Key Communications and Panasonic Have The Communications System To Suit Your Needs Today and Tomorrow!

Panasonic, a global leader in business communications, and Key Communications, the best communications service provider in the Vermont and New Hampshire area, team up to offer enhanced communications solutions for small to mid-sized businesses and homes and beyond.  Panasonic Business Phone Systems has the system to meet your needs, and Key Communications has the expertise to get you the system that is perfect for you:
- Easily configure from 8 to over 1000 extensions
- Seamlessly expand and network solutions
- Reduce costs by leveraging existing data networks
- Centralize feature access for multiple locations
- Support a mobile workforce with wireless connectivity
- Compatible with many Panasonic and third party applications

SOHO Phone Systems - 
Key features and benefits include:
- IP telephone options for more power and features
- IP Softphones for enhanced communications
- SIP phones for savings and centralization
- Conference phones for clarity and networking
- Multi-cell DECT wireless for mobility
- Digital phones for affordability and scalability
Click here for case studies

IP Phone Systems -
Key features and benefits include:
- Provides an SMB business with communications management power
- Integrated voice messaging and productivity software
- SIP phones for savings and centralizations
- Support a variety of endpoints including IP, SIP, Digital, Wireless, and Analog
Click here for case studies

Digital Phone Systems -
Key features and benefits include:
- Offers straight forward support for Panasonic Digital and Analog phones
- Support for SIP trunking
- Offers an entry point into IP phones without committing or obsolescing your prior Panasonic handset investments
Click here for case studies

Contact Key Communications today to start planning the communications system that works for you and your business today!

PANASONIC AWARDED INTERNET TELEPHONY’s 2012 TMC LABS INNOVATION AWARD

Panasonic SIP KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone Honored for Exceptional Innovation 

Secaucus, NJ, and Norwalk, CT, August 7, 2012 – Panasonic, a leader in the business telephony market*, announced today that TMC, a global, integrated media company, named the Panasonic SIP KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone a 2012 TMC Labs Innovation Award winner – presented by its publication, INTERNET TELEPHONY.

                                                                                            

“With every new product launch, Panasonic strives to meet the ever-changing technology needs of our customers in a variety of industries,” said Bill Savino, Marketing Manager for business communication solutions at Panasonic. “The TMC Labs Innovation Award serves as another prestigious recognition of Panasonic’s focus on bringing to market innovative and scalable telecommunications offerings for businesses of all sizes.” 

The TMC Labs Innovation Award honors products that display innovation, unique features, and significant contributions toward improving communications technology. The TMC Labs Innovation Awards are given to those companies demonstrating ground-breaking contributions to the industry.

“The TMC Labs Innovation Award represents the best and the most unique products and services that this industry has to offer. Panasonic has proven its commitment to quality and the further development of the IP communications industry through its Panasonic SIP KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone,” stated Tom Keating, CTO and TMC Labs Founder.

“Congratulations to the entire team at Panasonic for earning this great honor. I look forward to seeing more innovative solutions from them as they continue to contribute to the future of IP communications,” Keating added.

“Panasonic has been recognized for its exceptional work in advancing IP Communications. Panasonic SIP KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone has proven exceptional and its innovation has contributed to the advancement of the industry,” stated Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC.

The 2012 TMC Labs Innovation Award highlights are published in the July/August 2012 issue of INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine. Awa

About the Panasonic SIP KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone

The Panasonic SIP KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone offers users a communication solution and business tool that can enhance operations in industries such as retail, education, healthcare and hospitality. Through the use of the high-quality video (H.264/720P) viewer and up to 16 integrated Panasonic Network Security Cameras, managers in retail environments can discreetly monitor a store with their desk phone from a back office or even from home. Users can choose a specific camera feed to view or opt for all feeds to run sequentially on the LCD screen. Similarly, school faculty and authorities can monitor potential emergency situations in classrooms from a secure area by viewing live video on the phone from Panasonic’s PTZ network video cameras. Users can control integrated camera’s pan, tilt and zoom functions directly from the phone’s screen, ensuring they keep an eye on all areas of a room in an emergency. 

