Category Archives: Tech Tips

Which Smart Scales Are Compatible with Apple Health?

We all now have started switching from regular scales to smart scales and why not! These smart scales not just only tell you the weight, but also body fat, obesity level, BMI, protein, body water and many other things. You can connect your smartphone to it and see all of this data right on your phone. And if you are someone who uses Apple watch or an iPhone to keep a track of all these metrics then you would want an apple health smart scale that would be compatible with your devices.

Therefore, if you are looking for a smart scale that would be compatible with Apple health, then you have landed on the right page. Here you will find some best smart scales options that you can choose from.

Smart Apple HealthKit Bathroom Scale

This smart scale is an all-in-one solution if you are looking for a scale that fits every need of yours. It not just only is compatible with the Apple health but also if you have other devices like Fitbit or Google Fit, then it can export data on them as well. The scale also has its app if you want to go deeper into your health and check out things like bone mass, fat-free body weight, visceral fat, body type, protein, body fat, muscle mass, BMR, BMI and subcutaneous fat rate. When you use the scale, it automatically syncs the data with Apple’s HealthKit and can store data of around 100 groups. Even the design of the scale is attractive as it is curved along then corners and has a white and big LED screen that is invisible when the scale is not in use. The scale is available for $69.

Withings Body Plus

Withings Body Plus is also one of the popular smart scales that syncs well with Apple health. The design of the scale is sporty and gathers all the information through its easy-to-understand application. Another feature that this scale has is its pregnancy mode which gives you information like safety concerns when you are expecting. If you are using the basic model of the Withings Body Plus then it is good for capturing your weight and it will appear in your Apple’s health application. But if you are choosing their upgraded version then only you can get features like BMI, body fat percentage etc. The scale is available from $69.95 to $99 depending upon the model you choose.

QardioBase 2

If you are the one who also wants good looks in your smart scale, then the QardioBase is that one for you. It is a bit larger and is more stable. It has rechargeable batteries and once charged, can last up to a whole year. The scale syncs well with the Apple health app and measures weight, BMI, body fat percentage, muscle, bone and water composition. But there is one drawback of the scale that it takes a little bit more time to display the weight on the scale screen. The scale is available for $149.

Eufy BodySense Smart Scale

The best part about this smart scale that along with its attractive features, the price is also attractive as compared to other scales available in the market. This smart scale provides you with data that includes BMI, body fat percentage and all other health metrics with the health app on your iPhone. The scale is available for $32.99.

How you should choose the best smart scale?

A smart scale is that kind of a device that you will not change for many years to come. Therefore, you want your smart scale to be user-friendly, sturdy, reliable and should fulfil all your fitness needs. Also, you do not want to spend a fortune on that smart scale because anyhow you will surely change the scale when a new technology comes up.

Therefore, consider your fitness goals first. Whether you want to use to track your daily fitness activities or just you will be using it once in a while. But all in all, Smart Apple HealthKit Bathroom Scale could fit in all your needs as it has everything that you would want in a smart scale along with a budgeted price. Thus, choose the right one for yourself.

What Every Business Owner Must Know When Hiring IT Support

As more and more companies across different industries expand their digital operations, they may find it necessary to hire external IT support to handle their business’ growing technical requirements. Whether you need basic assistance with online data maintenance or extensive help with running complex network systems, it will be more cost-effective in the long run to outsource the work than maintain an in-house IT department.

Additionally, by outsourcing to a company that focuses on providing comprehensive IT support, you will have the advantage of working with experienced IT specialists having the latest IT knowledge and skills. With their excellent technical support, you can run your business on an even keel and keep your employees and customers satisfied. How do you find the right IT support team, though?

Things to know when hiring IT support

When it comes to hiring IT support Dallas based business owners will benefit from knowing the following:

The type of IT support you need

Unless you have a clear idea of the kind of IT support you need for your business, it might be problematic to explain it to an external agency. So it will help to review your IT setup first and understand the exact technical requirements of your business. You can then get a better idea about the type of IT support that your business will need.

