News

Are You Running Your Business on Obsolete Technology? 

 

The Washington Network, Inc. Advises Customers on the Dangers of Operating on a Manufacturer Discontinued Phone System


 

 ALEXANDRIA, VA January 4, 2013 – The world of unified communications is centered on the idea of leveraging powerful technologies and applications to boost productivity. When individual employees have superior tools they are able to do more with less and increase bottom-line profitability. However, many businesses are becoming increasingly familiar with the concept of planned obsolescence, which is a policy of planning or designing a product with a limited useful life, so it will become obsolete, unfashionable or no longer functional after a certain period of time. Phone systems and data networks are beginning to show signs of planned obsolescence and business owners are beginning to reexamine their communications infrastructure. Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need to take a close look at their phone systems to evaluate when obsolescence will strike and what steps they can take to avoid this.

            Many of the existing phone systems that businesses are currently running have been discontinued and no longer supported by the manufacturer. This basically means that the technology has run its course, stopped being manufactured and is becoming exceedingly difficult to service. In other words, if a business is running its communications infrastructure on obsolete technology, when it breaks down there won’t be anyone to help fix it. This is a giant risk that business owners are taking when their customer relationships are on the line. An outdated phone system will ultimately crash. Businesses cannot afford to go down and cut off all contact with their customers.

            “Here at The Washington Network, we are educating companies on the risks associated with manufacturer discontinued phone systems as well as their options for new technology,” stated RickEndres, Presidentof The Washington Network, Inc.. “This is an exciting time in our industry because with the advent of SIP (session initiation protocol) many companies can easily cost justify the adoption of today’s technology. Plus, these businesses will benefit from applications and features designed to increase their profitability, enhance their employees’ productivity, and give them a competitive advantage, something their outdated phone system cannot do.”

 

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON NETWORK, INC.

Founded in 1987, The Washington Network, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia, provides computer networks, VoIP phone systems, IT support and other technology solutions for associations and businesses in the Washington, DC Metro area.  Serving clients 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 Northern Virginia Technology Council and 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.

 

# # #