EasyT1 Blog - Part 2

Internet T1 and Internet T3 lines

Frequently implemented in some of today’s most successful businesses, Internet T1 and Internet T3 lines are high-speed connections made of either fiber optic or copper cables. Typically employed to provide broadband Internet access, T1 and T3 lines can also be used for telephone purposes. Because Internet T1 and Internet T3 lines offer a reliable, “always on” connection that is capable of transmitting large quantities of data day-in and day-out, they are frequently implemented by businesses of all types and sizes.

When it comes to speed, Internet T1 lines operate at speeds of 1.5Mb per second, and can accommodate as many as 24 users working at 64Kb per second, making them popular among small and medium sized businesses. Internet T3 lines operate at speeds of approximately 45Mb per second, making them the ideal solution for larger enterprises, businesses with a large number of users, or those that require a high amount of bandwidth for their daily operations. In addition, Internet T3 lines provide an adequate amount of bandwidth to host multiple high-traffic/high-volume websites.

Currently, Internet T1 and Internet T3 broadband connections are among the most widespread ways that businesses connect their Local Area Network to the rest of the world.

While they might not best the most economical solutions for the majority of start-up or home offices, Internet T1 and Internet T3 connections allow businesses to surf the web at lightning-fast speeds and deploy mission-critical applications (such as audio conferencing or web conferencing) while still being able to talk on the phone simultaneously. Moreover, depending on the connection speed you select, a number of users can download files at exceedingly high speeds without fear, because T1 and T3 connections are not only reliable, but also offer increased security.

Due to the fact that Internet T1 and Internet T3 lines are premium services, their prices can be a bit costly – and are typically are more expensive than DSL or cable – which is why they are generally employed by well established businesses. However, T line connections provide exceptionally reliable, high-quality, cutting-edge communications services. Furthermore, with the high bandwidth capabilities your receive by employing an Internet T1 or Internet T3 connection you can dramatically enhance your business’s productivity levels, which leads to an increase in revenue.

Are you interested in learning more about Internet T1 or Internet T3 services? Give one of our professional account managers a call today!

Tags: Internet T1, Internet T3
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How VoIP Can Benefit Small Businesses

When it comes down to it, in order to generate more interest in your business’s products and/or services and drive up your productivity levels, you should aim to project the most professional and successful image possible. However, when you run a small or start-up corporation this task can often seem difficult if not unattainable. Thankfully, today’s technological advancements provide numerous opportunities to let even the smallest, most infantile companies compete with the big dogs.

For example, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone services run your calls via the Internet as opposed to a traditional telephone provider. While a VoIP system may seem like intimidating ultramodern technology, rest assured it is extremely practical and quite possibly one of the most simple voice systems you have/will ever employ.

One question that is often asked is how can VoIP be utilized in start-up or small business settings?

The key is to understand that VoIP is an entire system of phone use. One of the ways to realize how much you can save by employing a VoIP service as well as the implications it can have on the way you conduct business is to first think of the ways in which you currently use telephones in your day-to-day business activities.

When it comes to start-up businesses, VoIP can be used in multiple ways, such as installing a toll-free telephone number for your clients to call. VoIP systems can also be used to efficiently direct workflow by utilizing it to manage an operating system via a computer that permits callers to hear a menu when they dial your number.

In addition, VoIP services offer a number of options and features, depending upon the provider you select, and include:

An unlimited number of minutes for a flat rate
Automated voice system with forwarding capabilities to direct calls to specific extensions and phones – even cell phones
Toll-free phone numbers that forward to an automated messaging system

The bottom line is that any size business can benefit from the cost-efficiency and enhanced productivity levels that a VoIP service provides. If you are interested in or are considering employing a VoIP solution for your business, give one of our professional account managers a call today. Thanks to our strategic partnership with the leading providers of VoIP services we have the unique ability to find you the ideal solution at the best available price.

Tags: VOIP Services
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Top 5 Reasons SMBs Neglect To Back Up Their Data

According to a survey conducted by Symantec, 57% of SMBs choose to roll the dice with their data and do not have a disaster recovery plan. A number of related studies also came back with similar results – back in July Carbonite conducted a poll that found over 50% of SMBs have experienced unrecoverable data loss.

