BCS Provides Business Phone System Sales, Installation, Support and Service

Is app overload slowing down your team?

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Ever had one of those days where you feel like your inbox is staging a coup against your productivity?

You’re not alone.

In fact, a recent study revealed that 80% of our communications are still happening via email.

Yes, despite all the apps, chat services, and digital tools we have at our disposal, we’re still stuck in our old ways, sifting through an avalanche of emails. It’s a little like using a carrier pigeon in the age of the telephone.

The study also found that employees are wasting precious hours navigating through a maze of apps. Imagine this: Your employee is about to send an important report but gets lost between Slack, Teams, Google Docs, and a dozen other tools. It’s like playing a never-ending game of digital hide-and-seek. And spoiler alert: It’s not fun.

What about video conferencing? That’s got to be better, right? Well, not quite. Sure, it gives us the illusion of being productive, but the truth is, most employees find only three in five meetings genuinely valuable. The rest? Unproductive.

And let’s not forget about the constant need to repeat or clarify ourselves. We’re talking about 74% of workers having to repeat themselves some of the time, with almost a quarter saying this happens often. It’s enough to make you want to scream into the void, isn’t it?

So, what’s the solution?

Well, it’s time to take a step back and rethink your digital strategy.

Instead of piling on more apps and tools, why not work with a technology strategist who can help you create a plan that makes sense for your business? Think of us as the Marie Kondo of the digital world, helping you declutter your digital workspace and sparking joy (and productivity) in your team.

If you’re ready to get away from the endless loop of emails and app notifications and boost your productivity again, let us help.

That phishing site? Gone in 600 seconds

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Did you know that a staggering 60% of phishing websites are only online for a fleeting 10 minutes?

Yes, you read that right. Just ten minutes.

This surprising fact underlines just how rapidly cyber threats are evolving and how vital it is for us to stay ahead of the game.

Phishing sites are fake sites that try to trick you into entering your login details. Or to get you to download malware.

The idea is that cyber criminals drive huge amounts of traffic to them… scam people… then take down the site before it can be detected.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could spot these threats before they vanish into thin air and pop-up elsewhere? Well, Google Chrome has a trick up its sleeve to help us do just that.

Imagine this: You’re running your business, constantly on the move, making split-second decisions. You absent-mindedly visit a website which looks a little… odd. But you don’t panic. You’re using Google Chrome and it scans websites you visit against its list of malicious URLs.

But uh oh. Google’s list of bad websites is only updated every 30 to 60 minutes. That 60% of phishing domains that are active for just 10 minutes may slip through the net.

Enter Google Chrome’s new security tool, Enhanced Safe Browsing.

As part of a recent update, Chrome has switched it on for everyone. It will now check URLs against a list of domains in real time. Think of it as a cyber bodyguard who can spot and neutralize threats at lightning speed.

Google has confirmed that Enhanced Safe Browsing will continue to offer features like deep scans for files and protection from malicious extensions.

So, does this mean Google will know every URL you visit?

Well, yes. But whilst this new feature does share all visited URLs with Google, the information won’t be used to power other features, including advertising. It’s a trade-off between security and privacy. Given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, isn’t it worth having an extra layer of protection?

We say embrace these new tools and stay one step ahead of the cyber criminals. After all, the safety of all our businesses depends on it.

If you need additional support protecting your business from phishing scams – or anything else – get in touch.

Microsoft and Samsung team up to boost work phone security

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You’ve checked your pockets, your bag, under pillows … and then it hits you. You left your work phone on the table at the coffee shop.

You panic.

It’s not the device itself that’s got you worried, but all the sensitive business information stored on it. If that mobile ends up in the wrong hands, you’re facing a nightmare.

But that worry could be over. Microsoft and Samsung are joining forces to make your work mobiles safer. This month, they’re launching a groundbreaking solution to help protect anyone who uses a Samsung Galaxy device in the workplace.

How?

With something called on-device attestation. It lets companies see if mobile devices have been compromised, even at their deepest components. Think of it as a security guard for your cell phone.

Samsung brings its software and hardware innovations to the table, whilst Microsoft provides its endpoint management expertize.

