TeleConsult Solutions

We're just a call away: 877.835.2266

Five Guidelines for Choosing a Unified Communications Provider

by

Unified CommunicationsAfter careful consideration, your organization has decided to implement unified communications. You’re anticipating cost savings, improved collaboration capabilities, and clearer voice quality, but there’s still a major hurdle to overcome.

Choosing the wrong unified communications provider can result in your whole project tanking. Use these guidelines to select a provider that will partner with you for a successful transition to your new communications solution:

Determine whether call media is kept local, and whether they own their SBCs.These two items are important, because if the routing connections (session border controllers, or SBCs) between your location and your vendor’s are not local, your calls could bounce around the country or the globe, severely impacting call quality. Keeping all call media local also prevents the loss of data and toll fraud.

Find out if they are a facilities-based vendor or a reseller. You may not realize that your provider is a reseller until a team with an unfamiliar company name shows up to do your installation. Using a facilities-based vendor is better for a variety of reasons, but security and reliability top the list.

Take a look at their track record. You need to know whether they are a reliable provider with a history of successful transitions and excellent ratings for ongoing customer service. Ask whether they’ve handled projects similar in size and scope to yours, and ask for references.

Find out if their platform is proprietary or if it’s open-source and public. You may save money by signing with a provider that uses an open-source, public platform, but you’ll likely pay for it in the long run. The platform may require more technical training on your end, and you may be vulnerable to malicious attacks in an open-source, public environment.

Investigate their customer service approach. Everyone’s passionate about customer service when they’re trying to sell you a unified communications system, but you need to know if it’s truly a supportive system. Will they dig in to discover the issue that’s causing you difficulty, or do they take a cookie cutter approach to solving problems?

When it’s time to hire a unified communications provider, our specialists at TeleConsult will help you select the solution that best serves your organization. Whether you’re in the initial stages of considering unified communications or you’re ready to select a provider, talk with us first about your choice.

Factors to Consider Before Making a Move to the Cloud

by

CloudThe push to move to cloud technologies is heating up, with more executives hoping to capture cost savings as well as a competitive edge related to the end user experience. Executives know that the cloud delivers personalized, intuitive experiences for the customer, and they are anxious to put digital transformation in process.

Before you jump to purchase a cloud software subscription or migrate a legacy system to the cloud, however, there are a few steps you should take in order to gain a full understanding of the impact of a switch. Many companies have miscalculated the true cost of cloud operations in a rush to improve efficiency, customer experience, agility, and other perks the cloud offers. Before you embark on a cloud migration, take time for these three steps to understand all the potential risks and challenges:

Get down to the details with migration planning: Sure, you’ll enjoy a host of benefits with a cloud solution, but you need to know the full range of risks, costs, and challenges that you’ll experience with a switch to cloud, too. Complete a detailed cost of ownership analysis, create a list of requirements for security and performance, and determine how the cloud solution will integrate with your other technology.

You should also have a good understanding of the effort required to complete the transition. Compiling a full set of information related to the risks and challenges will help you make an informed decision about your cloud investment.

Create a repeatable migration plan: As you work through your decision to migrate to the cloud, document a best-practices scenario that can be duplicated for each cloud adoption. Determine what factors need to go into the decision and who will be involved in that decision, and make a complete record of each step, finishing with measuring the success of the transition.

Partner with line of business managers: Engaging the support of stakeholders in a cloud transition is essential. Your line of business managers will often be the ones pushing for a particular cloud solution because they want to improve efficiency in their department or improve the experience for the end user. Develop collaborative relationships with these managers to ensure that cloud decisions are made with a shared investment in the outcome.

Deciding to implement a cloud solution can build cost-efficiency, flexibility, and increased productivity into your organization. Talk with TeleConsult to learn more about how you can make an informed cloud decision. We’ll partner with you to ensure you realize all the benefits you’ve been hoping to capture with cloud technology.

Addressing Cloud Security Myths

by

Cloud, SecurityAs public cloud use becomes more widespread, companies must address certain questions that surface with implementation. Security is often part of the discussion, with IT professionals tasked with reassuring line of business managers about the safety of storing data in the cloud.

With any data storage — public or private cloud, on-site, or a hybrid solution — there are security risks to address. The novelty of cloud technology often makes it of particular concern to managers. They want to know that measures are being taken to ensure the safety of data. They also often embrace certain myths about security.

