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An ABC Guide To VoIP Jargon

Decoding VoIP Jargon can be difficult and frustrating for small business users who do not understand the industry speak as used by the technical industry of VoIP providers.

We have put together a short ABC of the most frequently used phrases.

API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a tool which allows two pieces of software to interact. It does this by acting as a bridge between your VoIP system and the desired tool, allowing them to talk to one another.

ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter)
An ATA allows you to make VoIP internet calls using your analogue phone.

Bandwidth
If you don’t have enough bandwidth to handle the volume of call traffic you receive, your call quality may drop, resulting in delays and call dropouts.

Cloud or Hosted VoIP
This is often when your solution is looked after by your provider, instead of hosting it on your premises and maintaining it yourself. As per the name, these systems are hosted in a cloud environment and, while often maintained by your VoIP provider, are also available for you to manage if you prefer.

DDI (Direct Dial In)
With this type of number callers can reach a specific person, team or department within a business. There is no need for a switchboard or auto attendant. This helps to reduce call volume by preventing endless call transfers.

Failover
In the event of a disaster or outage, a failover system automatically switches to a backup power of whichever system has failed. This allows you to continue serving customers, while giving you time to repair your primary source.

Hunt Group
Hunt groups allocate calls evenly throughout a particular group of phones which are often situated within a relevant team and can be programmed to work in several ways.

The most favoured use is sequential answering, where when a phone rings, if it isn’t answered, it jumps to the next phone in the hunt group. This helps to avoid missed calls.

ISDN and PTSN
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and PTSN (Public Switch Telephone Network) lines are the two network types that connect traditional landlines.

Leased lines
A leased line is a fixed bandwidth dedicated fibre internet line that connects two or more locations. With a leased line, you’ll have access to a faster, more stable and more reliable internet connection because your connection is private and not shared or split between locations other than those of your choosing.

On-premises VoIP
This is is a type of digital communication that is built into your onsite network, instead of hosted in a cloud and is more popular with larger businesses that prefer more control over their systems and can afford the additional upkeep.

Porting
Porting is the transfer of an existing phone number to a new service or provider. This eliminates the need to send costly communications notifying customers of a new number.

Softphone
Softphones are software designed to mimic the functions of a desk phone on your computer and can be used alongside headsets to make audio or video calls.

Unified Communications (UC)
A unified communication system allows you to bring together multiple platforms, tools and features within your VoIP system. VoIP integration plays a large part in this, allowing you to pull from different programs and access the relevant data without having to switch between multiple tools and platforms.

If you would like to know more about VoIP and IP phones, please contact us FOR A FREE 30 MINUTE CONSULTATION or use our contact page.

Featured

BT Announces Delay to ISDN Switch Off

Are you ready for the ISDN Switch off

We have been contacted by a number of our clients about the ISDN Switch off at the end of December 2025.

We are happy to inform our readers that in a recent announcement, BT confirmed that the switch-off of lines will now occur by January 31, 2027, rather than the original deadline of December 2025.

With this switch off in mind, we have some useful advice to help you take the correct decisions.

What does the switch-off mean for my business?

All your existing services will continue to work as they do today. The PSTN stop means that new activations or changes to analogue phone lines won’t be available. But you can still leverage your existing infrastructure and smoothly transition to IP solutions without disruptions.

So the first piece of advice is don’t panic, you will start (as we have) to receive calls from various organisations with offers of assessments and cost savings placing unwanted pressure on you to change your phone/line/fax systems as soon as possible. Ignore them.

Are you are already using Internet over Fibre?

If the answer is yes then you already have an easy route to move your telephone systems from PSTN to Digital

What do I need to do next?

To move your telephone system over to a VoIP based system you will need to take out a subscription from any number of suppliers. For example if you already have a Zoom or Microsoft 365 subscription you can easily add a phone subscription. There are many other providers which you can search for should you require to use an alternative.

Once you have a subscription you will need to purchase VoIP equipment, for example we supply products from HP/Poly as we believe they are one of the best manufacturers in the market today.

If you have a small number of telephone devices in your office then a purchase of a new IP phone would be advisable you can take a look at the Poly Edge Series which we are using in our office with prices starting from £127.95.

If you have a considerable number of phones in your office then a good alternative is to use a VoIP adapter. These units can connect 1-2-4-8 conventional telephone devices to your network and then on to your VoIP subscription. As an example you can view details on the Poly ATA402 Voice Port Adaptor.