Despite the fact that there are more back-up and recovery options today than ever before, the majority of SMBs still choose not to back up their data. Here are the most common reasons why:

We can’t afford it – SMBs do not have the same amount of capital as large enterprises to push around, so making the most out of every dollar you spend is crucial. However, having to deal with a crippling IT disaster can be even worse if it cannot be corrected and have you back up and running promptly. While large back-up, data and storage expenses can be burdensome, some cloud vendors provide unlimited data plans. Also, increasing competition among storage and back-up providers continue to drive prices down to a more reasonable level.
We do not want to be in the cloud – some SMBs prefer to keep their data in-house as they don’t yet trust the cloud. While that is completely fine, it is no excuse since there are numerous dependable on-premise alternatives. If you do decide to go with an on-premise back-up solution, be aware that in order to be well protected you should keep a duplicate copy of your data in a separate location apart from your primary infrastructure.
It makes my computers run too slow – this is a common complaint of older, out-dated back-up and antivirus software. Thankfully, with modern back-up technology this is no longer the case; in some instances you can even set detailed specifications for when and how your system resources are utilized throughout the sync or back-up process.
We have no IT department – not to worry! The majority of online back-up platforms are extremely user-friendly and do not require a great deal of technical proficiency. While some on-premise solutions can be a bit complex, providers are continuously improving their ease-of-use to appeal to SMBs.
It’s not going to happen to me, and if it does, I’ll use a data recovery service – be aware that denial will not get you anywhere. While a data recovery service can sometimes work in a pinch, they take time, do not offer a guarantee, and cannot help in the event of a theft or other complete loss. It is much better to use a data recovery service as a last resort than your go-to plan.

As with the case of most SMBs, owners and employees are often busy filling numerous roles to help the business grow and increase production. If this sounds like you, there are multiple solutions that provide continuous, routine syncing and back-up.

For example, AT&T’s Remote Vault Service is a cost-efficient, maintenance-free, hosted online back-up solution that stores your data in a secure data center that is protected by layered network security. In conjunction with your Internet connection, the AT&T Remote Vault Service can back-up and/or recover data from laptops, PCs and servers any time, anywhere. And once the initial back-up is completed for a particular device, back-ups and point-in-time snapshots take place with minimal impact on network and system performance – every day.

XO Communications also offers cloud and managed back-up services. XO Managed Back-up automates the process of protecting, backing up, recovering and restoring crucial data, making safeguarding one of your business’s most valuable resources easy. With XO Managed Back-up, missing or lost directories, email boxes, attachments and files can be restored with the click of a mouse 24/7.

XO’s Cloud Back-up is a reliable online back-up disaster recovery solution that provides end-to-end protection, 24/7 support, centralized management, a safe, dependable, and certified data protection infrastructure, and automated data protection and easy deployment.

Now, with more methods than ever (both web and on-premise-based) you no longer need to take the risk of losing mission-critical data forever. Interested in finding the ideal data back-up solution for your business? Give one of our professional account managers a call today to find out more!

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Slash IT Costs by Employing Managed Services

According to a “Trends in Managed Services” study that was published recently by the nonprofit association, CompTIA, out of the businesses that implement managed services, almost half have reduced their yearly IT expenses by 25% or more. The study, which was conducted in June of this year, also noted that nearly 15% of companies utilizing managed services have seen their IT expenditures significantly reduced by 50% or more!

CompTIA’s industry analysis director, Carolyn April, said that the results of the study show that even when employed on a minimal level, managed services offer dramatic expense savings, and free up capital that can be put toward other business requirements. April also noted that the savings are achieved without effecting the dependability or accessibility of the current solutions the company depends on to conduct business.

Another promising point that was made in the study was that just about 90% of today’s managed service customers are either very or mostly pleased with their experience. Some of the factors that contributed to the satisfaction levels were the ability to quickly and easily add additional services, a protected environment, suitable contract terms as well as uptime and performance. Another important contributor is quality communication amid the managed service provider and customer.

Among the businesses that are very satisfied with their managed services, 75% state that their managed service provider offers recurring activity reports that note all of the steps taken with their IT environment, such as keeping a record of any issues that were prevented to keep the services running properly. April noted that, “This shows return on investment and fuels accountability, which builds loyalty and raises satisfaction among customers,” and that from the provider’s point of view, the activity reports keep customers engaged despite the fact they are not managing their own IT, and that they also offer the chance to make suggestions on additional services to employ in order to keep up with business development.

