Posts

TCI Host Cloud Voice & Contact Center Service… Customized Capabilities & Local White Glove Support

Our TCI Host Cloud Voice Service is all about flexibility

Add new cloud-based tools to your existing business phone system, and when you’re ready, migrate your entire platform to the cloud to reduce your overall telecom costs.

Cloud communications isn’t an all-or-nothing endeavor

There are several deployment models to choose from depending on your business’s unique situation, and you can shift from one approach to another over time. Managing a multi-site business? TCI Host can bring your offices closer together.

Unified Messaging and Integrated Apps

With access to these Mitel-powered tools, your team’s work can be tackled on more devices from any location:

  • Integration with business applications from tech leaders like Microsoft and Google
  • Presence Tools
  • Softphone App on Mobile Devices
  • Unified Messaging
  • Remote control of desktops
  • Outlook client plug-in
  • MS TEAMS integration (Mitel Assistant App.)
  • Message retrieval from one synchronized message store

Powerful Collaboration Capabilities

Explore some of the Mitel-powered team building and conferencing tools your users can tap into with their mobile or desktop phones…

  • Virtual workspaces for team meetings, conversations, content review, and project management
  • Team Video Conferencing and Recording
  • Participant management
  • Desktop application sharing
  • Team and private chat
  • Web-based file sharing
  • Document management

In and Outbound Contact Center / Call Center

Whether you’re a small or big business, you can support omnichannel queues that let customers contact you the way they prefer. Track your customer contacts and get real-time metrics for informed decision-making and better team coaching.

  • Integrate with your CRM, like Salesforce, Microsoft, and others
  • Offer Live Agents, Web Chat, Email, Text Messaging / SMS
  • Monitor and respond to Social Media feeds (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
  • Automate and access Full Reporting on Your Customer Interactions
  • Improve Customer Experience
  • Become more efficient

Empower your people to serve your customers better

For a single, low monthly price, you can upgrade their old phones to advanced mobile-enabled, desktop phones and use Mitel’s award-winning capabilities to dramatically improve your Customer Experience.

Schedule your TCI Host demo. Call us today at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.

Keep Your Guard Up! Another Softphone Breach Shows Why Mitel Software Assurance is so Important

Software maintenance and updates, often called Software Assurance, aren’t top of mind for many business leaders. And yet, when you fail to realize its importance, big problems can occur, like last month’s softphone security breach that affected millions of people.

Together, TCI and Mitel are determined to help our customers safeguard what counts.

We understand the importance of protecting against the unexpected – proactively monitoring for threats, installing the latest patches and fixes, and providing outstanding support whenever our clients have an issue.

Mitel is tracking the security posture of global companies

Research has found that only 37% of companies have implemented a proactive security strategy covering real-time and non-real-time applications and services. 30% say they’re either developing or evaluating a security strategy, and 33% of companies are approaching communications and collaboration security in a piecemeal fashion.

Mitel is a Global Leader in Secure Communications

Mitel’s Secure Development Life Cycle is a comprehensive framework that begins with new app development and extends through ongoing product security and data privacy assurance. Mitel’s framework includes proven governance, security practice standards and guidance, constant measurement, and continuous improvement.

Local Response. Global Resources.

TCI backs up our DC region response working with Mitel’s Global Product Security Incident Response Team. Time is your most valuable asset during a security attack, so the sooner you identify and mitigate a threat the more likely you are to minimize the cost and damage of that attack.

TCI customers also benefit from our global network of Mitel partners, engineers, and customers who help us understand security issues and quickly take proper remediation steps together.

Mitel’s commitment to software assurance can also be found in Mitel’s latest software assurance (SWA) levels: Advantage SWA and Premium SWA

Both offer Mitel’s industry-leading protection, including 24x7x365 tech support, rapid response times, enriched performance analytics, automated security and functionality updates, APIs, full access to CloudLink Gateway, and real-time support during security incidents.

Even the best software assurance can’t guarantee you’ll avoid being attacked. What it can do is make sure you’re prepared and fully supported so that attacks are deflected or mitigated before they negatively impact your business.

If you don’t have that level of confidence in your communications, let’s talk about Mitel Software Assurance. Contact us today: (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.


Using Microsoft Teams? Mitel Offers No-Cost Integration with MiVoice Business + MiCollab

As hybrid work continues to expand, and Unified Communications capabilities continue to evolve, more customers are looking to integrate their Mitel telephony solutions with their Microsoft infrastructure.

