: business telephone

How Do You Know If It’s Time For An Equipment Upgrade?

yealink phone

 

Technology is like the weather; it’s constantly changing. Knowing whether your equipment is up to date may not be apparent or top-of-mind. If you’re a GAGE customer with a premise-based phone system, your equipment is likely out-dated and possibly even discontinued. We want you to know that we’re migrating many of our customers to our cloud-based phone system (VoIP): Gage Cloud Voice in order to continue providing the best service possible. 

Parts for older phone systems are difficult to find and are likely way past their life span, which is why we’re recommending making the switch now. Not only will Gage Cloud Voice supply the latest equipment, you will be able to take advantage of many advanced features this new technology offers. 

Below are some frequently asked questions:

  • Can I keep using my current phone system? – YES, however, our ability to replace equipment or repair the system is greatly diminished.
  • Can GAGE still get parts? – YES, but it’s becoming more expensive to service and difficult to maintain. Processors, power supplies, and desk phones are the most common parts that need replacement.
  • If parts are still available, should we keep it? -You can, but it’s important to understand our limited ability to remedy issues in a timely manner.

Can I get more advanced features or an upgrade? – Not with your current phone system. The move to VoIP is an upgrade within itself and robust features are readily available on this platform.

You have our commitment to make every effort to support your current phone system. The world of technology has been changing rapidly in recent years, and we stand ready to help. We understand how important technology is to our customers and if it’s not improving your bottom line, or giving you a competitive advantage, then it is not worth investing. 

The time is now for an equipment upgrade. For more information or a budgetary proposal for GAGE Cloud Voice, please contact us at 225.753.4243 or visit Gage.Cloud

The Versatility of Gage Cloud Voice

Gage Cloud Voice Blog

Now more than ever, people around the world are starting to adapt to new ways of doing business due to COVID-19. At GAGE, we are working diligently to help our customers transition smoothly to a remote working environment. Our Gage Cloud Voice system gives businesses the ability to be accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device. This system has the capabilities to keep workers informed of company policies and work requirements while still feeling connected to the rest of the team. Whether you work remotely, traditionally, or multi-site, the versatility of GAGE Cloud Voice makes business continuity simple. 

 

// About Gage Cloud Voice

Picking a business communications system can be a challenge, but with Gage Cloud Voice, we take care of the details – phones, installation, training and ongoing service – so you can focus on your business. Gage Cloud Voice is more than a phone system, it’s a cloud-based, carrier-class VoIP communications solution that gives businesses the ability to be accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device. 

Whether your organization’s outgrown your communications system or new must-have capabilities come to market… It’s hard to keep up. We deliver a carrier-class communications solution “as a service” from the cloud. There’s no system to install, so you can add seats or functionality on-demand. Harness the power of communication today so your company can reach its business goals.

 

// Unified Communication

Our Gage Cloud Voice system features improved control, access and efficiency of business communications. Our hosted communications solution has the flexibility to support all types of work and workers, allowing your employees an easy way to work together – whether they’re in the office, at home or on the road. Choose from full-featured IP desktop phones, wireless handsets and conferencing. Your business can integrate voice, video, presence, instant messaging and email into a single platform with Accession Communicator for desktop or mobile devices. 

It starts with Instant Messaging with Presence, a way to tell at-a-glance if coworkers are available, busy, away or offline. Plus, you get file sharing, desktop sharing, video conferencing and audio conference calling with individual moderator codes. Easy to personalize and easy to use, Gage Cloud Voice will link everyone in your company, allowing you to communicate more efficiently and effectively.

 

// Enable Remote Employees

For many employees, it’s necessary to be able to work from home during this time. With Gage Cloud Voice, you no longer need to be tethered to your desk. Gage Cloud Voice lets you conduct business on your smartphone, tablet or laptop – anywhere the Internet is available. Whether you have an Android or iOS device, or a Windows or Apple OS computer, our dedicated clients let you make and take calls with your work number, access contacts and share files.

 


 

Let us help you develop a plan for your business continuity and harness the power behind Gage Cloud Voice. As you have come to expect from Gage, you can count on expert installation, thorough training and local personal service. In addition, through June 30th, Gage is offering use of the Gage Cloud Voice Meeting service at no cost to you. To take advantage of this offer or learn more, please contact us or call 225-753-4243.

