Do you have any burning questions about your systems that you would like ESG to investigate for you? Send them in! Each quarter we will choose a question to answer in our Interconnect Newsletter and if your question is picked we will send you a $100 giftcard. So not only to you get an answer from some of the best minds in the industry, you also get rewarded for just asking the question.
In the issue of Interconnect hitting the presses this week Cyndi Morris from Menasha Joint School Districts asked us: “How can a Mitel end user bring a feature request to Mitel to be included in a future software release?”
Jeff Weber, V.P. of Operations at ESG, was able to respond to her both via video and a written article. The article is written below and is also featured in the spring edition of Interconnect.
Get Your Questions Answered and Win $100
Enter Mitel’s “Tell Us Your Story” Contest and Win a Trip to San Diego
You have the chance to win a trip for two to San Diego, CA that includes a four night stay in the Manchester Grand Hyatt, an exclusive hot-air balloon ride, and more! All you need to do is create a video that tells Mitel your unique story about how you use Mitel solutions to run your business.
The videos should be kept under three minutes and will be voted on by other Mitel users to decide a top five. Then a Mitel panel will decide which of the five receives the grand prize of a trip to Mitel’s Business Partner Conference from June 19-21st in San Diego where their video will be featured.
Only persons 18 years of age or above are eligible to enter. If you would like to have ESG help in the shooting and editing of your video please contact Josh Palubicki at 920-687-4312 or by email at joshp@wwcc.com. All entries must be received by May 18th, 2012.
For more details visit the Mitel “Tell Us Your Story” page.
Extreme XOS Network Virtualization
Extreme Networks will be presenting on their XNV ExtremeXOS Network Virtualization seminar next week Friday at the Technology in the Park 3.0 Event hosted by ESG. This is a quick overview of what will be discussed. You can also join us for a Webinar later this month.
The Situation:
Traditionally, networks have been static and not part of the virtualization process.
With mobility in virtualization comes the need for a dynamic and a Virtual Machine
(VM) aware network. Network administrators lack visibility and control over the
virtualized environment and need the tools and capabilities to manage highly
virtualized data centers.
The Opportunity:
• Gain management, visibility and control between network components and
hypervisor management platforms
• Return control back to the network and free up server resources
• Achieve power savings by efficiently managing network and server resources
• Manage each hypervisor and its own management platform and switching
infrastructure across a single network
The Solution:
XNV™ (ExtremeXOS® Network Virtualization) by Extreme Networks®
The Benefits:
• Increased Visibility: Full VM Lifecycle Management from both server
and network sides
• Increased Control: Virtualized port profiles follow the VMs as they
dynamically move through the network
• Energy E cient: Network and host resources can be optimized
allowing parts of the network and/or data center to be shut down to
preserve valuable resources
• Compatibility: VM platform agnostic
• Clarity: Redefinition of the network edge will logically separate data
center and network manager duties/responsibilities
Mitel Improves On Collaboration Client
Many ESG customers are already familiar with what we’ve referred to as “AWC” or Audio-Web Conferencing. This Mitel Application has been revamped and goes by the name of Mitel Collaboration Advanced (MCA).
This tool is an intricate part of the Mitel applications suite and enables users to share their desktop and applications, host multi-point videoconferencing sessions, schedule conferences no matter where they are and also use a Web-based collaboration viewer that can be viewed from any desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone with a screen layout that optimizes for the device.
You can learn more about the new user interface of MCA as well as it’s applications in a Webinar later this month. Click here to register.
Technology in the Park 3.0
It’s time to take’m out to the ball game! Your smart devices that is. This year’s Technology in the Park 3.0 will focus on how the great technologies your business runs on can be integrated with mobile devices. We encourage you to bring your iPads, iPhones, any Android phone or tablet with you and explore what apps are out there that you can take advantage of.
The event will be broken in to two areas. One will be a trade-show style set up where you can ask any questions you may have for experts from Mitel, VMware, March Networks, Extreme Networks, PrairieFyre Contact Center, Oaisys Call Recording, Crytycal Services Management, Identatronics or Polycom. The other area will host six expert breakout sessions presented by our manufacturers. The session descriptions can be found below.
After the technology exploration ends we’ll all head to the Dew Deck in Miller Park to watch the Brewers take on the Cubs! Be sure to register today. Seating’s limited.
