ECS “Remote” Technical Support Service Plans Available:
Remote Technical Support, Programming, & Troubleshooting (8X5) (1YR Pre-Paid)
Remote Technical Support, Programming, & Troubleshooting (8X5) (3YR Pre-Paid)
Remote Technical Support, Programming, & Troubleshooting (8X5) (5YR Pre-Paid)

Benefits Include:               
priority dispatch (over non warranty, non-service plan customers)
remote labor for installing upgrades, service packs, & patches
remote labor for programming for moves, adds, & changes
remote labor for troubleshooting hardware problems
remote labor for troubleshooting software problems
remote “helpdesk” support
remote “after-hours” labor for service effecting work (example = upgrade, re-boot, etc.)
remote carrier services troubleshooting, trouble reporting, & problem resolution
guaranteed remote response time for major outages = 2-Hours
guaranteed remote response time for minor outages = NBD to 3-Day
guaranteed remote response time for moves, adds, changes = NBD to 3-Day

Note:
NBD = Next Business Day

ECS has a new URL www.GoECS.com
We also have an easy to navigate website for our customers.  It explains who we are, provides information on our products and solutions, as well as an interesting blog.

We also have a new domain name GoECS.com for our email addresses. Moving forward you will be able to reach us at first.last@GoECS.com for our email address and www.GoECS.com for our Web address.

We still have www.ecsolutions.com  so you can still continue to email us and view our web site at either domain.

Email addresses and web addresses are not case sensitive so they can be entered either way. We have configured our Exchange server to send first.last@GoECS.com on outgoing emails but you don’t need to use CAPS when emailing us or accessing our website.  We did it because it’s easier to read GoECS.

Let us know what you think!

Axis at a glance
● Axis is the market leader in network video and a driving force behind the shift from analog to digital  video surveillance, which paves the way for a more secure, smarter and safer world.

● Offering network video solutions for professional installations, Axis’ products and solutions are based on an innovative, open technology platform.

● Axis has more than 1,400 dedicated employees in more than 40 locations around the world and  cooperates with partners covering 179 countries. Founded in 1984, Axis is a Sweden-based IT  company listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm under the ticker AXIS.

Market leader
Axis is a clear global market leader in network cameras and was ranked second in the video encoder supplier category for 2012. During 2012, Axis received many international awards for its products and solutions in network video, including for cameras equipped with the so-called Lightfinder technology.

The business model
A cornerstone of Axis’ strategy is the indirect sales model which is based on loyalty and long-term cooperation. Axis works in partnership with distributors, system integrators and resellers that reach the end customers. There are partners in 179 countries.

The product portfolio
Axis was the first company in the world to launch a network camera in 1996, thereby initiating the shift from analog to digital technology. Today Axis offers the market’s broadest product portfolio of network cameras, video encoders, software and accessories, and provides a unique global service to end customers in connection with installation and use of the products.

A strong focus on research and development means that Axis’ products differ from others in the market. Axis’ research and development operations accounted for 13 percent of sales and about 550 engineers work at the headquarters in Lund.

Axis’ network video products are used in many environments in order create a safer, smarter and more secure world. It is a question of installations in public places, airports, trains, schools, universities, casinos and banks as well as in stores and on motorways etc.

Axis, for an easier and safer everyday life
Axis customers are always stay one step ahead, thanks to their innovative product portfolio  of network cameras and video encoders. Their use of open platforms also allows for a high  rate of innovation and allows their products to be used in an increasingly broad range of  applications.

The products are primarily included in security installations, ranging from solutions for individual stores to comprehensive systems on trains, on motorways at universities, in banks and in retail chains. Streamlining and optimization of the customers’ transaction flows, for example, in warehouses and within the retail trade are applications where network video products directly contribute to commercial benefit for the customers.

Simplicity in the installation
As systems become more comprehensive, demand is rising for easy and rapid installations that deliver time savings and lower installation costs. Axis has developed several innovative solutions that simplify installation of the products and thus liberate both time and resources for customers.

Image quality
Demands on light sensitivity, dynamics, color reproduction and resolution in the network cameras are constantly increasing. In order to continue offering the market’s highest quality as regards resolution and image functions, we have developed and released network cameras with market leading technology for both color reproduction in poor light and clear images in glaring light. A large  proportion of all new cameras from Axis are also equipped with HDTV.