In addition to cost savings (the top deciding factor in switching to managed services) over 50% of survey participants stated that another key incentive for contracting with a managed service provider is to give their in-house IT team more time to work on mission-critical assignments, or profit- making activities.

Have you thought about making the switch to managed services? If you are interested in finding an affordable, quality managed solution for your business, give one of our professional account managers a call today and let us help you find the ideal solution for you!

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SMBs Prepping for Sizeable Communications Investments

According to a study conducted by the growth-focused consulting firm, Inzenka, small and medium-sized business adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol has risen almost 60% since 2009. The study, (which was sponsored by Cablevision, Cisco Systems Inc., and Metaswitch Networks) consisted of 700 U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses and found that over 65% of companies with between 20 and 100 staff members plan to switch to Voice over IP in the next two years.

Overall, just over one-quarter of businesses in Inzenka’s survey reported switching from a TDM phone system to Voice over IP – a small number when compared to large business adoption rates. Companies with over 500 staff members had reported an adoption rate of 43%; those with 51 to 499 staff members had a rate of 30%, and those with 49 or fewer employees had a Voice over IP adoption rate of roughly 20%.

When it comes to cloud-based services, Inzenka found that adoption rates are nearly 70% higher among those who employ Voice over IP, and over 33% of the companies in the study stated that they would rather purchase these services from the same provider that sells them Voice over IP.

The consulting firm’s lead growth and innovation management consultant, Dan Sachar, said that “The SMB market has achieved liftoff,” and that since the lull throughout the economic downturn, all signs are pointing toward small and medium-sized businesses “preparing to make a significant investment in their communications infrastructure.”

The United States Census Bureau states that there are more than 2 million companies nationwide with 100 or fewer staff members that employ over 40 million people – and this number is growing. If you add in data collected from Inzenka, there are just about 1.2 million companies with almost 20 million staff members that are looking to adopt Voice over IP by 2013.

If you are thinking of employing Voice over UP for your business, you should note that of those who have already made the switch:

93% report the quality of calls as good or improved
90% report the changeover to VoIP as easy or easier
76% report getting an enhanced set of features with VoIP
73% report that VoIP is easier to manage

Looking for the ideal Voice over IP solution for your business? Contact one of our professional account managers to learn more about what we can offer you today!

Tags: voice and voice over IP
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Level 3 Communications’ New Enterprise Wide Area Networking Solution

Level 3 Communications, a leading international provider of fiber-based communications services that is now in the process of acquiring IP solutions provider Global Crossing, now offers a new Wide Area Networking solution that provides an ample approach to business networking requirements. Its most recent WAN solution includes a portfolio of the provider’s cutting edge services in order to improve a business’s ability to enhance the performance of key enterprise applications.

Level 3 Communications is extending its professional services portfolio in addition to packaging services like managed and Ethernet services, MPLS VPN, and Dedicated Internet Access to support the needs of businesses behind the on-premise equipment – be it staff expansion, network design, or on-premise project management.

Gartner, Inc.’s Communications and Network Services research director, Robert F. Mason, stated that “Providers need to step up their focus on managed and professional services, because simplification and standardization are crucial components of succeeding in today’s rapidly interconnected, global marketplace.” Mason went on to say that for a business to stay competitive, it must put emphasis on services that enhance productivity and make the best of application performance across its lines of business.

With the growing number of companies adopting virtualization, cloud and mobility applications, Level 3 says that many businesses are finding themselves besieged by multifaceted networks that require inclusive solutions that are able to give priority, increase the speed, and improve the performance of key applications.

Level 3 Communications’ latest Wide Area Network solution incorporates a number of components that provide an integrated approach to deciphering complicated network management. Included in the package is the provider’s full portfolio of data services, firewalls that are network-based to accelerate cloud application access, fluctuating managed services levels for customer equipment, Wide Area Network optimization that permits greater application performance visibility, and enhanced Wide Area Network design and assessment that contains professional services. Innovative access options for Ethernet with cable partners and CLECs broaden Level 3 Communications’ scope to aid businesses in upholding end-to-end Service Level Agreements while lowering their total costs.

If you are interested in learning more about Level 3 Communications’ services or Wide Area Networking solutions in general, give one of our professional account managers a call today! We partner with the leading providers of business telecommunications services in order to bring you the ideal solution for your company’s unique needs – at the best available price.

