by KeyTech | Nov 29, 2014 | Business Communications Solutions, Cloud, I.T., Solutions
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a virtual version of a physical network—a web of computers linked together to share files and other resources. A VPN connects to the outside world using the Internet, joining remote sites and users together on the same network. Connections are do so via encrypted tunnels serving secure internet access in addition to corporate assets to computers, devices, and other networks that are connected.
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Connecting to a VPN is usually done by launching a VPN client on your device (or via a link on a special website), logging in with your user details, your device exchanges trusted keys with a server. Once both device and server have verified each other as authentic, all of your data and communications are encrypted and secured.
Is Securing Company Data Important?
For remote and travelling staff, connecting to an encrypted VPN while you’re on a public or un-trusted network—such as a Wi-Fi hotspot in a hotel or coffee shop—is a smart, simple security practice. VPNs encrypt Internet traffic, making it very difficult for data thieves spying on your browsing via Wi-Fi to capture sensitive data (passwords, documents, banking details etc…).
Are Virtual Private Networks just a way for connecting remote employees to servers securely?
Yes, and VPNs are also a way for businesses to deliver company resources and assets to employees securely.
The huge benefit for business is that services delivered via the internet can be plugged into you VPN and deliver a consistent and integrated service to networked users (in the office or remotely) – Services include IP Communications, Business Apps, Cloud Storage, Video Conferencing, Intranet… Basically anything served online.
In addition, greater degrees of control are provided to the business – Including security, access and permissions, device management, back-ups, performance reporting. This can all be centrally controlled and accessed in the office or remotely.
VPN Cost benefits for business
VPNs aren’t suited to every business model, some businesses just don’t have the need for an integrated business environment, but I suspect you wouldn’t be reading this article if that was the case.
For business the quantifiable cost benefits of migrating to a VPN are…
Reduced support costs
maintaining servers tends to be at a lower cost than other approaches because the required support can be outsource to professional third-party service providers, delivering a lower costs structure through economies of scale through servicing many business clients.
Reducing phone charges
Because VOIP is delivered via the internet, VOIP and full IP communications can be delivered to all devices with network access, this includes mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops and even your desktop phones. Full IP phone benefits can be viewed here
Network Scalability
Costs of building a dedicated private network may be reasonable at first but will increase exponentially as an organization grows, Internet based VPNs avoid this scalability problem by simply tapping into the public infrastructure and network capability readily available. Especially for remote and international locations, an Internet VPN delivers superior reach and quality of service.
Sharing of Networked Resources
Networks are particularly useful for connecting multiple networks together securely enabling businesses big and small to company resources across multiple offices, stores and staff across the globe.
Considerations before implementing a VPN for Business
1. VPNs require a detailed understanding of network security issues, careful installation and configuration to ensure sufficient protection is provided on a public network connection.
2. The reliability and performance of an Internet-based VPN is not under an organization’s direct control. Instead, the solution relies on the quality and performance on your internet service provider.
3. VPN solutions from different vendors can have compatibility issues, attempting to mix and match equipment may cause technical problems, what may seem like a cost effective option initially may cost more in the long run.
Tap into the competitive advantages of Private Networks for fast data transfer between sites, improved security, plus easy integration of true IP Telephony, Video Conferencing and Cloud Services.
What does it mean for your business: The difference is comparable to your staff commuting in peak hour traffic vs. your staff driving in a fast lane dedicated to your company.
Faster Data Transfer – Reliable, Secure Infrastructure – A Private Network Dedicated to Your Company Data Traffic
Where to start?
Talking to the professional team at Key Technologies will ensure a cohesive approach, combining I.T. with Communications experience to deliver a truly integrated solution for your business.
Contact the Key Technologies team – 1300 755 615
If you are interested in a truely integrated business
by KeyTech | Nov 28, 2014 | Business Communications Solutions, Solutions, Telecommunications
When considering your business have you ever thought ‘If my business hinges on what my agents say to my customers, we’d better make sure that what they are saying is effective’? It can be easy to lose touch with the people that are the voice of your business, this disconnect can result in the loss of vital information from your customers to your company decision makers.
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Learn What Your Customers Really Want with Call Recording
Understand your clients needs is a proactive responsibility, if you’re waiting to hear from your clients, there is a good chance irreparable damage has already been done.
