Who Are Cisco?Cisco is a US-based technology company that specialises in IT services.  Their focus is on networking products and services, and they've been providing businesses with network solutions for almost 40 years. What Services Does Cisco Provide?As one of the biggest technology companies in the world, Cisco has an extensive selection of products and services including: NetworkingWireless communicationsVoIP communicationSecurity This review will explore each of the above services and assess how they could benefit your business. Cisco's key features are listed below:NetworkingCisco provides businesses like yours with a fast and secure network, allowing you to stay competitive in your industry and remain safe while doing so. With their network services, your business should be able to communicate more effectively; finding it easier to share resources and collaborate with team members. Cisco's built-in support also means you are covered should anything go wrong.  In offering both cloud-managed and on-premises routers, your network can work in a way that suits your business, too. Businesses with between 10 and 500 people would best suit a cloud-managed router and, if you're a small office-based or hospitality business, the Meraki Go GX20 could be ideal for you. Wireless CommunicationThe modern world puts extra demands on businesses and their employees to communicate effectively from wherever they may find themselves.  Cisco strives to make this kind of communication easier than it has ever been. With their collaboration services, your business will be able to enjoy reliable video conferencing, real-time project management, and easy file sharing from multiple devices.  If yours is a business that could benefit from an easier method of communication to boost productivity, the services Cisco is able to provide could prove invaluable for your business. VoIP CommunicationWith over 100 million VoIP phones sold, Cisco is a market leader when it comes to modern communication. Its latest range of phones ensures your business is able to keep up with the latest technological standards.  With VoIP products that range from desk phones to portable headsets, Cisco could be the answer to your communication needs. If you're looking to connect a whole team across multiple locations or chat with clients via a video link, Cisco has you covered.  With several phones on offer, you should take a look yourself to determine the phone your business would most benefit from but, given the range of phones available, there's probably a phone to suit your needs.SecurityOne of Cisco's specialities is cyber security, which is also one of the main priorities of many businesses and, in providing comprehensive security services with things like cloud security, password security, and firewalls, Cisco make themselves a good choice for businesses looking to improve their security. Their cloud security, called the Cisco Umbrella, surrounds your network with a defence that detects, stops, and eliminates threats without allowing them to slow your network down. Similarly, Cisco Duo, their password security service, means you can establish both user and device trust, while their range of firewalls can protect your IT systems against advanced threats. If it's a secure IT system you need, Cisco is a company that can provide you with one. With years of experience providing security to businesses like yours, you're likely to find what you need from Cisco. How Much Does Cisco Cost?As a company that provides several services and products to businesses of all descriptions, Cisco charges different prices for each of its products.  Most of Cisco's products come with several price points. Its firewall range, for example, has products that range from entry-level to highly advanced systems. The product that will most suit you will depend on the size, scope, and requirements of your business. It's therefore recommended that you research what's available. 

Hardphone Vs Softphone SystemsIn today's digital era, efficient communication plays a pivotal role in the success of businesses. With the advancements in technology, traditional hardphones have encountered competition from their virtual counterparts, softphones.  But what's the difference? which is better? and how can they benefit how your business communicates? Here we explore the advantages of both softphones and hardphones, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the ideal communication solution for your business needs.What Is A VoIP Softphone?A softphone is a software-based application that enables users to make phone calls over the internet using their computers, smartphones, or tablets. It functions as a virtual phone system and provides a range of communication features and services.What Is A VoIP Hardphone?A hardphone, also known as a desk phone or a physical phone, is a traditional telephone device that connects directly to a communication network. It consists of a handset, dial pad, and other physical buttons. Which Type Of VoIP Phone Is Better For Your Business?Market trends show increasing adoption of softphones due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. However, the choice between softphones and hardphones depends on your business's unique requirements.  As well as their reduced cost, softphones allow users to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, making remote work easy, as well as this, they're easily scalable and can work well with modern CRM systems, which can enhance communication within your business more broadly.  Despite these advantages, softphones can sometimes be more trouble than they're worth; because they require a reliable internet connection and large bandwidth, the need to upgrade your IT infrastructure may be an added cost to adopting a softphone system. In addition, the familiarity of hardphones makes them ideal for businesses that can only provide minimal training.Which Is The Best VoIP Phone System?Selecting the right communication solution is crucial for the smooth operation of your business, and both softphones and hardphones have distinct advantages that cater to different needs. If your workforce is primarily office-based and spends a lot of time on the phone, hardphones may be the better option. However, if your employees work remotely or need flexibility, softphones are probably for you. By understanding the benefits and trade-offs between softphones and hardphones, you can implement a communication solution that aligns with your business goals, enhances productivity, and fosters seamless collaboration. 

What is Poly?Previously called Polycom, Poly is an American multinational corporation that develops video, voice, and content collaboration and communication technology.  Founded in 1990, the company has over 30 years in the industry and is one of the most popular providers of communication technology. What Products Does Poly Offer Businesses?Much of what Poly provides is centred around improving and easing communication within businesses and organisations; from audio to video products, it has an extensive range of products including: Audio conferencing speakerphonesContent sharingVideo conferencingHeadsetsVoIP phones This review will take a look at all of the above products and assess how they might work for your business. Poly's range of products are listed below: Poly Audio Conferencing SpeakerphonesPoly's audio conferencing speakerphones are designed to make sure everyone in a room can hear and be heard. With their Audio Conferencing devices, each of your team members will be able to have their ideas heard, improving communication and encouraging the development of ideas.   There's also a large range of speakerphones that offer different features to suit your needs and, more importantly, suit most budgets. With speakers that range from £125 to over £900, there's a good chance that there will be a system to suit the needs of your business. Poly Video ConferencingPoly's video conferencing gives your businesses an extra layer of freedom. Your employees can have the flexibility to discuss, brainstorm, and collaborate from wherever they are and, with the advantage of video, they can also do face-to-face meetings.  They also have options to suit a range of needs, whether it be conferencing for boardrooms, personal webcams, or mobile devices. As is the case with its audio conferencing tools, there is a range of price points on offer; ranging from less than £100 to more than £7000. The range of options means you're likely to be able to find something to suit your budget. Poly HeadsetsMany people now work away from their desks or out of the office, meaning they need to be able to work without being tied down. Poly provides workers like this with the means to make the most of the modern work environment.  With wireless headsets that give you absolute freedom, USB headsets with simple connectivity, and contact centre headsets built for high-quality audio, Poly's range of headsets can ensure your staff can communicate effectively with whomever they need to. Many of their headsets are also designed to tune out any surrounding distractions, further easing your staff's working life. Poly VoIP PhonesVoIP phones are fast becoming the most common type of phone in both households and businesses and, soon, they will be the only way to communicate over the phone. If you need to upgrade your phone systems, Poly could be a great option. They provide businesses like yours with modern, efficient phones to improve lines of communication. Whether you spend your time phoning clients or communicating internally, the VoIP phones provided by Poly can provide you with what you need. All of the phones in their range come with built-in displays to improve ease of use and, with a large number of phones available, you should be able to find one that suits your business. How Much Does Poly Equipment Cost?Poly provides a large selection of products and services, some of which are designed for more established businesses and so come with a higher price tag. However, not all of its products are aimed at businesses like this. There is also equipment in their range that, while not being highly advanced, will suit businesses with tighter budgets. If you run a small business and think Poly could improve the way you communicate either internally or externally, there will likely be something within your budget.