Bac2BacTechAttack

Happy Birthday E2E - You're Eight Years Old!!

2011-08-17T14:36:00.000-05:00

A note to our third child, E2E Technology, LLC, born on August 1, 2003.

Love your parents Andrea (black) and Chris (blue) Bacarisse.

Happy Birthday E2E! I write this letter as the express jet takes off for the XChange Americas 2011 IT conference in Denver, Colorado. (I'm actually using Airplane Mode in an airplane!) We've come a long way in eight short years and together have seen everything change rapidly.

The best way to describe this crazy roller coaster we call technology is through simple math.

PDA + cell phone + camera + MP3 player + GPS + email + Internet = Smart Phone

Small form factor laptop - DVD drive = Netbook

Larger scale smart phone - phone = Tablet

Traditional phone line features + Internet = SIP trunks aka Voice over Internet

Cable company + Internet = High Speed Internet

Business phone system features + offsite hardware = Hosted PBX

Server + offsite hardware + storage = Virtual Server

Software + Internet = Software as a Service (SaaS) aka "Cloud" computing

Voice mail + fax + email = Unified Messaging

TV shows + video shorts + Internet = Hulu, YouTube (I love HBO GO!)

Video camera + Internet = Live Video Conferencing

User contributed information + online statuses + friends + businesses + Internet = Social Media (Now we know WAY too much about each other.)

Laptop + High Speed Internet + VoIP Phone = Never having to go to the Office

Whew! These examples are just a tip of the iceberg.. Here's what I now accept as a normal work day. Writing/blogging on my first generation iPad, listening to music purchased over the Internet, and then syncing my notes across Evernote using Software as a Service to the E2E team! Mobile? YES! Geeky? YEP! Proud of what E2E has accomplished? ABSOLUTELY! Where will the next eight years take us? One never knows, but I am ready for the ride with you!

Happy Birthday E2E.

P.S. This Blog post would have been out on your birthday, but as usual I was slow in writing my portion of the blog.

Not just new—BETTER! E2E Tech moves ahead...

2011-04-05T16:38:00.000-05:00

Change is inevitable. Success comes from being able to realize when it's happening and adjust so that it becomes an opportunity. We at E2E Tech recently seized the opportunity to relocate our communications operation to a location that is better for us and our customers, confirming that change can, in fact, be very, very good.

Our new 604 W. McNeese location has many advantages over our previous accommodations. Not only does it provide more space for our team to do its job, but it also provides a convenient location for our clients.

Along with our new headquarters comes an expanded list of services, adding to our already unmatched communication and networking packages that our clients enjoy today.

MANAGED SERVICES PACKAGES

We now offer the convenience of Managed Services for any size business or organization. Our Managed Services Packages allow us to monitor your network, and all of the computers, devices, and equipment connected to it, 24 hours a day. When something goes down we're there to get it running again, often before you even realize that there is a problem.

PHONE BILL ANALYSIS

We've also added a unique Phone Bill Analysis Service that can save businesses hundreds, to thousands of dollars a year. This specialty service requires a communications professional with the right training, years of experience, and knowledge of exactly what to look for. E2E Tech is proud to say that we meet those qualifications. We'll identify the financial drains in your communication invoices, and we'll show you where you can cut excessive services while keeping the necessary communication features active.

WE DON'T JUST TELL—WE SHOW

With added space comes ideas on how we can better service our clients and future clients. We are very excited to develop our live-testing room where our clients will not only get to see their communication equipment but also use it. You won't have to wait for your phone system to be installed to get a feel for the system your business will run on. This allows us to give you the full experience of how a proper communications system should function before we ever install the first orange wire.

COMMUNICATION DOESN'T JUST HAPPEN

We figured that while we're changing locations, and adding services, we might as well freshen up our brand as well. Over the coming weeks and months you'll see a few visual changes. You may have already noticed an increase in activity on our Twitter and Facebook feed. The E2E Tech social feeds are quickly becoming the feeds to follow in Southwest Louisiana for up-to-date tech and communication news (and we have a little fun in the process). If you're not following along, take a minute to give us a "like" on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. We promise to make it worth your time.

