Speakeasy Offers Practical Money-Saving Advice on Some of the Most Critical Communication Issues Facing Businesses Today

SEATTLE, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Speakeasy (www.speakeasy.net), a voice and data services company, has released a series of "Quick Tips," designed to provide businesses with practical advice on important communication issues. Each Quick Tip offers bite-sized "how-tos" to help businesses save money and work smarter with advanced voice and broadband solutions.

According to IBISWorld, VoIP earned the title "Industry of the Decade" due to its growth since 2002. The same study predicted VoIP as the industry of the next decade as well, forecasting 150% industry growth over the next ten years.

"This rapid adoption caused us to take a critical look at all the benefits of VoIP and how it addresses some of the most pressing communications issues of today," said Bruce Chatterley, Speakeasy CEO. "We compiled a series of tips and how-tos that we believe will help businesses to take advantage of the benefits of VoIP."

(Download the full "Quick Tips" PDF at www.speakeasy.net/pdf/SPK_QuickTips.pdf)

Teleworkers work harder and cost less

According to Forrester Research, teleworkers work an average of two hours more per week than office workers, and can save companies money on office space and utilities. With Hosted Voice (VoIP), remote workers can be fully integrated into a single business phone system, and can enjoy features such as Find Me/Follow Me, which allows users to ring calls to multiple phones, simultaneously or sequentially, manage call forwarding from anywhere and even set preferences to a time schedule.

Call nationally and internationally for next to nothing

Steep phone company rates are no longer necessary for staying connected. With Hosted Voice, workers can call throughout the continental U.S. and to 22 countries worldwide for free.

Jumpstart your disaster plan

Three out of four business owners admit to being unprepared for a disaster to hit their business. Unfortunately, all businesses eventually have to contend with some kind of sudden disruption, whether it's a natural disaster or a more commonplace power outage. Choosing a Hosted Voice system is one of the easiest ways to ensure continuity. This type of phone service is hosted on the provider's network, so it continues to function no matter what happens at the office. Callers never get a busy signal, voicemail remains operational, and lines can easily be forwarded to alternate phones.

Combine voice and data to get more bandwidth for less money

From large uploads and multimedia applications to VPN and remote workers, most businesses are watching their bandwidth demands consistently increase. By combining voice and data over a single broadband connection with Integrated Voice trunks, companies can eliminate the costs of traditional phone lines while maximizing bandwidth efficiency.

Outsource your phone system

There are frequent and costly maintenance needs associated with managing onsite phone system equipment, which usually require a specialist to make even the smallest change. With a Hosted Voice solution, businesses can eliminate all these frustrations, while maintaining total control through an online portal. Moves, adds and changes are as quick as making a phone call or sending an email – no rewiring or on-site intervention required.

Voice gives you more flexibility for less money

Businesses can save up to 45 percent over traditional phone service, and can choose from a wide range of options, including many with advanced features that boost productivity and support employees on the go. Here's how to choose the best savings option:

• Hosted Voice. For companies just starting out or ready to upgrade to a new phone system, this option provides long term cost savings, effortless web-based management, and advanced features. Hosted Voice is also ideal for managing a virtual work force.
• Integrated Voice. For those who already have a PBX, combining voice and data over a single broadband connection can help cut costs. Options include analog, digital T1-CAS, ISDN-PRI or direct SIP connections. Advanced features are available as add-on services.

For true Quality of Service, companies should purchase both broadband and voice from the same provider, so voice calls can be prioritized over data traffic. The provider network should also maintain low latency, low jitter, and low packet loss. For more information, visit www.speakeasy.net/  or call 866-556-5829.

About Speakeasy

Speakeasy is one of the nation's leading broadband and voice (VoIP) service providers. Speakeasy helps small businesses succeed by offering simplified voice and data solutions that improve the customer experience, increase employee productivity and help cut costs. Based in Seattle, Speakeasy has provided award-winning customer service since 1994 and joined the Best Buy family of companies in April 2007, working with Best Buy For Business to champion technology for small businesses throughout the U.S. Visit Speakeasy at www.speakeasy.net or call 800.556.5829. Follow Speakeasy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/speakeasynet.

SOURCE Speakeasy