In an environment where Microsoft Teams has already been selected or installed, many customers are looking for a user experience that retains full access to Mitel’s powerful communications capabilities.

Mitel has announced an important update to its MiVoice Presence Sync service and Mitel Assistant:

  • Mitel telephony presence information is now visible in Teams, Outlook or anywhere Microsoft presence is visible.
  • Brings call history directly into the Mitel Assistant client, which is free to download.
  • Mitel Assistant in “Telephony Only Client” mode provides a simple easy-to-use user interface.
  • No extra investments in Microsoft licenses are required.

Mitel Assistant in tandem with the Mitel softphone provides a blended Mitel + Microsoft Teams environment:

  • Removes the need for customers to go to Microsoft E5 / Phone System License
  • No need to pay additional fees for your DID (Direct Inward Dial) number to be hosted by MS Teams
  • Integrated user experience
  • Will let your Microsoft Teams users know when another user is on a phone call

Mitel Call Server presence integration for MiVoice Business

For businesses using Microsoft Teams together with Mitel call control platforms, your users can be busy in the Microsoft Teams system (for instance when attending a meeting) as well as in the Mitel system (busy on a phone call).

Mitel now provides existing Microsoft users with Mitel Call Server presence information as part of Microsoft user presence information. This feature requires the Mitel customer to have a UCC License and Software Assurance (SWA) active on their Mitel call server system.

Once installed, users get access to the following:

  • Dialpad & Directory Search – Supports manual phone calls from the dialpad or you can search using the corporate directory or Outlook contacts to initiate phone calls. Mitel Assistant will show presence information for searched contacts so that the user can know whether a user is busy or free to take a phone call.
  • Call History – Gives users MiVoice access to Mitel Call History in a dedicated tab. The user can stay within the Microsoft Teams Client when initiating calls from the call history. The user will also see presence when originating from call history.
  • Speed Dial – Users can search the corporate directory or personal Outlook contacts and add the speed dials that will show up as contact cards including avatar pictures and phone number information. Mitel Assistant will also show presence information for Speed Dials.
  • Escalate chat to phone call – Mitel Assistant also offers the user the possibility to escalate a direct chat to a phone call by clicking on the Mitel Assistant icon at the bottom of the chat view.
  • Optimized Mitel Softphone – When initiating a phone call from Microsoft Teams using Mitel Assistant, the new optimized experience using the MiCollab Telephony Only Client mode has been developed to provide the user with a discrete call floater window, that can be used to control the call without leaving the application in focus (for instance Microsoft Teams). The user can choose to use the floater in a collapsed layout or expand it to access all mid-call features, including Mute, Dialpad, Audio device management, Hold, Conference & Transfer.
  • Desktop phone or softphone – Users can either control the Mitel desk phone or use the built-in softphone to use the computer audio for calling. If needed the user also has access to more MiCollab functionality by expanding the MiCollab tray bar icon with access to Dynamic Status, Call History, Visual Voice Mail, and Settings.

Let Mitel be your Voice in Teams. Easy Upgrade. Free to download.

Mitel Assistant can be found in the Mitel Software Download Center as well as in the Microsoft Teams Store and users can easily install it into their Microsoft Teams client. To get full customer value out of the solution, Mitel Assistant should be used together with MiCollab in Telephony Only client mode.

If you’re interested or have questions, just let us know. Contact your local TCI experts at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.


Attn. Assisted Living Communities… How TCI Managed Solutions Connect Your Residents, Families & Caregivers

TCI designs, deploys and supports the technologies you need to bring your entire senior living community together.

We offer a full suite of integrated services, bringing the ‘TCI Advantage’ to your community with Managed Voice, Core Network, Wi-Fi, and IT Security to connect and protect what counts…

TCI Host

Connect your community with Mitel-powered communication features and built-in mobility, customized app integrations, professional cloud, on-prem and hybrid deployments, and 24/7 support.

  • Voice & Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)
  • All-in-one Phones, Video Meetings, and Messaging
  • Integrations with Your Business Apps
  • Contact Center Solutions

TCI Connect & Manage

Managing a complex communications infrastructure is no simple task. We handle the day-to-day details so you can focus on your strategic priorities.