The KX-UT670 is equipped with a large 7-inch LCD touch screen, which allows for easy access to control phone features and installed applications. The open source-based operating system is programmable in Java, allowing for a company to utilize a variety of business-friendly applications or develop ones which are specifically designed to fit their needs. Applications can be easily loaded onto the phone using the built-in SD Memory Card Slot. Users can also take advantage of web browsing, access email directly from their phone and check daily calendar appointments with third-party applications.

Coupling with a hosted or open-source PBX allows for simple, user-friendly configuration so users can easily set-up a phone system without the cost or hassle of installation services. Two 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) ports and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability allow for simplified wiring and easy connection of a second device. Additional phone features include 3-way conference call support, phonebook, long handset cords, non-slip rubber feet, wall mounting option and a changeable angle stand. 

Pricing and Availability

The Panasonic SIP KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone is available through authorized Panasonic resellers, please contact Key Communications for current pricing and more information.

Panasonic NCP1000 To The Rescue - Case Study: Holy Redeemer School

Wicked Electrical Storm Forces Emergency Upgrade of Phone System & Presents Opportunity to Add Special Security Features

When a powerful storm swept through metropolitan Washington, D.C. early last summer, an electrical strike knocked out the entire communications system at Holy Redeemer School in nearby Kensington, MD, leaving the Catholic school without telephone service. About the only good thing about the incident was that the K-8 students were on summer break and not due to return for a couple of months. Still, the school had to make a series of quick decisions about how to restore phone service.

Everyone knew it didn’t make sense to repair the aging phone system, as was evident from replacement planning begun even before disaster struck. The cabling dated back to 1950 when the school was built and was not likely to be reused. It quickly became a question of what kind of phone system to install, and, more importantly, did the school have any special communications needs that could now be addressed?

In addition to supporting 13 phones with room for future expansion, the school needed a system that could also bring significant security benefits to the table. The administrators had two capabilities in mind: 1) monitor each of the school’s main entry/exit ways from the front office and 2) remotely open each door without leaving the office.

With these criteria in mind, Panasonic’s modular and highly flexible KX-NCP1000 Network Communications Platform as the core business telephone system was recommended. In addition to accommodating near-term growth and future expansion—which as it turned out would include moving the rectory’s phone system onto the NCP platform at some point—the NCP1000 made it possible to converge disparate phone systems that had been haphazardly cobbled together over the years into a single state-of-the-art IP telephone system.  Robust electrical protection was already built in to the NCP to ensure that future thunderstorms would not put the school’s converged data and phone network at risk. Finally, the NCP1000’s modular architecture would easily accommodate the desired security features with room
to expand.

Please click HERE to read the full Case Study and details on the installation, setup and equipment.  Contact Key Communications for more information on how a Panasonic system can be custom built for your needs and specifications.

Introducing the Plantronics CS530 Wireless Headset

Simply Elegant.

Sleek design, improved performance, legendary reliability.

Plantronics consistently sets the standard in wireless headset technology.  And they've done it again with the CS530 wireless headset system. 

Replacing the popular CS70 series wireless headsets, the redesigned CS530 provides the same over-the-ear wearing style, but with a new elegant design, magnetic docking and more, all for the same price.

- Enjoy clearer desk phone communications with wideband audio quality.
- Enhance collaboration - conference in up to three additional headsets.
- Gain mobility - multitask, hands-free up to 350 feet.
- Voice-dedicated DECT technology eliminates Wi-Fi interference.
- Adaptive power system optimizes for range and talk time.
- Use with electronic hookswitch cable or handset lifter to remotely answer and end calls.

We are thrilled to see this new design from Plantronics, please contact Key Communications for more information or pricing. 

Did You Know... Key Communications is more than just phone systems?

Did you know that your favorite telephone and voice mail system vendor does a myriad of other things too?  Key Comm has a long list of products and services we offer, and we find often that people are not aware of some of the things we do.  We are very proud of our excellent reputation and history as the premier telephone and voice mail system provider in the VT/NH area, but we offer even MORE!  Here's a rundown of the products and services available from Key Communications:

Business or residential telephone and voice mail systems 
Pretty much everyone knows about this one, communications systems are the cornerstone of Key Communications, not just a sideline.  Our staff has over 45 combined years of experience with all types of communications systems, from the small office / home office with just a few telephones and simple features, to the enterprise size systems with hundreds of telephones and advanced features, the options are endless with Key Comm's incredible lineup of products and the extensive experience we have.

