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White Papers:
IP Networks
Jazz Job Listings
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Open Federation: Collaboration Goes Borderless
Unified communications tools enable your employees to communicate and collaborate with each other faster and more easily than ever before. Unfortunately, their use has been restricted to members of your enterprise—until now. View this webcast now to learn about a new solution that allows borderless collaboration. Published by: Cisco Systems, Inc.
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Interdomain Routing with BGP
Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is a very complex routing protocol where the administrator can influence the route choice in more ways than with an interior gateway protocol. This white paper will provide you with a high level overview of interdomain routing with BGP. Published by: Global Knowledge
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Panduit's Interactive Resource Center - Unified Physical Infrastructure
During this unique and interactive event, learn more what unified physical infrastructure entails and how it can help you address the challenges of the core systems – control, power, completion, security and communications – that have traditionally existed in a siloed environment. Published by: Panduit
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
MMM Group Case Study: Panduit’s Unified Physical Infrastructure
In this case study, learn how one company consolidated six Toronto-area locations into a single facility supported by a new data center and featuring a converged IP-based network. In addition, learn how this new facility faced the challenge of needing to reduce the overall environmental footprint. Published by: Panduit
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Achieving Financial and Functional Advantages in Connected Building Solutions with the Unified Physical Infrastructure℠(UPI)
Read this paper to learn about being connected building planning requires tightly integrated, well-coordinated cross-functional communication and project management across four functional phases: organizational alignment, technology strategies, network design considerations, and financial analysis. Published by: Panduit
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
The Unified Physical Infrastructure Approach
In this paper, you'll learn that UPI-based solutions provide superior business value, helping customers keep pace with technology innovations and build a smarter, unified business foundation. Published by: Panduit
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Planning Media Resources for Your VoIP Environment
Media resources are software- or hardware-based components that perform processing on two or more connected media streams. Media Resource design is an important component of overall IP Telephony implementations and care must be taken to ensure that resources are available at the right locations for maximum link efficiency. Published by: Global Knowledge
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Presentation Transcript: How to Deploy and Manage a Superior IP Voice Network
Learn how BroadSoft and AudioCodes have tackled the critical concerns making it possible for carriers of all sizes to be a success in delivering and managing a superior, cost effective IP voice network that is simple to deploy. Published by: AudioCodes and BroadSoft
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Why Performance Matters: Nine Things to Expect from a Next-Generation Firewall
Today's corporate networks are under increasing pressure to support growing quantities and types of traffic and thwart the associated threats. You need a solution that handles both inbound and outbound traffic flows with the velocity and security to ensure a productive work environment. Read on to learn more about network security management. Published by: SonicWALL
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
VoIP Firewall Solution Brief
Like all IP traffic, VoIP can be prone to security threats from internal and external attacks and application vulnerabilities. However, potential latency, jitter, packet loss and echo due to an underperforming firewall could significantly degrade communications. The ideal solution would provide comprehensive security that introduces no latency. Published by: SonicWALL
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
PODCAST: How to Deploy and Manage a Superior IP Voice Network
Learn how BroadSoft and AudioCodes have tackled the critical concerns making it possible for carriers of all sizes to be a success in delivering and managing a superior, cost effective IP voice network that is simple to deploy. Published by: AudioCodes and BroadSoft
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
How to Deploy and Manage a Superior IP Voice Network
Learn how BroadSoft and AudioCodes have tackled the critical concerns making it possible for carriers of all sizes to be a success in delivering and managing a superior, cost effective IP voice network that is simple to deploy. Published by: AudioCodes and BroadSoft
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
IP Address Management Freeware from Infoblox
This IP address management freeware is a complete solution with the complete feature set of the Infoblox IP address manager, including Smart Folders, Network Map (with subnet management) and leading IPv6 capabilities. Published by: Infoblox
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Consultation, Design, and Implementation of Multiple IT Solutions: Global Forex Trading
GFT focuses on providing their customers an exceptional experience with a best-in-class online interface. GFT needs to stay more accessible, more reliable, and more secure than their competitors. To optimize their IT environment, GFT engaged CDW for consulting, design, and implementation of multiple IT solutions. Read on to learn more. Published by: CDW Corporation
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Security Trend Advisory
Check out this document to learn how to best achieve server security while supporting collaborative platforms. Published by: CDW Corporation
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Subnetting Shortcuts
One of the most challenging topics for many CCNA candidates is subnet masking. This white paper will de-mystify the math behind subnetting, and provide examples of shortcuts that bypass the need for binary when doing calculations involving subnet masks. Published by: Global Knowledge
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Access Control Lists (ACLs)
In this white paper, we'll take a look at access control lists, often referred to as access lists or ACLs (sometimes pronounced "ackels"). Published by: Global Knowledge
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
Storage Systems & Storage Management Track: The Truth about Virtualizing Storage
In this presentation transcript, Marc Staimer, Founder and CDS, Dragon Slayer Consulting, will explain the practical benefits of storage virtualization, including how to assess your environment to determine the cost-effectiveness of virtualization. Published by: 3PAR
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
IP Address Management Webinar
Check out this webcast, which discusses the problem of flat budgets, rising costs, and competing priorities, and explains how automating core network services has proven to be a helpful solution. Published by: Infoblox
12/31/1969 06:00 PM
MPLS+ Managed Services Podcast
In this podcast, Agatha Poon of Yankee Analyst Group answers questions about upcoming trends and changes in WAN services. She answers questions about the important trends right now in global enterprise WAN, how the WAN landscape is changing, and how new tools are playing into the market. Listen to this podcast and find out what she has to say. Published by: Blue Coat

Telecom Tips and Strategies Newsletter - Feb., 2007

Telecom "To-Do" List and Action Steps for 2007

Success in any endeavor hinges primarily on one thing: getting things done. Ask any successful person how they became that way and chances are good that they will attribute a portion of their success to a daily regimen of writing and completing a "to-do" list. This handy tool can be simple or complex but the desired outcome is always the same: to increase effectiveness and efficiency of personal or work time.