WE MAKE IT HAPPEN

E2E Tech doesn't sit on the communication sidelines. We are proactive, always expanding our knowledge, our training, and our offerings. Fact: Good business is built on solid communication—it's always been that way. Whether it's you talking to your staff, your customers, or simply keeping your networks talking to each other, E2E Tech knows that communication doesn't happen by accident, and often, neither does change—that's why we're here to make it happen.

Put Some Holiday Jingle in Your Wallet!

2010-12-19T16:25:00.000-06:00

Do the Holidays have you strapped for cash?
What if you were good this year and received every techie item on your wish list?
What do you do with older gadgets, which are still in good working condition?

E2E answers your questions!

You want to upgrade to the latest and greatest iPhone 4G or Droid smartphone. WAIT! You still own a good working last model. What do to? Easy. Check out these websites for some quick cash without the hassle.

www.fullcirclewireless.com Chris and I recently sold our iPhone 3G smartphones to Full Circle Wireless. Let me tell you - GREAT customer service! Not only did Full Circle Wireless provide the best price to purchase our “old” iPhones, but it also supplied free FedEx ground shipping labels. The process is easy. Locate your model smartphone on the site; Full Circle Wireless shows what it will pay for your device. Print a prepaid FedEx shipping label. Carefully pack your items. You can either drop off the package at FedEx or have it picked up during your regular FedEx delivery. Fifteen days after the devices are examined and accepted, a check is sent to you. It’s that simple! Shortly after I printed the shipping label, I received a phone call from a customer service representative. He wanted to confirm I had no issues with printing the FedEx label. I also received two emails verifying my transaction, which included FedEx tracking numbers. Check out Full Circle Wireless.

www.gazelle.com I’ve sold many smart phones and tech gadgets through Gazelle. Again, it’s a very simple process. Locate your smartphone or gadget on Gazelle’s site. Gazelle provides pricing to purchase your items. You answer a few questions regarding the condition of the item. Gazelle provides a free UPS or FedEx shipping label. If you don’t have a shipping box, Gazelle will send one free to your address via the US Post Office! You can drop off the package at your local UPS, FedEx, or US Post Office. Gazelle’s Gadget Lab examines each device. You have a choice for payment: deposit into your PayPal account, select an Amazon gift card, or provide a donation to a charity of your choice. Gazelle accepts a wide range of tech devices in addition to smartphones.

What if the item is too old or not in great condition?

Both of these companies will gladly recycle the devices for you!

Just a few tips before you ship off your tech gadgets:

Always remove your personal data on the device first.
If you sell a smartphone, discard the SIM card after your personal data is cleared.
Package your items carefully. You don’t want a damaged device to reach its final destination.

Happy Holidays everyone!

E2E will be closed Thursday, December 23, 2010 for the Holidays. We will return to the office on Monday, January 3, 2011. E2E technicians will be on call for emergencies.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Techmas! Hope you receive everything on your wish list!

When you have a moment, check out E2E’s websites www.goe2e.com www.e2etechnology.biz visit us on facebook www.facebook.com/e2etechnology or send us a tweet www.twitter.com/e2e_tech If you have questions about your business’ communications, feel free to contact us for a one-on-one consultation.

Know Your Strengths…

2010-05-02T15:35:00.000-05:00

There’s an old saying, “If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person.” – Unknown

For the month of April 2010, I became that “busy” person! In late March I agreed to be one of three regional keynote speakers for the inaugural Chamber Southwest Louisiana Women’s Business Network luncheon. The afternoon before the event, I received a phone call. The two other speakers could not attend due to work/life emergencies! I remained the local speaker who would address the crowd first. Sonia Perez, the newly appointed President of AT&T Louisiana, would follow. What an honor to represent Southwest Louisiana women in business. I hope you enjoy my speech.