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TW Telecom Builds Its Own Fiber Network

Recently, Frost & Sullivan designated tw telecom as the third largest provider of Ethernet services, following behind AT&T and Verizon. The recognition solidifies the fact that the provider’s decision to build out its own fiber network in order – a key differentiator for the company – to meet clients of medium and large businesses was the right one.

The provider’s fiber push was not established on a ‘build it and they will come’ state of mind, but rather a success-based approach to investment. As tw telecom sells more services, it reinvests more capital to fund extending fiber into other buildings and long-haul fiber builds.

Today, tw telecom currently controls 14,000 fiber-lit buildings; the number represents an increase of almost 60% in the first half of 2011 when compared to the same time last year.

In addition to the fiber push, tw telecom permits customers to create hybrid network services that are able to use Ethernet as a method of accessing MPLS VPN services on top of offering application-conscious networking services to its Ethernet customers. These abilities provide an advantage to tw telecom over other service providers when serving larger companies that do not have those capabilities.

In addition to Frost & Sullivan, Vertical Systems Group has also placed tw telecom third on its U.S. Ethernet Leader-board (issued quarterly) for the past 4 years. The research group’s founder and Principal, Rosemary Cochran, noted that in regards to gaining Ethernet growth, the key “is all about having that last mile access” into metro and large city buildings.

Since tw telecom is building out its own fiber network, it gains greater control over its connection quality and service offerings, as opposed to other providers that must rely on additional providers entirely in order to reach customers. In regards to businesses with multi-site needs that might be out of area, tw telecom expanded its fiber network with off-net connections via instituting External Network-to-Network Interconnection arrangements with supplementary service provider partners. A dual strategy of direct sales and indirect sales through channel partners tie together all of the fiber-based Ethernet services.

When it comes down to it, the ones that have control over their own Ethernet services market destiny are those (like tw telecom) that possess the coveted last mile access.

If you are interested in finding the ideal Ethernet solution for your business, give one of our professional account managers a call today!

Tags: TW Telecom
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Level 3 – Global Crossing Merger Is A Done Deal

On Tuesday, Bloomfield, Colorado-based Level 3 Communications completed its purchase of Global Crossing in a $3 billion transaction that boosted its position as a worldwide telecommunications carrier. Level 3 provides services to a wide array of customers, including government agencies, large enterprises, and other telecom providers.

The merger united what were once two of the world’s largest fiber-based providers of telecom solutions, creating a single enterprise with network ownership in over 50 countries and connections to over 70 countries.

Level 3 disclosed its strategy to shift the listing of its common stock to the NYSE and employ a 1 for 15 reverse stock division of its common stock, which is expected to become effective subsequent to the close of trading on October 19^th of this year. Until the transfer is complete, Level 3 Communication shares will carry on trading on the NASDAQ GSM.

According to the terms and conditions of the merger, Global Crossing shareholders will receive 16 shares of Level 3 common stock for every share of Global Crossing common or preferred stock that is possessed at closing. Under the deal the provider will distribute roughly 1.3 billion shares, and will redeem and discharge over $1.3 billion of Global Crossing’s remaining consolidated debt.

Level 3 Communications’ CEO, James Q. Crowe believes that the quickly developing telecom market denotes a remarkable opportunity for the provider, and that it is in the right position to capitalize on it. Crowe stated that Level 3 Communications is now a worldwide, high-tech and cutting-edge telecommunications corporation “that is substantially bigger and financially stronger, with an unrivaled IP/optical network and global reach, and an entrepreneurial culture singularly focused on the customer experience.”

The provider intends to conduct its international business with the Level 3 Communications title, but using a new brand identity. It will also operate via geographically organized enterprise units in Africa, Europe, Latin and North America and the Middle East, with each unit managed by a single leader that will be accountable for marketing, operations and sales for that region. Level 3 has announced it will remain based in Bloomfield, CO, and that North America will be the centralized location for corporate functions in addition to supporting the company worldwide.

Level 3’s executive VP and CFO, Sunit Patel, noted that immediately upon closing, the company will have “an improved balance sheet and credit profile,” and that will continue to improve as Level 3 reaches the projected “synergy benefits.”

