Christmas presents

Plan Now to Hit Your 2020 Goals

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!

 

 

Integrating ipads to office network Va Beach

The Best Gift To Give Your Business

What are the Best Gifts You Can Give Your Business This Year?

Don’t forget about that one gift that always pays off–a gift to your business! If you’re looking for ways to invest back into your company this holiday, we know the best way to do it. Improved voice and data services. 

There’s no better gift to your company than better technology, especially as we head into 2020. From structured cabling to cyber-security, implementing our services help maximize efficiency, increase your potential and give your business a leg up on the competition. Now, that really is something to be thankful for. 

Here are BCS’s most rewarding ways to invest resources into your company this  holiday season: 

  1. Structured Cabling:

      Many business owners are skeptical about the benefits of structured cabling. We beg to differ. Any business with even a small telecoms network will reap the rewards of a well-planned and executed system. Structured cabling pays dividends with better organization, faster speeds and increased scalability. 

  2. Tools for Remote Workers:

    Although they aren’t on-premises, it’s still important (if not more so) to invest in the tools your remote staff uses. That’s because they’re only as good as the tools they receive. If they experience tech issues, they can’t just go down the hall to IT. So, by giving them new or improved equipment this holiday, you can jump start their 2020 work performance while building a better relationship. A happy team means a happy company and that always pays off. 

  3. Cyber Security:

    Small businesses tend to believe they fall under the radar for a sophisticated cyber-attack. With that thinking, they operate with minimal or no cyber-security. These businesses are known for lacking security measures and often targeted. Unfortunately, half of them will experience at least one cyber-attack during their business lifetime. If you’re on the fence about adding security to your operations, consider giving yourself and you business peace of mind with enhanced cybersecurity this holiday. 

Investing in your voice and data service is the best gift you can give you business this holiday season! You’ll enter 2020 knowing you and your team are fully prepared to grow with the times. Unsure exactly what would benefit you the most? Contact BCS Voice and Data to learn more about the possibilities for your business.

Young woman at computer

What To Be Thankful For in Your  Business Phone Provider 

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.

office worker at computer

Quick Tech Gift Guide

With the holidays approaching, you’re probably already looking at gifts for office colleagues. With everyone trying to do more during their workday, we suggest gifting coworkers and employees with useful technologies that help them do just that! Become the best gift-giver this year with these tech tools that will make everyone’s lives easier and help your workplace run smoothly: 

Bluetooth Headphones

Do you have employees who are always on the phone? A customer service agent requires a crisp, great-sounding headset with a great connection to deliver the best service possible. 

Bluetooth headphones are updated versions of bulky over-the-ear headsets. These make great gifts, but also make life easier when you are multitasking or on the go.

E-Tip Gloves

E-Tip gloves may not be a tech item, but they make using your tech a lot easier in the winter.

Keeping endless lists, taking notes and staying in constant contact means using touch screens to do it all. No one wants to take off their gloves just to open their phone or answer a text! Help everyone hurdle this inconvenient frustration with a nice pair of E-tip gloves.

Tablet

If your team is frequently on the go, meeting with clients or collaborating with one another, having a tablet is a convenient way to keep the software and information they need at their fingertips. If you’ve invested in virtualization, your employees can access what they need and join video conferences on the go with helpful apps available from Starleaf and other brands.


These three items help your colleagues free up time and be more efficient in and out of the office. To learn more about the solutions that BCS offers to keep your office running smoothly, give us a call at (757) 497-3100, or use our online contact form.

Frustrated man computer network

Common Business Communication Fears

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 

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. 

 

digital signs

The Benefits of Digital Signage

Digital signage is an electronic display platform used for advertising, generating brand awareness and delivering important information about a company’s products or services via high-quality graphics and videos.

This technology has transformed the way businesses large and small communicate with customers. From finding a gate at the airport to ordering lunch, consumers see information everywhere. As digital signs become the industry standard, here are three ways every company can benefit from their use.

1.Low Cost 

Digital signage eliminates the need for printing, which is a big savings. The cost of printing brochures, menu boards, traditional billboards and posters represents a large part of marketing budgets. By saving here, businesses can invest more in creating high-quality and compelling content, instead.

2. Stay Competitive 

Research shows that consumers respond less to print ads due to heightened awareness of digital communications. That makes it more important than ever to keep up with digital forms of communication, or risk being seen as out of touch and obsolete.  

