10/11/2011 9:04:00 AM By: Harmeet Singh itbusiness.ca
After losing its receptionist and facing other challenges during the economic downturn, Dual Design and Machine Inc., an automotive manufacturer and supplier based in Newmarket, Ont., was able to spring back and reach a new level of efficiency by implementing a unified communications (UC) system in its office.
Dual Design and its nine employees, was one of the first customers to adopt Cisco Systems Inc.'s (NASDAQ: CSCO) recently launched Small Business Unified Communications 300 series for very small businesses that want to update their systems. With the help of TRC Networks Canada, a communications-focused solution provider based in Vaughan, Ont., Dual Design implemented Cisco's UC320 system, part of the UC300 line launched about eight months ago.
The 300 Series is networked UC system supporting up to 24 phones including the Cisco SPA300 Series and Cisco SPA500 Series IP phones. The idea is for small businesses to migrate to IP telephony to reduce cost and improve collaboration and productivity, according to Cisco. The series includes built-in data and wireless support, along with features such as voicemail and automated attendant.
Having a reliable communications system is critical for SMBs, according to Gabriel Kohut, vice-president of sales with TRC. “In today's environment, they cannot miss a call,” he said. “If you miss a call, they're on to the next guy.”
After a colleague suggested looking into a Cisco system, Dual Design's president Jeff Laycock met with TRC to discuss its options. “They basically worked within our schedule,” he said, and consulted on what solution would be best for the small office and shop floor. The company was using a traditional system with legacy Nortel phones. During the economic downturn, the automotive sector was hit hard and one casualty was Dual Design's receptionist.
TRC implemented the data switch and IP-based voice and video solution for Dual Design, along with integrated wireless phone support. It will also be providing SIP trunking and ongoing service. The wireless support was especially important for him when moving around the office and shop, he said, since he can now use Wi-Fi for his smartphone.
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