  • Wired Infrastructure & Managed Wi-Fi, Data Centers & Broadband
  • 24/7 Help Desk, Monitoring, Alerting, Response & Resolution
  • Asset Management, Data Backups & Recovery

TCI Secure

Rest easy knowing your systems are protected with multi-layered security solutions. TCI manages a broad array of defenses on your behalf partnering with proven global security leaders.

  • Next-Generation Firewall and Management Solutions
  • Patch Management, Wireless Security, and Backup/Recovery
  • End Point Security

We back up your Assisted Living technology with outstanding TCI support…

  • 24/7 Remote Monitoring
  • On Call Technicians
  • Emergency Service

TCI’s customized technology and communications services keep your families and caregivers in touch, providing the peace of mind they deserve and expect.

Let’s talk about new ways to serve your Assisted Living Community: Contact your local TCI experts at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.


Serving the Public Sector… Get Responsible, Reliable Communications Without the Hassle of Procurement

Governments require a unique mix of features, flexibility, and economy in their telecommunications solutions. TCI enables organizations in the public sector to increase productivity with seamless communications solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Challenges You Might Be Facing

  • Every crisis needs a tailored response – No matter what their size, emergencies cause both uncertainty and confusion. A one-size-fits-all communications system hampers your efforts to tailor and enhance public safety alerts and limits your ability to take advantage of proactive solutions.
  • Taxpayers expect cost-effective solutions – Being able to demonstrate to taxpayers that communications, services, and access will be heightened while being judicious with the budget goes a long way to building credibility.
  • Resources – Outdated telecommunications technology is expensive to maintain, making it hard to invest in new initiatives.
  • The demand for smart services is growing – With sensor technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), agencies can manage assets and resources more efficiently as they meet consumer demand for smart infrastructure.

How the Right Communications Can Drive Results

  • Enhance public safety – Your communications system should extend the possibilities of mass notification, enabling you to message the entire community or target only affected neighborhoods.
  • Easily integrate – The system should streamline interoperability with other applications, like G Suite. Its APIs should need minimal coding to solve unique communications needs.
  • Be forward-looking – Your system should be ready for technical advances such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
  • Meet government mandates – Flexibility is critical to meeting new mandates and legal requirements.
  • Reduce expenses – By lowering capital and operating expenses. UCaaS enables government teams to fund new projects.

Significant Discounts

Working with TCI as your local technology partner, Sourcewell members in the public sector – i.e., schools, non-profits and agencies – can purchase Mitel telecom solutions without issuing an RFP, including:

  • Public Cloud
  • Private Cloud and On-site Systems
  • Contact Center
  • Team Collaboration
  • Mass Notification
  • Business Phones
  • Devices and Accessories

Mitel is the exclusive Sourcewell telecommunications equipment vendor based on its record of innovation, product quality, customer service, pricing, and overall market leadership.

For simplified procurement and savings, get started with TCI today at (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.


Hospitality Loyalty Program for SX-200 ICP Customers

You’ve trusted your property’s communications with Mitel for years…

We know how vital it is for you to provide the best guest experience while making it as efficient and smooth as possible for your staff to run their daily activities.

Whether you have a big hotel in a bustling city square or a series of cottages by a peaceful lake, having the latest communications and collaboration tools is essential to provide a positive guest experience.

Mitel’s new Hospitality Loyalty Program protects your current investment and enables you to benefit from incredible discounts when switching to Mitel’s flagship software platform for hospitality – MiVoice Business Hospitality Suite.

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


Existing MiVoice Office 250 Customers… Act before June 30th to Arrange a Discounted Path to MiVoice Business

Following Mitel’s end-of-lifecycle announcements about MiVoice Office 250, this migration program has been rolled out to provide existing Office 250 customers with a smooth transition to MiVoice Business.

Mitel is offering no-charge or discounted MiVoice Business licensing arrangements for MiVoice 250 customers. This program also supports the transfer of the remaining months of MiVoice Office 250 software assurance (SWA) to MiVoice Business SWA.

Mitel has evolved MiVoice Business to cater to the needs of any size organization and provides a full range of deployment and commercial options.

  • Mitel recently introduced a new SMB Controller to address the smaller customer or branch office segment for MiVoice Business, which offers Enterprise-level features in a small business package for up to 150 users. This is the perfect solution for customers previously on MiVoice Office 250.
  • MiVoice Business can be implemented as a one-time CapEx investment or you can choose a monthly subscription offering.
  • MiVoice Business can be deployed on-premises, in your private cloud, or in a public cloud (either AWS or Azure).