The "to-do" list helps us stay focused. It serves as a timeline and scorecard for helping one achieve much larger goals. Without "to-do" lists we all run the risk of losing sight of the "big picture" - i.e. the desired goal that results when a series of tasks are completed.

When it comes to increasing efficiency and reducing expenses for telecommunications products and services within your business, certain tasks that could lead to success can often be delayed unnecessarily or even ignored altogether.

The following "to-do" list will help you stay focused on the goal of reducing and managing your corporate telecom expenses for 2007. It outlines the tasks to be completed, as well as a number of action steps to take immediately to help you get started. These action steps are intended to begin the process of completing the task. You will want to add your own action steps to the list as they arise. When you have completed the task, simply check it off.

Task #1:

Analyze Local Phone Service Plans and Regrade if Necessary

Getting a handle on local phones service charges is an important first step in helping to reduce and gain more control of your corporate telecom expenses. Many business owners make the mistake that telecom costs savings can be found in big ticket items such as long-distance services. Choosing the local service package that fits the usage patterns of your business is crucial for keeping costs down.

Action Steps:
Call local carrier representative for information on all available plans;
Gather and organize all local bills;
Determine current plan, analyze usage patterns, and upgrade/downgrade if cost-savings warrants it;
Download free booklet "27 Ways to Slash Your Telecom Costs;

Learn more about local service plans here

Task #2:

Renegotiate Telecom Contracts

A telecom service contract is an easy way for a service provider to lock you into a predetermined rate structure and set of conditions for a specified period of time. The telecom industry changes constantly, however, and the conditions of a contract you agreed to 24 months ago may be totally outdated and costing you a bundle today. It is best to keep all telecom contracts handy and always know when they come due. You can often negotiate a new contract with an existing carrier before the old one expires.

Action Steps:
Gather existing telecom contracts and make note of expiration dates;
Contact vendors to determine if renegotiating or cancelling contracts without penalty is possible;
Assign individual, committee or outsource negotiations when contracts become due;

Read 7 Areas For Successful Telecom Contract Negotiation


Task #3:

Inventory All Wireless Devices Company-wide

Wireless usage is quickly becoming a larger part of corporate telecom expenses each and every year. No longer do employees simply carry cell phones - wireless PDAs and laptops have become indispensable tools for conducting business as well. Since virtually all wireless devices today have data transfer capabilities, keeping an eye on costs is crucial. The subject of wireless cost management is too broad a topic to cover here. (This topic will be the subject of a future newsletter) One task you can begin immediately however is the inventory all wireless devices.

Action Steps:
Collect all wireless bills that are sent to the company;
Collect all wireless bills submitted as expense reports;
Create spreadsheet that lists employees' names along with all wireless devices in use;
Determine all wireless devices not in use and eliminate wherever possible;

More information on how to establish a wireless company policy

Task #4:

Look into Cost-Savings of Migrating to VoIP Environment

VoIP seems to be the buzzword these days and for good reason - using data networks for voice traffic could save you a bundle. But as good as it sounds, it certainly does not fit every business situation. In many cases, making a complete transfer to a VoIP environment can cost a fortune and is simply not as cost-effective as vendors would like you to believe. It sure doesn't hurt to find out though, since every situation is different.

Action Steps:
Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of VoIP for voice traffic;
Determine if current corporate network is capable of handling VoIP;
Contact telecom consultant to determine if cost savings warrant the migration to VoIP;
Estimate ROI and amount of time needed to recoup investment;

Learn about VoIP readiness assessment here

Task #5:

Get FET Refund

The Treasury Department has finally given in and agreed to refund taxes for long-distance service billed to businesses for the period after February 28, 2003 and before August 1, 2006. For now, the refund only applies to long-distance services for landline and wireless service.

Any and all U.S. businesses and tax exempt organizations are eligible for the refund providing they were in operation at any time during the period from March 1, 2003 through July 31, 2006. This would include any corporate entity, S Corp., partnership, Trust, etc. In addition, the business must also have incurred phone expenses from April 2006 through September 2006 for it to be eligible for a refund.

Action Steps:
Gather and organize bills from March 2003 to July 2006;
If not possible to gather all bills, collect April and September 2006 bills;
Determine refund through either calculation method;
Contact accounting with figures;

Get more FET refund help here


Task #6:

Look into Outsourcing Telecom Duties Wherever Possible

Many companies now rely on outsourcing for a variety of non-core business activities. Telecom is one area where outsourcing can be quite cost-effective. Viturally any telecom function can be outsourced: everything from contract negotiation to moves/adds/changes to complete bill paying solutions.

Action Steps:
Determine what telecom duties could be easily outsourced;
Contact 3 telecom consultants to determine what areas are most cost-effective for outsourcing;
Compare current costs with costs incurred by outsourcing;
Download "How to Select a Telecom Consultant";

Learn more about telecom outsourcing here


"To-do" lists are only effective if you take the action steps necessary to complete the tasks. Try to block out a few minutes each week to focus and help you stay on track with your telecom cost-reduction efforts. The time spent is well worth it in the long run. If you are someone who is a "to-do" list maniac, try using this free online version.

That's it for this month. If you have a telecom question or concern regarding telecom auditing or telecom bill management, please give us a call at
1-888-383-3200, or visit the contact page.

TelCon Associates

 
 
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