Two New Laws Governing Enhanced 911 That Businesses Should Know About

New 911 Laws

 

Get Ready for New 911 Laws. In 2020, all businesses must comply with two new laws governing Enhanced 911 – Kari’s Law and Ray Baum’s Act. The deadline for compliance was on February 16, 2020. GAGE Cloud Voice can help your organization comply with the new rules. Here’s how our platform keeps you compliant:

Kari’s Law Requirements

Kari’s Law requires organizations with multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) to send a notification to on-site personnel that alerts them to the emergency when 911 is dialed from their premises.

It also requires that organizations must remove any requirement that a caller dial “9”, or any other number, to reach an outside line to make a 911 call.

 

Our Solution

Our cloud communications platform does not require a prefix to access an outside line. In addition, it automatically alerts on-site personnel when anyone in the building dials

911 as follows:

  • Calls the phones of company predefined personnel and plays an automated recording of the time and date of call, username, phone number and extension that dialed 911.
  • Broadcasts an email with this same 911 call information to multiple contacts at once.

 

Ray Baum’s Act Requirements

Ray Baum’s Act requires organizations to provide a dispatchable location, including street address, floor, room and/or suite number (if applicable) to public

safety with 911 calls.

 

Our Solution

We offer Enhanced 911 with a specified location listing

per phone. The location can include:

  • Building address
  • Building number if on a campus or floor number if in a multi-floor building
  • Room/office number

We support Enhanced 911 on Hosted PBX seats or SIP trunks with the inclusion of a Direct Inward Dialing (DID) number for each physical telephone as long as the PBX manufacturer allows support for this service.

 

Is Your Organization Subject to the New Rules?

All businesses must comply with Ray Baum’s Act. All businesses with MLTS must comply with Kari’s Law. Examples include companies across verticals, such as:

  • Multilocation companies
  • Education campuses (K-12, colleges and universities)
  • Hotels
  • Hospitals
  • Retailers
  • Financial institutions 
  • Warehouses

 

What is Kari’s Law and the Ray Baum Act?

Kari’s Law – Kari’s Law was passed into law on February 16, 2018, and applies to multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) “manufactured, imported, offered for first sale or lease, first sold or leased, or installed” after the compliance date of February 16, 2020. The law:

  • Prohibits the “Prefix” Requirement When Calling 911 — Locations with MLTS must remove any requirement that a caller dial “9” or any other number to reach an outside line to make a 911 call.
  • Requires On-site Notification — A notification must be sent to on-site personnel when a 911 call is dialed from an MLTS.

Baum’s Act – Ray Baum’s Act was passed into law on March 23, 2018. Section 506  required the FCC to conclude a proceeding by September 23, 2019, that considered rules to ensure that MLTS systems to relay a dispatchable address to public safety responders along with a 911 call. On August 2, 2019 the FCC released its Report and Order that adopted such rules and concluded its proceeding as directed by Section 506.

A dispatchable address is now defined as “the street address of the calling party, and additional information such as room number, or similar information necessary to adequately identify the location of the calling party.”

 

E911 COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Here’s a list of tips to help you deliver compliant E911 service to keep your employees, vendors and customers safe.

  • Ensure callers can direct dial E911 without the need to dial an access code, such as * or 9, first to get an outside line.
  • Plan E911 support for virtual workers and satellite offices.
  • Set up E911 notifications for designated personnel in the event there’s an emergency.
  • Consult with legal counsel regarding your need to comply with the new E911 rules.
  • Map “dispatchable locations” where first responders can find E911 callers, including address, building, floor and/or room.
  • Test E911 access across endpoints by making a 933 test call, which will trigger an automated message with the caller name, call-back number and address.

 

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Are you ready for the 911 Laws? We Can Help! With Gage Cloud Voice, you can now take advantage of integrated mobility and collaboration tools without worrying about these new laws. To learn more about the 911 laws or about our services, please contact us today!

What are Your Business Telephone System Options in 2019?

