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.”
Welcome to the Key Communications Blog! Providing voice and data communications solutions to VT and NH for over 15 years. 802-296-6800
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
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
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
Thursday, March 29, 2012
MANDATORY Programming Fix for Hacking Protection on Panasonic Systems
We are posting to notify all our clients that there has been a recent increase in hacker attacks on business telephone and voice mail systems in Vermont and New Hampshire. The systems are hacked and used to make expensive telephone calls to international phone numbers or premium rate numbers at the expense of the unlucky company targeted. This type of attack is not limited to one type of system, ALL systems can be targeted, Hybrid, IP, Hosted IP, or basic PBXs, and all system manufacturers. Unfortunately, many businesses adopt the "it can't happen to me" philosophy... until it's too late.
Please go to our main site, www.key-comm.com to read the full notice and additional information on the MANDATORY security fix for hacking protection for your system. Click on the big lock on the main page to get all the details. Thank you.
Please go to our main site, www.key-comm.com to read the full notice and additional information on the MANDATORY security fix for hacking protection for your system. Click on the big lock on the main page to get all the details. Thank you.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
PANASONIC KXTDE BUSINESS PHONE SYSTEMS ENABLE FLEXIBLITY AND COST-EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Panasonic, a leader in developing business communication systems, has two converged IP-PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange) phone systems, the KX-TDE100 and the KX-TDE200. These enterprise solutions combine both VoIP and traditional telephone communications, provide flexible phone options, easy and seamless integration and remote support capability. For companies that have not yet completely transitioned to internet-based calling and still desire landline connection, they have the best of both worlds, with the flexibility to eventually connect to an existing broadband and enterprise PBX systems. The additional release of Panasonic’s new KX-TD7695, KX-TD7696 and KXTD7685 1.9 GHz multi-cell wireless telephones lets business users enjoy the benefits of the TDE systems even while away from their desks, thanks to a wireless system that keeps users connected across an entire network.
“The KX-TDE PBX systems provide a cost-efficient, streamlined solution for businesses needing versatile telephone needs,” said Larry White, National Marketing Manager, Communication Systems Group, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The converged architecture of this technology enables multiple communication choices, all of which can be managed from a single point – the ideal business solution for a company with offices in multiple locations. We’ve designed our TDE systems to include backward compatibility, which means that they can be tailored to a customer’s existing infrastructure and upgraded as the customer requires, without the installation of an entire new system.”
More flexible and intuitive than ever, the KX-TDE can be configured as a pure IP system, as a traditional phone, or both, allowing customers to deploy the communications solutions at their own pace. The KX-TDE is available in two sizes, enabling users to select a system that best fits their needs and budgets. The KX-TDE100 has a maximum capacity of 128 extensions, while the KXTDE200 has a maximum of 256 extensions. Both systems are TDA-based, which enables an easy and affordable upgrade from their conventional legacy TDA system simply by installing Panasonic’s TDE IP Main Processor Card into the user’s existing unit. In addition, using the KXTDE systems, enterprise users will share one voice mail system and inter-office phone extensions at different locations can have a unified number plan for easy interoffice communications.
Three feature-rich system IP telephones are available with the KX-TDE PBX systems: the KXNT366, KX-NT346 and KX-NT343, as well as the KXDT300 series Digital system telephones. All three are Bluetooth® compatible using the optional KXT307 module. They also feature backlit displays, speakerphone, two Ethernet ports and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. In addition, the KX-NT366 has a self-labeling, central-office programmable keys that support up to 48 different functions.
The KX-TD7695, KX-TD7696, and KX-TD7685 1.9 GHz multi-cell wireless phones feature light, portable handsets equipped with almost all of the features of the wired system telephone. In the event that a user must travel away from his or her desk, the wireless phones enable them to continue current conversations anywhere within a wireless coverage area created by cell stations throughout a premise location. Therefore, regardless where users go throughout the premise coverage area, they stay connected as the wireless connection seamlessly moves with them from cell station to cell station.
The KX-TDE100 and 200 converged IP-PBX systems are available through Panasonic TDE trained and certified dealers only. For more information contact Key Communications.
“The KX-TDE PBX systems provide a cost-efficient, streamlined solution for businesses needing versatile telephone needs,” said Larry White, National Marketing Manager, Communication Systems Group, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The converged architecture of this technology enables multiple communication choices, all of which can be managed from a single point – the ideal business solution for a company with offices in multiple locations. We’ve designed our TDE systems to include backward compatibility, which means that they can be tailored to a customer’s existing infrastructure and upgraded as the customer requires, without the installation of an entire new system.”
More flexible and intuitive than ever, the KX-TDE can be configured as a pure IP system, as a traditional phone, or both, allowing customers to deploy the communications solutions at their own pace. The KX-TDE is available in two sizes, enabling users to select a system that best fits their needs and budgets. The KX-TDE100 has a maximum capacity of 128 extensions, while the KXTDE200 has a maximum of 256 extensions. Both systems are TDA-based, which enables an easy and affordable upgrade from their conventional legacy TDA system simply by installing Panasonic’s TDE IP Main Processor Card into the user’s existing unit. In addition, using the KXTDE systems, enterprise users will share one voice mail system and inter-office phone extensions at different locations can have a unified number plan for easy interoffice communications.