Business or residential communications cabling installation, repair, troubleshooting, testing (IE: telephone, computer network, etc) 
Surprisingly, many people don't know Key Comm does communications cabling as well!  Not only do we offer full service interior telephone and computer network cabling, but we also install and maintain any low-voltage cabling such as paging systems, background music systems, surveillance camera systems, even coax cabling and audio/video systems, just to name a few.  And that's just inside the building, Key Comm also offers aerial or burial communications cabling, fiber optic, and even wireless.  Key has you covered when it comes to your communications infrastructure!

Paging, intercom and background music systems 
As mentioned above, we install and maintain the cabling for paging, intercom and background music systems, but we also design systems and supply all the best rated equipment.  Do you need background music for a waiting area for the comfort of your clients and customers?  Do you need a door intercom/doorphone and entry system for security?  Do you need a paging or intercom system to cover a large warehouse area or parking lot?  Key Comm has you covered on all of the above, and more!

Audio/Video systems and cabling installation
Do you need a video conferencing system with a large flat screen TV, or a presentation system for your training area, or even a surround sound system for your home audio/video room?  Key Communications can help you plan and implement any audio/video setup you need from the best televisions/monitors all the way to the cabling needed to connect it all and make it work.

Fiber Optic (interior and exterior),Aerial and Burial cabling installation
Key Comm doesn't just install interior communications cabling, we also offer outside plant aerial and burial cabling to link buildings and sites.  Whether you need copper phone or data, or even fiber optic cabling, Key Comm has you covered.  Sometimes wireless is not an option and you still need that physical cable in place, or the distance is too long and you require a fiber optic backbone, Key will work with you on all your cabling projects, from design to installation and beyond.

IP security/surveillance camera systems
Would you like a security system you can view from any internet browser, anywhere?  What about a surveillance system that runs on your computer network?  The Panasonic IP camera systems are all that, and more!  The IP cameras can even integrate with your telephone system and doorphone/door entry system and you can control both right from your desk phone.  The options and features are virtually endless.  Let us know what you require and we'll build the system that meets your needs.

Communications project planning services 
Have you been tasked with planning a communications or computer networking plan for your budget planning, or do you need a professional to discuss communications options with?  With over 45 combined years of experience in the telephone and computer network field, we are happy to help and give you the "inside scoop" on the best solution for you.  If it's dial tone/service provider questions or recommendations, communications system or cabling project design help or quotes, or anything else we can help you with, Key Comm is at your service.

Pretty much anything that has to do with communications! If you don't see it listed here, just ask!
Like it says above, if it isn't listed above, ask us and we can probably help.  Over the years we have custom designed notification systems for doctor's offices, manufactured custom cables for clients, worked with clients and service providers to contract telephone and data service, pre-programmed IP telephones to be direct shipped to remote employees across the country, and even outside of the country, the list goes on and on.  Rely on the successful history of Key Communications to get your project done right.

Panasonic’s NCP: An Easy Migration

Last year I placed the Panasonic NCP 1000 online in our test bed. Timing is pretty crucial when you’re migrating a new office over to a new phone system. Having only been in our new offices a few months and just getting over construction to take on installing a new phone box wasn’t exactly an item at the top of my list. To obtain new advanced features, must we give up old must-have/iron-horse features?

I mapped out a plan to save our not-so-old phones because preserving customers’ assets isn’t something you want to ignore. Because we were using the Panasonic hybrid, I wanted to explore using SIP trunks and wanted an IP solution instead of a hardware-centric solution that our hybrid system offers (Panasonic KX-TDA100). I didn’t want to upgrade our hybrid to an IP box either. Instead, I really wanted to go through the upgrade “process” since we will eventually put some of our customers through it as well. Our cell stations were not compatible with the NCP so I replaced them with the new ones. That was the only twist in our implementation. I shoulder surfed the Hybrid configuration and setup the NCP pretty quickly. Our ACD (KX-NCV200) was reused and it was flawless, no loss of voice mail messages or any issues. In summary, Panasonic delivered an IP product that carries familiarity in the programming and user interface--meaning everything was obvious to anyone using the existing phones. Familiarity is a good thing and another line item of what not to ignore when replacing your telephony system.

