While it was a buzzword in the 1990s, for sure, telecommunications is still a very real and relevant market segment. Sure, long distance calling cards went out of style when cell phones got big, but telecommunications companies are still going strong. It's no surprise, either, when you consider the tremendous demand for integrated communications solutions. After all, the Information Age has businesses touching base more often than ever before, not less.
Indeed, telecom tools include a variety of solutions to help you connect more efficiently and more effectively with your employees, your partners and your customers. Among the most popular applications that today's telecommunications specialist can offer are:
1. Business phone systems, including call center software and VoIP.
2. Business phone service, including long distance and teleconferencing.
3. Web-centric telecom tools, including Internet access and web conferencing.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Consider business phone systems the core of your telecommunications toolbox
Business phone systems are the most fundamental of telecom tools. Boost productivity and professionalism with multiple lines, several extensions and a robust company directory.
I recommend: Popular providers of business phone systems include
Alcatel-Lucent,
Avaya,
Cisco and
Nortel.
Browse telecommunications companies for a good deal on long distance
Telecommunications companies offer affordable long distance business phone service that you can use to connect with clients nationwide.
I recommend: Leading telecommunications companies like
AT&T,
Sprint,
Qwest and
Verizon offer long distance business phone service, as do cable companies like
Comcast,
Cox and
Time Warner.
Group Internet access with your telecommunications installations
As consumers are migrating from the phone to the computer, so are telecommunications companies, many of which offer Internet access and network infrastructure services.
I recommend: Companies that can make telecommunications installations of the Internet variety include
Verizon. Look for more suppliers at Business.com's
broadband business solutions directory.
Talk to a telecommunications specialist about teleconferencing services
Perhaps the most popular telecommunications service among small businesses is teleconferencing, which is quickly giving way to web conferencing.
I recommend: Companies like
ConferenceCall.com and
Conference Calls Unlimited may not be traditional telecommunications companies, but they provide excellent teleconferencing services, including web conferencing.
Combine telecommunications and customer service with call center software
Ask your telecommunications specialist about call center software, which can help you streamline sales, customer service and internal support functions.
I recommend: Call center software companies like
Five9 and
Numara Software are leading providers of hosted telecom tools. For more vendors, turn to Business.com's
call center software directory.
Consider VoIP, the emerging king of telecom tools
According to most experts, VoIP represents the future of telecommunications. Get a head start on upgrading your communications infrastructure by plugging your business phone systems into the Internet.
I recommend: The leader in VoIP business phone systems is
Vonage; other providers include
AltiGen Communications and
Aptela.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Avoid long-term telecommunications contracts, as prices and plans change often and flexibility allows you to take advantage of ongoing savings and competitive rates.
- Review your telecommunications services at least once per year; new plans and providers are emerging all the time and switching telecommunications companies is an easy way to find serious deals.
- Telecommunications companies often have complicated pricing structures. Before you commit to telecommunications installations, therefore, make sure you read the fine print in your contract; make sure you understand when, how much and for what you'll be billed.
- Telecom tools are worthless if they're not working, so make sure your telecommunications companies have reliable customer support systems; always keep your tech support website and phone number close by.
- While telecommunications companies offer lots of exciting telecom tools, pay only for the services that you actually need. If you don't need features like automatic redial or directory assistance, which often cost extra, have your telecommunications vendor block them.
The official source of Telecommunications is the Telecommunications page at Business.com
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