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Mitel + Zoom Deploy AI-First Hybrid Communications & Collaboration Solution

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When it comes to communications, one service simply doesn’t fit all.

TCI’s solutions are designed to fit the way you work and achieve your goals. Our flexible hybrid portfolio provides a seamless experience no matter the setup – supporting your frontline and back-office teams working from anywhere.

Zoom + Mitel Working Together

Now TCI is bringing together Mitel and Zoom for clients in the DC region that are looking for next-level meetings, messaging, and virtual workspaces. Together, Zoom and Mitel deliver advanced integration and telephony capabilities that create even better user experiences. Give your teams new capabilities like Visual voicemail, full-feature certification of Mitel devices with Zoom Workplace for users who prefer a desk phone, and active monitoring across your hybrid Zoom Workplace and Mitel environments.

You can place, receive, and manage calls with other team members using Zoom Workplace across a hybrid Mitel and Zoom deployment or connect with external parties – all powered by Mitel’s secure telephony and devices. An integrated directory with Mitel’s UC solutions lets you search contacts, check presence status, chat, call, or start a meeting with just one click.

AI Capabilities

We combine Zoom Workplace and Zoom Al Companion with Mitel’s flagship communication platforms, delivering a highly integrated user experience. You can quickly access important information, prioritize and assign tasks, summarize chat threads, emails, documents, and more.

Higher Productivity

Get critical information instantly, automate routine tasks, and stay informed throughout the workday. This will enable faster decision-making, provide information when and where it’s needed, and help your employees improve their efficiency.

A Better Admin and User Experience

  • Fast, efficient, and centralized provisioning, configuration, and single sign-on (SSO) access for admins and partners
  • Customized services that deeply integrate Mitel’s solutions with Zoom and your environment and business workflows
  • A seamless user experience for meetings through a single application
  • Business continuity and resiliency where it matters most

TCI brings together ‘Best-of-both-worlds’ collaboration, advanced AI, and voice capabilities.

Ready to bring Zoom and Mitel together? Let’s get the conversation started. Contact us at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com

 

Transform Your Communications Service into a Strategic Asset with AI

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Communication systems powered by AI can revolutionize how businesses interact with customers and manage internal operations. Here’s how traditional phone systems compare with new AI-enabled solutions and how TCI can help you adopt powerful new tools in your organization.

Challenges of Basic Communication Systems

Legacy communication systems often fall short in delivering actionable insights and efficiency, leading to these common issues:

  • Data Silos – Without centralized access, extracting critical data from IT, HR, or customer interactions is cumbersome and limits strategic analysis.
  • Manual Processes – Reliance on human data entry increases errors, delays, and inefficiencies and impacts productivity.
  • Limited Visibility – Lack of real-time tracking of call handling and agent performance can hinder coaching and training.
  • Scalability Issues – As businesses grow, informal support systems become overwhelmed and create bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

How AI Transforms Communication Systems

AI-powered solutions turn communication platforms into dynamic tools for data capture, analysis, and action. Here are the key benefits:

  • Automated Data Capture – AI transcribes and analyzes calls automatically and provides a complete view of trends and interactions.
  • Real-Time Insights – Analytics reveal trends in customer satisfaction and team performance to support informed decisions.
  • Operational Efficiency – Automation streamlines workflows, reducing response times and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience – Personalized interactions and proactive solutions improve satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Scalable Infrastructure – AI solutions grow with your business while ensuring security and compliance with regulations.

Checklist for Investing in AI-Driven Call Intelligence

When selecting an AI communication platform, consider these essential factors:

  • Integration: Ensure compatibility with existing tools like CRM or ERP for seamless workflows.
  • Data Security: Prioritize robust security measures to protect sensitive information and maintain compliance.
  • Scalability: Choose a solution that adapts to growing demands without compromising performance.
  • ROI Metrics: Define clear success metrics (e.g., cost savings or customer satisfaction) to measure impact.
  • Change Management: Develop a training plan to ensure smooth adoption by employees.
  • Unified Platform: Opt for centralized solutions offering advanced routing, analytics, and reporting features.
  • AI Capabilities: Leverage AI for automation and personalized interactions across channels.
  • Omnichannel Support: Ensure consistent communication across voice, chat, email, and social media platforms.

Ready to Elevate Your Communication Strategy?

Discover how TCI’s integrated communications and AI-powered solutions can transform your business operations and customer experience. Contact us at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.

 

Creating a Customer-First Culture for Banks & Credit Unions in the DC Region

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In today’s competitive financial landscape, fostering an excellent customer experience is paramount for banks and credit unions in the DC region.

Beyond client interactions, successful financial services firms are focused on providing new tools that enable their businesses to thrive.

By equipping your staff with secure, compliant communications systems, implemented by TCI, you can confidently deliver the enhanced services your customers expect.

Investing in Customer Experience (CX) pays dividends, but it requires addressing several behind-the-scenes challenges.

  • Inconsistent service levels
  • Outdated security measures
  • Siloed staff
  • Limited communication channels

TCI, your local technology expert, can help you overcome these obstacles and develop the customer-first culture your institution needs to excel.

Why Choose TCI?

For over 40 years, TCI has been empowering banks and credit unions in the DC region to connect, collaborate, and exceed customer expectations. Our deep understanding of the local financial services sector allows us to bring valuable insights to your organization, maximizing your technology investment, and unlocking your full potential.

TCI’s Financial Service Solutions help you stay ahead of the competition.

  • Improve customer interactions across all channels, from in-branch to mobile apps
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and strengthen security measures
  • Automate tasks for improved operations
  • Enable employees to be more responsive and efficient with customer-based routing for personalized service
  • CRM screen pops for efficient agent empowerment
  • Suggest responses for faster, more consistent customer service

As the financial sector continues to evolve, TCI helps you adopt new capabilities.

  • Implement advanced digital banking solutions
  • Leverage fintech applications for improved services and climate finance initiatives
  • Enhance your digital infrastructure with cutting-edge technologies

Don’t let outdated technology hold your institution back.

Partner with TCI to revolutionize your customer experience and drive growth in the competitive DC financial market.

Contact TCI today at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.

 

TCI Makes Access Control Easy – Improve Your Building Security from Your Phone

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While data security is crucial, protecting customers and employees from physical threats is equally important. Security cameras have become standard equipment in schools, hospitals, hotels, and businesses, serving as a front line of defense.

However, integrating these video feeds into a broader unified communications (UC) platform can be challenging. TCI offers a solution that simplifies this process which allows you to manage building access right from your phone.

Advanced Access Control Solution

TCI’s cutting-edge Access Control solution integrates seamlessly with your existing communications infrastructure, offering:

  • Live video display on your videophone when someone approaches your doors
  • Real-time audio feed for communication with visitors
  • Pop-up buttons on your phone to lock or unlock doors
  • Ability to send notifications to employees, students, or emergency services in case of an incident

This customized solution from TCI combines various technologies to create a unique solution to specific security challenges.

How It Works

  • A visitor arrives and rings the video doorbell camera.
  • This triggers a call to the receptionist’s IP phone.
  • The phone’s video screen displays a real-time video feed, indicating which door is the source.
  • After a brief conversation, the receptionist can open the door via an on-screen button.
  • In case of a potential threat, they can select an “evacuate” button to notify security or emergency services.

Stay Ahead of Potential Threats

TCI’s Access Control solution extends the functionality of existing products by integrating them with third-party solutions and services. It combines:

  • Voice, video, and messaging capabilities
  • IP phones supporting real-time video feeds and touch-activated prompts
  • Text-based messaging for emergency and non-emergency situations
  • Third-party products like video cameras, screen-capture software, SIP-enabled remote access control systems, and local alarm services

By tying everything together, TCI can transform your IP phone into a security command center that controls communication, identification, and notification.

Experience the future of facility security with TCI’s innovative Access Control solution. Contact your local TCI team at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.

Elevate Your Business Communications with TCI Host: Customized Enterprise-Class Cloud Solutions

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In today’s business environment, staying connected is more crucial than ever. TCI, your trusted leader in telecommunications serving the DC region for over 40 years, proudly offers TCI Host – an Enterprise-class Cloud Communications Solution that’s revolutionizing how businesses communicate.

TCI Host leverages the power of industry-leading, feature-rich software to deliver a comprehensive Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platform. This cutting-edge solution is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations.

Key features of TCI Host

  • Mobility and Remote Work Support – Enjoy full functionality whether you’re in the office, working remotely, or on the go.
  • Unified Communications – Integrate voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools into a single, seamless platform.
  • Virtualization Benefits – Reduce hardware, software, and power consumption costs while streamlining IT management.
  • Flexibility – Choose between hosted, on-premises, or hybrid deployment options to suit your specific needs.
  • Scalability – Easily adapt to your business growth without significant infrastructure changes.

TCI Host is ideal for businesses looking to reduce their technology footprint, eliminate hardware maintenance costs, and stay ahead of technological advances. With its internet-based service, TCI Host significantly reduces carrier bandwidth costs while delivering top-tier unified communications, mobility, and collaboration services.

As the oldest leading Mitel provider in the DC Region, TCI brings unparalleled expertise to every client engagement. Our certified technical staff is respected throughout the industry, ensuring you receive the highest quality support and service.

Don’t let outdated communication systems hold your business back. Experience the future of enterprise communications with TCI Host.

Contact TCI today to learn how we can customize a solution that fits your specific objectives and propels your business forward in the digital age: (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.

Get to Know Mitel’s Expanding List of Hybrid UC Integrations – 2025 Tech Partner Highlights

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At TCI, we’re focused on delivering hybrid UC solutions to improve the efficiency of frontline workers – and meet the unique needs of your industry.

With more than 200 vertical application partners within Mitel’s Network Technology partners program – and growing – we are constantly finding new use cases to serve the DC region. We’re excited to introduce these new vendors we can integrate into your Mitel solutions in 2025.

A Deepening Portfolio of Healthcare and Elderly Care Integrations

  • Caretronic – Caretronic is dedicated to ensuring that patients and healthcare professionals experience seamless support. Their mission is to alleviate the administrative burden on nursing staff, allowing them to focus entirely on delivering exceptional care and treatment. The Caretronic Nurse Call system combines advanced nurse call functionality with integrated healthcare management and nursing documentation, creating a unified solution.
  • Tetronik – Tetronik offers solutions for various alarm, information, and communication management tasks to automate, simplify, and secure critical and everyday communication processes in healthcare and other critical infrastructure verticals.
  • ComAlert – ComAlert develops and manufactures life safety mass notification systems for many different industries. When every second counts, there is no room for technology failure. If you’re looking for paging and intercom systems for skilled nursing facilities, schools, or correctional facilities yet flexible enough to be adaptive for custom applications, we have solutions.

Second-to-none Hospitality Integrations

  • Prologic First – Prologic First designs smart solutions for the hospitality industry. From designing one of the first-ever integrated software solutions for hotels and restaurants to introducing cloud-based solutions, Prologic First has always pushed the envelope and kept its customers ahead. Prologic First’s hotel front desk software consolidates all hotel front desk functions into a single workplace to enhance the ability of your reception and guest services staff to deliver optimum service. Additional tools and easy access to data make navigation smoother and enable users to accomplish more with less effort.
  • Foratable by Lunchgate – Lunchgate’s hospitality and restaurant management system, “Foratable,” automates repetitive tasks along the entire customer journey while simultaneously personalizing your offer according to the needs of restaurant guests. This solution lets restaurant owners focus staff on great dining experiences rather than administrative and booking workflows.

Improving Customer Experiences in Financial Services

  • Universal Speech Solutions – Understanding who is calling is fundamental to any financial services organization. UniSpeech provides highly efficient, reliable, and standards-based speech recognition solutions tailored to customers’ needs. Transparency and strict completion timelines are also keys to a successful business engagement. Keep track of the latest changes in speech technology and leverage extensive knowledge of related standards and available toolkits to enable your customer experience staff to shorten the time to business-generating customer interactions.

General Applications with Broad Appeal

  • Xarios – Dimensions Technology – Dimensions by Xarios produces insights that matter for your business. It is a powerful cloud-based call analytics platform for contact centers and office deployments. It allows you to monitor customer experience and manage staff using in-depth call data and fully customizable real-time wallboards.
  • RF Track – RF Track imagines and manufactures ultra-low powered connected sensors and objects for your applications. Leverage RF Track with Mitel unified communications when considering your IoT strategies.
  • DinStar – Dinstar provides VoIP Gateways, translating TDM Telephony traffic into a Digital IP packet stream. They also provide GSM/WCDMA/LTE VoIP Gateway, Sim Bank, and Sim Cloud for SMS solutions for simple or complex applications at an optimized cost.
  • Ideatec no-code API and Integration (iPaaS) – Ideatec provides no-code iPaaS integration and workflow automation for workflow building and system integration. Customers can easily generate APIs and integrations for various systems and workflows with an intuitive drag-and-drop UI. Ideatec’s hybrid software ensures seamless adoption across all IT environments, including cloud and on-premises.
  • Axinite – Axinite’s analytics and phone management systems bring depth of data to your unified communications operations solution. Axinite provides comprehensive tools to manage telephony activity, including intelligent logs for incoming and outgoing calls, dashboards inclusive of a statistics set that can be customized on request, displayed via the graphical web interface, and an alarm module to detect security intrusions and phone hacking activity.

Driving Efficiency with Vertical and Frontline Worker-Centric Solutions

We’ll keep you informed as the depth and breadth of integrations continue to expand. TCI has been supporting the DC region for 40+ years. We design, deploy, and support the UC technologies that bring industry and customers together.

