Have Neck/Back Pain or Headaches After Work? Headset Benefits VALIDATED!

Are you a headset user?  SHOULD you be a headset user?  If you are having neck, back, hip, leg pain or frequent headaches, it might not be "just stress", it could be your telephone use!  In my many, many years of retail and office telephone use I have discovered one thing... headsets really DO work.  I spent lots of years (and lots of money) at my chiropractor getting adjustments when my neck or back would go out.  Then I started noticing a pattern, my neck would always go out in the same spot, and it was usually after a high-volume phone week.  I had never been a headset fan in the past, but decided to give it a try to see if it made any difference.  To my amazement, the change was all but immediate!  I started out with a simple wired headset with a Quick Disconnect so it was easy to detach and go if I needed to leave my desk and graduated to a wireless headset within a year for total freedom.  I cannot say enough about how not only this increased my productivity, but also improved my health.  No more missed days because I couldn't move my head or walk, no more smashing headaches at the end of every day, and all because of this simple little earpiece. 

And now Plantronics commissioned H.B. Maynard & Company to do a random study on the benefits of headset use in the workplace, and the results mimic my own personal experience.  Some excerpts of the study:
Results from a commissioned study conducted at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, CA, provide, for the first time, strong evidence that office workers can reduce neck, shoulder and upper back muscle tension as much as 41% by using headsets.
In the course of the three-month study, 62 people (33 women and 29 men), ranging from 20 to 63 years old, were involved in tests that evaluated the various levels of muscle tension resulting when office workers engage in other tasks while using the telephone.
Neck and upper back muscle tension is one of the most common ailments of office workers today. This new evidence now confirms Plantronics Headsets as a cost-effective, preventative solution for office workers.
The H.B. Maynard & Company study, also commissioned by Plantronics, first confirmed that headsets improve workplace efficiency and productivity as much as 43%. These new study results, combined with the results from the Maynard study, prove without a doubt, the benefits of headsets in today's demanding work environment. Employers and employees alike will benefit from using headsets, from lower medical costs to happier, more productive workers.

To read the entire study from Plantronics, click HERE to go to the PDF.  For more information on headsets for your system, contact Key Communications, or see the different models available at www.key-comm.com.  Get your headset today and save your health!

Did You Know....

You can have a 7 YEAR PARTS WARRANTY on all new Panasonic telephone system purchases?  Talk about a worry-free system!  It's true, any new Panasonic equipment purchases have the option of adding an additional 6 years to the standard 1 year factory warranty for a full 7 years of coverage.  For around $10 per phone, $63 for a telephone system control unit, and $42 for a voice mail control unit, you get 7 years of no-worry system.  That's less than $1.50 a year for phones, $9 a year for telephone system, and $6 a year for voice mail (*expansion and feature cards and other equipment are additional), at that price how can you NOT afford to add the extended warranty?  Contact Key Communications today to get more information!

Actor Rob Lowe Chooses Panasonic Business Telephone System

Rob Lowe, the celebrated actor who was nominated for an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Sam Seaborn on the hit television series The West Wing, recently outfitted his estate in California with a Panasonic business phone system, including more than 30 sophisticated desk phones and several DECT cordless phones. Mr. Lowe and his family chose Panasonic for their new home because they wanted a way to easily communicate from room to room within the house as well as on the surrounding grounds, which includes a pool area.

With the same type of research and preparation that he brings to his acting, Rob Lowe and his wife concluded that a complete Panasonic phone system was the best fit for their home and lifestyle. “We’ve had really good luck with Panasonic in the past, and we know the company has incredible systems for business and home,” Mr.Lowe said, noting that ease-of-use, mobility and the means to “have as many extensions as you need” were key factors in his decision to go with Panasonic.

“The system and the phones are really easy to use and set up,” Mr.Lowe said. “There was no learning curve or heavy training involved to get started. The system is reliable and we’ve had no down time—you just pick up the phone and you’re good to go!”

“Panasonic’s phones also go well with our décor, and for mobility we’re using the new DECT 6.0 cordless handsets, which give us the freedom to go from room to room, even out onto the grounds,” Mr. Lowe continued. “We don’t have to worry about dropped calls, and the sound and range are pretty incredible. The phones are also extremely secure.”

