Telecommunications Trends

• Tech Talk: Marshmallow Maker Unifies Communications

  A gourmet marshmallow company wanted to appear to respond to customer contacts immediately and found that unified communications gave it more ability to communicate given multiple employees and locations.
  Elizabeth Wasserman

• Tips for Choosing VoIP and Messaging Systems

  Many small and mid-sized businesses are starting to realize the benefits of VoIP, but it is important to understand the types of procurement and deployment options and their relative strengths and weaknesses.
  Jodi Mardesich

• The Skinny on Wi-Fi-Enabled Smartphones

  Some models of BlackBerry and iPhone and other smartphones are Wi-Fi capable and allow you to access the Internet when you are in the range of a Wi-Fi network. Will this spell the beginning of the end for cell providers?
  Marc Saltzman

• To Offer Wi-Fi or Not to Offer Wi-Fi?

  Visitors to your company expect the wireless Internet. How do you provide it without security risks?
  Minda Zetlin

• Money for Nothing: Audit Your Telco Bills

  Many businesses are overpaying for telecommunications services -- such as cell phone accounts from former employees that were never closed. Third-party audit firms can help you save big bucks.
  Renee Oricchio

• Wireless War: All-You-Can-Talk Pricing

  Power cell phone users are winning big as wireless carriers offer $99 a month unlimited domestic calling plans. How can you use this price war to plan for future business needs?
  Michelle V. Rafter

• Tech Talk: Wireless Office Better Serves Clients

  A marketing company in Florida discovers that a wireless network not only lets clients have Internet access, but allows employees to work outside if they want.
  Elizabeth Wasserman

• Message Pending: Unified Communications

  Unified communications can help funnel voice, e-mail, fax, and other communications from customers into one channel. It can help give small businesses an edge by helping customers get the answers they need.
  Minda Zetlin

• U.S. Spectrum Auction's Impact on Business

  No one knows exactly how Verizon will offer its new “beachfront” spectrum, which it won in an auction from the U.S. government in the 700 MHz UHF band recently. But open platform rules may offer un-dreamed of opportunities.
  Minda Zetlin

• When it Comes to VoIP, It’s Still Buyer Beware

  If you use an Internet-based phone service, do you know what your customer rights are if the carrier goes under? Government regulations are still catching up with VoIP, and until they do, companies should know where they stand.
  Michelle V. Rafter

• The Cable Guys Offer IT Services

  Cable broadband provider Comcast recently joined forces with Microsoft to provide free e-mail, calendaring, and document sharing services to small business customers. What’s in it for your business?
  Todd Wasserman

• Will Open Cell Phone Networks Mean Business Benefits?

  Cellular phone networks have traditionally been 'closed' or proprietary networks, locking your business into carriers for years using the phones they certify. A bunch of technology giants, led by Google, want to change that.
  Mary O. Foley