Three feature-rich system IP telephones are available with the KX-TDE PBX systems: the KXNT366, KX-NT346 and KX-NT343, as well as the KXDT300 series Digital system telephones. All three are Bluetooth® compatible using the optional KXT307 module. They also feature backlit displays, speakerphone, two Ethernet ports and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. In addition, the KX-NT366 has a self-labeling, central-office programmable keys that support up to 48 different functions.
The KX-TD7695, KX-TD7696, and KX-TD7685 1.9 GHz multi-cell wireless phones feature light, portable handsets equipped with almost all of the features of the wired system telephone. In the event that a user must travel away from his or her desk, the wireless phones enable them to continue current conversations anywhere within a wireless coverage area created by cell stations throughout a premise location. Therefore, regardless where users go throughout the premise coverage area, they stay connected as the wireless connection seamlessly moves with them from cell station to cell station.
The KX-TDE100 and 200 converged IP-PBX systems are available through Panasonic TDE trained and certified dealers only. For more information contact Key Communications.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Panasonic Receives 2011 Internet Telephony Product of the Year Award
New Panasonic KX-UT670 Smart Desk Phone Recognized for Innovation
Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, the leader in small business phone systems*, announced today that TMC, a global, integrated media company, has named Panasonic’s KX-UT670 Smart Desk SIP phone as a recipient of the 2011 INTERNET TELEPHONY Product of the Year Award.
“We are honored to receive the 2011 Internet Telephony Product of the Year Award for the KX-UT670,” said Bill Savino, Marketing Manager for business communication solutions at Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. “This is Panasonic’s first SIP desk phone to be based on an open source-based operating system. The KX-UT670 allows for integrated solutions to be developed for business communications and operations which are flexible, reliable and cost-effective.”
The KX-UT670 is equipped with a large 7-inch LCD touchscreen, which allows for easy access to and control of phone features and installed applications. Through the use of the phone’s 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. Similarly, in the education field, school faculty or authorities can monitor potential emergency situations in classrooms from a secure area by viewing live video on the phone from Panasonic’s PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) network video cameras.
The KX-UT670’s Linux-based open source operating system is programmable, allowing for a company to utilize a variety of business-friendly smart phone applications or design new ones which are specific to their needs for business, facility and communication management. In the healthcare field for example, a user can develop applications to enhance business such as nurse call systems. In the hospitality industry room service can be simplified by enabling a guest to use the touchscreen to order. Additionally, applications can be developed for office facility control, allowing a user the ability to regulate temperature, open or close blinds and unlock doors remotely.
“I am happy to grant Panasonic a Product of the Year Award. The editors of INTERNET TELEPHONY have verified that KX-UT670 SIP Phone displays quality and innovation plus provides real solutions in the marketplace,” stated Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. “I would like to congratulate the entire team at Panasonic for their commitment to advancing IP communication technologies.”
2011 Product of the Year winners are published in the January/February 2012 issue of INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine. INTERNET TELEPHONY has been the authority in IP communication since 1998.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
NEW Panasonic SIP Phones!
The Panasonic SIP Phone UT Series
The new UT Series combines state-of-the-art telephony architecture with business-friendly features. Choose from entry-level models with large, clear LCDs and conferencing capability to executive desk terminals with 6-line displays and wireless headset compatibility. Designed to yield low total cost of ownership, UT Series phones are PoE enabled and include extra data ports so there’s less wiring expense. An energy-saving Eco Mode feature lets you reduce power consumption while a powerful two-year limited warranty protects your investment well into the life of the phone.
KXUT113/KXUT123:
The KXUT113 and KXUT123 are the basic SIP phones, they both feature a 3-line LCD display, 28 keys, and PoE sopport. The KXUT113 differs by having one LAN port (the KXUT123 has two LAN ports), and the KXUT113 does not have a backlit LCD screen.
KXUT133:
The KXUT133 is the standard SIP phone, it features a 3-line backlit LCD display, 52 keys with 24 programmable keys, two LAN ports and PoE support.
KXUT136:
The KXUT136 is the standard SIP phone, it features a 6-line backlit LCD display, 52 keys with 24 programmable keys, two LAN ports and PoE support.
Contact Key Communications today for more information on these incredible SIP phones from Panasonic and how they can work for you!
The new UT Series combines state-of-the-art telephony architecture with business-friendly features. Choose from entry-level models with large, clear LCDs and conferencing capability to executive desk terminals with 6-line displays and wireless headset compatibility. Designed to yield low total cost of ownership, UT Series phones are PoE enabled and include extra data ports so there’s less wiring expense. An energy-saving Eco Mode feature lets you reduce power consumption while a powerful two-year limited warranty protects your investment well into the life of the phone.
KXUT113/KXUT123:
KXUT133:
KXUT136:
Contact Key Communications today for more information on these incredible SIP phones from Panasonic and how they can work for you!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
FairPoint comes closer to getting retail regulatory relief in N.H.
FairPoint and rival Comcast's dream of having a less restrictive regulatory structure in New Hampshire is nearing reality, as Senate Bill 48 (SB 48) passed the state Senate. However, it now has pass muster with the state's House of Representatives.
If SB 48 does not get approved, the House has proposed another bill that would enable the telco to get alternative regulation, something that has been proposed in Vermont. The Vermont PUC devised a four-year regulatory plan approved by the Vermont PUC allows the telco to offer competitive pricing while maintaining pricing on basic PSTN service.
SB 48 and the "deregulation light" option are both being evaluated by the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee, which is led by chairman Rep. James Garrity, R-Atkinson.
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