A great way for businesses to get on the front foot is with Call Recording.
Call recording is not just for Big Brother, all kinds of businesses and departments utilize call recording and there are a number of reasons to support implementing a phone recording solution to your business.
Remove the filter and hear it in your customers own words
Too often staff will only provide you with half the story, are hesitant to volunteer information during team meetings, are bias with incident feedback, or they just don’t understand the importance of different client facing situations.
Call Recording can offer a number of benefits to business, key returns on investment(ROI) arguments include:
- Quality control: Improve employee performance & customer satisfaction
- Marketing data: learn about your customers & their response to marketing campaigns
- Training: Coach your employees with examples of high & low quality calls
- Liability: Resolve disputes & protect your business with recorded evidence
- Security: Detect or deter security breaches & inappropriate calls
From sampling calls in real-time and assessing the impact that sales scripts and supporting screen information has at each stage of the sales process, some customers have seen systems pay for themselves in less than 12 months.
At Key Technologies we have a Call Recording solution for you – Whether it is for quality control or security purposes, your recording requirements can be addressed…
Call Recording Features Include…
- Real-time live call monitoring Easy search/playback
- Unlimited Remote access program, web browser, or over the phone
- Automatic or on demand recording
- Email recordings as WAV files
- Quality control score or grade agent performance
- Date/time stamp
- Capture extension, agent, time, caller id, dialled numbers, duration & more
- Manual notes can be added during livecall monitoring or when a call completes
- Call reports: wide range of telephony reports
- Play recordings from reports via speaker icons
- Automatic archiving
- 128bit encryption
Where to start?
We have implemented call recording for many of our Brisbane business clients, along with providing qualified marketing advise to ensure our clients businesses are growing.
Contact the Key Technologies team – 1300 755 615
If you are interested in maximising your business marketing efforts or to enquire about Call Recording
by KeyTech | Nov 27, 2014 | Business Communications Solutions, Business Marketing, Solutions
How do you market your business? Are you taking advantage of every opportunity to inform your clients and prospects of your services, USPs, achievements, promotions? There is a difference between putting your customers on hold vs. placing them on hold and providing them with useful information.
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- 70% of business callers are put on hold.
- 60% of business callers that are placed on hold HANG-UP.
- 30% of these callers DON’T CALL BACK!
Considering the majority of advertising budgets for business is focus on getting the phones to ring, what are you doing to keep them on the line?
- Callers with SILENCE-ON-HOLD will abandon their calls in less than 60 seconds, and 90% hang-up within 40 seconds.
- Callers with MUSIC-ON-HOLD will stay on the line 30 seconds longer than silence.
- Callers with INFORMATION-ON-HOLD will stay on the line for up to 3 minutes longer.
With an average of 70% of all calls placed on hold, if someone has taken the time to contact your business you can’t afford to leave them hanging.
A Marketing Opportunity is Presented
A simple way to keep customers engaged when on-hold, and increase sales, is to provide useful information about your business.
Your business can use on-hold advertising to…
- Promote your social media presence
- Cross sell profitable products
- Promote new products or services
- Deliver your unique service proposition
- Tell your customer why you are different
- Reinforce newsletters and other marketing material
- Tell customers about your latest news
- Boost your brand identity
- Drive traffic to your web site or on-line store
On-hold advertising provides a very inexpensive and automated method for marketing your business.
First impressions count, as does every interaction
What first impression are you providing to new and existing customers? Delivering a professional blend of music and message demonstrates a level of professionalism that will set you apart from your competitors and for small business, make your company sound like a large corporation.
Where to start?
We have implemented on-hold advertising for many Brisbane business clients, along with providing qualified marketing advise to ensure our clients businesses are growing.
Contact the Key Technologies team – 1300 755 615
If you are interested in maximising your business marketing efforts or to inquire about on-hold advertising
by KeyTech | Nov 13, 2014 | Cloud, I.T., Solutions
Tap into the competitive advantages of Private Networks for fast data transfer between sites, improved security, plus easy integration of true IP Telephony, Video Conferencing and Cloud Services.
What does it mean for your business: The difference is comparable to your staff commuting in peak hour traffic vs. your staff driving in a fast lane dedicated to your company.
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