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Pros and Cons of UCaaS. Spyware and Ransomware Public safety Planning for the Future of Post-POTS Meteor Telecommunications is an Exhibitor at the Toronto West iTech Show The END of Copper Services? Meteor / Nec Webinar Registration SV8x00 End of Product Lifecycle

Pros and Cons of UCaaS.

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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Spyware and Ransomware

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.

Public safety

Telecommunications systems can play a crucial role in improving public safety by providing real-time communication, data collection, and analysis capabilities. Here are some ways to use telecommunications systems to improve public safety:

  1. Emergency alert systems: Telecommunications systems can send emergency alerts to the public via text messages, social media, and other channels. These alerts can provide critical information about natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other incidents.
  1. Video surveillance: Telecommunications systems can set up cameras in public areas to monitor criminal activity, traffic violations, and other safety concerns.
  1. Mobile applications: Telecommunications systems can create mobile applications that allow citizens to report crimes, suspicious activity, and emergencies to law enforcement. These applications can also provide information about local crime statistics, emergency contacts, and other safety-related resources.
  2. Geolocation technology: Telecommunications systems can use geolocation technology to track the location of emergency responders, dispatch them to the scene of an incident, and monitor their progress in real-time.
  3. Big data analytics: Telecommunications systems can collect and analyze large amounts of data from various sources, including social media, weather sensors, and surveillance cameras, to identify patterns and trends related to public safety.
  4. Unified Communications (UcaaS) can provide cost-effective solutions for small communities on limited budgets to provide anytime, anywhere, on any device while providing, staff presence, video collaboration and more to mobile emergency service personal

Overall, telecommunications systems can be used to provide faster response times, better communication, and more accurate data analysis, all of which can help to improve public safety.

Plan for tomorrow by calling us today at

(905)595-4444 or info@meterotel.com

Planning for the Future of Post-POTS

Over the last year, traditional telephone companies have either started or planning the demise of the conventional analog and copper facilities in favour of fibre IP services. Several have raised their monthly rates.

Why is all of this happening?

It’s an excellent deal for telecom companies – fibre optics are more resilient to weather and curious squirrels, which makes them cheaper to maintain than POTS copper wire lines.

Also, by bundling all their services onto one cable, they can get more customers onto the high-speed internet services they expect will make up the bulk of their profits moving forward.

What’s to consider next?

Vendors of traditional suppliers like Toshiba, Panasonic, Shoretel, Nortel and others are no longer available to address how to support analog or convert these systems. Many of these manufacturers’ resellers have either disappeared or lack the skill to manage the IP changes.

Services like E911, Alarm systems, burglar alarms, and analog telephones, which were mandatory and will require backup power to be compliant, Fax service, and debit machines will also present challenges.

  • Moving to IP, in many cases, represents financial concerns. Specific industries have requirements for enhanced security on telephone calls, Fax; others like Legal, Financial, and healthcare have unique regulatory compliance requirements like PIPEDA, and others have voice encryption and PCI.

Where do I turn to get answers?

The Meteor Group of Companies, with over 50 years of trusted experience in Legal, Financial, Healthcare, Educational and others, has the advisors and Engineering resources to assist you in your obligation to meet the new and expanded government regulations. All the while respecting the financial implications changes make in today’s market.

Plan for tomorrow by calling us today at

(905)595-4444 or info@meterotel.com

Meteor Telecommunications is an Exhibitor at the Toronto West iTech Show

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/

The END of Copper Services?

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.

Meteor / Nec Webinar Registration

“Success is the era of Hybrid Working”

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


Why has the way we work Changed?

AND

How Actually Succeed in the new reality.


Click HERE to watch the video of the event


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.

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.

Enabling Collaboration

When You need to meet “face to face”


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

SV8x00 End of Product Lifecycle

As of December 31st, 2018 the SV8x00 product line officially reached the end of the product lifecycle. 

This applies to the SV8100, SV8300 series systems. This means that for non-migrated SV8x00 customer’s, their systems would no longer be supported by NEC’s pre-sales or post-sales technical support, they are unable to apply any software updates or feature enhancements and would be unable to purchase additional software or hardware. As one of Canada’s premier NEC partners, Meteor will always endeavor to help our customers, but don’t wait until it’s too late! The best option is to speak to one of our technical sales staff about upgrading to the SV9100, SV9300 or SV9500 systems. There are some incentives in place which will help with the migration.

Don’t wait until you have a system down issue. Contact Meteor today, and ask for a quote on the migration of your existing system.