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The Communicator

 

Volume 11, Issue 6 

    

In This Issue
Product Spotlight
Thank You
What is Unified Communications?
Barb's Help Desk
Caleb's Cellular Corner
RAM Referral Program

Quick Links

 

Insurance Resource Consultants Testimonial for RAM Communications Inc
Insurance Resource Consultants Testimonial for RAM Communications Inc
         
Link to RAM Mailing List
Product Spotlight 
 
spotlight on phone




Happy Summer! Hope all is well with you.

I find the summer months are a good time to catch up on business practices and review our business performance for the year. Perhaps you do as well.

We are very busy developing new products and service improvements and we look forward to bringing these to your business soon.

It's been a very good year so far for RAM Communications and we thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Please take a few moments and read on. Barb's article is especially timely if your business is considering an office expansion or relocation. Planning properly will save you time, money and aggravation.

Best Regards,

Rob McCoy

RAM Communications Inc

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View our profile on LinkedIn          View our videos on YouTube          Visit our blog

 

Thank You!


RAM Communications would like to thank the following clients for their continued business:

 

Mather Lifeways

American Freight Solutions

Arlington Heights Park District

Kusper & Raucci 

 

 

We would also like to thank the following clients for their recent referrals:

 

 Insurance Resource Consultants 

 

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What's Unified Communications?
How can UC help my business? 


If you read business journals or receive business news alerts online you have probably come across the term, Unified Communications. What does it mean? Is it a passing fad?
Can UC really help your business?

Defining Unified Communications

For discussion purposes let's shorten Unified Communications to UC. Now, what is UC? Let's approach it this way: look around at all the devices you have at your disposal. These may include a smart phone, a tablet device, desk phone, skype account (for video), email, Instant Messaging on both your desktop and mobile devices. Don't forget your fax machine and e-fax accounts! There's no doubt, you have a lot of hardware at your finger tips. Each one has over-lapping capabilities with the other one. And, we're only talking about what you may use. Take a look at your staff. Some of them may only have a simple cell phone and desk phone but others may be carrying quite a few devices.

The concept behind UC is twofold: consolidate devices and, in doing so, try to streamline communication with your customers and vendors.

How practical is this? How can UC save your business money or even make you a few dollars in the process? We can't answer every scenario in one article. So, we're giving you a starting point for researching UC further at your own pace and discretion.
Here are some scenarios to give you a better understanding.


Unifying Your Business Phone System

Many businesses have sales reps who need to travel. They need mobile tools to connect with the office, customers and prospects. However, with an updated UC solution, you can simplify communications with your sales staff, clients and customer service.

Many IP-based phone systems provide the ability for clients to call one phone number, reach a rep's 'desk' and track down the rep in the office or on the road. There's no need to hang up and call a separate cell phone number anymore. The phone system will transfer the customer call to the rep anywhere in the world without incurring toll charges. This saves clients time, simplifies communication and provides consistency. This solution also helps with company turnover. If a rep leaves, customers continue calling the same corporate number and the caller is automatically redirected to another rep. It's easy to do and saves you time and preserves business with your client.

Unifying the Office with Your Mobile Device

If you don't use a smart phone or tablet today, go find someone in your office who does. There are thousands of free and very inexpensive business applications being downloaded and used on these devices everyday. You can send images of faxes, work documents and even meeting presentations between desktops and mobile staff easily and efficiently. This doesn't require extra equipment or special training. You just need to be aware of the tools available for you and your staff.

The future of UC and Your Traditional Office Equipment

Many traditional systems, office phones, copiers, faxes and even traditional computers are subject to change this decade. UM technology, the web and other factors are contributing to foundational changes in the way we do business.

Internet Protocol or IP, is becoming the dominant platform for data transmission. Many hardware-based tools will be replaced by software applications that can run on mobile devices. Those devices are connecting to local, national and international networks via IP technologies. Voice, video and business applications can all run efficiently on a single device and service.

Next Steps?

As always, RAM is happy to be a resource for you. We can introduce you to trusted vendors and partners and  plan a practical, no-nonsense approach that helps your business utilize and benefit from Unified Communications today.

 As always, please contact RAM if you have any questions or if you need further assistance. 

RAM Communications Inc.
847-358-0917
rob@ramcomminc.com




Help Desk Tips from Barb  
Barb

Is Your Business Relocating?
Check in with Building Management!

 

  

 

Is your business relocating? If so, and you're moving into a single tenant or multi-tenant property be sure to involve building management and your phone vendors for these questions . . .

 

Where are the Phone Facilities in the building?

 

You need to be concerned about two locations. The central nerve center for phone and Internet services is called the
building demarc. Building management needs to tell you exactly where it's located. The second location you need to find is in your office suite. It's known as the remote demarc. This is the area in your office where the phone and internet services come in from the building demarc.

 

The location and condition of these service points can impact how much money you may pay to bring in service.

 

 

Building Demarc Picture (outside wall, retail center):

 

building demarc

Remote demarc (inside office suite, IT room):
remote demarc

 

Does the demarc provide enough service for my office?

  

In other words, are there enough wires to handle all my Voice and Internet needs? This is the question you will need to ask your phone vendor. Better yet, make sure your phone vendor surveys your site well in advance of your move date -at least 6 weeks. In fact, make this one of your top priorities before you sign a lease! Your phone vendor will be able to tell you how much work and cost will be required to bring service into your office. The answers may help you reconsider and find another location.

 

Now that I know what the costs are for service delivery, do I have enough time to activate service by my move date?

 

Most phone service relocations require 90-120 days depending on the site and types of services involved. When you prepare a move be sure to hire a vendor who has a proven track record for project management. Your professional should provide a time line for managing all the installation vendors and milestones.

Like any complex project, you will want to have an expert carefully managing the process so you can work on other parts of your business. The money you spend on qualified professionals will help you avoid costly surprises on Moving Day.

    

Call RAM anytime for more information! 

  

Regards,

 

Barbara Yurisich

Help Desk Manager

847-358-0917 x201

barb@ramcomminc.com    

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CAL
CALEB'S CORNER  

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Tablets, Tablets, Tablets . . . 


 


Are you or your staff currently considering tablets for the office? If so, AT&T is currently running a promotion for tablet purchases.

The following tablets are selling for $100.00 off on a 2-year contract commitment: 
  • Asus
  • Apple
  • Samsung (Android)  
Touch base with me today and I'll be happy to guide you through all the different equipment and service choices. There are many and I'll be sure to simplify the process for you as much as possible. We can even have product drop-shipped to your office. 

   

You will really appreciate the time and concern we invest in your product. We can also incorporate your new device on an existing AT&T account for savings and convenience.

 

Call Caleb today at 708-352-7023
or email at csundvall@enetworkgroup.com


RAM Referral Program

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Referral Program 2013

Ram Communications wants to show our appreciation for your quality referrals.  We will send you a $25 restaurant.com certificate for every qualified referral that schedules an appointment.  If they then become a client within six months of that appointment, we will donate $100 to the charity of your choice.

Our business contacts give referrals because we have earned their trust and they appreciate the value we can offer someone else.  Contact us to learn how to spot our ideal client.

LInda McWhirt
Marketing Dept.
847.358.0917 x205
linda@ramcomminc.com  

 

RAM Communications Inc. Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved.