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Rick Endres of The Washington Network Explains Evergreen Contracts

Industry Leader to Lend His Expertise and Years of Experience to Help SMBs Avoid Getting Locked Into Telecom Contracts

 

ALEXANDRIA, VA— October 09, 2012 — A vicious trend has developed among prominent carrier service providers called auto-renewals also known as "evergreen" clauses. Evergreen clauses are essentially an agreement between two parties that is automatically renewed or after each contract term, until canceled by the either party. For businesses, this means that you can easily become locked into contracts with poor service providers. Imagine attempting to cancel your services with a current provider, only to find out that you are contractually obligated to continue paying another year for a service you’re completely unhappy with.

Hidden in your carrier service contract is language that automatically renews your services, preventing any opportunity to explore options to optimize or reduce cost on your carrier services. Be wary of auto-renewal verbiage sent by the carrier along the lines of: "Unless notified within 90 days of contract expiration date of intent to cancel services, contract will automatically renew for the same term at the same time." Locating the auto-renewal clause can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. One way find this verbiage is to call the customer service line of your carrier service provider to obtain the termination date of your contract and request this in writing. This simple process alone can save you thousands of dollars.

Ironically enough, these contract restrictions are often avoidable. In the case of “evergreen” clauses businesses have two options. On the one hand, you can avoid being locked into contract by making sure that you notify your carrier that you’d like to cancel services in writing, prior to the expiration of the specified term. These can vary from one contract to the next. On the other hand, you can consult with a Unified Communications provider, like The Washington Network, Inc., who has been helping businesses deal with “evergreen” contracts for several years. Whichever approach you take, it's vital that you periodically review your carrier service contract and acknowledge the termination date.

            “Small to mid-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy and they need all of the help they can get to continue fueling our nation’s economic growth,” states Rick Endres, President of The Washington Network, Inc.. “We get a great deal of satisfaction when we can help our customers get out of these contracts and get back on the fastrack to profitability.” The Washington Network, Inc. is a leading unified communications provider that specializes in:

·        Examining current connectivity (phone lines and internet) to analyze cost/effectiveness in order to make recommendations. If you’re paying a long distance phone bill, we can eliminate it.

·        Evaluating specific business needs, as they relate to Voice and IT services, and customize solutions accordingly. 

·        Most likely if your phone system is more than 3 years old we can cost justify a new system while eliminating the two risks of technology: Cost and Obsolescence.

·        Educating our clients on the advantages of new technology and partner with them to increase their profitability and give them a competitive advantage.

The Washington Network, Inc. has earned its position as the market leader by educating its customers on technology solutions that either create competitive advantages for them or increase overall profitability.

 

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.

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