Everything is instantaneous. We are all connected. Everyone expects information right away! How many of you want to UNPLUG from the chaos from time to time and actually get the work done or just relax? That’s where my company E2E Technology comes into play. We receive your phone calls when the Internet is down or when your voice mail is not saving your messages. You think you’re going crazy keeping up with all the technology? Businesses turn to my company to make their day-to-day communications run smoothly. I have to be on my toes at all times.

How do I cope? Basically, there are three KNOWS. Not “NO” as in N-O. But, K-N-O-W - to grasp in the mind with clarity or certainty.

Once you tackle a few KNOWS, you can say YES to a balanced YOU!

The first KNOW is KNOW your strengths.

Really sit down and write (or type) what you do best.
Are you a multitasker? Great, then you can tackle a few projects at a time with ease. I’m not a multitasker. I KNOW I have to focus and conquer one project at a time.
Do you work better by yourself or with a team?
How many of you can get by on less then seven hours of sleep? (Raise your hands.) Lucky you.
When do you perform best? (Me, after 10:00 am and after the 2^nd cup of coffee!) Learn what works for you and your productivity and stick to that schedule. Actually place blocks of time on your calendar to tackle projects.
Once you learn your strengths, you can begin balancing your work and life.

The second KNOW is KNOW your support system or team.

These are your trusted advisors. Chances are what you’re feeling, you are not alone.
My friend opened up to me at coffee the other morning. She wanted to throw in the towel. Find a job completely out of her industry. One that did NOT fit her personality. She is a successful sales manager working in real estate.
It’s really hard at times to admit we need help.
When you feel like you’re a lone island, stop and call your cheering squad. Vent, get it out, or share your victories over a cup of coffee. SCHEDULE TIME IN YOUR MONTH to meet with those who support and encourage you.

The third KNOW is KNOW when to relax.

This can be difficult to do when email needs answering, mobile phone ringing, instant messages pouring in.. We haven’t even started talking about the duties we women tackle AFTER the workday.

My husband, who’s part of my support team, said it the best. You cannot perform if you’re lacking in sleep, not rejuvenated, or mind clouded. Sometimes you just have to UNPLUG and relax. Make it a priority to schedule some one-on-one time with YOU! Pick up an old hobby or start a new one. Treat yourself to coffee or window-shopping. Do whatever it takes to let your mind and body relax. And yes, that means possibly turning off the technology! Don’t worry! My team has you covered if any problems should arise when you turn the technology back on.

Your path to success should incorporate a few of the KNOWS – know your strengths, know your support system, and lastly, know when to relax. If you make a few changes or super charge what’s working for you, I KNOW you’re on your way to a balanced work and life!

(Please contact Andrea Bacarisse first before copying and/or distributing this speech.)

When you have a moment, check out E2E’s website www.goe2e.com or visit us on facebook www.facebook.com/e2etechnology or send us a tweet www.twitter.com/e2e_tech If you have questions about your business’ communications, feel free to contact us for a one-on-one consultation.

I was this close!

2010-04-05T13:56:00.002-05:00

Went to the iPad launch in Baton Rouge on Saturday. The iPad is in a totally different device category. You cannot say it replaces the iPhone or laptop. I can definitely see where it fits in between smart phones and laptops/desktops. If you rely on your smart phone when you're on the go, the iPad is the next step up for easier browsing, email, etc. Perfect for sales people too! I got to hold the iPad and play with it for awhile. Once you see one in person, you begin thinking of how the iPad will work in your life.

Posted via web from bac2bactechattack's posterous

Time to Trim the Fat!

2010-03-26T10:11:00.013-05:00

On Monday before noon, I received a call on my iPhone. It was Dr. Jamie from Downtown Animal Hospital. Barklee, the youngest of the Bacarisse clan and mascot for E2E, was at the veterinary clinic for his annual check-up and shots. The conversation went something like this…

Dr. Jamie: Hi Andrea. This is Dr. Jamie. Just wanted to let you know that Barklee is doing great! He's finished with his shots. I did notice he's gained six pounds since his last boarding stay six months ago; he now weighs 26.2 pounds. That's heavy for a Miniature Schnauzer.

