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See what telecommunications companies are up to

Major telecommunications vendors are always working on new and improved methods of communication for the business world. They list their latest projects and achievements on their websites so that consumers can see what new technologies are currently being offered or will be available soon. Keep an eye on these pages to see what the latest industry buzz will be tomorrow.

I recommend: Review the sites of 3Com, AT&T, Alcatel-Lucent or Cisco Systems.

Read news about telecom companies from a third-party source

While the websites for telecommunications suppliers provide a great deal of important information, it is also a good idea to look into news provided by outside sources. Look to them for details about new or upgraded products and services, telecommunications providers that are making technological breakthroughs and anything else related to the business telecommunication world.

I recommend: Review the information provided by The Financial Times or iTWire.

Follow the latest trends of the modern B2B telecommunications supplier

Want to know what the next big thing is going to be? Trying to find out what the most recent technology or accessories for the telecommunications trade are? Then keep up with the trends being set by every current telecommunications company. Make sure your business is always on the cutting edge by staying in the know.

I recommend: Get marketing research on telecommunications trends from Plunkett Research. Read about the current trends from IncTechnology or prairiepublic.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The world of B2B telecommunications is constantly changing at a rapid pace, so keep up with all the telecommunications news and trends possible to ensure you are always on top of the game.
• •  Regularly review the lingo of the telecommunications services so you are up to date with any new terminology.

Guide to Telecommunications

Telecom tools keep your business, your employees and your customers connected

By Matt Alderton, Writer, Editor and Media Consultant, Logolepsy Custom Content and Communications

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Consider business phone systems the core of your telecommunications toolbox

Business phone systems are the most fundamental of telecom tools. Boost productivity and professionalism with multiple lines, several extensions and a robust company directory.

I recommend: Popular providers of business phone systems include Alcatel-Lucent, Avaya, Cisco and Nortel.

Browse telecommunications companies for a good deal on long distance

Telecommunications companies offer affordable long distance business phone service that you can use to connect with clients nationwide.

I recommend: Leading telecommunications companies like AT&T, Sprint, Qwest and Verizon offer long distance business phone service, as do cable companies like Comcast, Cox and Time Warner.

Group Internet access with your telecommunications installations

As consumers are migrating from the phone to the computer, so are telecommunications companies, many of which offer Internet access and network infrastructure services.

I recommend: Companies that can make telecommunications installations of the Internet variety include Verizon. Look for more suppliers at Business.com's broadband business solutions directory.

Talk to a telecommunications specialist about teleconferencing services

Perhaps the most popular telecommunications service among small businesses is teleconferencing, which is quickly giving way to web conferencing.

I recommend: Companies like ConferenceCall.com and Conference Calls Unlimited may not be traditional telecommunications companies, but they provide excellent teleconferencing services, including web conferencing.

Combine telecommunications and customer service with call center software

Ask your telecommunications specialist about call center software, which can help you streamline sales, customer service and internal support functions.

I recommend: Call center software companies like Five9 and Numara Software are leading providers of hosted telecom tools. For more vendors, turn to Business.com's call center software directory.

Consider VoIP, the emerging king of telecom tools

According to most experts, VoIP represents the future of telecommunications. Get a head start on upgrading your communications infrastructure by plugging your business phone systems into the Internet.

I recommend: The leader in VoIP business phone systems is Vonage; other providers include AltiGen Communications and Aptela.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Avoid long-term telecommunications contracts, as prices and plans change often and flexibility allows you to take advantage of ongoing savings and competitive rates.
• •  Review your telecommunications services at least once per year; new plans and providers are emerging all the time and switching telecommunications companies is an easy way to find serious deals.
• •  Telecommunications companies often have complicated pricing structures. Before you commit to telecommunications installations, therefore, make sure you read the fine print in your contract; make sure you understand when, how much and for what you'll be billed.
• •  Telecom tools are worthless if they're not working, so make sure your telecommunications companies have reliable customer support systems; always keep your tech support website and phone number close by.
• •  While telecommunications companies offer lots of exciting telecom tools, pay only for the services that you actually need. If you don't need features like automatic redial or directory assistance, which often cost extra, have your telecommunications vendor block them.

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Know the lingo used in the business telecommunication world

As with any other industry, it is helpful to have a solid knowledge of the terminology used by telecommunications professionals. Wireless broadband networks help businesses keep connected even from remote locations. Centrex is an economical way to set Internet protocol (IP) telephony and other voice services. A private branch exchange (PBX) is a standard telecommunications system used by corporations worldwide. Multiplexing allows for several signals to be sent out from a single source. Learn more about these and other important telecommunications terminology to be better aware of what your business needs to stay connected with the world.

I recommend: Read about wireless broadband networks at MobileInfo, Centrex at IP-Centrex, private branch exchange at Tech Target's SearchVoIP and multiplexing at wiseGEEK.

Investigate the services provided by telecommunications companies

Telecommunications providers offer a wide variety of products to suit the needs of any business. Whether you are looking for a standard analog phone set up, a digital format or more advanced voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), they will set up your business with a system that works for you. Find out more about the technologies currently being offered such as web conferencing, high-speed networking and more options for your company's telecommunications needs.

I recommend: Investigate VoIP at VOIP-Info, multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) at Cisco Systems, network-based virtual private networks at Core Competence and web conferencing at WebConference.

Remain up to date on the terminology used by telecommunications suppliers

Business telecom services are constantly growing and improving. You can keep up with the latest terminology by reviewing a business telecom glossary so you are always aware of important new lingo. Bookmark a site with a comprehensive list of terms used by any telecommunications company and stay in the know.

I recommend: Review the glossary of telecommunications key terms at Intec Telecom Systems, Rarify or the Federal Communications Commission.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The B2B telecommunications industry changes and grows at a rapid pace. Keep up with all new and upcoming telecommunications key terms to make sure your business always remains aware of the most advanced telecommunications systems available.

1. Pursue a formal degree in telecommunications to start your telecommunications education and training.
2. Sign up for seminars and conferences given by telecommunications providers or associations.
3. Take advantage of internships offered by some telecommunications companies.
   

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Begin your telecommunications education and training at an accredited college or university

Many business telecommunications employers will look for applicants to possess a degree in telecommunications. Many colleges, universities and technical colleges or institutes offer bachelor's or master's degrees in telecommunications. Earning a degree should be your first step in telecommunications education and training.

I recommend: The State University of New York Institute of Technology offers a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, addressing such topics as current applications and advancements. The master's degree in telecommunications at Boston University Metropolitan College is an integrated program that prepares students for many aspects of a career in telecommunications.

Attend seminars as part of your telecommunications education and training

A wealth of current information on telecommunications services, management and other topics can be found at seminars or online webinars in telecommunications. Many of these events are hosted by telecommunications companies or associations.

I recommend: Moss Adams hosts a seminar program on telecommunications, covering management, accounting, networks, regulations and more. Technology Futures offers a two-day seminar on trends and developments in the telecommunications industry.

Serve as an intern at a telecommunications company

Perhaps one of the most efficient methods of getting education and training in any field is hands-on experience. An internship with an established telecommunications company will expose you to many aspects of the telecommunications industry. Whether you intern at large, well-known telecom giants or smaller companies offering business telecom services, you'll find an internship to be an invaluable learning tool.

I recommend: Verizon, a leading telecommunications company, offers internships providing workshops, online training and networking. The internship program offered by the department of telecommunications at Bowling Green State University has intern opportunities at companies like E! Entertainment Television and Nextar Broadcasting.