Finally to tidy your cabling if you don’t already utilise a network switch with PoE (Power Over the Ethernet), it would be good practice to purchase one with the amount of ports required to power your new VoIP devices rather than have a number of individual power supplies.

We have extensive experience in the supply and configuration of VOIP telephone systems Book a 30 minute free of charge consultation or use our Contact Page.

Advanced Video Conference Solutions for Medium and Large Conference Rooms

Stay ahead with our state-of-the-art video conference systems designed for medium and large conference rooms. Our solutions leverage the latest technology and equipment to ensure seamless communication and collaboration.

Not only do our systems serve as high-performance video conference suite, but they also act as flagship rooms, impressing visitors from other companies with their advanced capabilities and sleek design.

If you have reviewed some of the systems we have supplied, you will notice that the core of our video conference systems has been Polycom G7500 Codec.

Following HP’s acquisition of Polycom last year, Polycom has been integrated into the HP family.

This merger combines the strengths of both companies, leading to the introduction of the Polycom G62 Codec. The G62 Codec serves as the central component of our video conference systems for the larger conference rooms, offering a significant price reduction compared to the Polycom G7500.

To ensure a fully operational video conference system, the G62 serves as the core component.

The following equipment list outlines the additional necessary components to complete the system build:

- - Poly Studio G62 Video Conference Codec
  - Poly Studio E60 Smart MPTZ 12x Optical Zoom Camera
  - Poly USB Expansion Microphone
  - Poly TC10 Touch Controller
  - NetGear 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged PoE+ Switch 183W
  - 1 Pair of Audac Kyra 12 Column Speakers
  - Audac EPA152 Power Amplifier
  - Rack, Cables, Installation & configuration

The list does not include TV Monitors and mounting hardware (we would need to have the dimensions of your room to specify) and if you want a single or dual monitor system.

The question you all want to ask is just how much is this system going to cost me?

The R.R.P. for this system Is £7,017.55 our offer installed and fully working is £6,288.95 excluding monitors, mounting hardware, delivery charges and any required software subscriptions.

If you would like to discuss this system further then please use our free of charge booking system to arrange an online conference call on the following link:- 30 Minute Consultation

Small Business Video Conferencing

In todays working environment video conferencing for small business has become essential. The amount of products available from a significant number of manufacturers for use by small businesses is to say the least confusing.

Poly Studio X30 The aim of this blog post is our attempt to remove any small business owners fears of video conference technology and provide some guidance on methods and products we have found to be proved popular with our clients.

First, as Microsoft Partners we have found the adoption of Microsoft Teams to be the most popular video conference software, using all the facilities offered by Teams business management delivers a good way of keeping all employees up to date in a secure and controlled manner.

This being said, adoption of other video conference software such as Zoom, Google and others, can sometimes dictate that having a single software system can be the incorrect approach when considering which Video Conference System should be sourced.

Poly Studio X30 with Poly TC8 Touch Control Screen — Poly X30/TC8

With flexibility a prime consideration we here at RND Solutions Ltd have for the past two years used a HP/Poly Studio X30 All-in-one video bar & HP/Poly TC8 touch control panel which has a retail price of £2,246.80.

The HP/TC8 has now been discontinued and replaced with the HP/Poly TC10 which then makes the retail price £2,552.85 a significant investment for a small business.

The Poly Studio X30 All-in-one video bar has a distinct advantage over many other video conference solutions available from the market in that it operates as a stand alone unit (using Android) and does not require any further equipment for use as a video conference facility.

Download the Poly Studio X30 technical information on the following link:-

studio-x30.pdf (rnd-solutions.co.uk)

The Poly Studio X30 can also be connected to a laptop or PC using a single HDMI and USB C Cable. This then enables use of the X30 Camera, microphone and loudspeakers from the connected machine.

Using this method also allows any installed video conference software installed on the connected machine to be utilised. Further, screen sharing of content from the connected machine is also provided. You can also connect any wireless enabled device to the X30 to present content.

Finally, to help our small business customers we have established a cost effective solution using the Poly Studio X30 and Poly Studio Bluetooth Remote Control with a retail price of £1,617.00 at a special offer price of £1,375.00.

Poly Studio X30 All-in-one Video Conference Bar

This Special offer is available up to 31st October 2024 when purchased directly from our website store on the following link:-

RND Solutions: Poly Studio X30 with Studio BT Remote Control, Special Offers, X30BTREMOTE (rnd-solutions.co.uk)

If you would like to discuss if this special offer will meet your current & future requirements then you can book a 30 Minute Free of Charge Consultation

Audio & Video Networks using Dante®

RND Solutions has considerable experience in the design, installation and maintenance of Audio and Video systems for all sizes of rooms. Our work in this area has proved successful and has allowed us to remain at the forefront of this type of technology.

