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

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.

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.