The “black or white” myth: While data stored in the public cloud is not inherently unsafe, it’s not impenetrable, either. One of the myths of public cloud data storage is double-sided, with some believing that it cannot possibly be safe and others believing that the cloud will not allow a security breach.

Neither statement is completely true. It’s important when accessing a cloud solution that you carefully assess security risks and address them with your vendor in writing. You should not only determine which party is responsible for each aspect of security, but also who takes responsibility for damages in the event of a breach.

Public cloud options are not safe by accident; instead, they are safe because enterprises and vendors work together to adopt robust security features which often outperform any security system used in an on-site system. 

The vulnerability myth: Don’t imagine that, because you have humans working on your systems, that you’ll always have some unsolvable vulnerability. It requires training and education, but you can help your staff support your security policies.

Passwords written on sticky notes adhered to a monitor and out-of-date firewalls are just two examples of the ways that casual administration of security policies can leave your system vulnerable. Shadow IT, or the unauthorized downloading of apps and other technology, can also create vulnerability.

Don’t throw up your hands and assume  your system can never be safe. With the right training, your employees can be some of your best security resources. Once they know what’s at risk, they can work alongside your IT professionals to ensure a safe public cloud environment for your company.

At TeleConsult, our cloud and IT services bring you the performance and reliability you need to realize growth. We specialize in helping companies move forward as the marketplace rapidly changes, and we do it by offering unparalleled performance, flexibility, and scalability. Contact us today to find out more.

What to Know About Safely Moving Your Data to the Cloud

by

CloudWhenever company data needs to be transferred from one place to another, a series of questions should be answered, particularly in cloud-based migrations.

First, ask yourself where your sensitive data is going. If it’s going to the cloud, can you rest assured that the cloud is going to continue to dominate for years to come? If the numbers related to cloud adoption keep growing, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.”

Interest in the Cloud Is Growing
Gartner has predicted that the worldwide public cloud industry will grow 18 percent this year. Furthermore, nearly 75 percent of tech CFOs are saying cloud computing will have the most measurable impact on their organization this year.

Many companies are utilizing a hybrid cloud platform, which is increasingly popular because it allows a company to keep data on-site, while less critical data can be moved off-site. However, in a recent RightScale survey, 32 percent of respondents said their IT departments weren’t able to manage increasing workloads in the cloud – and this is a trend that seems to be growing.

IoT Taking Over
The Internet of Things (IoT) is among the hottest technology trends happening today, and it’s also driving the adoption of cloud-based solutions.
Many companies still rely on their premise-based IT software and the tools that go with it, but a larger trend is for cloud-based applications to take over because they offer more functionality than legacy systems. This assists companies in improving performance and productivity.

Confronting Fear
There are enterprises that still have concerns regarding their data in the cloud despite all of its advantages. Some have fears regarding getting locked in with a vendor, worrying that it comes time to migrate data and the cost of that migration process is revealed, it will be too late to back out.

There is also a rising concern related to application security even though most enterprises trust the cloud infrastructure.

Getting Prepared for the Move
What can you do to protect your data as you move it to the cloud? First, you have to know your data – what’s important, what’s not, what you want to catalog, and what should remain behind.
You also need to know your options and which cloud type fits you best: private, public, hybrid, or community. Once you’ve made that decision, determine who is accountable for the data that is collected. Further, encrypting data is important, and you need to decide who controls access to your encryption keys.
Backing up your data is among the first lines of defense, so make sure you’ve done this before you even start considering cloud-based vendors for data storage. Make sure the data is backed up in a fault domain that is distinct from where it is stored in production.

At TeleConsult, we know some of our clients have been apprehensive about the cloud, but we’ve proven that there is nothing to fear. We know how to manage a data center and keep our clients’ data secure and always available. Talk to us about what you should do before you migrate to the cloud.

The Heavy Threat of Denial of Service Attacks

by

Denial of ServiceWhat you knew about cybersecurity a few months ago has likely changed. It’s an unfortunate state of affairs, but it is one that we have to be prepared for if we want our data and hardware to remain safe and secure. Lately, there has been a focus on denial of service, or DoS. Let’s go over the three main variations of DoS and see how your cybersecurity strategies are able to meet the security challenges many organizations face today.
The traditional DoS attack often refers to a situation where the server you’re trying to connect with is simply inaccessible, probably through a malicious traffic overload or some type of infected firmware being utilized by hackers. In the worst cases, the hacker will not block your access to your server, but will instead be in there digging for whatever information they can grab … and you might not even know they’re there.

