Just like any technological field, the telephone and voice mail world sometimes seems like it has it's own language. When you start shopping for a system you are bombarded with terms like hybrid, hosted PBX, converged and pure IP, it can get confusing very quickly. This article will shed some light on the differences of each system option and what they all mean.
Let's start with Hybrid Telephone and Voice Mail Systems. This is pretty much exactly what it sounds like, a hybrid blending of digital and analog technologies all in one system. You can use digital system telephones with all the features and capabilities, LCD screens, and pre-programmed buttons, or you can use standard single line analog telephones on the system. The same applies for the incoming telephone lines, you have the option of using standard analog (POTS) copper lines or digital offerings like PRI or VOIP lines. The hybrid systems are slowly being phased out and being replaced by converged and pure IP systems, but they are still out there so we wanted to make sure they were on the list!
Next we have Converged Telephone and Voice Mail Systems. Wikipedia defines technological convergence as "the tendency for different technological systems to evolve towards performing similar tasks. Convergence can refer to previously separate technologies such as voice (and telephony features), data (and productivity applications), and video that now share resources and interact with each other synergistically". Ummm... what? In plain English, Converged communications systems not only allow you to combine the digital, analog and VOIP technologies like the Hybrid systems above, they add in integration to your computers and programs allowing features like dialing your phone from your contacts database, among many others. They also allow integration with video conferencing systems and other video applications such as IP security cameras. Converged systems allow the integration of all the most commonly used business technologies and applications, phone, computer and video, into one seamless system.
One of the newest options for communications systems is a Hosted Telephone and Voice Mail System. These systems are occasionally referred to as Virtual PBX, but basically all it means is the service provider "hosts" the phone system equipment in a remote datacenter, not at your site. So you have no physical telephone system equipment at your site other than the telephone sets, which are generally single line phones, IP phones, or SIP phones. The things to watch with a hosted system are making sure you are getting the features and capabilities you want and need, and the overall cost versus a physical, on-site telephone system. In most cases, hosted telephone systems are a monthly fee from your service provider and you are renting the equipment, so at the end of your contract, you have no system and no phones. Hosted systems can be a very good solution for some homes and businesses, just make sure you are comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges when considering a hosted vs physical, on-site telephone system.
Last but not least, we have the Pure IP Telephone and Voice Mail Systems. Pure IP systems are based on the Converged systems, but with significant differences to it's form factor (the physical size and shape of the system). These systems are generally a 19" rackmount system with a pre-installed Main Processing Card that has the option for IP trunk ports (incoming telephone lines) and/or IP extension ports (telephone sets), and which runs desktop productivity software and simple voice mail . Thus, a complete IP system (including voicemail and CTI) can be configured using only the Main Processing card and optional VoIP DSP cards – no external components are needed. Out of the box, the system is set for a Pure IP deployment, but it also can be configured to support analog or digital system phones as well as analog/digital telephone lines with additional equipment.
Hopefully this has shed some light on the differences between the communications system options available today. It can be very confusing, but working with a trained and knowledgeable telephone vendor like Key Communications can take the guesswork out of your next communications system purchase. Contact us today to review your options or schedule a system demo. Let Key Communications take the mystery out of shopping for your next system.
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Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Panasonic Launches Smart Desk Phone, A Game Changing Business Communication Solution
New SIP Telephone Features Interactive Touchscreen and Open Source Technology to Enhance Business Operations
Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, the leader in small business phone systems, today announced the introduction of the KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone, expanding the company’s current lineup of SIP UT Series telephones. This new offering is Panasonic’s first SIP open source-based operating system desk phone and allows for integrated solutions to be developed for business communications and operations.
“As a trusted name in consumer electronics, and a leader in the business telephone market, Panasonic is committed to offering innovative telephony solutions to enhance business productivity,” said Bill Savino, Marketing Manager for business communication solutions at Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “By incorporating open source technology in the new KX-UT670 SIP phone, we are pushing the boundaries of the future of business communications while still offering business owners reliable, flexible and cost-effective solutions that they have come to know from Panasonic. Additionally, we are opening up a new door for application developers to move into a growing industry segment and effectively enhance business communications.”
The KX-UT670 offers users a communication solution and business tool that can enhance operations in fields 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.
In the healthcare and hospitality fields, the KX-UT670 phone gives users the opportunity to develop applications to enhance business operations and could include applications such as nurse call systems and easy ordering from a touchscreen for room service.