Since 2011 we have been employing Dante® technology to distribute audio using existing data networks. This technology delivers audio in a cost-effective manner without the additional costs of installing a separate infrastructure.

Dante® delivers high quality audio, throughout any venue, without any network latency issues.

To configure any Dante® audio system a free-of-charge Dante Controller is free to download from the following website. Dante Controller | Dante (getdante.com). Once you have downloaded the software there is a comprehensive training program available.

In the past venues which utilise multiple screen installations for applications such as Digital Signage, Sports Broadcast & Video Presentations have had to use high- cost video switches and matrices along with video extenders which typically would add on average around Â£10,000 to the cost of a venue utilising eight screens.

The good news is that Dante technology has advanced to a stage that video can now be distributed over an existing network in the same manner described above for Dante® Audio Systems.

This new technology removes the need for expensive video processing products such as extenders and switches.

RND Solutions uses Visionary AV Products and you can view a comprehensive list of applications using Dante® of Video technology on the following link:- Case Studies Visionary Solutions (visionary-av.com)

For recent projects we have successfully specified Visionary Network Audio Video products in particular DuetE-5 Encoder/Decoders.

So what does a network look like when Dante® products are added?

Below is a typical system schematic:-

If you would like to discuss using this technology in your existing or proposed new AV project then please take advantage of arranging a free of charge 30 minute consultation using the link below:-

RND Solutions Support Request

Copilot for Microsoft 365 Small Business

Copilot for Microsoft 365 has now expanded availability for small and medium business (SMB) customers. Copilot combines the power of large language models (LLMs) with your organization™s data all in the flow of work to turn your words into one of the most powerful productivity tools on the planet. It works alongside popular Microsoft 365 Apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. Microsoft 365 Copilot provides real-time intelligent assistance, enabling users to enhance their creativity, productivity, and skills. So now you have the Microsoft statement on Copilot, “how can it help me as a small business?” I hear you ask.

Copilot for Microsoft 365 Copilot for Microsoft 365 enables users to enhance their creativity, productivity, and skills.

Discover More >

Download Microsoft CoPilot Quick Start

Purchase Copilot for Microsoft 365

Reinvent productivity with Copilot for Microsoft 365

Get more done faster with an AI assistant in your Microsoft 365 apps, documents, and meetings.

Prioritise & Stay Focus

Get up to speed in less time with cross-application intelligence working seamlessly across all your data.

Deliver effective customer service

Get helpful coaching tips to create impactful customer communications.

Grow your customer base

Write, edit, and summarize proposals and project plans with Copilot.

Think faster

Analyse and explore data to create assets such as powerful, professional visualizations and project trackers.

Remain in control

Get the same security, compliance, and privacy policies in Copilot that you`ve set up in Microsoft 365.

Update your existing telephone system

As a small business we know that our telephone system is one of the most important methods of communication we have, our clients are in regular contact by phone and we use our small local telephone exchange (4 Extensions) for internal discussions and to transfer each telephone call to the correct person to deal with each client enquiry.

You may not be aware that a few years ago B.T. announced it will switch off analogue and ISDN telephone lines in the UK at the end of 2025. This means as a small business within the next 22 months you will have to find an alternative telephone solution for your business.

This means that you will have to find a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or a Mobile solution in the near future.

We briefly discussed Voice Over Internet Protocol Telephone Systems in our December 2023 blog which has been widely read and with many request to expand with a further blog on these telephone systems.

So how do I update my existing system?

A cost effective solution to update your existing system is to use a Voip Adaptor for each telephone extension.

The new ATA Series from HP Poly not only represents good value but also provides an easy upgrade without any infrastructure modifications.

As you can see from the diagram below connect your existing computer network cable to the ATA402, Telephone, Computer & Power Supply and with a suitable VoIP subscription you are ready to go.

Poly ATA402 connection illustration to connect normal phone to a digital network

Also if you have locations within your business where you would like to add additional telephones without the hassle of installing cables etc then a WiFi option is available.

The conversion of your telephone system not only needs to be cost effective, but seamless and without any issues during the change over period.

RND Solutions Ltd can help you with advice on moving to a VoIP System and supply any equipment you may need to achieve a successful transfer.