Contact us today for help with your buying and migration decisions: (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.


Managing Remote Workers? How Cloud Voice Helps Your Team Get the Job Done

With hybrid teams on the rise, cloud voice services help your remote workers make decisions faster and juggle their obligations with ease.

4 Practical Ways Cloud Voice Improves Collaboration

1. Keep the conversation going with desktop and mobile applications. If your employees can’t communicate with you, they aren’t being productive. Cloud services give your team more options. Flexible softphones on laptops, mobile apps on smartphones, and traditional IP desk phones provide a seamless experience across all devices.

2. Mirror in-person meetings with video. In-person meetings are the most effective means of communication. When this isn’t an option, a cloud system with video meeting capabilities enables your distributed teams to be just as productive as if they were sitting in the same room.

3. Turn screen sharing and shared workspaces into virtual productivity powerhouses. Say goodbye to never-ending email threads and stop the search for answers in your inbox. An online collaborative workspace allows teams to exchange ideas about a project or topic using messaging, voice, and video – all integrated into a single interface. Team members can create and assign tasks and share files.

Dashboard
A personal dashboard gives a real-time view of items needing attention, ensuring that projects and discussions are always moving forward.

  • Managers and team members always have their pulse on what’s happening since conversations are mirrored across all devices in real-time.
  • The ability to store and archive data by project, subject, or person keeps you organized and makes it easy to find answers when you need to refresh your memory.
  • Have an urgent question? Ad-hoc audio and video conferencing connect you to the right person instantly.
  • Individual and group chat allows you to keep conversations private or take them to the larger group as needed.

Let’s talk about better collaboration tools for your remote teams. Contact us today: (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.

 

eBook: How Technology & Improving Employee Experience Unlock Customer Satisfaction

Customer Experience (CX) has always been critical for companies, but now the value of Employee Experience (EX) is gaining recognition.

A robust job market offers workers a lot of options, so companies have to compete to attract and retain good people. This was especially true during 2021’s Great Resignation, when a record number of workers resigned each month due to low pay, lack of opportunities, and feeling disrespected – among other reasons.

Data also shows that your Customer Experience efforts will benefit from greater investment in EX, especially when customer interactions require direct employee involvement, and over 75% of customers expect consistency when they interact with their favorite businesses.

The modern job market values EX, and it’s not just about money.

Workers overwhelmingly prefer a hybrid work model, but this presents challenges for employers. You’ll need the right technology to support remote work, and employees expect a smooth and convenient interface.

A frustrating experience with work processes has consequences. It can impact employee loyalty and the quality of customer interactions, leading to a loss of top talent and customer engagement.

Gain more insights on EX and CX challenges and how to address them by reading…

eBook “Great Expectations: Delivering Extraordinary Experiences for Employees and Customers”

TCI deploys and supports communications solutions that can deliver the experiences your employees and customers deserve. Contact us today: (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.

 

Running a Multi-Site Enterprise? 5 Ways UCaaS Simplifies Connecting Your Locations

A unified enterprise voice network connects your customers and employees, no matter where they’re located…

UCaaS also offers bottom line benefits by eliminating the need for expensive hardware and maintenance costs. With UCaaS, you can control your IT budget, while providing your team with advanced features and functions. You’ll also improve the customer experience, making your communications seamless and efficient.

Here are five ways UCaaS can benefit your multi-site enterprise:

  • Hybrid Work Environments – UCaaS provides full office telephone functionality and business information access to remote users and hybrid workers, no matter where they are located.
  • Hot Desking – UCaaS enables staff members who are working in different offices to take their desktop phone with them. All they need is a code to access their customized desktop settings, making communication easier and more convenient.
  • Business Continuity – With UCaaS, employees can access the system from any location and redirect incoming calls on demand in the case of any disruption at any office.
  • Extended Contact Centers – UCaaS allows businesses to extend their call center coverage to remote offices or home-based agents. Calls are automatically routed to the most appropriate person, team, or location to improve customer service.
  • Improved Call Handling – UCaaS can improve call routing between different locations. For instance, if salespeople are out of the office meeting clients, their calls can be redirected to a backup location.

If you lead a multi-location enterprise, UCaaS is the perfect solution to bring your people together, improve communication and collaboration, and save on costs.

TCI specializes in the design, deployment, and support of unified enterprise voice networks. Contact us today: (703) 321-3030 or GetHelp@tcicomm.com.