The KX-UT670 is equipped with a large 7-inch LCD touchscreen, which allows for easy access to control phone features and installed applications. The open source-based operating system is programmable in Java, one of the most popular programming languages, 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.
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.
The Panasonic SIP KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone, available in January 2011, will be showcased at 2012 International CES at the Panasonic booth. Contact Key Communications for more information on this amazing phone!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Panasonic Helps Non-Profits Cut Costs During Tough Economic Times
Panasonic offers affordable flexible communication solutions and financing options to aid non-profits
Like businesses nationwide, non-profit organizations have suffered in the financial crisis, forcing cuts on already stretched budgets. The impact of these budget cuts often seeps into decisions on much-needed office equipment, like new computer technology and telecommunication systems. Panasonic System Networks Company of America, the leader in small business telephone systems, with Key Communications, are now offering flexible, affordable solutions that empower nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations, and help to reduce communication costs.
Offering bundled communication solutions for different sized installations, Panasonic provides non-profit organizations the updated equipment that they require in order to provide flexible communication solutions, while streamlining system needs to reduce monthly costs. As part of a commitment to help non-profits succeed, Panasonic is offering non-profit organizations savings up to 45% on bundled solutions and a 7-Year Extended Service Plan/Program through Marlin Leasing.
“This volatile economy has impacted businesses across all industries, but the non-profit organizations have really felt the effects. We realize affordability is critical, especially for non-profits, so we created exclusive financing options that will help make our solutions more affordable,” said Bill Taylor, President, Panasonic System Networks Company of America. “Several non-profits are already taking advantage of our great financing program to get the best technology and most cost-effective, flexible communications solutions on the market.”
Panasonic provides a variety of business communications system configurations and versatile connection options, from traditional telephony to advanced IP phones, to fit any non-profit organizational need, no matter how basic or complex. Flexible networking options allow off-site employees and volunteers to stay connected to the office or allow multiple locations to utilize a centralized telephony system. Additionally, key phone features like Auto Attendant, Call Routing and DECT Wireless Handsets provide tightly staffed operations with the ability to operate more efficiently.
Panasonic recently worked with the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation to solve communications challenges at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia, California, which is governed through a private/public collaboration between the Foundation and the County of Los Angeles through the Parks and Recreation Department. With a new responsibility of maintaining the facility’s data and phone infrastructure, which was previously supported by the county, the Foundation decided to upgrade the existing telecommunications system to one that was current, easy-to-use, flexible and would offer cost-savings. After an extensive search for a new phone system, Panasonic’s phone systems surfaced as the Foundation’s top choice. The Foundation hired a Certified Panasonic Dealer to install the Panasonic KX-TDE200 system, a converged IP-PBX system that supports up to 256 total extensions and 128 CO lines, and the KX-TVA200 voice processing system with 12 ports. The resulting communications solution provided the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden with significant savings on monthly communication operation costs, allowing them to allocate those funds for other areas of its operations that needed help.
Panasonic is currently offering the following business communications solutions to qualified non-profit organizations:
KX-TDA50G Hybrid IP-PBX System
KX-TDE100/200/600 Converged IP-PBX Systems
KX-NCP500/1000 IP Communication Systems
KX-TVA Voice Processing Systems
High Definition Visual Communications (HDVC)
CTI/Applications Software
To read the full case study on The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation, please click here.
For more detail on Panasonic’s Finance Solutions program, please contact Key Communications.
Like businesses nationwide, non-profit organizations have suffered in the financial crisis, forcing cuts on already stretched budgets. The impact of these budget cuts often seeps into decisions on much-needed office equipment, like new computer technology and telecommunication systems. Panasonic System Networks Company of America, the leader in small business telephone systems, with Key Communications, are now offering flexible, affordable solutions that empower nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations, and help to reduce communication costs.
Offering bundled communication solutions for different sized installations, Panasonic provides non-profit organizations the updated equipment that they require in order to provide flexible communication solutions, while streamlining system needs to reduce monthly costs. As part of a commitment to help non-profits succeed, Panasonic is offering non-profit organizations savings up to 45% on bundled solutions and a 7-Year Extended Service Plan/Program through Marlin Leasing.
“This volatile economy has impacted businesses across all industries, but the non-profit organizations have really felt the effects. We realize affordability is critical, especially for non-profits, so we created exclusive financing options that will help make our solutions more affordable,” said Bill Taylor, President, Panasonic System Networks Company of America. “Several non-profits are already taking advantage of our great financing program to get the best technology and most cost-effective, flexible communications solutions on the market.”