For instance, you might need 24/7 support or specific support in different tech areas. By informing the IT support company of these exact requirements, you can arrange to receive continual support from them. You can also ask them to assign different technical experts to handle various technical responsibilities.

The technical expertise level of the IT support team

You need to ensure that you are hiring the right people for your company’s IT support requirements. For that, it is advisable to screen their official educational or training certifications and documents and confirm their technical proficiency. If you don’t know much about technical matters yourself, get a few IT professionals to interview them, and test their knowledge and expertise. Inquire about their previous work experiences and ask for references. Do they have a vast amount of technical support experience? Ideally, you want to hire people who understand the IT requirements of your industry. They must have priorly provided IT support to businesses similar to yours.

The turnaround time of the IT support team

The IT support team must be able to assess problems and resolve them in a fast turnaround time. Too much delay can lead to employee frustration, interdepartmental turmoil, and loss of work productivity. It can also lead to customer dissatisfaction, loss of reputation, and loss of business. To avoid such issues and get the best IT support Dallas-based businesses might do well to hire locally. Find out how well-prepared the IT support company is for dealing with expected and unexpected threats and problems. Inquire if they will resolve the issues remotely or can also swiftly dispatch one of their experienced technicians on-site if needed.

The IT support team’s multi-channel management ability

Nowadays, your customers can find you through your website and also through your various social media accounts. So, when you hire an IT support team, they must be prepared to handle your website and these other channels. To do that efficiently, they must be familiar with the social media you use or, better yet, have accounts on those platforms themselves. They can provide you with optimum IT support at your end only if they are experienced users and understand how these platforms operate.

The extent of the IT support team’s interpersonal and communication skills

The IT support team will need to interact with employees from the different departments of your company and your customers. They will have to respond to your employees’ IT-related complaints and address your customers’ concerns. To do this effectively, they must be calm, polite, and supportive. They must also be able to handle different types of situations and people competently. You can get an idea of their interpersonal and communication skills by inquiring about past events and asking how they would react in hypothetical scenarios. You can also look at their customer reviews and check if the positive ones outweigh the negative.

The Importance of Hiring a Black-Owned Software Development Company

The overall technological advancement and the subsequent change in the lifestyle have reshaped the thinking level of humans. In brief, a precise refinement has become apparent in all areas of human life, and consequently, people have become more sophisticated and sane. This sharp twist has stimulated more sanity in human behavior. They have understood the value of coexistence, forgetting the difference of caste or creed. That said, hiring a black-owned software development company is a pragmatic way to announce that you stand for social justice. You may be able to locate so many software development firms that operate in different parts of the country. As that is the case, when you opt for a black-owned software company, then that means you desire to bring in social justice in your specific way. Indeed, that is laudable.

The corroboration as regards the justice to humanity comes to pass only when there is absolute social justice, and this should spread across all civilizations and cultures. Nobody must feel spaced out or antagonized as regards any forms of alienating behavior from fellow citizens. The soothing-hands of justice must reach every segment of the population, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The maturity of society depends on this fact, and when some section of the population stays deprived of social justice, then the connected society as a whole remains downright immature. Only when everyone gets the privilege to enjoy equal rights in every aspect, social justice is confirmed. It is here the real significance of hiring a black-owned software development company pops up. Indeed, society will consider this as a benevolent action. This well-mannered social support is the pragmatic way to show that there is no discrimination towards blacks in the country. Though there are very many software development companies across the country, if one can encourage a black-owned software development company, it will do a lot of good to the overall cheeriness of the society. For that matter, any startup needs encouragement from the general public for gaining a winning seat, and when it comes to black-owned startups, the public has more responsibility. One and all must show a commitment towards the social cause and for the betterment of the prevailing public norms.

If you are an Asian, Hispanic, Black, or Native American software entrepreneur, you must approach an expert advisor who has experience in launching minority-owned software development companies. You can expect full cooperation from such a company throughout all phases of the launch; this includes market research, investor presentation, pitch sessions, financial summaries, etc. The best way to judge the professional integrity, expertise, as well as reliability factor of the service provider is to go through the reviews. You can also check the client list of the company.

