Pros and Cons of Hosted Unified Communications in clear business terms?

Hosted Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) is a cloud-based communication system that integrates various communication tools, such as voice, video, messaging, and collaboration, into a single platform. Here are some of the pros and cons of Hosted Unified Communications in clear business terms:

Pros:

1. Scalability: Hosted UCaaS allows businesses to scale up or down their communication resources as their needs change. As your business grows, you can easily add more users, features, and services without worrying about the infrastructure and hardware.

2. Flexibility:
   Hosted UCaaS can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, and from any device, making it easy for employees to work remotely or from different locations. This flexibility enhances productivity and reduces downtime.
3. Reduced Cost:
   Hosted UC eliminates the need for large capital expenditures on hardware, maintenance, and upgrades. The cost is spread over a monthly subscription, which can be easily managed.
4. Easy Integration: Hosted UCaaS can easily integrate with business applications such as CRM, ERP, and other productivity tools. This integration enables businesses to automate their workflows and increase efficiency and improve their client relationships.

Cons:

1. Dependence on the Internet:
   Hosted UCaaS relies heavily on the internet connection. In an internet outage, businesses can experience downtime and disruption to their communication systems.
2. Security:
   Hosted UCaaS is vulnerable to security threats like hacking, malware, and phishing attacks. Businesses need to ensure that they have adequate security measures and policies in place to prevent these threats.
3. Limited Customization:
   Many Hosted UCaaS are designed to be a one-size-fits-all solution, which can limit customization options. Businesses may need to compromise on certain features or functionalities that are critical to their operations.
4. Support:
   Hosted UCaaS requires technical expertise to install, configure, and maintain. Businesses must ensure adequate support from the service provider to address any technical issues.

In summary, Hosted UCaaS offers businesses scalability, flexibility, cost savings, and easy integration. However, it also comes with the risks of internet dependence, security threats, limited customization, and technical support issues.

This is why it is essential to speak to a group that has the experience of over 50 years in Canada, installing and providing 24/7 support and service. Call us today for more information on Smart Talk, a Canadian-designed solution hosted in Canada on redundant Tiers 3 secured networks and Supported in Canada by Canadians.

Businesses are becoming more aware of the impact of Spyware and Ransomware

In today’s digital age, spyware and ransomware are significant threats that businesses must be aware of. These malicious software programs can result in financial loss, stolen sensitive data, and damage to a company’s reputation. Therefore, businesses must take steps to minimize the risk of spyware and ransomware attacks.

Here are some ways to achieve that:

1. Invest in robust anti-virus software: Ensure your business has installed anti-virus software that offers real-time scanning and updates. This software should be configured to run frequent scans and block any threats detected. Make sure to update the software regularly to stay protected against new threats.
2. Educate employees: Train employees to identify and avoid phishing emails, malicious websites, and suspicious attachments. Teach them to use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
3. Backup data regularly: In a ransomware attack, having a backup of critical data can save your business. It’s essential to back up data regularly and store it separately from your network.
4. Restrict access to sensitive data: Limit sensitive information to only those who need it. This can be done by setting up user permissions and restricting access to specific folders or files.
5. Keep software up to date: Ensure that all software is up to date, including operating systems, web browsers, and plugins. Updates often contain security patches that can protect against spyware and ransomware.
6. Implement a robust firewall: A firewall can prevent unauthorized access to your network and block malicious traffic. Configure your firewall to block incoming traffic from untrusted sources.

By implementing these steps, businesses can minimize the risk of spyware and ransomware attacks. It’s essential to remain vigilant and stay informed about new threats and trends to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Come and see us at Toronto’s Leading IT Conference and Exhibition on May 10th, 2022 at the International Centre in Mississauga. We will be in booth 304 with our partners Xentrax Inc. and Smart IP.