Andrea: Wow. I knew he had gained weight. Just not that much!

Dr. Jamie: What are you feeding him? Are you measuring his food?

I then explained in detail what special food Barklee eats, how much each feeding, his allergies, etc. Bottom line... Barklee needs to shed six pounds of puppy fat!

How does my dog losing weight relate to technology you ask? Easy! It's time to trim the fat on your phone bills! I will provide a fat trimming tip for each pound Barklee needs to lose!

Pound #1: Does your company really need inside wire maintenance?

Inside wire maintenance is a per line charge which acts as an insurance policy in the event your company needs inside cabling repair. Generally, it's cheaper to pay for a broken phone cable when the repair is warranted.

TRIM THE FAT = $7.00 + per line per month! Minimum estimated annual savings = $84.00 + per line!

Pound #2: Evaluate all line features on the phone bill.

If your company currently has a phone system in place, you really only need the following features from the phone company:

* Caller ID
* Hunting/Rollover
* Call Forwarding/Remote Activation of Call Forwarding

All other features such as three-way calling; call waiting; speed dial; last number redial; even voice mail, etc. can be handled by your phone equipment!

TRIM THE FAT = $10.00 + per line per month! Minimum estimated annual savings = $120.00 + per line!

Pound #3: Do you really need to pay for unlimited long distance packages?

Many times when I evaluate phone bills, I see extremely high charges for unlimited long distance. This is a separate expense from the phone line charges. When a business is only using several hundred long distance minutes per month, this is an extra-added expense, which increases the phone bill! The best way to determine your business' long distance package is to find the long distance summary on your phone bill and review the total long distance minutes used. You can then select the smallest long distance bundle to match your monthly usage. Today, most but not all phone companies provide free or bundled long distance with a term contract. Pound #3 is directed toward phone companies, which make businesses pay separately for long distance.

TRIM THE FAT = $10.00 + per package per month! Minimum estimated annual savings = $120.00 + per package!

Pound #4: Do you really need a Toll Free number for your business?

Five years ago before long distance was a loss leader, a company working with customers outside of a local area needed a Toll Free number. Today, with the rise of free long distance calls, a toll free number is not necessary. Phone companies charge for (a) the Toll Free number (b) the calls received on the Toll Free number. If you have a Toll Free number that is not published nor in use – ditch it!

TRIM THE FAT = $5.00 + per Toll Free number per month! Minimum estimated annual savings = $60.00 + per Toll Free number! Savings do not include usage charges that can range from $.05 + cents per minute.

Pound #5: Review your bill monthly for any "suspicious" charges.

You are diligent about paying your phone bill on time each month. After a few months, you start to realize that your phone bill has increased significantly, but you've made no changes to your account. You review the last few pages of your phone bill. AHA! Your company has been struck by the telemarketers who've CRAMMED new charges on your phone bill. You know the ones I speak about - the bogus web hosting fees or Internet advertising charges. How do you stop the madness? It takes a few steps..

Step 1: NEVER EVER provide your company's information over the phone. Especially if an unknown caller asks "to verify your company's information." Ask for a number to call back. Most times the caller will hang up.

Step 2: If you've been struck by the bogus charge(s), immediately call your phone company and explain. Chances are the phone company will provide up to three months credit and make a note on your account. You do not have to pay the suspicious charges each month to keep your phone service active.

Step 3: You will have to call the bogus company regarding the charges. Don't be surprised when you hear a recording which states you must call another number. Be diligent and call the next number. Unfortunately, this is the only way to stop the madness. Side note: This is something I do for my clients quite regularly. It does work.

TRIM THE FAT = $25.00 + per bogus charge per month! Minimum estimated annual savings = $300.00 + per bogus charge!