Remote monitoring
Network video offers users the possibility of remote monitoring, which means that they can gain access to video from a computer anywhere. Users get the overall picture of operations in their facilities no matter where they are. This functionality is also beneficial from an environmental aspect.

System integration
Video surveillance installations are becoming increasingly complex and easy handling of a large number of the cameras in one system is a challenge. All Axis products are built on open source code. The products are also equipped with AXIS Camera Application Platform, which means that third party applications may be installed in Axis products. By selecting the most suitable application, the user’s specific needs can be met.

Sustainability
Since the foundation of Axis, questions relating to sustainability have been a natural part of the company’s operations within corporate governance, social responsibility and environment. In 2007, Axis signed the UN Global Compact and thus entered into a contract to observe the UN’s ten principles covering human rights, labor law, environment and anti-corruption.

Introduction
VoIP is an acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP is a methodology and group of technologies for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet. Other terms commonly associated with VoIP are IP telephony, Internet telephony, voice over broadband (VoBB), broadband telephony, IP communications, and broadband phone service.

VoIP is Replacing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
The term Internet telephony specifically refers to the provisioning of communications services (voice, fax, SMS, voice-messaging) over the public Internet, rather than via the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The steps and principles involved in originating VoIP telephone calls are similar to traditional digital telephony, and involve signaling, channel setup, digitization of the analog voice signals, and encoding. Instead of being transmitted over a circuit-switched network, however, the digital information is packetized and transmission occurs as Internet Protocol (IP) packets over a packet-switched network. Such transmission entails careful considerations about resource management different from time-division multiplexing (TDM) networks. VoIP is commonly used on many smartphones, personal computers, and on Internet access devices.

VoIP Signaling & Standards
VoIP systems employ session control and signaling protocols to control the signaling, set-up, and tear-down of calls. They transport audio streams over IP networks using special media delivery protocols that encode voice, audio, & video with audio codecs and video codecs as Digital audio by streaming media. Various codecs exist that optimize the media stream based on application requirements and network bandwidth; some implementations rely on narrowband and compressed speech, while others support high fidelity stereo codecs. Some popular codecs include μ-law and a-law versions of G.711, G.722 which is a high-fidelity codec marketed as HD Voice by Polycom, a popular open source voice codec known as iLBC, a codec that only uses 8 kbit/s each way called G.729, and many others.

Replacing Standard Phone Lines
If you have a reasonable quality Internet connection you can get phone service delivered through your Internet connection instead of from your local phone company. This will typically produce 40-60% savings in monthly telephone line costs.

Some people use VOIP in addition to their traditional phone service, since VOIP service providers usually offer lower rates than traditional phone companies. Many companies will keep traditional analog lines for certain older technologies, ie; faxes, modems, postage machines, & credit card machines as they do not function reliably on VoIP.

Structured cabling is building or campus telecommunications cabling infrastructure that consists of a number of standardized smaller elements (hence structured) called subsystems.

Structured Cabling falls into five subsystems:
● Demarcation Point is the point where the telephone company network ends and connects with the  on-premises wiring at the customer premises.
● Equipment/Telecommunication Rooms house equipment and wiring consolidation points that  serve the users inside the building or campus.
● Vertical or Riser Cabling connects between the equipment/telecommunication rooms, so named  because the rooms are typically on different floors.
● Horizontal Wiring can be IW (inside wiring) or Plenum Cabling and connects telecommunications  rooms to individual outlets or work areas on the floor, usually through the pathways, conduits or  ceiling spaces of each floor.
● Work-Area Components connect end-user equipment to outlets of the horizontal cabling system.

Structured cabling design and installation is governed by a set of standards that specify wiring data centers, offices, and apartment buildings for data or voice communications using various kinds of cable, most commonly category 5e (CAT-5e), category 6 (CAT-6), and fiber optic cabling and modular connectors. These standards define how to lay the cabling in various topologies in order to meet the needs of the customer, typically using a central patch panel (which is normally 19 inch rack-mounted), from where each modular connection can be used as needed. Each outlet is then patched into a network switch (normally also rack-mounted) for network use or into an IP or PBX (private branch exchange) telephone system patch panel.

Color Coding patch cables is very common to identify the type of connection, though structured cabling standards do not require it except in the demarcation wall field.

Cabling Standards demand that all eight conductors in Cat5/5e/6 cable are connected, resisting the temptation to ‘double-up’ or use one cable for both voice and data. IP phone systems, however, can run the telephone and the computer on the same wires.