Panasonic provides a variety of business communications system configurations and versatile connection options, from traditional telephony to advanced IP phones, to fit any non-profit organizational need, no matter how basic or complex. Flexible networking options allow off-site employees and volunteers to stay connected to the office or allow multiple locations to utilize a centralized telephony system. Additionally, key phone features like Auto Attendant, Call Routing and DECT Wireless Handsets provide tightly staffed operations with the ability to operate more efficiently.
Panasonic recently worked with the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation to solve communications challenges at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia, California, which is governed through a private/public collaboration between the Foundation and the County of Los Angeles through the Parks and Recreation Department. With a new responsibility of maintaining the facility’s data and phone infrastructure, which was previously supported by the county, the Foundation decided to upgrade the existing telecommunications system to one that was current, easy-to-use, flexible and would offer cost-savings. After an extensive search for a new phone system, Panasonic’s phone systems surfaced as the Foundation’s top choice. The Foundation hired a Certified Panasonic Dealer to install the Panasonic KX-TDE200 system, a converged IP-PBX system that supports up to 256 total extensions and 128 CO lines, and the KX-TVA200 voice processing system with 12 ports. The resulting communications solution provided the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden with significant savings on monthly communication operation costs, allowing them to allocate those funds for other areas of its operations that needed help.
Panasonic is currently offering the following business communications solutions to qualified non-profit organizations:
KX-TDA50G Hybrid IP-PBX System
KX-TDE100/200/600 Converged IP-PBX Systems
KX-NCP500/1000 IP Communication Systems
KX-TVA Voice Processing Systems
High Definition Visual Communications (HDVC)
CTI/Applications Software
To read the full case study on The Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation, please click here.
For more detail on Panasonic’s Finance Solutions program, please contact Key Communications.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Orchard Park Rehabilitation & Healthcare Case Study
The Challenge
To achieve its mission of providing excellent care to its patients, Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare, a premier skilled nursing facility in Orem, UT, sought to speed up its response time. With 59 patients in residence, the nursing staff was constantly on the run and wanted to improve their efficiency.
When Orchard Park had the opportunity to upgrade its facility with the assistance of state funds, they immediately knew what they wanted to do—purchase both a new call button system that would enable them to respond faster to patients while simultaneously upgrading their telephone system. What they didn’t know at the time was that they could actually integrate the two systems together.
The Solution
Orchard Park turned to Selectric, a systems technology integrator from Linden, UT who joined forces with Hello Communications, an authorized Panasonic dealer. “Our initial meeting with the Orchard Park staff was only supposed to last a short time, but when we demonstrated the capabilities of this integrated system, their team was so impressed that we spent hours brainstorming potential applications,” explained Von Gordon, owner of Hello Communications. Selectric and Hello jointly developed a solution that connected patients’ telephones to the wireless nurse call system.
In the spring of 2010, the facility installed approximately 50 Panasonic KX-DT321 telephones, with 32 placed in rooms and the remainder in the administrative offices. The hub of the phone system is the Panasonic KX-TDE600 Converged IP-PBX, combined with the Poltys Direct Care Connect Application, which is designed to help healthcare organizations manage communications and works with Panasonic PBX systems.
Additionally, all nurses and nurse’s aides were equipped with a KX-TD7696 ruggedized, splash-resistant wireless handset which basically lets them carry their extension number with them anywhere in the building. This solved a number of problems: Prior to carrying the cordless handsets, nurses or nurse’s aides would have to visit a patient’s room in response to call button alert without knowing what the problem was. If a patient needed medication, the nurse or aide would then have to walk back to the nurse’s station to retrieve it. Nurse’s aides, who aren’t allowed to dispense medicine, would often have to track down a nurse if one wasn’t nearby to assist. The process was inefficient, time consuming and required lots of walking, not to mention it kept the patient waiting.
Now, when a patient hits the call button, it automatically rings a cordless handset. The nurse can speak with the patient to find out what the problem is. If the patient needs medicine, the nurse goes directly to the nurse’s station to retrieve it without first visiting the patient’s room. If a nurse’s aide fields the call and medicine is required, they use the wireless handset to locate and inform a nurse who retrieves the medicine and visits the patient directly. The ability to immediately communicate with the patient and with each other from anywhere in the building has been a huge time saver for the medical staff and ensures patients receive more timely care.