And whilst other device attestation tools require a network connection and access to cloud services, this solution works reliably regardless of network connectivity or device ownership model.

This solution will be released alongside Microsoft Intune (previously known as Windows Intune), a unified endpoint management service for both corporate devices and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). And it will be available to select Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, especially those “Secured by Knox”.

So, whether you’re working from the office, a busy coffee shop, or a remote cabin in the woods, you can rest assured your device is safe.

In business, your mobile is more than just a communication device. It’s a vault of sensitive (and valuable) information. And with Microsoft and Samsung on the case, that vault just got a lot safer.

If we can help you keep any of your devices more secure, get in touch.

Re-Opening Your Office After Working Remotely

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Depending on which state you live in, you may be thinking about the process of re-opening your offices. Even if you don’t plan on having employees return for another few weeks or even a few months, it’s a good idea to consider what steps to take, and what a new work environment might look like.

Tech Tips

  • If your employees working remotely have been saving files to their own devices rather than a secure, remote network, now is the time to transfer those files to keep them safe and backed up.
  • Not all businesses will be back to their office at the same time – setting up one or more dedicated meeting rooms for video and phone conferences will help you keep in touch while eliminating background noises. Make sure devices in the room can access network resources, if needed.
  • Update your information. When you left the office, did you update your website, Google listing or Linkedin with new hours of operation and phone numbers? Don’t forget to change them back!

Personal Tips

  • It can be easy to feel motivated and work through the entire day once you’re back in your regular office setting, free of the distractions you had at home. Remember to give your eyes (and brain) a break every once in a while.
  • Respect your coworkers by maintaining safety precautions to prevent the spread of germs, and ask that they do the same. Just because it’s been deemed safe to be at work again, doesn’t mean you should stop washing your hands frequently or maintaining social distance.
  • Sanitize your work environment. It’s always a good idea to keep a clean work area, but you may want to take a few extra steps, like wiping down your phone, door handles and other surfaces regularly with a disinfectant. If you’re the owner or manager, be sure to communicate new cleaning processes with all employees.

If your office needs help transitioning back to the office with video conferencing solutions, IT support or network security, contact BCS Voice & Data Solutions today.

Build Better Client Relationships With Tech

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February is the month of love! If you’re looking for ways to improve the relationship between your business and clients, take the seasonal opportunity to do so! Show clients and partners that you appreciate them with new technologies that improve their experience with your company.

Wondering how BCS can help? Here are some easily integratable tools that quickly show your clients how much you care:

1. Free WiFi

The need for visitors to connect is unavoidable. Granting unlimited access to everyone can introduce security issues, so many companies don’t offer up their private connection.

Unfortunately, that creates a negative experience for the visitor. That’s why you should consider establishing a convenient guest WiFi, instead. A dedicated guest network lets visitors quickly connect with a simple password and no red tape. It’s a thoughtful and appreciated convenience that all clients and guests will enjoy, and it protects your business systems.

2. Professional Conference Calling

Do you have regular in-person meetings with  customers? Whether they come to you or you go to them, someone adds minutes and sometimes hours onto their workday just getting to the meeting. One easy way to streamline communication with clients and improve your overall relationship is to integrate video conferencing. Professional video conferencing, like our StarLeaf technology, allows you and your client to get that face-to-face contact without the burden of travel, something your everyone will thank you for.

3. Eliminate Wait Times

Being able to talk with a real person when you need help is an important demand for clients and customers across all industries. If your phone system is too complicated or employees can’t connect quickly, communication falls apart. Show your clients that you understand their needs. Upgrading to a seamless and easy to use business phone system with BCS.

BCS Voice and Data is here to make you and your clients happier! Call us at (800) 365-8067 to learn how we can eliminate the barriers to building great relationships and set your business apart.

Your Next Decade of Conference Calling

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Don’t you sometimes wish that conference calls were… easy? We get it! With most providers, telephone conferencing is a horrible experience. Lines are dropped, important people can’t dial in and there’s static or an echo coming through that no one knows how to stop. We’ve all been there.

That’s exactly what the experts at BCS know how to fix.