A second variation of DoS requires an amended acronym – DDoS, which means distributed denial of service. In this situation, your server is attacked from a variety of locations, which means you’re probably not going to be able to figure out from precisely where the attack is occurring. This one takes advantage of the IoT devices and devices that have old firmware.

Finally, there is a permanent denial of service (PDoS) attack, which is often occurring at the firmware level, and you absolutely cannot regain control of your data. Unfortunately, these are becoming more and more common, and it’s devastating for a company that hasn’t backed up their data or updated their firmware.

So, the big question is – what can you do to protect yourself from a denial of service attack? First and foremost – think like a hacker and try to find your weak spots, and then take the necessary measures to beef up security in these areas.

 

·       Make sure your firmware is updated.

·       If you have devices that are still using default passwords, change them.

·       Strengthen your hardware.

·       Use AI to detect attacks and quickly respond.

·       Extend encryption to the component level.

 
While you’re doing all you can to shore up security on your end, also take the time to make sure your partners throughout the supply chain are doing what they need to do for extra protection. Ensure that access to firmware is highly and strictly controlled to limit any attacks in that vital region.

Most enterprise organizations have blind spots that won’t be revealed until an attack is detected, which is why it’s important to have a strategy that covers how you respond to an attack before one occurs.

At TeleConsult, we’re working on protecting our clients from all variations of a DoS attack by finding the best vendors that will help them reach their goals, safe and secure. Contact us today and let’s talk about your telecom needs.

Managing the Digital Transformation by Looking at Data

by

Digital TransformationIf there is one topic consistently at the top of many CIOs’ list of areas for improvement, it is digital transformation. In fact, a Gartner survey found that CIOs are investing nearly 20 percent of their budget to digital transformation efforts, pointing to the priority placed on this effort. The key is to understand needs and the desired outcome to ensure optimal benefit.
Almost 40 percent of IT leaders surveyed by Computerworld said that more than 50 percent of their organizations have undergone digital transformation, so this isn’t breaking news. For organizations considering it, however, the topic deserves a deeper look.

The bulk of your data is likely transactional, which involves sales, financials and other common data. The next most common data types are related to customer information, email and various applications used for improved productivity. Unfortunately, these are often the biggest headache for IT personnel, so take a closer look at yours as you prepare for your digital transformation.

Keep an eye on a growing new data type, which is sensor or machine generated. The Internet of Things (IoT) is helping to drive this data type, which grew nearly 30 percent from 2015 to 2016. Regardless of your data type, there is an ever-growing amount, which for enterprise organizations is likely around a petabyte in size. The better you are able to track your data, the easier your transformation will be.

If your data is stored in silos, your digital transformation plan is probably complex. A better way to go is through cloud-based storage solutions. Some organizations are finding success in a hybrid approach of on-premise storage with a cloud-based assist. Regardless of where it’s stored, all data needs to be governed with tough security policies that protect it. This is a delicate task as many IT workers are trying to juggle ease of access and security at the same time.

A CIO Tech Poll revealed that almost 70 percent of IT leaders are planning to increase their focus on business analytics solutions in the very near future, which means they’re likely to bump up their digital transformation efforts. Furthermore, around half of these leaders said they plan to increase spending on predictive analytics to help various challenges with their data.

At TeleConsult, we are constantly striving to pair our clients with the best telecom solutions. With unbiased advice and reliable service, we provide 24-hour support that allows our clients to effectively manage their telecommunications services. Contact us today and let’s talk about how to implement the best solutions for your business.

 

What’s Developing in Cloud Storage Technology

by

Cloud StorageAs data multiplies exponentially, companies are looking for low-cost solutions for storage of that data. Cloud storage technology is changing rapidly to meet demand, with developers creating storage options that are affordable and dynamic, handling various types of data with dexterity.

Much of the data that companies need to store is cold data that will rarely be accessed, but must be kept for regulatory purposes or to meet company standards of data storage. The variable formats of data, which can be heavy with images and video, require agility in storage options.

There are new developments in cloud storage that are making it increasingly affordable for companies to store large data files:

The cost of cloud storage will get even better. Companies excited about the low cost of cloud storage will be happy to know that costs are expected to improve with the transition from virtual machines to object storage. 451 Research reports that object storage costs have declined 14 percent in the past year, compared to virtual machines showing a five percent cut in costs. Costs are expected to drop as object storage becomes more available for mainstream enterprises.