Pick the Best Black-Owned Software Company

One can find a plethora of software and technology firms all across the country, and many of them are black-owned software companies. It’s the germane qualifications, hands-on experience, and dedication to the job that makes software development companies professional and popular. The best way to see a broad list of such software development companies is to search through the internet. When you see that a specific black-owned software development company has the proficiency and related knack in bringing together the designing competence and technological expertise, you can hire them without a shred of doubt. For sure, by making use of their professional skills, you can confidently move forward and raise your company to the top of the success ladder. However, you must make sure that they have a track record of making companies flourish due to their clear-cut strategies based on the practical requirement. They must have a talented team of professionals comprising of designers, engineers, digital marketing personnel, data scientists, etc., who work cohesively. You can translate your ingenious ideas and the untiring entrepreneurial energy into practical reality by utilizing the professional skills of this talented team of the black-owned software company. The amazing technological expertise and committed service of the employees as regards the software development will make your effort winning.

Why You Should Buy an Apple Wireless Charger?

With lots of devices in the market enabled wireless charging options, companies look for accessories that look like mats and stand that you can set your phone on to charge wirelessly.

Surveys say that it’s a matter of time until we see charging ports disappear from all mobile phones. The Apple wireless charger without a port will allow better water-proofing of the device, more flexibility, improved overall look, and finish
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Here are a few wireless charging benefits

Always Powered

The Apple wireless charger is easily accessible in public spaces throughout your day. Even it is available in your favorite coffee shop or restaurant, in airports, in your car. As there are many options where you can charge your phone, you may go out on your busy day without thinking about your battery. No worries, no fuss, and you can only concentrate on your essential work.

Seamless experience

We often find chargers on a conference table or working place when we go for meetings; the high chances are that the chargers are placed next to their owner, usually sitting close by, to check if they miss any call or text. It is how a wireless charger fits seamlessly in your life, and not the other way around. With a wireless charger, you can maintain the same behavior of placing the phone on the nearest table, and it gets charged.

No wear and tear

Many times we forget while attaining a call that it is connected to a charger. Plugging the phone too frequently without paying attention to the delicate charging port can break the charger. The wireless charger, on the other hand, doesn’t need any plugging cable. It stays intact with the phone, and you don’t need to fear wear and tear due to erosion or aggressive use.

Clean Surface

Wireless charging spot creates a clutter-free environment since they don’t need cables. Researches have shown that a messy desk creates a stressful environment. Cleaning up the wires from your office table will help you create a healthier and more efficient space to quickly get the work done.

Multiple charging options

Wireless charger enables multiple smartphones to charge simultaneously instead of taking all kinds of cables with you. If your job requires a lot of traveling or you love to travel a lot, you are compelled to carry all the chargers with you to keep your phone active. However, with a wireless charger, the pad is enough to charge your phone. It is a one size fits all” solution.

A safer way to transfer power

It is a safer way to transfer power to your phone, which avoids putting your safety and data at risk. Unlike plugging, your device may increase the chance of any exposed electrical connectors. But with wireless charging transmits power without actually touching any electrical socket.

In other words, it reduces the chance of a connection failure and electric shocks. Several injuries and even death have been linked to improper use of cables or cellphones while charging. Isn’tIsn’t it sound scary? However, wireless charging is safer because as soon as you pick up your phone, the charging stops.

The free USB public charging hubs can also easily send and receive data while you aren’t aware of it; this yet another reason to go for wireless charging.

Looks good

The wireless charger looks better than the wired one. No wires mean a cleaner look when compared to the mess of charging cables. Thus, a wireless charger gives you a much cleaner look when compared with traditional cable chargers.

More durable and no overheating

Without having to regularly plug or unplug, there’s also no wear and tear on your iPhone sockets. On the other hand, the wireless charger doesn’t require to plug in and out frequently; therefore, the durability is more.

In a wireless charger, the charger shuts off automatically when your phone charges fully. It means less energy, a safer charge, and no overheated battery.

What Are the Benefits of a Restaurant POS System?