Whether your business is small, midsize, or large, ECS & Avaya have a communications solution that can help improve your business immediately – and set the stage to easily grow as your business does. Now you can have all the essentials – like just having a call go to the right person – as well as some of the smartest capabilities, like having your IP Office automatically launch a conference call based upon the time, frequency, and people you specify.

Enabling ways for your employees, customers, suppliers and partners to communicate efficiently and intelligently helps you to differentiate in the marketplace. Companies like yours are implementing Intelligent Communications features into business processes and are realizing increases in worker productivity, customer loyalty, and profitability.

Avaya IP Office

What is it ?
It is a converged communications solution that uses both voice and IP technology to deliver intelligent
ways for you to reduce cost, increase productivity, and improve customer service for your business.

How can I use it in my business ?
Connect with colleagues and customers. Simplify access to information. Keep remote workers in touch. You can save money through conferencing, networking, call management, Voice over IP, and more.

What are my choices ?
Does your business have one location? Multiple locations? With IP Office you can choose from a range of models and add capacity, applications, and phones as you need them. Whether you have few or many employees, IP Office is the optimal choice.

Work from anywhere
Enable instant one-number access regardless of your location. Route incoming office calls to your
mobile telephone, and even listen to your e-mails.

Integrate applications
Enable incoming calls to display company name, location, purchasing history or other vital details;
impress customers; sell more strategically; and speed efficiency.

Look more professional
Impress customers and empower staff with state-of-the-art telephones. Sleek, functional telephones designed for the business professional.

Host conferences
Eliminate conference call costs and speed your decision-making. Schedule, initiate or participate  in secure audio conference calls anytime. Launch outbound calls to bring the right people together  instantly.

Improve customer satisfaction
Maximize customer satisfaction as more calls are handled promptly. Redistribute inbound calls from your busy locations toward idle locations.

Protect your investment
Gain more than just communications products and services. Implement a system that delivers immediate results to your business, and is set to grow and change along with it.

Connect all sites
Save, streamline, and spark collaboration. Integrate business communications to save money on long distance charges. Link remote offices as if they were one.

Efficient Communication Solutions
ECS is a Local Voice/Data Service Company that sells & services; Avaya Telephone Systems, Voice over IP, Voice/Data Cabling, IT/Networking Appliances (Routers, Firewalls, Ethernet Switches, etc.), & Carrier Services (Dial-Tone, High-Speed Internet Access, & WAN Networking).

ECS & Avaya have a communications solution for you, whether you’re looking for innovative solutions to support your mobile and remote workforce or would simply like to reduce costs while adding enhanced communications features.

We partner with our customers to reduce operating expenses while increasing profitability.

What is a SIP Trunk ?
A SIP Trunk is primarily a concurrent call that is routed over the IP backbone of a carrier using VoIP technology. SIP Trunks are used in conjunction with an IP-PBX and are thought of as replacements for traditional PRI or analog circuits. The popularity of SIP Trunks is due primarily to the cost savings of SIP, along with the increased reliability as backed by the SLAs of SIP Trunk Providers.

What are the advantages of SIP Trunks versus Analog Circuits ?
SIP Trunks are cheaper than analog circuits while maintaining the same service quality that businesses expect from line quality. SIP Trunks cost approximately $17 per trunk, versus $40 per analog circuit. In addition, long distance termination charges associated with SIP Trunks are much cheaper than traditional analog rates.

What are the advantages of SIP Trunks versus PRI ?
SIP Trunks realize their primary benefit over PRIs from cost savings. SIP trunks typically cost $17 per trunk for unlimited inbound and local calling along with a long distance rate under 2 cents per call. When coupled with line oversubscription (e.g. a 30 person company purchasing just as many SIP trunks as they anticipate having concurrent calls….typically 8 to 10) SIP Trunks are a very cost effective way for a business to save money. Lastly, a primary benefit of SIP Trunks over PRIs is that SIP Trunks can be purchased in increments of 1, whereas PRIs usually have to be purchased in increments of 23 channels.

When should a business use SIP Trunking instead of hosted ?
A business should look into purchasing SIP Trunks when they decide that their needs are best met with a premise-based system. This system is often referred to as an IP-PBX. Coupled with SIP Trunks, an IP-PBX serves up similar features to hosted solutions. SIP Trunks typically save a business customer money over a hosted solution in that a SIP Trunk can serve the needs of three to four employees (depending on oversubscription) while a hosted seat is needed for each employee.