We connected our fax machines and some 2500 sets to the NCP, SIP trunks, SIP conference phone, IP phones and good ol’ digital proprietary telephones (DPT). The NCP isn’t a grab-it-off-the-shelf system, and it’s not something you install without thinking because you could end up with lots of issues. I’m referring to the numbers and types of devices that the NCP will support. Panasonic has done a great job in preserving customers’ gear and traditional features. The DPTs and 2500 sets carry a weighted value and the NCP can only support so much “weight.”

Are landlines doomed?

AT&T sold off its Yellow Pages service on Monday, shedding yet another legacy business from its days as a landline giant.

Now that wireless represents the main revenue driver and primary focus for AT&T and Verizon, both with roots as Baby Bells -- is it time to get rid of the whole landline business altogether?
It's clear that landlines' best days are behind them. Nearly 32% of American homes are now cell phone-only households -- double the rate from 2008 and nearly triple that of 2007, according to a recent government study.
Sales are plunging. Verizon's landline revenue has fallen 19% since 2007, and AT&T's is down 16.5% over same period.
Still, it's unlikely that the nation's two biggest telecom giants will ditch their landline businesses entirely. Even as consumers' usage drops, both companies have growing cable TV and broadband Internet businesses that make use of the wireline infrastructure. Also, a large number of corporate clients rely on landline service.
Cellular communications actually are mostly transmitted over wires, with just the cell phone-to-tower communication taking place over airwaves. If either company were to sell or spin off its landline business, it would need to pay hefty licensing fees to use that infrastructure, as Sprint  and T-Mobile do today.
Landlines also make up a surprisingly large chunk of the telecom giants' sales, even as their overall volume declines. Last year, landline services accounted for 47% of AT&T's revenue and 37% of Verizon's sales.
That's not to say the telecom giants are bullish on landlines' future. Both companies are exploring the possibility of shedding much of their landline business.
AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said last month that his company will "review its portfolio of assets," including the rural parts of its fixed line unit. Verizon already started that process by selling large chunks of its rural business in 14 states to Frontier Communications in 2010.
Analysts say AT&T will likely consider ditching its holdings in regions where it doesn't intend to deliver its U-Verse cable TV and broadband Internet service, similar to how Verizon sold off non-FiOS areas. What Verizon sold to Frontier was mostly legacy copper-based infrastructure from its 2000 merger with GTE. Its remaining landline infrastructure is now 70% FiOS-capable with fiber-optic cables.
There's one little obstacle to shedding aging landline assets: Finding someone that wants them.
"There is a serious lack of buyers on the market," says Mike McCormack, an analyst at Nomura Securities. "They don't want to take a little piece here, and a little there -- it's much easier to take a whole state."
Frontier is having a difficult time with its Verizon assets. The company's sales have fallen in each of the six quarters since the Verizon deal closed. Other potential bidders like Windstream and CenturyLink have made it clear that they have no desire to get any bigger.
The most likely scenario would be a spin-off, analysts say.
So if selling the whole business isn't an option, what can be done about the dwindling sales numbers?
Not a whole lot.
"The enterprise business is very cyclical, so if the economy turns, you'd think that would improve a bit," said Kevin Smithen, analyst at Macquarie Securities. "As for the consumer, AT&T and Verizon spend a lot of time and effort promoting U-Verse and FiOS, so they're hopeful of a changing dynamic. That's pretty much their near-term strategy."
In other words, the carriers are crossing their fingers that consumers will be lured in by triple-play deals.
But after getting rid of legacy businesses like the Yellow Pages, phone rentals, Bell Labs research and rural copper lines, AT&T and Verizon are pretty much stuck with the odds and ends that are left.

Article courtesy of CNNMoney