Rob Lowe, who rose to fame in the 1980s after appearing in such iconic movies as The Outsiders and St. Elmo’s Fire, supports a number of causes, including Best Buddies, a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the Dream Foundation, the first national wish granting organization for adults suffering life-threatening illness.

“As a market leader, Panasonic is committed to delivering innovative features and superior performance, qualities that led to Rob Lowe’s decision to choose our products for his home,” said Bill Taylor, President of Panasonic System Networks Company of America. “Mr. Lowe is also quite concerned about environmental issues and Panasonic is serious about its commitment to environmental responsibility, another issue that was appealing to him. Our new DECT line uses 100% recycled packaging materials, and our new models are Energy Star® compliant, which means they use about 1/3 less energy than non-qualified models.”

What Does “The Cloud” Mean to You and Your Communications Systems?

The decision between on-premise and off-premise infrastructure is becoming more relevant and important with each major company's commitment to providing Software as a Service (SaaS). There's still plenty of speculation on the actual transition and immersion, but the prospect for cost-effective production attracts small businesses of all kinds.


The phrase 'cloud computing' has been thrown around a lot and sometimes we forget the basic foundation - the internet. Typically, cloud computing is summarized as a model of IT services based on and provided over the internet with on-demand access to network materials while experiencing little to no service provider interaction. The software and data are stored on servers and the software is delivered through online web services or software (i.e. browser).

With a lot of confusion regarding a transition to the "cloud," are we using the term too loosely to define a more precise shift in IT services?

In a post over at CNET.com, Jonathan Eunice explains how many people are throwing the vague "what comes next in IT" label on cloud computing, emphasizing "overhyped" and "overused." He does not agree with the general viewpoint, and later goes on to say this:

"Cloud is the realization that what comes next in IT isn't a specific technology, but the infusion of flexibility, variability, and elasticity into what was previously a static, front-loaded, inflexible world."

While some may question the definition, others still debate over the cloud's security standing and performance factors. Over at networkworld.com, two experts make excellent points for and against the readiness of cloud computing. While one stresses the need for "significant answers to the significant questions," the other insists that the cloud is ready for specific tasks and edging closer to the ultimate 'platform' which businesses await.

Of course, for most enterprise users, the most important aspect of cloud computing that needs to be established is security. Computerworld.com stresses that cloud service outages and criminals operating in the cloud threaten the overall participation in the model. The good news - there is plenty of research, partnerships, and products being developed to further enhance and advance the cloud arena. Click on the Computerworld link or check out how Networkworld.com puts the enterprise cloud to the test.

If there ever was a "hyped" IT model, cloud computing takes the cake. Will we continue to see slow enhancements, a faster acceptance, or a slippery slope of denial when it comes to cloud computing capabilities and adaptation?

Panasonic Communications Assistant 3.0 Empowers Businesses To Stay In Touch While On The Go

Panasonic, a leader in business telephone systems, announced today that it has enhanced its state-of-the-art Communications Assistant (CA) productivity software suite. CA is a PC-based software application suite that allows the business user to manage their telephony needs from a desktop or laptop, with different levels of functionality available to suit a variety of business situations:

• CA Basic Express – Users can visually manage all of their individual communication needs from a PC
• CA Pro – Builds on CA Basic Express by enabling voice mail control from anywhere in the world and adds presence and chat/IM functionality to assess coworker availability at a glance
• CA Supervisor – Allows supervisors to visually manage all of their employees’ call activities
• VM Assistant – This module allows users to check voicemail messages from a PC, forward them via email as .wav attachments, and perform many other voicemail management functions (requires optional KX-TVA voice messaging solution)
• CA Operator Console –Simultaneously manages and redirects multiple calls with such features as drag-and-drop call transfer—ideal for the busy receptionist, customer service desk or support desk

“More and more businesses have been moving away from the traditional static desktop workplace in favor of a more mobile one,” said Bill Savino, marketing manager for business telephone systems at Panasonic System Networks Company of America. “In this new dynamic work environment, it’s essential for people to be able to easily manage their communications anytime, anywhere, which includes from their computers. Panasonic’s Communication Assistant is designed to offer businesses another way to stay in touch with and manage interactions with colleagues, customers, and suppliers—wherever they may be.”