3. Easily Stay Up-To-Date

The best aspect of this digital platform is it’s convenience. Changes are done on- or off-site, as often as necessary and with just a few clicks. Adding a new service, updating information or menu item doesn’t require the time or money that comes with re-printing traditional marketing materials. 

4. Grab Attention 

You can incorporate anything from emergency alerts to full-motion graphics into these modern displays. That means, they can grab and hold attention that would otherwise be lost.  

With digital signage, the possibilities are endless. BCS Voice and Data works closely with you to design the perfect solution for your operational requirements and aesthetic tastes.  Contact us today to learn more about options for your business.

How To Tap Into The Remote Workforce 

New technologies are making it easier than ever to collaborate with teams of freelancers and remote employees. With less overhead, greater flexibility and access to a bigger talent pool, many companies are eager to tap into this modernization advantage. 

Read more

The Risks of Consumer Cloud Storage

You’ve undoubtedly heard the names and would recognize the logos of the biggest players in the current cloud storage market. This widely used software provided by GoogleDrive, Dropbox and Amazon Cloud Drive have millions of users between them. Just because they’re popular, doesn’t mean you should trust them with your company’s important data. We recommend ignoring the hype and doing some research before signing up. 

The convenience of consumer cloud storage: inexpensive syncing among employees and their devices, isn’t necessarily a fair trade off for the risks your company takes. These file share solutions answer a single problem while opening you up to many more. Here are three big risks you take when using cloud storage for your company: 

  1. No Tech Support:

    Users of cloud-based storage technologies must deal with slow to non-existent tech support. Many of these large companies divert frustrated customers (you) to a robot chat box or delayed online support for answers. That means, there will be little help and potential long-term downtime when you or your team has trouble accessing important data.

  2. No Control Over Data:

    Data is nothing to play with. If your employees and customers trust you with sensitive information, it’s your responsibility to keep it out of the wrong hands. You allow data to be stored in servers around the world by using third-party cloud-based services. That means, no assurance of what laws are protecting it or when. One thing you can be sure of, it’s only a matter of time until someone unauthorized attempts to access it. 

  3. Remote Devices:

    Using a remote staff will save on traditional costs associated with running a business. However, allowing remote workers to use their own devices introduces a significant security risk, especially if you’re using cloud sharing software. Remote employees’ devices are rarely adequately protected and easily become another portal for cyber criminals and hackers to access information. 

 

It’s critical that organizations keep the above security issues in mind before making the switch. Instead, hire a company like BCS Voice and Data, who will design and implement a secure wireless network to meet your specific needs. The cloud may be right for your business, but there are alternatives that significantly help mitigate the risks. Contact us today for a consultation or with questions about our services.

Protect yourself by creating a safety culture at work

Creating a Cyber-Safe Culture 

In this cyber environment, business owners and employees must be aware of the horrors of an insecure system. Criminals can hack into corporate property and compromise customer information, sometimes even holding it for ransom. Methods such as these recently brought the entire city of Baltimore to a halt for multiple days.

Although it’s everyone’s duty to assist their organization against targeted attacks and security breaches; the importance of cyber security should be strongly delivered from your top management team at all times. Here are three tips to build a sound cyber security culture in your workplace.

1. Maintain a sound password policy
The most common passwords of 2018 were “111111”,  “12345678” and “password”. Many of us, including your employees, will forgo a safe password for one that’s easy to remember or quick to type into their login screen. With data that must stay secure, you can’t risk anyone using something easily guessed. Avoid this issue by instituting a proper password policy. This policy should make common passwords off-limits and create a required framework for combining numerals, letters and punctuation. It should also force frequent password changes.

2. Train employees on Workplace security
Conduct regular training for employees to learn how to identify suspicious cyber activities and report them. Educate teams on how to use their resources to analyze emails and attachments and be wary of activity they did not do or request. Additionally, make it easy for employees to report anything out of the ordinary. Share incidents of cybercrimes with your employees and discuss how your organization is equipped to combat similar attacks.

3. Act as a Role Model
If you are a manager or business owner, it is up to you to enthusiastically communicate security objectives and adhere to them. Practice what you preach and lock your system whenever you leave your desk. Doing so will encourage your employees to contribute to a positive and secure environment as well.

If you have any questions about how to better protect your systems, don’t hesitate to contact us at BCS Voice and Data. We offer solutions and support for any business with safety concerns, and provide additional services depending on your business needs. Contact us today for a no-obligation conversation about how we help keep data safe.