Over the past few months we have been hearing from you, our customers, about issues with reaching us via phone. Dropped calls, voice mails not being received, and other phone related problems. Our internal troubleshooting has come to the conclusion that our existing phone system is just not up to snuff anymore.

Instead of trying to fix it we are tossing it out the window and installing a brand new, cutting edge, voice response system. The following are the biggest changes coming in about 4 weeks:

• Single number for everything – Our existing office number, (781) 679-0660, will not be changing. Instead, we will be eliminating all other numbers.
• Better connectivity –  Dialing an engineer’s extension will now be forwarded to where they can best be reached (mobile, home, etc.). In addition, voice mail messages will now be within the system (instead of on the mobile phone) . This allows other support members access to messages if the person is out of the office.
• Enhanced emergency response – When dialing the emergency response extension all support engineers’ phones are rung. In the instance where nobody is available to pick up the call, voice mail messages are now sent as email to all technical support staff. Engineers receive a text message as well.
• Streamlined menu options – We have flattened out our menu to be just one level. No more pressing 1, then 2, then 3.
• Dial by name directory – Simple (and now working) dial by name option.
• Improved audio – You will now be much better able to hear the menu options.

We will be sending out more notifications as we get closer to the cut over date. We hope these changes will improve our response times and make it easier for our clients to reach us.

UPDATE (11/29/2010): Cutover is scheduled for Dec 7th.

If you look around your office, you will notice that most (if not all) of the computers are running Windows XP. On October 22nd Microsoft is ending the ability of OEMs (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) to sell new computers with Windows XP preinstalled. Is your business ready for the transition to Windows 7? Let’s explore what you need to know.

A recent survey showed that over 80% of business PCs are still running XP. That means your employees are use to the ‘look and feel’ of XP. It also means all your applications work on Windows XP. Windows 7 is a new in both look and operation. This means that you will need to prepare your employees (training) and make sure all your software will still work with the new operating system.

Issue 1: Licensing

Up until Oct 22nd, 2010, companies can buy computers with XP preinstalled, but with a Windows 7 license. This is called the ‘downgrade option’. Any new computer purchased after June 26th, 2009 with Windows XP, should have an available Windows 7 license. Before purchasing any Windows 7 upgrades, inventory your systems and find out how many Windows 7 licenses you may already have. You can then contact your hardware vendor for Windows 7 upgrade information if you already do not have it.

Issue 2: Software Compatibility

Applications that work in Windows XP should mostly work in Windows 7 (if it runs in Vista, it is almost guaranteed to work). However, older software or industry specific applications may have problems. Contact your software vendor and find the compatibility status of your current applications to make sure they will work in Windows 7. Upgraded versions may be needed so prepare your budget for new software expenses. If your business critical software will not work in Windows 7 you may still be able to run it if you have Windows 7 Pro. Windows 7 Pro has something called XP mode. It is a virtual machine which runs a full XP operating system on top of Windows 7 (XP desktop and all). You will need to test this however and your mileage may vary.

Issue 3: Training

Windows 7 has many performance and usage improvements. However, there will be a learning curve that your employees will need to be prepared for. Depending on the size of your business you should either set aside training classes, prepare some documentation on the new features and usage, find some training videos (Hint: Click here), or a combination of the above.

Issue 4: Rollout

After doing the above steps, you will need to determine how to roll it out. The options usually are all at once (make sure you have great training and support ready) or in drips and drabs. Depending on the size of your business you will need to see what works best. If your business is large enough I recommend a small beta group of users to work out the bugs before switching everyone over.

If your business has any questions or needs help with the transition to Windows 7, please contact Wireguided.

-Tim