Who's Looking Out for Your Network?

Today I want to talk about the importance of using a consistent IT services provider.  Every business out there relies on some type of technology to make their business run, whether it is your phone system or your computer network.

At CMS, we work with a variety of customers both large and small.  Some customers employ their own IT personnel and simply rely on us as a provider of equipment and backup support, while others depend on us fully for managed services, using us as their "offsite IT department".  Regardless of your size and budget, having a local IT company that you consistently work with is important, and here is why.

Knowledge of your Network! 

Working each time with the same company, they will learn your network.  They will be better educated on the layout and design of your network, the applications that your employees use and the security policies in place.  If you're not using the same business to resolve your issues, each problem will cost you in additional time to pay for a learning curve.

 Elimination of Problems Before They Occur

 

Because there is a familiarity with your business and your network, your IT provider can help you eliminate problems before they occur.  They are more capable of seeing a device with declining performance if they are always the ones to work with it.  And as we know, fixing a problem is much quicker at the beginning than it is in the end, which can reduce your down time.

The Trust Relationship

 

Finally, it all comes down to trust.  Your IT provider should understand the nature of your business and only have your best interest at heart.  Your goal is to run your business as efficiently and effectively as possible, and your IT company should be up to the challenge to make that happen.

Sometimes, it may seem like it is salespeople just trying to make a sell, and we understand that getting your network up to standard can be expensive at first. However, we can say that customers who trust us and make the investment are more productive and suffer less downtime.

We encourage you to find a local IT provider in your area that you trust, check out their reputation with other customers, and build a relationship that will strengthen your business.  If you are in the Southeast Texas area and are looking for someone, visit with us and ask us questions.  We are always happy to meet new faces.

VoIP Solutions for Business

What is VoIP and Why do I Need It?

TCP/IP is an amazing technology that allows for the convergence of data, voice and video on the same network.  What this means to you is that your path for growth is wide open.  For years your business has relied on TCP/IP to deliver data to your users.  This would be documents stored on your network file server, printing, email, internet browsing and more.  Now you are considering a Voice-over IP (VoIP) solution.  Congratulations!  This opens a whole new world of opportunities for you and your business. 

In today’s business environment it’s extremely important to maintain your competitive edge.  A Voice-over IP solution will make your company more efficient, improve communication among employees and customers and with advanced technologies from companies like Cisco, it will lower your total cost of ownership across your technology platform.  CMS IP Technologies has been delivering VOIP solutions for 10 years.  You can get more information on solutions from the CMS website – www.cmsiptech.com. 

The Future is Today! 

TCP/IP and VoIP technology is enabling small businesses to take the next step – Video.  The convergence of these technologies can eliminate travel for remote employees by using video conferencing.  Communicate with your clients face to face without leaving your office.  It’s here, it’s real and it’s affordable.

Everyone has used traditional telephone systems and cell phones.  As long as this technology has been around, how many times have you experienced a bad or static connection on a traditional land line?  How many times have you experienced a bad connection on your cell phone?  Over the years technology has matured but it’s still not perfect.  We have been using telephones for well over 100 years and we still experience issues.   VOIP technology is no different.  It’s a mature, stable technology that very soon we will all take for granted.  However there are times when it’s not perfect just like your cell phone, and your phone at your house or on your desk.  But even if it’s not perfect, they make our business lives easier.  We can get more done in a shorter time, we can talk to more people than we could without them – we are more efficient!

There are certain key ingredients to a quality VOIP solution:

•  A sound, stable network infrastructure with quality equipment.
•  A stable, mature VOIP telephony system such as Cisco or NEC.
•  A stable broadband service such as an AT&T T-1.
•  A thoroughly prepared plan by qualified, experienced engineers from a reputable company such as CMS IP Technologies to design and implement.

Don’t get left behind! 

Businesses all around you are taking the next step and taking advantage of this technology.   It’s up to you to decide if it’s time for you to improve your communication, increase your competitive edge and lower your total cost of ownership.  If and when that time comes, remember the key ingredients and do it right.