The flexible architecture built in to the TDE600 is what lets everything work together. Hello Communications installers were able to easily sync the system with the call-button system. Additionally, the Panasonic system accommodated a PRI line. This, combined with the large number of extensions available with the TDE600, allowed Orchard Park to scrap their old system which saw 60 individual lines coming into the building. Now every room in the facility can have up to 3 DID (direct inward dialing) numbers even though Orchard Park only pays for a single PRI line. The result was a whopping $1,500 in savings on their monthly phone bill.
“This was a brilliant solution,” said Jared Swain, Orchard Park Administrator. “We now have a way to conduct two-way communications with some of our residents and patients which increases the efficiency of our care staff. The new updated telephone system also delivers better quality while saving us thousands of dollars on our phone bill.” Gordon adds, “It’s been gratifying to help them achieve their goal of better servicing their patients and improving overall communications while saving money, too.”
Customer Information:
Orchard Park is the premier skilled nursing facility in Orem, Utah. They provide compassionate and personal 24-hour skilled care and rehabilitation services in a comfortable and friendly environment.
At Orchard Park, caring is their main concern. They believe the most effective way to provide compassionate care is to maintain high medical integrity, build a team spirit among staff and provide friendly, beautiful surroundings for their patients and visitors. Although most transitions can be challenging, they strive to facilitate that process with an environment where patients and guests feel informed and comfortable.
Their team of qualified professionals helps patients recover from surgery, injury or serious illness. They understand the importance of creating a comfortable and nurturing atmosphere, whether providing patients with short-term treatment or long term care.
To achieve its mission of providing excellent care to its patients, Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare, a premier skilled nursing facility in Orem, UT, sought to speed up its response time. With 59 patients in residence, the nursing staff was constantly on the run and wanted to improve their efficiency.
When Orchard Park had the opportunity to upgrade its facility with the assistance of state funds, they immediately knew what they wanted to do—purchase both a new call button system that would enable them to respond faster to patients while simultaneously upgrading their telephone system. What they didn’t know at the time was that they could actually integrate the two systems together.
The Solution
Orchard Park turned to Selectric, a systems technology integrator from Linden, UT who joined forces with Hello Communications, an authorized Panasonic dealer. “Our initial meeting with the Orchard Park staff was only supposed to last a short time, but when we demonstrated the capabilities of this integrated system, their team was so impressed that we spent hours brainstorming potential applications,” explained Von Gordon, owner of Hello Communications. Selectric and Hello jointly developed a solution that connected patients’ telephones to the wireless nurse call system.
In the spring of 2010, the facility installed approximately 50 Panasonic KX-DT321 telephones, with 32 placed in rooms and the remainder in the administrative offices. The hub of the phone system is the Panasonic KX-TDE600 Converged IP-PBX, combined with the Poltys Direct Care Connect Application, which is designed to help healthcare organizations manage communications and works with Panasonic PBX systems.
Additionally, all nurses and nurse’s aides were equipped with a KX-TD7696 ruggedized, splash-resistant wireless handset which basically lets them carry their extension number with them anywhere in the building. This solved a number of problems: Prior to carrying the cordless handsets, nurses or nurse’s aides would have to visit a patient’s room in response to call button alert without knowing what the problem was. If a patient needed medication, the nurse or aide would then have to walk back to the nurse’s station to retrieve it. Nurse’s aides, who aren’t allowed to dispense medicine, would often have to track down a nurse if one wasn’t nearby to assist. The process was inefficient, time consuming and required lots of walking, not to mention it kept the patient waiting.
Now, when a patient hits the call button, it automatically rings a cordless handset. The nurse can speak with the patient to find out what the problem is. If the patient needs medicine, the nurse goes directly to the nurse’s station to retrieve it without first visiting the patient’s room. If a nurse’s aide fields the call and medicine is required, they use the wireless handset to locate and inform a nurse who retrieves the medicine and visits the patient directly. The ability to immediately communicate with the patient and with each other from anywhere in the building has been a huge time saver for the medical staff and ensures patients receive more timely care.
The flexible architecture built in to the TDE600 is what lets everything work together. Hello Communications installers were able to easily sync the system with the call-button system. Additionally, the Panasonic system accommodated a PRI line. This, combined with the large number of extensions available with the TDE600, allowed Orchard Park to scrap their old system which saw 60 individual lines coming into the building. Now every room in the facility can have up to 3 DID (direct inward dialing) numbers even though Orchard Park only pays for a single PRI line. The result was a whopping $1,500 in savings on their monthly phone bill.