Pound #6: You do NOT need a separate phone line for (alarm, credit card, Internet, etc.)

This is the biggest tip your business is receiving. I repeat… your company does NOT need a separate dedicated phone line for the burglar alarm, credit card dialer, Internet, etc! In a few rare instances, a dedicated phone line is necessary for certain types of equipment. Most alarms, credit card machines, etc. can SHARE the fax line or another voice line. You get more bang for your buck!

TRIM THE FAT = $40.00 + per dedicated phone line per month! Minimum estimated annual savings = $480.00 + per dedicated phone line!

As always, everything that we discuss in Bac2Bac Tech Attack works, but it's just the beginning. If you'd like to benefit from a personalized one-on-one consultation with E2E for your business, click on the link to contact Andrea. We definitely can set that up. Don't forget to comment and provide your opinions on this blog post. Stay tuned to future blog entries as E2E helps your business communicate!

Check out our website www.goe2e.com or visit us on facebook www.facebook.com/e2etechnology
or send us a tweet www.twitter.com/e2e_tech

What does E2E stand for?

2010-03-24T20:18:00.007-05:00

It started as a Eureka moment late in May 2003. I was a phone system account executive working for my Dad's company. Once again, a client needed me to manage a project – the entire communications project – phone system, computers, network cabling, phone lines, and Internet access. My Dad's company could only handle a small portion of the scope of work. At this point, I was used to calling other vendors for the data work. Or, handing over the bid specs for the network cabling when our company was too busy. As I was sitting in my office with another data vendor providing the scope of work, the idea hit me like a ton of bricks. Why am I managing the project and passing all of the work to other companies? Why should the CLIENT rely on so many entities to complete a job?

The bottom line… the client shouldn't worry about which technology contractor is holding each piece of the puzzle. The business should focus on its line of work and hire ONE communications consulting firm to handle the entire job at hand.

I don't remember the client project in May 2003; I do remember the feeling… the excitement of changing the way projects were handled in Southwest Louisiana. My company would be the first.

The WHY turned into E2E Technology. E2E stands for "end to end." E2E handles communications projects from end to end – from the concept> to the installation> to the completion. Daily, we order/move phone lines; cable existing/new buildings; install phone systems; and build data/computer networks.

We don't want our customers for just one job and move on; we want clients for the life of the business.

WHY am I thinking about this almost seven years after "the" Eureka moment struck? Over the past year or so, every business has been affected by the changes in the economy. Business thoughts have shifted from WHY we started our companies to survival. The essence may be pushed to the back for a moment or so, but the underlying spark is still there. We have to remind ourselves WHY we started the company… Ultimately, we created E2E to make it easier for businesses to communicate on a day-to-day basis and to be able to turn to a trusted advisor who understands how your business works.

To our existing clients, thank you for staying with us almost seven years! To our new clients, welcome aboard! To future clients, we look forward to working with you.

E2E Technology is honored to be featured in the February 2010 issue of 1012 Magazine's "Faces to Know" along the corridor. Please do check out the new regional magazine which is a positive asset to Louisiana.

As always, everything that we discuss in Bac2Bac Tech Attack works, but it's just a start. If you'd like to benefit from a personalized one-on-one consultation with E2E for your business, click on the link to contact Andrea. We definitely can set that up. Don't forget to comment and provide your opinions on this blog post. Stay tuned to future blog entries as E2E helps your business communicate!

Check out our website www.goe2e.com or visit us on facebook www.facebook.com/e2technology or send us a tweet www.twitter.com/e2e_tech

Things that make you go.. HMMMMM?!?

2010-03-02T21:17:00.006-06:00

It's one of those days. You scrounge around for AA batteries since EVERY remote, battery operated gadget, etc. ALL died at once! Eureka – you grab the extra large pack of Energizer batteries.

Wait! Something is wrong with this picture?!? Can you see what it is?

Do I dare tell Energizer its marketing/packaging is outdated? Yes, I do!