With our technology and experience, conference calls may just become the easiest part of the day. Make this the year to finally create a clear, crisp and easy-to-use environment for clients, prospects and employees.

The BCS Voice and Data team creates individualized solutions for our clients, especially when it comes to phone and video conferencing. For some companies, the solution is as simple as replacing an aging phone system with a cloud-based phone system and newer, more robust hardware. Other clients, particularly those with high call volumes or a variety of geographic locations to connect with, benefit from a fully remodeled and re-outfitted conference room. Still other clients are in need of high-quality video-conferencing solutions. The type that beat consumer-grade video calling technology in terms of ease, image clarity, call quality and integration with the cloud. Then again, some clients need all of the above!

Whatever your needs, we know that selecting the right business telephone and conferencing systems is a daunting task. We’ve helped thousands of clients and find consistent questions and functions that need to be addressed with all, no matter what size the business. Take a look at our guide to choosing the right system for your business for guidance.

Want to make conference calls less stressful and more collaborative for you and your business this year? BCS can help you find the perfect solution and dominate your business’ technology in 2020. Give us a call today at (757) 497-3100 or contact us online.

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Plan Now to Hit Your 2020 Goals

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2019 flew by, and we are just a few days away from starting a new year. At this point, you’ve probably reviewed the past year and created a budget and IT goals for 2020, but don’t wait to put those plans into action. 

If you wait too long, you may not see significant improvements to your business until well into the new year. There’s no better time than the present to put changes into motion. 

If you’re wondering where to begin, let us help. Here are three easy ways BCS Voice & Data can help you spark big improvements in your business:

New Equipment: 

If you reviewed your budget and decided that 2020 is the time to replace lagging equipment, give BCS a call now! The speed of your technology is only as good as the cable infrastructure it runs on, and we offer solutions to get your office moving quickly with computer networking and network cable installation. You don’t want to put new equipment on aging infrastructure.

Improved Communication Systems: 

If you plan to increase communication with clients and remote employees to improve business relationships and productivity, be sure to check out our telephone and video conferencing system options. Adding cloud-based technology to your office in 2020 will put you ahead of the competition and make it easier than ever to collaborate. Our options are easy to use with no interruptions and best of all, your entire team will be more productive.

Virtualization: 

If one of your goals is to grow your business by improving your speed, agility and service availability, contact us to speak with a virtualization specialist. Virtualization allows you to keep up with the addition of more employees by supporting multiple desktops per server, improving data center security and increasing speed, all while keeping costs low.

Adding BCS solutions at the start of the year will set you up for success, so that by this time next year you’ll have met and exceeded your business and budget goals. If you’re ready to find out more about what options are right for you, give us a call today at (757) 497-3100. Our experts are ready to help you succeed in the new year!

 

 

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What To Be Thankful For in Your  Business Phone Provider 

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Finding a great business phone system provider is difficult, especially with the overwhelming amount of options available. How do know if you selected the right phone system, and more importantly, the right provider?

In the spirit of the holidays, we’re outlining the top five qualities that all good providers should have and why you and your office should be thankful when you find this combination!

1. Confident and knowledgeable about the products they sell.

Many business communications companies leave it entirely to the consumer to research, compare and learn the ins-and-outs. Choose a provider that loves what they do and is passionate about what they’re selling. You should partner with experts who are willing and able to guide your decisions.

2. Offers reliable support.

What’s the use of investing in a new phone system if installation and training is sub-par? This commonly happens when providers are headquartered across the country or overseas. System installation, training, maintenance and repair should be a breeze. Choose a provider that is geographically close and makes IT support top priority – or one what has stellar support, including video conversations.

3. Provides knowledge and expertise.

These days, a company’s communication strategy is anything but simple. The phone system is often tied to the internet service and ultimately to the cloud. A good provider understands the complex mechanics of the latest advancements in information technology, and can help guide you to the right solution for today and the future.

4. Understands local challenges and circumstances facing your business.

We recommend partnering with a local or regional company to manage your communication needs. They will know what you’re up against, including any unique access or service limitations, and can integrate that knowledge into your technology recommendations.