What equipment do I need to be able to use SIP Trunking ?
SIP Trunks can work with a SIP-ready PBX. SIP Trunks can also be made to work with traditional analog or key systems with an IAD (Integrated Access Device). The SIP Trunk service provider will need to interoperate with the underlying equipment manufacturer. However, it should be noted that with the advent of standards around RFC 3261 and SIP Connect, the challenge of finding SIP Trunk Service Providers with SIP Trunk compatible equipment is significantly decreased.

Will I need more Internet bandwidth when I buy SIP Trunks ?
SIP Trunks are virtual circuits delivered over an Internet Access line. Depending on the number of SIP Trunks purchased, and the amount of excess Internet connectivity, a business should consider purchasing more Internet Access. However, it’s important to know that when a SIP Trunk is not being used, the bandwidth otherwise allocated to a SIP Trunk is freed up for use in less intensive applications, such as e-mail and general web use. This dynamic allocation of bandwidth is yet another feature of SIP Trunks versus more traditional technologies, such as analog or PRI circuits.

Problem:
Sag
What is it?
A short-term decrease in voltage levels
Why is it a problem?
A sag can cause damage to your electronic equipment. Your computer system is especially sensitive to this problem.
Typical product protection solution:
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Problem:
Surge
What is it?
A sudden dramatic increase in voltage
Why is it a problem?
Some transients can cause major damage to electronic equipment or computer data and can also interfere with radio/TV/communications equipment.
Typical product protection solution:
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Problem:
Swell
What is it?
A short-term increase in voltage
Why is it a problem?
A swell can lead to stressed or damaged electronic components, which cause premature equipment failure.
Typical product protection solution:
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Problem:
Power outage
What is it?
A total loss of power, which can last anywhere from fractions of a second to hours
Why is it a problem?
If you are using your computer when an interruption happens, you’ll lose all data stored in your computer’s short-term memory (RAM).
Typical product protection solution:
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Problem:
Electrical Noise
What is it?
Additional signals riding on the power line that can interfere with the operation of equipment
Why is it a problem?
On your computer, electrical noise can introduce glitches and errors into programs and data files or cause printer errors.
Typical product protection solution:
Power Line Filter
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Check Wiring and Grounding:
Proper wiring and grounding are essential for the smooth operation of sensitive electronic equipment. Check your electronic equipment for loose or damaged plugs and connections and repair or replace them. If a piece of equipment has operating problems, check to see if it is plugged into a grounded outlet.
A ground is often needed to meet safety standards because some electronic equipment could otherwise be shock hazards. If your outlet does not have a ground, a licensed electrician should upgrade it.

Move/Install your sensitive electronic equipment to/on a dedicated circuit:
Avoid putting sensitive devices (firewalls, routers, ethernet switches, pc’s, servers, printers, telephone systems, etc.) on the same circuit as HVAC, A/C, lunchroom appliances, shared circuits, etc.

Install a surge protector:
Using a surge protector is one inexpensive way to protect equipment from power fluctuations. It protects equipment by rerouting excess energy from temporary over-voltages. However, this device will not eliminate power fluctuations.

You can find surge protectors at almost any store that sells electronic equipment. Make sure you’re getting a surge protector, NOT just a power strip. Though they look very similar, power strips only offer multiple electrical outlets, not surge protection.

What to look for when buying a plug-in surge protector;
UL TVSS 1449 rating – a certification label from an independent test lab such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) on the package. Products with this certification label meet current industry safety standards.

ANSI/IEEE C62.41, Category A (for higher exposure environments, use Category B) – The maximum amount of voltage that will reach your equipment as a result of having it connected to a surge protector.

UL 330 voltage rating – This performance standard ensures that power disturbances are recognized and routed away from your equipment instantaneously, providing effective protection and keeping your equipment safe from damage.
Catastrophic event protection for safety – a fast-acting fuse that reacts quickly and shuts down your system in the event of a dangerous wiring problem.
Site-wiring fault indicator – indicates there may be a problem with the wiring of the outlet.
Protection working indicator – lets you know that the surge protector is working as intended.
Connection lines for phone lines, television cables and other data communication lines.
Line-noise filters – otherwise this noise could disrupt your equipment’s performance.
A lifetime product warranty and insurance coverage on connected equipment.