Let's start from left to right and dissect the icons..

Portable CD Player:

When's the last time you actually toted one of these "small" items around? Me, 1990. Or, better yet, when's the last time you purchased a CD in a store? Maybe 2003?

Palm III:

This is the grandfather of all personal digital assistants (PDA). I received my first one in 1999. It was love at first sight. I invested in a full sized keyboard, multiple styluses, and carrying cases. I even named him "Buddy" and carried him until he was replaced by a sleeker Palm Vx.

Pager:

The pager along with my cellular bag phone made it easy for me to stay in contact with clients in the mid 90's.

Remote Control:

I'll cut some slack here. My household averages three remotes per TV! There's the DVD player, the Xbox, the TV, the TIVO…

Walkie-Talkies:

The last set of walkie-talkies with retractable metal antennas was spotted in the Smithsonian. My first set of walkie-talkies was a gift from Santa in the 70's. I could type Morse Code on them. My best attempt was …---… = SOS.

Here's the kicker – when I look at the copyright date on the bottom of the package, it shows 2005!

If you would like E2E help your office stay up-to-date with the latest technology advances, don't hesitate to contact us for a one-on-one consultation.

Check out our website www.goe2e.com *or* visit us on facebook www.facebook.com/e2etechnology *or* send us a tweet www.twitter.com/e2e_tech.

Meet the E2E Team – Star Wars Style

2010-02-28T21:30:00.007-06:00

The talented Erik Jessen recently surprised E2E with a neat caricature in our email. What a cool way to introduce you to the E2E team! Erik matched each team member's personality to a Star Wars character. He is spot on! Without more ado, I present the E2E team members! [Chris' comments are marked in RED.]

Daniel "Chewie" Abercrombie:

How is Daniel most like Chewbacca?

He's the tallest in our office.
He could rip the ears of off a Gundark.
Daniel loves to visit the shooting range.
He supports E2E's ideas and approaches them enthusiastically!
Daniel is easy going and quickly fit into E2E a little over a year ago.
When Daniel is not working on a phone system or computer network, he's studying or researching technology!

How is Daniel the least like Chewbacca?

He's not that hairy!
He doesn't really have a bow-caster.

Gideon "Han Solo" Ludvich:

How is Gideon most like Han Solo?

He is shorter than Daniel aka Chewie.
Gideon has an independent spirit.
He thinks outside of the box.
He's very sarcastic.
Gideon is a great to bounce ideas off of. His opinion is requested quite often.
For fun, Gideon is always reading about the latest gadget, program, or technology and shares the news with E2E.

How is Gideon the least like Han Solo?

He didn't shoot first. You Star Wars fanatics know what I mean!
He doesn't get the girl in the end. Obi-Wan does.

A little side note.. Gideon and Daniel share an office much like Han Solo and Chewbacca occupy the Millennium Falcon!

Chris "Obi-Wan" Bacarisse:

How is Chris most like Obi-Wan?

He can sneak up on you without making a sound! He's very stealthy.
Chris is the calming force in the office. He always knows the right thing to say for the situation.
He is the first one to try something new – whether it's a new piece of equipment or a solution for the business.
Chris inspires you to be the best and take chances. Without his encouragement, E2E would not have opened seven years ago.
Just as Obi-Wan served the Republic, Chris proudly served his country in the United Stated Marine Corps and received an honorable discharge.
He hates to fly.

How is Chris the least like Obi-Wan?

He's not as old.
I don't have a lightsaber... yet.

Andrea "Princess Leia" Bacarisse:

How is Andrea most like Princess Leia?

She talks a lot! Gideon aka Han Solo reminds her that she outtalks him daily!
Andrea is passionate about E2E and takes her role as general manager seriously.
She understands how to build a voice and data business network.
Andrea's favorite part of her job is consulting and creating a smooth flow of communications for a business.
Andrea wholeheartedly relies on her team – Obi-Wan, Han Solo, and Chewbacca!