5. Invested in your company’s success.

Choose a provider that does more than drop a phone system in your lap and collect their money. A good provider wants to see your company grow, evolve and come out on top. A great provider partner will help you get there with proactive advice and support.

At BCS Voice and Data Solutions, we’re thankful for our clients and we make sure to provide top tier services. If you are looking for a reliable partner you can be thankful for, contact us today.

Frustrated man computer network

Common Business Communication Fears

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What’s the biggest fear in running your company? For many entrepreneurs and executive teams it’s the potential of losing clients or prospects  due to simple communication issues. Even though these issues are easily avoidable, it happens all the time, and is incredibly frustrating for all involved. Nothing annoys business owners more than easily preventable issues that cost them business.

Here are some common problems that can scare clients away:

  1. Never reaching a real person.


    If your phone system is too complicated and your employees can’t be reached quickly, or the call is dropped, clients can’t communicate efficiently. It’s important to be available at all times, especially if your company distinguishes itself by providing stellar customer service. Make sure your phone system can handle your business needs. It’s also important that employees are trained on how to use it effectively. Also, double check to make sure your connection is solid.

  2. Being out-of-date.


    No one wants to work with a company that uses out-of-date tools. Not only will it hurt efficiency when working together, but gives the appearance of a low-budget and lack of knowledge. From conference room equipment to shared file storage and business phone systems, having outdated equipment means your impression with current clients falls flat — and certainly won’t impress potential clients. Always have a backup method for storing information and consider updating any tool that’s no longer serving its purpose. If you aren’t sure, contact BCS Voice and Data for a consultation.

  3. Down time.


    No matter what your business does, it’s important that your network is working at all times. Frequent downtime is sure to hurt your bottom line and scare away any clients that rely on you to make announcements, initiate updates or run their services. One of the best investments to make if your company relies on technology, is in IT support and network monitoring that can help your office run smoothly.

If you want to prevent these client and prospecting fears, give BCS a call. Whether it’s remote network monitoring services and IT support, cloud-based phone systems or conference room solutions, our experts are here to improve communication and keep your information safe and accessible. Contact us today at (757) 497-3100 today, or use our online form.

Making Office Communication Easy 

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Modern business relies on phone calls, emails, video conferencing and more for the bulk of information transfer. Unfortunately, many employees (and even their CEOs) are apprehensive when it comes to using virtual communication tools. Whether it’s because they’re unfamiliar with the technology or lack efficient and up-to-date tools, this apprehension hurts your bottom line. It’s important to make office communication easy.

If you notice too many dropped calls or missed important messages, it’s for a reason. It’s an employers job to identify and eliminate that reason. Below, we address the common fears employees have about using communication tools and how to fix-it them.

Lack of Etiquette –

Workers might be avoiding long email strings, chat-oriented apps or conference calls (video and otherwise) because they are unfamiliar with the k proper etiquette on these platforms. Not everyone grew up with virtual communication, so it’s important to ensure employees are comfortable using it.

Write out guidelines and proper procedures when using different mediums and share it with the entire team. That way, no one feels singled out. If you notice there are still some who avoid picking up the phone or cam, suggest role play and coaching as a means to practice.

Too Complicated-

Not all technology is easy to use, especially complicated office phone systems. So many of us are used to making calls easily from our cell phones, and your staff may be avoiding making or answering calls because they just don’t know how to perform regular actions like transferring a call or conferencing in a colleague! It is a great idea to include a phone system guide in your employee welcome packet. If you still see people experiencing difficulties, it may be time for a different system altogether.

Out of Date-

Yes, your office has a chat system, but if it takes too long to send and receive messages, your team won’t use it. Employees steer clear of a system that creates frustration and adds time to their work. That goes for any technology your office uses. It’s imperative to make sure all systems are up to date or they won’t be used. Identify where you need updates with a consultation from BCS Voice and Data. We identify areas where your business can implement better technology to improve efficiency and ultimately help your bottom line.


Your employees’ biggest fear should be the office microwave, not the video conferencing room. BCS Voice and Data can help give your team the tools they need to work efficiently and quickly. Contact us today to learn about our suite of tools to get your team confidently communicating with those around them.