“This was a brilliant solution,” said Jared Swain, Orchard Park Administrator. “We now have a way to conduct two-way communications with some of our residents and patients which increases the efficiency of our care staff. The new updated telephone system also delivers better quality while saving us thousands of dollars on our phone bill.” Gordon adds, “It’s been gratifying to help them achieve their goal of better servicing their patients and improving overall communications while saving money, too.”
Customer Information:
Orchard Park is the premier skilled nursing facility in Orem, Utah. They provide compassionate and personal 24-hour skilled care and rehabilitation services in a comfortable and friendly environment.
At Orchard Park, caring is their main concern. They believe the most effective way to provide compassionate care is to maintain high medical integrity, build a team spirit among staff and provide friendly, beautiful surroundings for their patients and visitors. Although most transitions can be challenging, they strive to facilitate that process with an environment where patients and guests feel informed and comfortable.
Their team of qualified professionals helps patients recover from surgery, injury or serious illness. They understand the importance of creating a comfortable and nurturing atmosphere, whether providing patients with short-term treatment or long term care.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Happy Holidays from Key Communications!
To all our friends and clients,
The coming of the New Year brings with it an opportunity to say Thank You for your support and business, and extend our heartfelt greetings for the season. It is clients like you who enable us to become the best in our field.
By way of this small note, we wish you and your dear ones a safe and happy Holiday Season and a very happy New Year. We sincerely hope that this New Year brings with it more successes and joys and good health and cheer for you and your family.
We hope that your support and patronage will continue into the New Year and we shall have the privilege of serving you in the years to come. We wish to thank you again for the privilege of serving you in the past years and look forward to future projects. Wishing you and your family a very happy New Year once again and hope you have a great holiday.
The coming of the New Year brings with it an opportunity to say Thank You for your support and business, and extend our heartfelt greetings for the season. It is clients like you who enable us to become the best in our field.
By way of this small note, we wish you and your dear ones a safe and happy Holiday Season and a very happy New Year. We sincerely hope that this New Year brings with it more successes and joys and good health and cheer for you and your family.
We hope that your support and patronage will continue into the New Year and we shall have the privilege of serving you in the years to come. We wish to thank you again for the privilege of serving you in the past years and look forward to future projects. Wishing you and your family a very happy New Year once again and hope you have a great holiday.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Financing Business Communication Equipment Makes Sense...
Why Finance?
A constantly changing business environment makes managing cash flow both challenging and critical. Technology changes just as fast – presenting both the opportunity and the need to acquire that new technology. The successful business leaders are able to balance cost cutting, preserve business capital and take advantage of adopting new technology.
Equipment financing with Marlin is the solution. Our flexible financing allows you to acquire Panasonic communications technology without an up-front cash investment. We offer various financing plans with flexible terms and payment options.
Bottom line – acquire new technology and preserve your cash.
Flexible Financing Options
We all hear the word "leasing" or "financing" and usually cringe. The early days of leasing and financing made us fear enormous interest rates and giant balloon payments at the end of the term. That isn't the case any more! With flexible financing options, special plans and rates for non-profits, schools and municipalities, and great rates for everyone, financing your new system might just be the solution you have been looking for.
With $1 Buyout financing, also referred to as a Capital lease or finance lease, you simply pay $1 at the completion of your term, and you own your system, it's that simple. This option is perfect for companies or residences that are fairly certain they want to own the equipment after the lease term ends. With a finance lease, you (the lessee) can claim ownership of the asset for tax purposes (although the funding source is the actual owner), so you can claim depreciation and interest expense deductions. Most commercial leases are done under a $1 buy out lease due to the mileage restrictions with other types of leases. With a $1 out lease, you own the equipment at the end of the term.
With FMV (Fair Market Value) financing, also known as an operating lease or True lease, you have the option of making the final payment and owning your system, or turn in the equipment and upgrade to a new system. FMV financing is primarily designed for businesses that want the lowest monthly payment with the greatest flexibility at the end of the lease term. With an operating lease, the lessor (funding source) retains ownership of the asset for tax purposes, and the lessee (you) typically claims all lease payments as an operating expense or tax deduction. The greatest asset of the FMV is to lower the monthly payment to the least amount possible. At the end of the lease, you would hold no obligation to purchase the equipment, although you would have the availability to do so from the leasing company at the equipment FMV as determined by the leasing company.