Take advantage of a 30 minute consultation – Free Of Charge with one of our experts by clicking on the link below and book a time and date:-

Free 30 Minute Consultation

Regards

Brent G Davenport
C.E.O. RND Solutions Ltd

VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) Telephone Systems

Have you been looking for a cost effective solution to modernise your existing office telephone system and enjoy all the benefits delivered by utilising VOIP?

In the current economic climate its difficult for any small business to qualify spending any available funds on a completely new VOIP Telephone System.

However, the benefits provided by a VOIP system including a significant reduction in call costs, no line rental (VOIP uses your Internet Connection), no infrastructure costs (VOIP Phones & Systems can utilise your WiFi Network) & conferencing (including MS Teams, Zoom etc), you start to realise that I should take a look what options are available.

Firstly you can replace your existing system, VOIP Phones are available from prices starting at £35.00 per unit, currenly we are using in our office the Poly E220 VOIP Phone which has proved to be outstanding.

If the first solution is not an option you have an alternative option of converting your existing phone system using VOIP Adaptors such as the Poly ATA 402.

A VOIP adaptor converts analog phones to digital IP phones easily and benefits from the sustainable and cost-effective solution that allows you to retain existing phones, streamline management and faxing. Wi-Fi enables VoIP access without ethernet.

To complete the VOIP system you will need a subscription from any number of suppliers. We currently use Zoom which delivers not only Worldwide telephone calls and a UK Telephone number from our office area, but allows online configuration of all our extensions.

Webinars – Getting Your Message Out To The World

In todays economic climate, the need to get your message out and the costs involved are proving difficult. The cost of magazine/newspaper advertising versus the returns on your investment are difficult to qualify even though during 2023 there has been a significant reduction in advertising rates.

More and more we are seeing companies and organisations turning to Webinars as a cost effective method of getting the message out to as many potential clients as possible.

So what is a “Webinar”?

Defined by dictonary.com a webinar is a seminar or other presentation that takes place on the internet, allowing participants in different locations to see and hear the presenter, ask questions, and sometimes answer polls.

So knowing what a webinar is you may ask the question how does this help me get my message out and why should I use a webinar in the first place?

Firstly, if you are already using Video Conferencing in your daily work such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom then you are already in a position to plan and deliver a Webinar. Teams, Zoom & Google Meet offer the ability to create a Webinar.

An example on the Webinar Options Microsoft Teams can offer is below:-

As you can see from these options you can easily host an interactive Webinar with attendee registration at no extra cost.

Further, if you would like to have a web-based product launch for example, the you can also create a Live Event again at no cost other than what you are already paying through your Microsoft 365 Business Subscription.

This article is only to plant a seed that you may wish to develop, for further information as a first step you can use the links below:-

Microsoft Teams Webinars

Zoom Webinars

New Features Microsoft Has Added To Teams In July 2023

Microsoft Teams is one of the most widely used online communication and collaboration software out there, especially in enterprise environments. As such, Microsoft regularly updates it with new capabilities and enhancements in order to retain its existing customers while also attracting new ones. Although features are added to Teams on a rolling basis, the Redmond tech giant regularly publishes a roundup of all the new features it introduces to Teams. This blog lists the features added to Teams in July 2023.

Starting off with meetings-related enhancements, a great new feature is the ability to zoom in and out of screensharing sessions through dedicated buttons, this previously required using the trackpad gestures or other shortcuts. Moreover, meeting organisers can now shuffle participants randomly into Teams Breakout Rooms prior to or during the meeting, rather than selecting people manually. Additionally, Teams users in Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) environments can utilise reactions, just like everyone else.

Improvements to chat and collaboration mean you can now copy a link to a particular message in a group chat and send it to someone else. Clicking on the link will take them directly to the message, provided that they are a member of that group chat, of course.

There are updates for people who utilise video capabilities in Teams too:

Microsoft Stream videos can be previewed and played directly in the chat, you can record a video clip using audio-only or screen-only configurations (general availability in August), and English captions in video clips can be added automatically.

Teams Calendar has also received an agenda view with handy controls, and the standard view now has the option to drag and drop events in the calendar in order to reschedule them.

When it comes to mobile enhancements, you can quickly navigate to a message from the search results, get richer suggestions, and also see the results for external members through Extended Directory on iOS. Moreover, Apple customers can search for a combination of people and keywords simultaneously, and also make calls through speed dial or the call history while using Apple CarPlay.

Microsoft also shared all the upcoming features revealed at its Inspire 2023 conference, you can read more about those here.

Perhaps the highlight of that event is how tightly the Redmond firm is integrating Microsoft 365 Copilot in Teams.