“Productivity Tools and New Trends in Contact Center”
PrairieFyre, Jason Smith
Mitel Customer Interaction Solutions/Contact Center Management software continues to evolve with new features and functionality including compatibility with mobile devices. Learn about advances in interactive call control, database integration (CTI), integration with social networking sites, automatic outbound dialer applications as well as an overview of general capabilities. In addition the next generation Interactive Voice Response (IVR) software will be introduced. Attendees will learn how to optimize phone coverage and accurately forecast future requirements to minimize overstaffing and save money!
“Analog or IP Video Security – You make the call”
March Networks, James (Jim) Pralle and Ken Kreterfield
Video security deployments have evolved from generic independent analog appliances to purpose-driven, integrated, network dependent server-based systems. As a result of this technology shift, IT departments are becoming increasingly involved in the implementation and management of video and cross-departmental collaboration. We’ll compare & contrast the operational and network considerations of an analog hybrid vs. an all-IP video system. We’ll also be showcasing our new March Networks Cloud service – a plug-and-play mobile solution for surveillance and operational awareness on the go.
“Taming the BYOD Chaos”
Extreme Networks, Rohit Dhingra
Extreme Networks is addressing the growing bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend with an initiative that includes new Ethernet switches, a new access point and identity management capabilities that touch both wired and wireless networks. The Intelligent Mobile Edge Solution – what do you get when you mix equal parts of Summit X440 Intelligent Edge switches running ExtremeXOS with best-in-class Wi-Fi APs and controllers and sprinkle on some Ridgeline network management pixie dust? You get the cure for the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) blues, the Intelligent Mobile Edge Solution.
“Managing your Workforce and Securing the Workplace”
Identatronics, Mike Grzegorek and Rich Johnson
In today’s financial landscape, business owners and managers are being held more accountable than ever before. To remain profitable it’s necessary to control all non-fixed costs and to assure the security of physical and intellectual property. Identatronics CeleriTime and vIDix Suite solutions can provide these controls in a cost effective, affordable, and efficient manner. Learn how these solutions can help you meet your goals.
“Unifying Communications through all Devices”
Mitel, Jason Nuss
In this session Mitel will discuss some of the ways they are enhancing their mobility portfolio. They will cover the latest integrations to smartphones such as Android, iPhone, and Blackberry as well as enhancements for tablet devices. They will discuss recent software changes that have enhanced the mobile call center and will touch on some recent accessory additions that enhance mobility.
“The Proliferation of Video and Unified Communications through Mobility”
Polycom, Chris Zawoyski
In a world in which eight and a half billion YouTube videos are streamed monthly, the latest generation has been raised on video and social connectedness. Within this context, it’s not surprising that video conferencing is also on the rise. It’s becomingly increasingly recognized as a mission-critical capability for businesses and a solution that pays for itself within months by reducing travel expenses while improving teamwork, collaborative decision making, organizational productivity, and employee and customer engagement.
And now, mobile video conferencing is poised for explosive growth as well, driven by the demand for visual communication, an increasingly remote workforce, and a convergence of technical advances.
Polycom’s vision is to make it possible for millions of people to use video collaboration as their preferred method of communicating – easily, reliably and securely – no matter what network, carrier, protocol, application or device they use.
ESG Gets A Little More Secure By Welcoming Onboard Tom Binish
In April 2012, Tom Binish joined the Enterprise Systems Group as Sr. Workforce Management Specialist. With over 30 years of Time & Attendance and Life Safety experience, he is ideally suited to the ESG core business of Technology and Integration. Prior to joining ESG, Binish owned A&A Fire and Security, a leading Wisconsin based fire alarm and security integrator.
According to Binish, the most significant expense for almost every business is labor. While labor has always been a prime concern to management, the economy these past 3 years has brought about the need to view it as an important asset and not a cost center or expense. This new perspective has created a need for management to turn to technology in its effort to harness this major resource.
Enterprise Systems Group now offers the sophisticated and powerful tools of CeleriTime and its integrated suite of facility, visitor and employee management tools. CeleriTime provides the real time labor information necessary to proactively manage your workforce, transforming this ‘human resource’ into a strategic asset.