Business Telephone System Options in 2019

 

With all the options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to deciding on a telephone system for your work environment. And if you already have one, why would you make a change? Many established companies have had the same telephone system for years, and they believe that if their system isn’t broken or giving them any trouble, then there is no need to invest in a newer system. Telephony has changed greatly over the years, and there are many more options today when it comes to business communication systems, so we’re here to help you navigate the options and determine which one fits your business best. At the end of the day, the right solution will be an asset to your company with more features, more innovation, and more productivity at your fingertips.

 

Cloud-Based Phone Systems

The newest option on the block, cloud-based communications solutions are hosted in the cloud and delivered through the Internet, replacing traditional landlines. They often involve an easy set-up, and could even mean a cost-savings over your traditional landline. But that’s not all they can do! Switching to a hosted telephone system for your business essentially gives your team the ability to be accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device with productivity and business continuity features like call forwarding, visual voicemail, and business SMS.

Pros:

  • A feature-rich business phone system that can increase productivity, collaboration, and connectivity for your team.
  • Scalability! Hosted phone systems are easy to personalize and right-size your features, so you can truly pay for what you need.
  • Minimal on-site equipment required.
  • No need to pay for traditional phone lines.

Cons:

  • Connection and call quality are reliant on a strong Internet connection.
  • Like with all new technology, there is a bit of a learning curve to understand how to best utilize all the features.
  • Do-it-Yourself solutions don’t provide the quality installation and service of a local professional.

 

What We Offer:

GAGE Cloud Voice is more than a phone system – it’s a cloud-based, feature-rich carrier-class communications solution. You can now take advantage of integrated mobility and collaboration tools without the cost of maintaining expensive on-site equipment.  With no system to install, it’s easy to add seats or functionality on-demand. Unlike out-of-the-box Cloud systems, our experienced team will help you build the system you need. And, just like everything we do, you can count on expert installation, thorough training, and local personal service that doesn’t end at setup.

 

Traditional On-Premise Phone Systems

The traditional “on-premise” phone system requires both hardware (a PBX, or Private Branch Exchange) and software within the business building to connect your devices and internal lines to external phone lines. It requires a connection via telephone line, whether digital or analog.  

Pros:

  • Does not require an Internet connection.
  • Because you invest in the system up front, you own all of the hardware.
  • Have standard features like voicemail, call waiting, and conference calling.

Cons:

  • Often have a large up-front cost to set up and is more complicated to properly plan infrastructure.
  • Lacks many of the productivity features of newer phone systems, and setup is less flexible as your business changes.
  • Can present a business-continuity problem in the event of power loss or equipment failure.

 

What We Offer:

GAGE continues to provide digital and IP-based on-premise phone systems with the service you expect. With the ability to support a mix of IP, digital and analog phones, our platform is ideal for organizations that want to keep using a traditional phone system and evolve to IP in phases. We offer flexible plans, and our professional team works with you to design the on-premise system that works best for you.

 

SIP

If neither of the above systems seems to meet your needs, SIP might be for you. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) uses both your IP network and your existing PBX to connect your calls and more, making multimedia communications possible. While you may have heard of VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, SIP is a complete communication system that allows you to transmit voice, data or video content across your IP connection. This can often be a great solution if you’ve already invested in an on-premise system but are looking for more features and flexibility like what the cloud offers.

Pros:

  • Uses your IP network, so no analog phone line is needed.
  • Potential for improved cost savings.
  • Often no need to invest in a new system.
  • More features and flexibility built in.
  • More predictable costs than the traditional phone bill.

Cons:

  • Like the Cloud, SIP is also reliant on a strong Internet connection.
  • Also like the Cloud, there are lots of DIY systems available that may sound easy to set up but lack the customer service and troubleshooting support of a local service provider.

 

What We Offer:

GAGE SIP offers lower costs and future-proof flexibility for your business communications. You’ll get the dependable quality of a traditional connection plus a unique set of features for productivity, business continuity, and more. And the dedicated team at GAGE will work with you to design, install and maintain the system you need, all with the exceptional customer service you’ve come to depend on from us.

 

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Although there are many options when it comes to business telephone systems, our team at GAGE wants to make it easy for you. We know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and that’s why we work with you to understand your business. We will assess your needs and right-size a phone system that works for you. In addition to top-notch solutions, we pride ourselves on superior customer service. We are dedicated to helping you stay connected, so if your business is on, so are we! Contact us or give us a call to find the right solution for your business.