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The Future of the Mobile Workforce and Technology

Today’s technology is ever-evolving. What was once cutting-edge only a year ago has now quickly become obsolete. If technology continues to develop at such high speeds, where will we be 10 years from now?

In a recent blog post written on the Government Computer News website by Force 3’s VP of technology and innovation, Chris Knotts, he outlines the 10 major ways he believes technology will change within the next decade. While some of his points are valid, a few seem to be a bit too far-reaching to truly be plausible. For example, Knotts speaks of tablets replacing laptop and desktop PCs – a conceivable idea – however the thought of a smartphone “that expands to a 20-, 30- or 50-inch screen” is not. It’s difficult to fathom a tiny smartphone (powerful as they may be) being able to morph itself into a 50 inch screen with the same quality, functionality, and speed as a tablet or computer made for exactly that purpose.

The same holds true for his thoughts on Bluetooth technology. There will almost certainly be an improved version, but the idea of “embedded audio in or on our ears (or somewhere else on our body)” seems far too science-fiction to be true. It is, nevertheless, an interesting idea.

The last idea that appeared too far-reaching was Knotts belief that by 2021 all businesses will move completely into the cloud, eliminating the need to store anything locally. Knotts explains, “in other words, you will have a hard drive, but it won’t be part of your computer.” Moreover, Knotts says that “boxed software” will cease to exist, and that “all software will transition to a service-based approach.” This might very well be a possibility for SMBs and/or start-up companies (who can take advantage of these services today), but large corporations and those that deal with sensitive material will likely stick to on-premise solutions for a variety of reasons; the biggest one being security.

On the other hand, some of Knotts points leave me excited for what’s yet to come. The eradication of all network connections or hot spots in exchange for 24/7 online connectivity is music to any mobile workers ears. As is the idea that text messaging will still be around in 2021. It’s quick, effective, and so easy to understand that even my technologically-impaired mom knows how to send or receive one. The old saying, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ comes to mind.

But perhaps the most exciting idea mentioned in Knotts blog article is the idea of 3-D video becoming the norm. Forget flying cars, (although, I am still hoping to get one sooner or later) imagine conducting a conference via 3-D video. Even though it will require mobile workers to wear something other than their pajamas to the meeting, it’s almost as if you can teleport yourself to anywhere in the world – and it doesn’t get any more futuristic than that!

What do you think is on the developing technology landscape? What would you like to see available in the next 10 years?

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Secure Your SIP with MPLS

Session initiation protocol, also known as SIP, is employed within an IP network for establishing sessions that can be as basic as a phone call or more complex, such as a collaborative multimedia conference. Typically deployed over SIP trunking or dedicated Internet access, experts are looking at SIP over multiprotocol label switching as an alternative way to offer even more benefits.

Multiprotocol label switching, or MPLS, carries all protocols through a Wide Area Network (WAN) using labels to define both its class of service and its destination. In addition, MPLS also generates a VPN for your traffic within the carrier cloud.

Over MPLS, SIP still provides convergence capabilities and cost savings, but also offers enhanced call quality with less jitter, low latency, improved end-to-end quality of service and capacity control. Moreover, because MPLS circumvents your exposure to the public Internet, SIP over MPLS provides increased security, management, reliability and performance than the alternatives. Level 3 Communications’ director of product management, Chris Connor added that, “Typically the SLAs and performance characteristics of those voice/video queues within carrier MPLS networks are a lot better, so you are going to get much better performance for voice services than you would over a best-efforts public Internet service.”

For companies with multiple branches – particularly those with 15 or more – employing SIP over MPLS can provide even more cost savings due to centralized SIP trunking. Other candidates that could benefit from SIP over MPLS include:

Those who require high availability services
Those with sensitive traffic that calls for a private and secure WAN
Those who utilize high-bandwidth conferencing services, such as web conferencing
Those with footprints that cross Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier territories that would benefit from centralized management

Centralized SIP trunking routes any Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) traffic through a central site over WAN links (i.e. MPLS), allows you to share voice calling capacity throughout your entire enterprise, and eliminates your local voice trunks and phone systems as well as the expenses of long distance calls between network sites.

US Signal’s director of sales engineering, Jim Schmidt, added that with SIP over MPLS, you decide the size of your line as well as what goes across them. “So in contrast to an Internet circuit where you may get a denial-of-service attack that could adversely impact your voice traffic, on an MPLS network, that’s not going to happen.”

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