Connect with TCI’s local team of Hybrid UC experts at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.

Generative AI and Three Ways to Prepare for Your New Workforce

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Meet Generation AI… Each generation has adopted new technology as it was developed: Boomers had touch-tone phones, Gen Xers always had a PDA in their hands, and millennials are rarely caught without their smartphones. Gen Z and Alpha will be known for their use of generative AI.

Growing up alongside the rapid development of AI, Gen Zers and Alphas are uniquely positioned to leverage this technology in innovative ways. They’re already more predisposed to using AI than other generations. Seventy percent of Gen Z reports using generative AI, while 52% believe it can help them make informed decisions.

Adopting, not resisting, generative AI is critical for new employees, whose entry-level jobs are often seen as vulnerable to AI replacements. Instead, younger generations are integrating AI into their workflows, using it to automate tasks, rapidly analyze data, and even using it as a virtual collaborator.

Integrating AI into unified communications and collaboration solutions enhances the work experiences and capabilities of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, providing them with user-friendly interfaces, on-the-go connectivity, and third-party integration.

For new employees working in customer assistance, AI is an indispensable part of the call center experience, offering features like:

  • Virtual Agents to manage basic customer inquiries.
  • Agent Assist to keep important information at employees’ fingertips.
  • Interaction Analysis to monitor client sentiment in real-time.
  • Automated Scheduling to balance the workload and ensure peak times are covered.

As native AI and communications technology users, the new workers are already primed to employ these tools in their daily workflows.

3 Ways to Prepare Your Organization for the Future Workforce

As Gen Z and Gen Alpha begin their careers, you’ll want to develop strategies to set them up for success.

To attract these younger generations, take advantage of their unique strengths, and turn them into a sophisticated, productive workforce, consider adopting these three steps:

1. Embrace Flexible Work Arrangements

Gen Z and Alpha prioritize work-life balance and autonomy in their professional lives. To attract and retain these young talents, businesses should:

  • Offer flexible schedules that accommodate personal needs
  • Implement remote or hybrid work models
  • Provide opportunities for in-person collaboration and mentorship to balance digital interactions

2. Leverage Cutting-Edge Digital Tools and AI

Having grown up in a digital-first world, Gen Z and Alpha expect seamless technological integration in their work environment. Companies should:

  • Invest in comprehensive unified communications and collaboration platforms
  • Incorporate AI capabilities to enhance productivity and decision-making
  • Implement features like calendar integration, document management, and text-to-speech functionality

3. Foster a Purpose-Driven Work Culture

Younger generations seek more than just a paycheck; they want their work to have meaning and a positive social impact. To engage Gen Z and Alpha, companies should:

  • Clearly communicate the organization’s mission and values
  • Provide opportunities for employees to contribute to socially responsible initiatives
  • Create a workplace culture that emphasizes purpose and meaningful contributions

Tech Savvy and Ready to Get to Work

You can better prepare your new team members for successful careers and future-proof operations by embracing the tools and approaches that play to the younger generations’ skills and values.

Learn how your organization can prepare for the future with AI, a unified communications and collaboration platform, and other next-gen tools. Contact TCI today at (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.

 

Connecting Your Senior Living Community – How TCI Brings Your Residents, Their Families, and Your Staff Together

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When families are evaluating senior living facilities, they are looking for amenities, responsive service and care, convenience, and peace of mind.

TCI supports your goal to deliver these benefits with advanced Communication and Networking solutions that better connect your residents and staff. We bring everything together to make sure your solutions work as one integrated system.

Comprehensive Communication Solutions

  • HIPAA-compliant Voice Communications Platforms and Service – Ensure secure and confidential communication for all healthcare-related matters.
  • Mobile Communications for Caregivers and Staff – Streamline staff communication, while improving efficiency and response times.
  • Facility and campus-wide Wireless & IT Networking Solutions – Provide seamless connectivity throughout your community to enhance resident and staff experiences.
  • Monitoring & Call Response – Implement rapid response systems for resident safety and to expedite resident care.
  • Customized Broadcast & Paging Systems – Deliver targeted notifications to specific groups, ensuring everyone receives relevant alerts.
  • Integration with Nurse Call Systems – Enhance care coordination and response times for resident needs.
  • Compliance Solutions – Ensure emergency services can quickly locate and respond to calls within your facility.
  • Video communications – Help residents and families stay connected to foster a sense of community and reduce isolation.