With businesses turning to desktop virtualization and the increasing need for employee mobilization, our Workforce Management solutions are ideally positioned to integrate with the most demanding IT department requirements. Whether run as a service or in a cloud environment, we can demonstrate how managing the ‘strategic asset’ of labor with CeleriTime can make every minute count and boost your bottom line.
Join in on Tom’s Webinars this month:
Tracking Labor Have You Down? and Secure Your Workplace
A Thank You from Claire at the CP Center
We are all extremely proud of our work within our community. Being able to help those in need is a great honor, but it’s really nice when that work is appreciated. ESG’s President Roy Vande Hey received this letter and we wanted to share it with everyone. Claire Williams of the CP Center thanked us for the work we did for their telethon. Without hardworking, dedicated individuals like Claire this telethon wouldn’t exist. She did a great job!
Dear Mr. Vande Hey,
On behalf of everyone at the CP Center, thank you very much for your team’s kind and generous support of the annual CP Telethon.
The phone system you provided played an integral part in the success of the telethon and helping CP to reach a new record.
I’d personally like to acknowledge the way your team worked to make this event run so smoothly. They are very organized and efficient, not to mention a pleasure to work with. They took a lot of stress out of the event for me, allowing me to focus on the other aspects of the telethon.
Again, please pass along our appreciation to your entire team, for all of their efforts.
On behalf of all of us at the CP Center, thank you!
Sincerely,
Claire Williams
Prepare for Storm Season with ESG
The team at ESG tries to plan ahead an identify scenarios that may play out and would require a Disaster Recovery plan. In these scenarios we consider what elements we can control, such as the phones, and what things are out of ESG’s control, like power, telco lines, or natural disasters.
Having lived through a tornado ourselves we have a good understanding of how to keep business running and what steps to take to ensure smooth transitions.
Our DR offerings include:
- Complete System Crash Kit – this includes all major components that are needed to get any of the Mitel VoIP Systems we support back up and operational.
- Back-up Data Switches – in case a data network goes down we have switches available to keep customers communications networks running.
- Remote Database Storage – we store customer’s databases in the ESG office in case we need to build a site and take it out to the customer.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply – Serves as a battery backup in case there are any breaks in the power supply.
- A Wireless Link Kit – in the case there is a cable cut between facilities and we need to get connectivity up quickly. “Think of it as a wireless Ethernet extension cord.”
- And a generator that we can place on site in case of a power outage.
Taking MPS Students to the Final Frontier
Instead of taking students to see how the local post office works, why not take them into outer space? That was the thought process behind ESG’s “Day in the Life of an Astronaut” presentation taking place at this year’s Milwaukee Public School’s iFair on March 27th.
The event is being held at Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee and approximately 400-450 students from MPS high schools and middle schools will be attending. The theme this year is “Experience the future;” and what better way stretch the children’s imagination than letting them explore what space travel is like?
ESG participated in the event last year and has stepped up their presentation this year by incorporating their HDX 8000 Polycom Unit and connecting to the Challenger Learning Center in St. Louis.
In the “Day in the Life…” presentation the children will learn about the daily activities of astronauts, including: spacewalks, exercise, sleeping, eating and even how to go to the bathroom in space.
This isn’t the first time ESG has lent its videoconferencing unit to a school. Recently Columbus School District used the unit to connect to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The interactive digital field trip went incredibly smooth and offered an experience wouldn’t have been able to have otherwise.
A video of the Columbus event is below.
CP Center raises $1.2 Million with help of ESG
It is truly amazing what can be achieved by connecting passionate people in support of a good cause. This year Cerebral Palsy, Inc. became a customer of ESG and we were able to lend our Mitel phones along with a Mitel 3300 MCD to them for their annual CP Telethon.
Once the phones started ringing they didn’t stop. By the end of the weekend the organization, with the help of all their volunteers, had raised over $1.2 Million Dollars! The telethon was broadcast for only 15 hours, but the numbers of people calling in were so high even ESG’s Sean Gunville sat in and answered the phones for a bit.
Overall the event ran smoothly and the Mitel 3300 performed to the excellent standard that ESG and its customers have come to expect.
“This year the phones have been fantastic, we have not had one phone problem. We always have phone problems and this year – nothing,” according to Bob Serosic, volunteer in charge of managing the phones. “The clarity is fantastic, volume is excellent; people are hearing what’s going on with the calls coming in. It’s always hard to hear, but this year we aren’t having any problems.”