Companies are prioritizing cloud use for disaster recovery and archiving. This is the most popular choice for introducing cloud storage, with 36 percent of cloud users listing disaster recovery as their priority for the technology. Coming in second was backup and general storage. Users generally cite the low cost as their reason for implementing a cloud solution, but the ease of management and recovery speed are also pushing the use of cloud.

Cloud storage is integrating well with on-premises software applications. Many companies are opting for a hybrid solution where they can store long-term data on the cloud while employing on-premises enterprise systems. Many suppliers of on-premises software are including integration with cloud storage in their updates. Oracle recently provided a link to its storage cloud, giving users a cloud option without having to pay for cloud licensing or gateways.

Storage solutions across third-party cloud suppliers are becoming more manageable. New developments are making it easier for a company to have cloud storage integrated across third party cloud programs. For instance, NextCloud has introduced a blockchain solution, giving enterprises the ability to create encrypted storage pools with their chosen providers. Blockchain is usually used for financial data to manage digital currency, but it is proving useful in a variety of areas.

Looking for the latest in cloud storage solutions for your company? Give TeleConsult Solutions a call to find out why we are the ideal partner for determining your cloud storage needs and facilitating a seamless integration of your solution.

The Digital Transformation Process and How to Prepare for the Digital Era

by

Digital TransformationOptimized technology is currently on the market, and it’s there to assist you in adopting the best hardware and software to make you competitive in the digital era. Unfortunately, simply having the right tools doesn’t mean the outcomes are always positive. While the quest for highly optimized technologies is part of the process, just as important is the planning process that allows you to utilize tools in the most appropriate manner.

How should you begin making this digital transformation that will position your organization on a path to relevance rather than irrelevance (think RadioShack, Blockbuster Video, any number of bookstores, and many other companies that failed to navigate the impending technology landscape)? Here’s what you need to consider.

Gain real-time insights into your data analytics. Your organization might have the tools in place to gather massive amounts of data, but how are you using it? Your goal should be to gain actionable data-driven insights. If you’re going to cater to the needs of your customers in real time, you need to have a process in place where your data is frequently and consistently analyzed.

Part of every transformation process involves establishing the right culture. For many, the software development culture is one of the first transformative aspects they seek to establish. Your ability to develop and successfully deploy software is what will keep you ahead of the competition.

Asking the right questions will help you ease into a digital transformation. For example, in what order will you list your priorities for your business? What data is relevant when it comes to making fact-driven decisions that help you reach your goals? All great strategies have an end goal in mind from the outset.

Before you adopt a data analytics process, make sure the results are repeatable and not a one-off occurrence. This requires plenty of testing and retesting, because it’s important to have a process in place that offers you an excellent return on investment, both in terms of time and money. Plus, without an accurate analytics strategy, you will not gain any traction in the digital transformation process.

It’s really about measuring and quantifying how your company’s products and/or services interact with your target market. When you’re on the right track you are gaining a wealth of information that will tell you how to proceed with a current or future line of products.

TeleConsult has assisted many organizations in jumping from legacy systems to the latest telecom solutions. Our mission is to guide our clients to the best possible solutions for their business models, now and into the future. As your telecommunications partner, count on us to establish a framework you can depend on.

Making a Smooth Cloud Transition

by

Cloud TransitionThe cloud is no longer considered a fad. It is increasingly becoming the home of many businesses that are leaving their on-premise hardware behind. Not only does cloud save money, it also makes the workplace more productive. Many businesses are only partially in the cloud, taking advance of SaaS platforms that suit their needs. Here’s what any business needs to know to make a smooth cloud transition.

Where the Cloud Is Going

The cloud market is expected to reach $4.46 billon globally by 2021 with the help of BYOD policies. Allowing employees to bring their own devices is one way companies are easing into a cloud environment. The fact that BYOD significantly cuts hardware and maintenance costs makes it an attractive form of quick change. SaaS platforms lead to further savings, since they involve paying for one license as opposed to several.

Decision makers also view VoIP as a practical alternative to a traditional land line. Using an internet connection for communication cuts costs enormously on long distance calls, which is important to global businesses. Cloud providers that offer SMS are gaining favor over traditional communications providers. More and more business professionals are using embedded communications rather than standalone solutions.