Add an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):
A battery back-up system, also known as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), is designed to immediately switch your sensitive electronic equipment to emergency back-up power to allow you to work through brief power outages without losing data or experiencing downtime. A UPS also provides protection from voltage sags.

What to look for when buying a UPS;
A UL 1778 rating
The number and type of outlets you need
Run-time – the bigger the VA (volt amps), the longer the run-time
Length of battery life, battery replacement cost and availability
Site-wiring fault indicator – indicates there may be a problem with the wiring of the outlet

We recommend APC by Schneider Electric
http://www.apc.com/site/apc/index.cfm?ISOCountryCode=us

Sustains a Competitive Edge
Businesses change almost daily. New competitors, new market forces, new financial strains, and new organizational structures all add up to a need for flexibility. When selecting new technology, one often wonders if it will be replaced by a faster, more powerful alternative next year, or even next month. Leasing can help avoid the risk of ownership because you only pay for the use of the equipment. When your lease expires, you can then buy the equipment, trade it in for the latest technology, or simply walk away (depending on the type of lease chosen). With leasing, you can put a technological “safety net” in place, so your companies’ competitive edge is never dulled by the process of moving up to faster, larger, or different equipment.

Conserves Capital
Leasing lets you keep capital free for investment or other business expenses instead of tying it up in fixed assets. Profits from these investments offset the cost of the lease — you don’t have to own an asset to make money using it.

Generates Profits
You can reinvest the cash conserve in inventory or new marketing promotions — investments that can bring real profits to your business.

Preserves Existing Credit Lines
Leasing gives you a new source of credit for present and future needs, while existing bank lines remain intact for other uses.

100% Financing
Unlike bank loans, leasing can mean no down payment, no deposits, and no required compensating balances. In most cases, installation, wiring, maintenance, taxes, shipping charges, and even software costs may be included in your monthly payment.

Tax Advantages
Leasing offers important tax benefits that reduce your cost of obtaining equipment. Depending on the type of lease, you may be able to write off the entire monthly payment as an operating expense or capitalize the outlay.*

Budgeting Advantages
Leasing guarantees a fixed monthly payment amount for the length of the lease term, so it’s easy to forecast your equipment expenses. It also gives you the flexibility to obtain unplanned-for-equipment — when capital budgets can’t be stretched to allow outright purchase.

Pay as You Go, Not Up Front
With leasing, you pay for equipment as you enjoy the benefits of using it.

Perfect Solution for Expanding Businesses
You deserve access to the latest equipment and technology. Leasing protects you from being locked into owning equipment that may not meet your future needs. You will have the flexibility to upgrade to the newest releases, features and functionality as they become available. Leasing is often the financing solution of choice for businesses that hesitate to buy equipment because they fear it will become obsolete before they can fully depreciate it.

Be sure to consult with your own accountants or tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of leasing and financing transactions.

Leasing programs can be a common-sense complement to an existing bank relationship. Cash or working capital may be the ideal way to meet daily and short-term business needs, such as paying suppliers, meeting a payroll, or dealing with a business emergency. But working capital isn’t ideal for funding longer-term assets like equipment. Take a look:

 Leasing
Non-cancelable contract extending over a fixed term

Advantages
100% financing, including installation, wiring, taxes, and software
Conserves capital
Preserves bank lines
Flexible terms
Hedge against inflation
Obsolescence protection
Fixed lease term and payments
Full use of equipment without ownership
Creates new credit source
Easy add-on / upgrade

Disadvantages
Non-cancelable agreement

Bank Loan
Repaid in regular installments

Advantages
Direct ownership
Depreciation
Appropriate when bank lines remain untapped or there is a loan covenant requirement

Disadvantages
Capitalizes equipment
Relatively short term, usually 24 or 36 months
Extensive documentation
Covenant restrictions
Exhausts credit lines
No obsolescence protection
May require compensating balances (usually 20% or more of the loan amount), down payment, and/or origination fee
Variable interest rate could rise

Cash Purchase
Use working capital for acquisition

Advantages
No finance charges
Direct ownership
Depreciation

Disadvantages
Depletes cash reserves
Reduces investment leverage
No hedge against inflation
No obsolescence protection

Be sure to consult with your own accountants or tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of leasing and financing transactions.