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Innovative Plan From The Washington Network, Inc., Refreshes and Updates Client's Technology Without Increasing Monthly Expenses


An Interview with Rick Endres Illustrates a New Plan That Improves The Way Companies Invest in Communications Technology


Alexandria, VA — December 7, 2009 — Technology is changing faster today than at any time in history. The latest and greatest invention or technological improvement today can be outdated tomorrow.  While these changes can be exciting, they present a challenge to businesses of all of sizes.  In the Metro DC area, business owners and managers are asking: “How can I keep my organization’s technology current not only to remain competitive, but at the same time, to increase my profitability?”  In the rapidly changing world of technology, looking for answers can keep them up at night.  

“They have every right to be worried,” says Rick Endres, president of The Washington Network, Inc.  “Technology is supposed to provide efficiency, profitability and competitive advanatage. But too often, it just overburdens business owners.

“At The Washington Network, we make it a point to listen carefully, and understand the factors that impact our clients’ business on a daily basis. Through research and interaction with presidents and owners, we learned that they have a strong desire to keep their communications technology up to date, but it’s complex, time-consuming and, if you’re not careful, full of unexpected expenses. It’s a huge frustration.”

C-TAP: An easy way to keep technology up to date


Using client feedback, The Washington Network developed the Current Technology Assurance Plan (C-TAP) with the assistance of Technology Assurance Group (TAG), a national organization of independently owned telecommunication companies.  C-TAP ensures that telecom and information systems are refreshed with the latest advancements in technology and value-added solutions.  For example, companies can update their phone system anytime after 24 months with no change in payment. Labor charges and software upgrades are waived. 

C-TAP also lets companies transfer technology costs from a capital expense to a fixed monthly expense absorbed by an organization’s operating budget. 

Here’s a simple example of how C-TAP works. Companies lose money on a daily basis because they do not sufficiently monitor their telecom systems.  Typically, over 30% of all calls made or received by employees are non-business related, dramatically decreasing productivity and increasing telecommunications costs.  Call Accounting Software allows companies to manage their systems better by eliminating inefficiency and ensuring that their employees’ time is well spent.  Under C-TAP, companies that could not afford this technology before can now simply add it with no change in their monthly commitment. 

C-TAP changes the way companies invest in technology. Instead painfully relying on antiquated technology, then upgrading the phone system every five to seven years, companies add new technology as needed.  Additionally, organizations benefit from a wealth of other components embedded into the program. These include:

  • Priority queue to the “Partnership Operations Center”
  • Priority scheduling for adds, moves, and changes
  • Priority dispatch on all service calls
  • Guarantee of “Inventory On Hand”
  • Preferred service and replacement of defective equipment per factory recommendations
  • Periodic replacement of handset and station cords
  • Annual preventative maintenance visit
  • Waiver of charges for “no trouble found” carrier calls
  • Remote programming changes during normal business hours
  • Backup and archiving of system databases where applicable


C-TAP provides a new industry standard for consultation, education, and special services, all to let telecommunications technology make a difference.

“Actively listening and understanding client problems provides the key to developing a new way of doing things,” added Endres.  “C-TAP program was created to meet a need in the marketplace – it’s a structured plan to maintain and refresh one of your most vital business tools.  Companies focus on what they do best, while we take care of their communications technology.  As result, businesses can improve profitability and employee productivity, and create a real advantage over competitors.  But most importantly, we’re helping presidents and owners sleep better at night.”

About The Washington Network, Inc.


Founded in 1987, The Washington Network, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia, provides VoIP phone systems, computer networking services, IT support and other technology solutions for associations and businesses in the Washington, DC Metro area.

Serving clients primarily without a large in-house IT staff, The Washington Network lowers operating costs while increasing worker productivity. The company’s flat-rate managed services include remote network monitoring, preventive maintenance, help desk, redundant back-ups and on-site support.

A member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, The Washington Network has been honored as the Chamber’s Professional Service Business of the Year.

Through its strategic membership in the Technology Assurance Group, The Washington Network serves and supports clients with multiple locations across the U.S. and Canada.
 
The Washington Network is located at 30 South Quaker Lane, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. For more information on The Washington Network, call 703.212.7100 or visit www.WashingtonNetwork.com.