The shift toward cloud-based services has much to do with the fact that it’s more expensive and less secure to run and maintain on-premise infrastructure. Hardware that must be replaced every five to ten years becomes a huge expense if every employee is assigned their own machine owned by the company. A cloud transition opens the door for less focus on technical aspects and more focus on the actual business. This shift in focus leads to improved business productivity.

Cloud Configurations

When a business decides on making a cloud transition, they have various configurations to choose from. Purpose-built software solutions provide embedded experiences. Cloud-based PBX technology limits disruption while providing basic, familiar capabilities for customers. The be your own carrier (BYOC) approach is based on the concept of Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS), which allows developers to create customized applications. It frees developers from operating network infrastructure while having control over the customer experience.

Management must decide on a configuration then choose a service provider after carefully reviewing the options. While switching service providers can be complex, it can also make a big difference in profits and reputation. If the service regularly drops calls or makes communication difficult, it’s necessary to switch to a more reliable solution. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly research a service provider before committing to an agreement. Here are essential criteria to explore:

  • quality of service must be carrier-grade
  • operations must be reliable for automation, call flow design, and support
  • the degree to which the carrier provides developers access and control
  • access to telecom data
  • new development features enhance voice, messaging, and video

Conclusion

Businesses are steadily making a cloud transition to save money and time on managing hardware and software. The growing popularity of VoIP is another example of how the cloud is providing cost efficient solutions to businesses. As long as the service is researched and shown to be reliable, in many cases cloud services are much more economical than traditional equipment or services.

Planning for Successful IT Transformation

by

IT TransformationWhen a company plans to shift from one IT state to another, its IT transformation must be overseen by a CIO or qualified technical expert. One of the main expectations of a CIO is to improve business efficiency. In order to upgrade IT to a better state, the CIO must also stay updated on security vulnerabilities and technology compatibility. Here are ways to ensure proper IT transformation toward a new framework.

Planning Ahead

The main concern of the planning stage is to make sure IT and business goals are in sync. It’s a time to evaluate how IT can help bring strategic value to the company. Certain workloads or applications may need to be improved. Management may decide it’s easier to outsource certain services.

Careful Assessment

Beginning with IT inventory, management must assess which processes are helping the company meet its goals and which ones create a strain on the system. Every type of technology from data centers to applications must be examined thoroughly. Utilization rates and operational costs must be compared with industry norms to learn where budget cuts are necessary. It’s a time to ask questions about scalability and IoT issues.

Designing the Framework

The design phase applies to application, workflow, and process transformation. During this phase management must establish a budget and timeline. It begins with a vision of how the ideal IT department will look, and involves long-term decisions on merging IT with business.

The decision makers for each element of IT must be identified and considered for the expertise they bring to the organization. Their input will help shape a sustainable business strategy and plan. During this phase the CIO must sort out how security, hardware, and networking are organized. It’s helpful to create a list of potential service partners and answer questions about ROI.

Migration Phase

Migration is the key turning point in IT transformation. This stage begins with management deciding what needs to move, whether it’s data centers, databases, or applications. Usually starting small, such as moving email to the cloud, then easing into the migration process works well.

A move will be much more organized if it involves a continuity and contingency plan that allows the company to continue running its business during migration. It’s a time to create strategies for eliminating or reducing downtime during the transition. A migration service provider can help pressure test the migration plan. Technicians must test the code of applications to make sure it will work in the cloud.

Refinement and Optimization

Once the migration is complete, the next phase is to work out the nuances of new management processes. By this point either administrative responsibilities have been streamlined or they’ve been taken over by a service provider. CIOs need to make sure at this stage that their system integrates well with external service providers.

The optimization stage completes the IT transformation project, as it ensures that IT and business goals are aligned. The CIO must further evaluate how well IT is focused on application performance and that workload optimization has continuity. IT must also be driven by measurable performance and work as an empowering culture for employees.

Conclusion

IT transformation is the process of moving from one IT state to another in the most efficient way. The end result is a more cost efficient business in which processes are optimized. These improvements should help companies attract the best possible technical talent.

Stay Connected

Keep up with the latest industry news. Subscribe to our newsletter here.

TeleConsult Solutions LLC
PO Box 18686
Phoenix, AZ 85005-8686

Email Christine Guidi

↑ Top of Page