How is Andrea the least like Princess Leia?

She is married to Obi-Wan aka Chris Bacarisse!
She won't do the cinnamon roll hair style or wear the metal bikini.

Special thanks to the Star Wars: Databank for assistance in the correct spelling of each character's name.

E2E Has a Winner and a Celebrity Presenter

2009-12-22T16:00:00.002-06:00

Wow - what a fun Holiday contest!

Monday evening we selected our winner in the 12 Days Before Christmas iPod Shuffle Contest. Daniel Abercrombie, E2E certified geek, picked the winning entry - ERIK JESSEN, owner of Mixed Media Group. In the spirit of giving, Erik is gifting the iPod Shuffle to his wife Kaela.

Thanks to ALL of our contestants. We had a great response!

Tuesday morning Erik arrives at the E2E office ready for his picture. What a surprise! Darth Vader (aka Daniel Abercrombie) pops in and graciously hands over the iPod Shuffle to Erik!

"Darth" Abercrombie then returns to the building of his massive star fleet!

After Darth Vader steals the limelight, Andrea officially presents Erik with the stocking stuffer!

Happy Holidays & Prosperous New Year to Everyone!

Even your techs need to recharge their ..

E2E will be closed from Wednesday, December 23, 2009, through Friday, January 1, 2010. Technicians will be available for emergency calls only. We will resume normal operating hours on January 4, 2010.

12 Days Before Christmas iPod Shuffle Contest

2009-12-13T12:22:00.001-06:00

Twelve days before Christmas, panic is all through the house.. Families frantically shopping by clicking the mouse (for online deals.)

Stocking stuffers are needed for the bad and good. Rejoice! E2E has a 1 Gb iPod Shuffle to lighten the mood.

E2E asks only one thing for our facebook page. Comment on who’s stocking you’ll stuff with the new iPod Shuffle. Be creative! Be funny during the Holidays hustle and bustle!

Now onto the rules for some holiday fun! Enter your mom, your dad, your daughter, or your son!

Contest is open to SWLA residents who are registered fans of E2E’s facebook page. Only one comment per fan during the course of the contest. One winner will be selected from comments submitted December 13, 2009, noon CST to December 21, 2009, 5:00 p.m. CST. Winner announced on facebook page on December 21, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. CST. Winner is welcome to pick up the iPod Shuffle from E2E Technology’s office on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. We would love to photograph winner and place the picture on E2E’s facebook page, blog, and twitter accounts. Good luck!

www.facebook.com/e2etechnology

Posted via web from bac2bactechattack's posterous

Is Your Business Naughty or Nice?

2009-11-16T16:53:00.009-06:00

Is Your Business Naughty or Nice During the Holiday Season?

While dusting off your holiday décor, it’s time to prepare your business communications for the upcoming festive season! E2E Technology has prepared a Naughty or Nice Check List to make sure your clients remain in touch with your business during the next few hectic months.

Nice

Write a new company voice mail greeting which explains when your business is open/closed during the holiday season. Taking this step a week or two before the holidays start.. NICE!

Naughty

Waiting until you walk out the door as the business closes and remembering to change the company voice mail.. NAUGHTY!

Nice

Set up a designated voice mailbox which provides announcements for upcoming holiday events or programs. Employees can transfer clients to the designated mailbox and save valuable work time by not repeating information. Example: A church can list its service schedule during the holidays. A charitable organization may state when seasonal programs – such as food pantries – are open. NICE!

Naughty

Making employees repeat the same information over and over again! NAUGHTY!

Nice

Change your Music-on-Hold or Custom-on-Hold greeting in the spirit of the holidays. NICE!

Naughty

Do customers want to hear outdated information while on hold, or worse, hear silence while waiting for a call to be answered? NAUGHTY!

Nice

Establish communication procedures in the event customers need to reach the business or specific employees during the holidays. Confirm the voice mail to email transfer is working properly. Turn on and test outcalling to alert mobile phones or pagers of new voice mail messages. Verify that live calls are seamlessly transferred to mobile devices.

