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The
Complete Guide to Buying the Right Telecom and
Networking Products, Services, and Solutions |
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Enterprise |
 | Connectivity:
More Service Per Service
Plain vanilla
connectivity is passé. Today, you can and should bargain hard for
customized solutions |
| WLAN:
The Ball Has Just Started
WLAN is
inexpensive and enhances productivity. It’s time that you gave it
some serious thought |
| Network
Security: Might May Not Be Right
Getting
the right stuff is more than just spending plenty of money. Go for
best practices too |
| Network Storage: Consolidate, Automate...
...and manage your storage well to boost productivity, lower TCO, and ensure the best RoI |
| Network Management: Adopt It, Optimize It
But also ensure end-to-end service level commitment, not just islands of guarantees from your vendor |
| Network Integration: A Premium for the Best
Vendors with good project-management skills can work wonders. Get one even if you need to pay more |
| PBX: IP, Now and Happening
IP-enabled PBXs have come of age, but you’ll need to ensure interoperability and prioritize well |
| Switches: Jump-start Your Network
High performance is assured. So, with dropping prices, the time is right to get some killer tech |
| Network Servers: One for Every Pocket
High performance does not mean high spends any longer. New platforms and prices are in vogue |
| Structured Cabling: Get Past Cat 5e
A judicious mix of Cat 6 copper and fiber will make good investment sense for the long term |
| Multiplexer: The One-stop Device
Before getting one, ensure high programmability and media support on the fly |
| Modems: Ready for a Makeover
Dial-up and cable modems may fade out soon...reason enough for you to look at DSL and ETTH |
| Microwave Radio: The Still Good Factor
Despite newer options, radio is better in many cases—in remote areas and even small towns |
| Mobile Applications: Get Infopower on the Fly
However, you need to define your needs first and then ask for customized solutions |
| Service
Providers |
| Broadband: It’s the Final Countdown
Action is finally here...but don’t forget to choose a vendor who is also here to stay for a long time |
| Carrier Switches: Go Hard for Softswitches
They come dirt cheap and work better than TDM switches. And, that is just one reason out of many |
| Carrier Routers: Three for One
For investment protection, choose triple-play—voice, data, and video—portfolio routers |
| Transmission: Light up Your Choice…
…with a clear roadmap on how this infrastructure fits into your plans for the next 3–5 years |
| OSS/BSS: Apply the Litmus…
…New service provisioning and revenue assurance—solutions must score high on these |
| T&M: VAS the Way?
Value-added services can give you an edge over competition. But to have them, first ensure high levels of support from your vendor |
| Radio
Trunking: Ignorance Is No Bliss
It’s got plenty of features and can be cost-effective. But, sort out all the issues beforehand |
| Telecom Training: Learning Never Stops
Updated curricula, quality instructors, and a result-oriented approach are needed to leave competition behind |
| Business
Process Outsourcing |
| Automatic Call Distribution: TDM Today, IP Tomorrow
IP-based ACD systems may soon usurp TDM-based ones |
| E-mail Response Management: Bundled, It Works So Well
Look
for solutions with blended environment support |
| Workflow
Management: Essential Balm for BPOs
But a good integrator is needed |
| Call Logging: Driven by Quality
Map all your requirements beforehand to effectively meet quality standards
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| CTI: Total Solutions, Total Peace
Complete solutions are a better buy for your business in the long term rather than standalone ones
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| Dialers: Blended Is Best...
…for business since it allows for effective agent utilization in a highly competitive market |
| Headsets: Productivity Plus
To ensure this, the sophistication of your headsets should be matched by their wearing comfort |
| Training: Quality Matters the Most
Right training for the right people is always good for business. Returns are well worth the effort |
| Certification: On Target, Will Improve
Constant adaptation, change, and improvement…it takes much to just survive. But you need to... |
| EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES: Fact, Not Fiction
Hot
and happening communications technologies explained in simple terms |
| Glossary |