CA 3.0 features point-and-click call control; instant messaging (chat); visual voice messaging; Microsoft® Outlook® integration; door telephone and sensor control; IP camera integration and control; call history, calls made/missed, and supervisor group call monitoring and management. The system also supports two types of deployments: computer telephony integration (CTI) without a server for small-to-medium-sized businesses and CTI server-based systems that can support up to four separate locations. Some of the new features available with version 3.0 include “drag and drop” on-screen icons so callers can visually manage teleconference locations; remote location call monitoring; busy signal override, and detailed status reporting.

Communications Assistant productivity software supports the Panasonic KX-NCP and KX-TDE business telephone systems. For more information on Panasonic Communications Assistant and Panasonic business telephone systems, please visit www.key-comm.com.

Panasonic: Blurring Boundaries and Shattering Silos in Business Telephony

It may be true that as Gertrude Stein famously said, "A rose is a rose is a rose." But where businesses and their communications needs are concerned, it’s definitely no longer true (if it ever was) that a phone is a phone is a phone. For many if not most business users, "the phone" has evolved and continues to evolve as its role in effective business communications expands. Panasonic brings a unique combination of strengths to this dynamic marketplace, offering solutions that blend legacy and modern technologies to offer basic and enhanced functionality.

Telephony is changing, from "plain ol’ telephone service" (or "POTS") to voice and unified communications (UC) often running atop Internet Protocol (IP) network infrastructures. But many businesses still have significant capital and experience invested in legacy telephone systems, and are still deriving business benefits from those investments.

Meanwhile, the views of those buying and using business telephony systems are also in flux. That audience now includes growing numbers of younger, "IP-aware" people who have never worked in organizations with separate voice and data networks or management. But the ultimate audience for telephony services still includes those whose needs or desires for advanced or enhanced services is minimal or non-existent, at least for now.

Further, delivering basic dial tone has given way to a more systematic, strategic approach to telephony, focused on connecting workers to each other, to customers and to needed resources wherever they may be. But delivering basic dial tone is still business-critical and especially challenging in some geographies or where mobility support is also needed.

New DECT Multi-Cell Wireless Telephone Handsets for Business Telecommunications

Panasonic, a leader in business telephone systems, today introduced two new Multi-Cell DECT 6.0 wireless telephone handsets that put advanced communications technology at users’ fingertips -- even away from the desk or workstation.

Ideal for high-end residential or business use, the KX-WT120 series cordless telephones connect with a Panasonic business phone system and are compatible with all of Panasonic’s current PBX models (TDA50G, TDE and NCP series). Depending on the Panasonic system chosen, up to 128 handsets can be supported. The Multi-Cell DECT system solves range-related issues in larger buildings by using multiple cell antennas, which automatically and seamlessly hand off calls from one station to the next as users move throughout the warehouse, plant, showroom or other facility. A large, clear display and graphical icon menu provide a quick overview of all system features so users always have the power of their desk telephones right at their fingertips.

“Today’s employees are more mobile than ever, and their communications demands have never been higher,” said Bill Savino, marketing manager for business telephone systems at Panasonic System Networks Company of America. “Our goal is to empower this highly dynamic, on-the-go workforce with the ability to effectively communicate from wherever they may be. Panasonic continues to push the envelope by developing advanced communications systems that are designed to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s fast-paced business environment.”

The new Multi-Cell DECT cordless telephone models offer a variety of useful features for business or high-end residential use:

• Background noise-reduction technology
• Backlit display and illuminated keypad for easy reading in all lighting conditions
• Easy menu navigation
• Programmable keys
• Personal phonebook with up to 100 entries
• Built-in speakerphone
• Uses standard rechargeable AAA battery

The KX-WT125 and KX-WT126 models join the existing KX-TD7600 series DECT phones which include compact, standard and ruggedized models, expanding the choice of handsets and features available to business phone system users.

For more information on Panasonic business telephone systems, please visit www.key-comm.com.