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In This Issue...
• Daylight Saving Time and Your Phone System
• Security Matters: More California Influence on the Great NW
• Small Business VoIP Solutions
• Lutron Shading Solutions
• Thinking About a New Phone System?
• First Aid/CPR Safety Training
• Community Service Continues
• Tech Talk: featuring Rich Hall
• Product Spotlight
• Technocom 2006 Awards
Daylight Saving Time and Your Phone System
Are you aware Daylight Saving Time begins March 11th? This spring, the United States and Canada will recognize a new US Government policy regarding Daylight Saving Time. Starting in March 2007, Daylight Saving Time will begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday of November. How does this affect your phone system? Modifications will be required on some Avaya products to update your phone system to accommodate this change. Our technical experts are available to install software patches for the products that are affected. Special spring–into–action price is $99*. Contact our customer service department at 866.656.4377 or service@gotechnocom.com to find out how the Daylight Saving Time change affects your phone system. (*within Portland/Metro and Seattle/Tacoma area)
Security Matters:
More California Influence on the Great Northwest
Did you know that 80% of all false alarm dispatches by the police are the result of user error? Did you also know that many municipalities in California, as well as some in southern Oregon, have recently written ordinances requiring audio or visual verification of a break–in before they will dispatch the police to investigate a security alarm? These ordinances have been written in an attempt to cut the amount of police dispatches to false alarms. In conjunction with these ordinances, the fines levied for false alarms have quadrupled in many of these cities.
What affect does this have on customers and the security installation industry? Because there is not always a witness to every crime, this has required many alarm users to add either "listen–in" technology or camera systems to their security systems, all which Technocom can provide. These additional technologies allow the monitoring station to remotely hear or see the activity in a home or business upon notification of the facility's alarm being tripped. Once the
monitoring station is able to verify a crime is indeed in progress, they will then proceed to contact the local police department to respond.
Currently, most municipalities are only required to have a current Alarm System User Permit on file. The police departments in these cities typically will only respond to those addresses that have a current permit. In some instances, fines can be levied for police response to a home or business that does not have a permit, in particular if the response ends up being due to a false alarm. It could be just a matter of time before the Great Northwest follows suit with our neighbors to the south!
Small Business VoIP Solutions:
Why Consider ESI for a VoIP Solution?
ESI's IP200e VoIP system has received several awards over the years, including Telephony Product of the Year for 2000 when it was introduced. The system supports all basic and advanced PBX/key system features which place it amongst a select group of manufacturers of VoIP products. ESI's VoIP solution includes all the main features their traditional telephone products have become known for: ESI–DEX built–in speed dial directory, missed call key, live call recording, verbal help and user guide, virtual answer key, and off premises reach–me features to name just a few. The voicemail portion of the system is fully integrated so a separate PC is not required. ESI's VoIP solution is an affordable offering to customers as well. Our telephony experts can design a system to meet your company’s needs. An ESI IP40e system with 8 phones can be installed in the $7–8k range depending upon the final needs of the customer.
Lutron Shading Solutions
Did you know lighting accounts for 35–65% of overall energy use? There are several ways to reduce and manage the amount of energy used. One of the most effective strategies is to include a daylight control system into a building’s plans.
We design our homes and workspaces with windows because we intuitively understand that sunlight adds a comforting, refreshing quality to any room. However, achieving the greatest beauty and efficiency in each room means being able to control the light that surrounds you. Technocom can install a Lutron Shading System so you can quickly and easily control sunlight to prevent harsh U/V rays from damaging expensive furnishings, eliminate glare, create your own views, conserve energy, and add instant privacy with the touch of a button.
Lutron systems can connect every shade and light in your home, providing convenience and security. Push one button to make sure every shade is down and all the drapery is closed as you leave your house or open them all and turn on the lights as you approach late at night. Even while you are away, your Lutron system can mimic your daily routine of adjusting shades and dimming and raising the lights so your house appears occupied. Our systems can also monitor sunlight and adjust the shades automatically throughout the day for the most U/V protection and thermal efficiency possible.
The work environment should effectively maintain comfort and focus, enabling users to be as sharp and productive as possible. Though sunlight can be a powerful design tool for making a more attractive and pleasant work environment, it can also cause unwanted glare and eye fatigue, which, over time, can diminish a person’s energy and productivity. Proper shading and U/V management diminishes computer screen glare while maintaining the quality of natural light.
Thinking About a New Phone System?
In a world were technology is ever changing, communication is critical to every business. In order to maximize your profitability, your system also needs to be dependable. Technocom account executives can assist you in creating a system that accomplishes that goal.
In today’s communications market, there are many options and features. But what is important to your business? Ask yourself the following questions:
• Can I answer my calls on my computer?
• Can I forward my calls to my mobile phone?
• Will VoIP help me with cost savings?
• Can my data system and phone system "talk" to each other?
• Is there an affordable phone system that includes key features such as voice messaging designed for a small business?
If you have concerns and questions, Technocom has the answers. As a partner with industry leaders such as Avaya, 3Com and ESI, Technocom has the ability and experience to design a system to meet your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to look into upgrading your old phone system. You might find that the increase in reliability and efficiency will save you time and money.
First Aid/CPR Safety Training
Technocom held another First Aid/CPR training session for employees in early November. Both technicians and office staff were involved as Technocom continues to promote First Aid certification. This continued effort means that whether in the office or on a job site, Technocom employees are prepared to help in the case of an accident or other medical related emergency.
Community Service Continues
Technocom continues to give back to their community utilizing several non–profit organizations in the Oregon and Washington area. Employees actively engaged in a toy drive through "Toys For Tots", adopted a family through Oregon Food Bank, and donated toys to the Tualatin Valley Fire Rescue "Toy & Joy Program".
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