Naughty

Customers cannot contact the business or key personnel during the holiday season. Do you want to miss a sale or an emergency call? NAUGHTY!

As an added bonus.. here’s one more tip to make sure you’re not a Grinch!

Nice

Record a holiday personal voice mail greeting on your office or mobile phone mailbox. State when you will be available during the holiday season. Update your email signature with a festive note! NICE!

Naughty

Not wishing family, friends, and customers a Happy Holiday Season & Prosperous New Year! NAUGHTY!

As always, E2E Technology can assist your business with any or all of the items suggested. Print this list as your guideline, check it twice, and place your business on the NICE list! Feel free to contact us and schedule your holiday communication plans.

Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year!

Top 5 Places NOT to Place a Phone System

2009-10-05T09:38:00.103-05:00

Top 5 Places NOT to Place a Phone System or Data Equipment (+ 2 E2E Bonus Tips)

Recently Chris and I had the opportunity to meet with a client who is building a new office suite. As we scanned over his blue prints, the usual questions popped up from us, “Where is the equipment closet/room? Where do you plan on locating your (phone system, server, etc)?” The client always pauses, sighs, or quickly reviews the blueprints trying to locate where the equipment is to be placed! Never fear.. E2E has seen it ALL!

We give you the Top 5 Places NOT to Place your Network (Voice + Data) Equipment!

5. The restroom.

Yes, that’s right, the restroom. Over the years, we have seen precious office equipment installed in the loo. And, not to be sexist – all restrooms – men, women, unisex! Phone systems have been placed above sinks or over toilets. Restrooms are generally humid which is not the best area to install electronic equipment. Do you really want a technician servicing your network equipment in your restroom?

I’d probably put this at number 1. Most office restrooms are wretched hives of scum and villainy and I don’t want to go in there. I’d like to think there is always a better option.

4. Next to the electrical panel.

E2E sees this time and time again. Blue prints show the new equipment room is co-located with the electrical panel. What many don’t realize is the electrical panel reverberates. Your network equipment *will* pick up the static.

Reverberates…really?!? It does generate an electrical field that will mess with the quality of calls and network traffic.

I didn’t mean to say “reverberate.” Couldn’t think of the exact term.

3. The hot water heater/janitorial closet.

This sounds safe right? Not really. Hot water heaters can overflow and sinks can splash water. Not to mention, E2E has seen brooms/mops knock over network equipment.

If the closet is jam packed to the ceiling with stuff, please have it cleaned out before your tech arrives. You’ll only be paying for the time he stands there waiting for someone to clean it out.

2. Inside the recessed ceiling.

One of E2E’s first phone system installations involved placing the new phone system INSIDE the recessed ceiling. The client’s landlord did not want to “see” the phone system mounted on the wall in the back of the office suite. So, Chris and Gideon removed the drop ceiling tiles and installed the new phone system above the ceiling grid. Imagine future service calls and the trouble to move ceiling tiles.

Phone systems can take a lot of punishment, but without some kind of ventilation you are seriously diminishing the lifespan of your phone system.

1. Next to HVAC Units.

Yes, the HVAC system adjusts the temperature for your network equipment to survive; however, don’t place your equipment UNDER HVAC units/vents

or window units for that matter.

E2E has seen equipment short out due to the condensation from HVAC units. Water does not mix well with electricity.

Not to mention the dust build up. That is actually a bigger problem.

Two bonus tips worth mentioning. These are common sense rules which help maintain the well being of your network equipment.

1. Don’t EVER spray bug killer directly on your phone equipment.

Yes, it will short out the control unit. Not to mention, bug spray creates a really sticky powdery mess for a service technician to clean to view the equipment.

2. Don’t plug things into the same electrical outlet your phone system is plugged into.

Your communications are far more important than plugging in vacuum, buffer, toaster, coffee pot, etc…