The differences and /or advantages of one type over another would be specific to each particular customer and in each specific application. You could see the same company use an operating lease in one situation and then a capital lease in another. Particular use, long term ownership needs, and mileage requirements would certainly sway one's decision.
Why Marlin Business Services?
Marlin Leasing Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marlin Business Services Corp., continues to make borrowing available to most Panasonic customers. Marlin Leasing and Panasonic have formed a strategic alliance to provide flexible financing that allow Panasonic customers the ability to upgrade older communication systems or to deploy new technology.
Marlin is not experiencing the same financing capacity issues as other financial institutions and independent leasing companies. We are well capitalized and acquire funding support internally through Marlin Business Bank – allowing us to be less reliant on external funding sources.
As a trusted business partner, Marlin can help you obtain and maintain the right Panasonic solution for your business. Contact Key Communications today for more information.
A constantly changing business environment makes managing cash flow both challenging and critical. Technology changes just as fast – presenting both the opportunity and the need to acquire that new technology. The successful business leaders are able to balance cost cutting, preserve business capital and take advantage of adopting new technology.
Equipment financing with Marlin is the solution. Our flexible financing allows you to acquire Panasonic communications technology without an up-front cash investment. We offer various financing plans with flexible terms and payment options.
Bottom line – acquire new technology and preserve your cash.
Flexible Financing Options
We all hear the word "leasing" or "financing" and usually cringe. The early days of leasing and financing made us fear enormous interest rates and giant balloon payments at the end of the term. That isn't the case any more! With flexible financing options, special plans and rates for non-profits, schools and municipalities, and great rates for everyone, financing your new system might just be the solution you have been looking for.
With $1 Buyout financing, also referred to as a Capital lease or finance lease, you simply pay $1 at the completion of your term, and you own your system, it's that simple. This option is perfect for companies or residences that are fairly certain they want to own the equipment after the lease term ends. With a finance lease, you (the lessee) can claim ownership of the asset for tax purposes (although the funding source is the actual owner), so you can claim depreciation and interest expense deductions. Most commercial leases are done under a $1 buy out lease due to the mileage restrictions with other types of leases. With a $1 out lease, you own the equipment at the end of the term.
With FMV (Fair Market Value) financing, also known as an operating lease or True lease, you have the option of making the final payment and owning your system, or turn in the equipment and upgrade to a new system. FMV financing is primarily designed for businesses that want the lowest monthly payment with the greatest flexibility at the end of the lease term. With an operating lease, the lessor (funding source) retains ownership of the asset for tax purposes, and the lessee (you) typically claims all lease payments as an operating expense or tax deduction. The greatest asset of the FMV is to lower the monthly payment to the least amount possible. At the end of the lease, you would hold no obligation to purchase the equipment, although you would have the availability to do so from the leasing company at the equipment FMV as determined by the leasing company.
The differences and /or advantages of one type over another would be specific to each particular customer and in each specific application. You could see the same company use an operating lease in one situation and then a capital lease in another. Particular use, long term ownership needs, and mileage requirements would certainly sway one's decision.
Why Marlin Business Services?
Marlin Leasing Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marlin Business Services Corp., continues to make borrowing available to most Panasonic customers. Marlin Leasing and Panasonic have formed a strategic alliance to provide flexible financing that allow Panasonic customers the ability to upgrade older communication systems or to deploy new technology.
Marlin is not experiencing the same financing capacity issues as other financial institutions and independent leasing companies. We are well capitalized and acquire funding support internally through Marlin Business Bank – allowing us to be less reliant on external funding sources.
As a trusted business partner, Marlin can help you obtain and maintain the right Panasonic solution for your business. Contact Key Communications today for more information.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Shhhhh... it's a Secret System! Coming Soon!
We are proud to announce that we have been included in a select group of dealers asked to be a part of the pre-launch of a new system due from one of our manufacturers in early 2012. It is so secret, we can't even talk about the system or name the manufacturer! We are so honored to be asked to be a part of the handful of dealers invited to this pre-launch. Bob and Steve will be headed South for the meeting tomorrow and will be getting the scoop on the new system. We are very excited at the new features and capabilities we are hearing about and can't wait to see them in action, and bring them back for our clients! As you know, Key Communications has built it's reputation on only providing the best equipment, with a proven track record, to suit your specific needs. This pre-launch gives us the opportunity to see the system live, and be included in a dealer only demo program so we can fully test the system and put it through it's paces before the release to the general public. We'll be sharing more information as it becomes available and are excited to have this sneak peek into the future of telephony. Stay tuned for more details as they come available!
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