Enhance Resident Engagement and Family Peace of Mind

Our solutions go beyond basic communication, offering…

  • Digital signage for community updates and event reminders.
  • Family portals for real-time updates on resident activities and care.
  • Personalized resident profiles to improve person-centered care.
  • Voice-activated assistants to promote independence and accessibility.

Unparalleled Support and Service

We back up our customized Senior Living technology solutions with outstanding support:

  • Remote Monitoring and Managed Service & Support: Proactive maintenance and quick issue resolution.
  • Emergency Service and 24×7 On Call Technicians: Round-the-clock support to ensure your systems are always operational.

Why Choose TCI?

TCI is the DC region’s local source for customized Senior Living Community solutions that offer peace of mind to caregivers and families. Our integrated approach ensures:

  • Improved staff efficiency and communication.
  • Enhanced resident safety and well-being.
  • Increased family engagement and satisfaction.
  • Streamlined operations and cost-effectiveness.

By partnering with TCI, you’re not just implementing technology – you’re creating a connected, caring community that stands out in the competitive senior living market.

Contact us today at (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com to learn how we can transform your senior living community with our tailored communication solutions.

 

How Mitel Strengthens Your Existing Microsoft Teams Service

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For customers already utilizing Microsoft Teams for collaboration, Mitel provides a best-in-class integration of calling and voice functionality.

When receiving inbound calls, you can manage the entire call in one view via a pop-up notification. For outbound calls, you can click to dial in a small pop-up window and still maintain all call features without taking up your entire screen.

Use Mitel’s technology and easy-to-use app for integration with business apps where quick calling or pop-up calling functions are required.

Microsoft Teams is great for video meetings and sharing documents, but many business sectors still depend on customized telephony apps from third parties.

  • Schools and universities, for example, rely on mass notification via mobile devices to protect students, staff, and parents during emergencies.
  • Financial services companies must maintain inbound contact centers supporting call recording and other advanced telephony features.
  • Retail businesses need to connect workers on the sales floor to customer service applications via telephone to help customers in real time.
  • Healthcare facilities may use Teams for video collaboration between facilities, but what about emergencies where a doctor or nurse needs to respond when they’re not near a laptop? Telephony services can provide the critical link to life-saving answers in seconds.
  • Hotels may use Teams for internal meetings or drive customer engagement, but telephones still play a critical role in their daily life. Guests rely on in-suite phone services to contact staff and receive messages. Cleaning staff can use those same phones to indicate when a room is clean and available for guests.

Video: Making the Most of Microsoft Teams with Mitel – 1:20 min. Video

Mitel offers tools and apps that seamlessly integrate Mitel’s enterprise-class telephony features with the MS Teams platform.

Integrate your telephony system with Teams through Mitel’s Telephony-only client available in the MiCollab app and enjoy all the robust telephony features that Mitel offers.

Mitel also offers presence integration between Teams and Mitel telephony users, allowing users to see whether a colleague is on a phone call – regardless of platform.

Mitel Assistant is available for free on the Microsoft app store and delivers Mitel softphone capabilities to Teams users’ desktops as a floating app. Mitel Assistant allows you to make and transfer calls, search directories, set speed dials, import contacts, activate 3-way conferencing, and more from your Teams screen.

TCI and Mitel can help your organization improve teamwork in a hybrid world. Contact our Mitel + Teams experts today at (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.

 

Insider Fraud – A Cautionary Tale and How to Protect Your Business Technology

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Insider fraud often occurs when trusted individuals exploit their IT access for personal gain or revenge.

Recently, the British Museum experienced an unexpected disruption when a former contractor disabled its IT systems. This incident highlighted the risks posed by disgruntled employees and inadequate access management. It also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of insider fraud, which can have devastating consequences for businesses of all sizes.

In the British Museum’s case, the contractor’s continued access to IT systems after leaving the organization was a critical oversight. This scenario underscores the importance of robust offboarding processes and continuous monitoring of user access.

Mitigation Steps for Businesses

  • Implement Robust Offboarding Processes – Ensure that all access rights are revoked immediately upon an employee’s departure. This includes both physical and system access.
  • Update Access Controls – To prevent unauthorized access, access controls should be reviewed and updated regularly. To detect suspicious activity, use tools like user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA).
  • Adapt Zero Trust Policies – Limit access based on user roles and behaviors, enforcing continuous identity verification.
  • Enhance Employee Training – Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.

By taking these proactive measures, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of insider fraud and protect their critical IT assets.

In today’s interconnected world, where communication systems like UC and VoIP solutions are integral to operations, safeguarding against insider threats is more crucial than ever.

Contact TCI to discuss your business communications security and compliance. We have solutions that can safeguard what counts. Call (703) 321-3030 or info@tcicomm.com.