Learn More About it here: https://www.itechconference.ca/toronto/

Canada’s Telus is on track to retire its copper network by early 2023

CRITICAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UPDATE

Similar to what was announced by Telus last Fall, other Major Canadian Telecom Carriers are also planning to end their support of copper facilities across their networks. Businesses large and small must now prepare to set in place critical plans to evaluate the potential impact on their businesses. Many business owners unfortunately are unaware these changes are here.

Although demands for higher speed technology i.e. Fibre Optics have created new market demands which is part is being met by Canadian Carriers’ roll-outs, positive and negation factors must be evaluated.

On the positive side, fibre to the building or curb meets consumers’ demand for high-speed internet and in the process, it has led the Carriers to recognize that copper can no longer meet consumers’ requirements and is more costly to maintain, thus the end of the copper road is here!

On the negative side, it means companies of all sizes must undertake a thorough review of the potential impact of no longer being able to rely on copper services. Moving forward relying on converged IP for Voice, Data Processing, Security, and Internet connectivity via a single piece of Fibre can be frightening – 

Listed below are but a few items to stimulate your thought process on items to consider and some potential benefits in the converged workspace.

Ideas of consideration/concern for carriers getting rid of copper

1. Fire and Security Alarm lines
2. TI over 2 pairs of copper being used for voice services
3. ADSL/HDSL services (remote office internet or other Inter-office services)
4. Off-premises extensions (OPX – Analog phones and or monitoring devices)
5. Requirements for additional internet bandwidth for supporting Voice using SIP trunks
6. Additional Security requirements to support Voice (encryption) 
7. Possible upgrades needed for existing PBXs or Key Systems to support SIP Trunks and remote IP voice
8. Potential that existing voice equipment is EOL (end of life) or EOS (end of support) which perhaps, unknowingly are in effect or shortly in the future. Financial exposure of investing in required upgrades
9. Are you contracted with the Carrier for copper service for an extended period, which may force you to use their IP infrastructure, SIP trunks, etc. as a less than favorable price point, also forcing you to upgrade at the last minute?
10. Is your IT support team ready or capable of the implications of voice requirements on your network?

Benefits of IP enabling your network to support IP voice and SIP trunks

1. Lower overall cost of Trunks (SIP) 
2. Additional lines can be added/removed quickly for seasonal peaks
3. Ability to enable usage of the trunks or add trunks from anywhere in Canada
4. Ability to roll trunks over to other offices in different time zone and in the case of adverse business conditions like fire, flood, or weather conditions.
5. In most cases LD calls across Canada are toll-free and the ability in many cases allow toll-free across the continental USA – Lowers cost!
6. IP-enabled voice infrastructure allows remote Voice, Video conference, and Presence indication of staff from anywhere, any time, on any device (Smartphone, PC, or IP telephones).
7. Allow you to engage new workers from anywhere in the world – No more distance limits!
8. Substantially lower Toll cost for calls outside of North America and literally no cost for WEB video calls.
9. Ability to support wideband audio quality not possible over copper lines
10. Ability to add remote local city telephone numbers for remote workers working in those areas to create a true local presence to clients

Is your communications system able to function without Copper?

If it isn’t or you are unsure, don’t wait. Talk to us NOW.

Our plan is to help you find alternatives to this dead end.

“Success is the era of Hybrid Working”

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**On November 18, 2021 Meteor and NEC held a joint webinar on Success in the Era of Hybrid Working**

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Why has the way we work Changed?

AND

How Actually Succeed in the new reality.

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Click HERE to watch the video of the event

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Agenda:

1. Making Sense of a changed business environment.
2. Communications at the core of business.
3. How to prepare your business for what’s to come.

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Many Leading Companies are overhauling their workplace practice, and with good reason. Because the Hybrid office is here to stay. Over 70% of employees and 83% of Employers surveyed considered remote working a success.

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Enabling Collaboration

When You need to meet “face to face”

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Please Contact Meteor Telecommunications to find out how you can enable your workers to work remotely and keep things moving for your business.    

Benefits for enabling a flexible workforce