Hosted VoIP - ShoreTel Sky 

ShoreTel Sky is the hosted voice over IP phone system available through ShoreTel and is designed for business use only. The service provides a low cost flat monthly service rate with unlimited calling nationwide all through an existing high bandwidth connection.    

As part of the service you can have ShoreTel Sky provide the handsets for you eliminating any up front expense of buying hardware. In addition to no hardware costs, the other major benefit is that the management and deployment of the phone system is simple. The phones come pre-configured based upon your specifications and all they need is any broadband connectivity to work.  

Organizations will find the metrics and reporting helpful in determining how to better use communications within their organization. ShoreTel Sky comes pre-built with call tracking metrics including average length of call, number of total inbound and outbound calls and more.  

For companies that have been thinking about adding instant messaging into their internal communications platform, it's already included with ShoreTel Sky. Most organizations also have employees that are mobile. ShoreTel Sky was designed with mobile in mind and has advanced mobility features built in. The unlimited nationwide calling provides consistent, predictable billing no matter the level of  calling activity within the United States. ShoreTel Sky also provides all initial and on going training and support at no additional cost above the monthly recurring service fee.  

App of the Month: Top 50 Free Apps (That We are Thankful For) 

Here are the Top 10 from LifeHacker, see the rest by clicking here.

1. Dropbox

   

2. Google Chrome 
3. Firefox
4. Evernote 
5. Pocket
6. Skype
7. Google Maps
8. Gmail 
9. Google Voice
10. Instagram  

Send your favorite free app to checkwiththetech@ciosolutions.com and it may find its way into our newsletter!

Employee Spotlight: Hugh Hollis, vCIO  

Full name:  Hugh Hollis ('Hollis' to my close friends)  

Family Info: Wife Crystal (married 21 years) and son Dimitri   

Where did you grow up: In the Triangle...Bermuda (Triangle) 

When did you move to Santa Barbara: Summer of 2000 

What you like best about Santa Barbara:  Small town feel - just like back home 

When did you start working at CIO: October 2013 

What you like best about working at CIO: The people and their dedication 

Dreams/aspirations: To be successful at whatever I do...To make a difference 

What would you do if you won the lottery: What I won't do...it try and and keep up with the Joneses! Probably share a little...

Favorite color:  Blue

Favorite food: Fish - especially the type that comes out of the Atlantic 

Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird - it was required reading in High School

Motto:  "It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped" 

Anything else that is interesting about yourself:  Love to be around family and friends. I am a Soccer fanatic. I talk with an accent which usually gets people thinking...