Restaurant POS System

Time has changed considerably. Precisely in line with this noticeable social change, which is due to the growth and spread of technology, and the related technological tools, human life has become very much cozy. This easiness has spread across all fields of human actions, and in our time, various software programs have become vital as regards almost all areas of human interest. As far as restaurants are concerned, a restaurant POS system has become part and parcel of restaurant management. Here, one thing is highly significant; the POS software they use must be one of the best restaurants POS systems.

What Are the Benefits of a Restaurant POS System?

Full Functionality: This system will record all the transactions that are probable to occur within a restaurant. The present-day restaurant POS is entirely different from the incorporated method during the initial period when the same was a mere method for creating the restaurant billing. Along with the rolling of time and the consequent technological advancement, the same has become a full-fledged restaurant management method. Presently, the best restaurants POS Systems can handle swiftly and accurately the various entailed tasks such as the customer relationship, stock & inventory management, reporting and analytics, table reservations, food items ordering, e-wallets, etc. Hence, the restaurant management can reduce the number of employees and thereby will be able to trim down their organizational costs considerably. A significant benefit of a cloud-based Restaurant POS is that the same will be functional both in offline-mode and online-mode.

Overall Beneficiality: Restaurant owners can save considerably in terms of time, effort, and money by installing the best restaurants POS systems. All these three primary elements of the organizational functions are the main factors, which will help the management to augment the revenue. Moreover, the user can use any web browser as the system does not need any particularly coded web browser. This software will efficiently control all the commercial transactions that are bound to happen within a restaurant. This functionality includes accounting inventory, bookkeeping, noting down the preferences of the people who visit the restaurant, and the number of times each customer visit the place. Hence, the task of the management as regards the customer service and the services that they must organize within the restaurant system will become very much easy.

Increase Productivity of Employees: Perfectly coded POS software will cut down the daily tasks of the employees, which will make their routine tasks easy and much more effective. The employees can concentrate on their specific tasks rather than spending their valuable time on different tasks. In essence, there will not be any undue job pressure on the employees, and they will become all the more relaxed.

No Need of Extra Tools: This method will relieve the management from the possible bother and angst that are par for the course of setting up a specific company team for the same. Besides, this arrangement is an installation-free mechanism. The management can avoid setting up extra tools for the POS system. There will not be any need for specific employees for the same, as all the data will go instantly and automatically to the provider’s server. In practical terms, this arrangement means that the restaurant owner will have to spend only less amount for the related organizational management.

Easiness: Another main benefit of best restaurants POS systems is the easiness of usage. The users can get back the stored data at any time precisely in tune with the practical need. They will just need a viable internet connection and can get the data from the server without more ado, irrespective of the place where they stay.

In brief, installing a POS (Point of Sales) system is imperative as far as commercial establishments are concerned, especially where there will be an extreme rush of customers at peak times like restaurants. Pragmatically, restaurant POS software is a highly handy back-to-back solution for all restaurant owners. However, the management must use one of the best restaurants POS systems; for this, they must rely on the professional expertise of specialized software companies managed by professionals.

Solutions Offered by Managed IT Services

As your business grows, your IT requirements will change. The job will be more complex and time-consuming and could turn out to be expensive if not managed well. Allowing a managed IT, service provider, to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of your IT requirements can help reduce and control costs, increase efficiency, and provide scalability.

Qualified and reliable managed IT services in Houston provides a wide range of solutions. Let us take a look at some of them:

Networking and Infrastructure

Managed service providers offer solutions that can help you handle WANs, LANs, etc. Depending on your choice of the kind of IT services in Houston, the package may include onsite infrastructure setup, managed cloud infrastructure, managed storage backup, mobile networking, and remotely managed print services.

Onsite infrastructure setup involves setting up hardware and software at your office. Managed cloud infrastructure makes it possible for your staff to attend meetings and collaborate on projects on cloud-based company software portals. With managed storage backup, your staff can upload information and update assignments from anywhere with the protection of remote backup.

Mobile networking allows your team to connect through wireless devices from any location. Remotely managed print services allow authorized personnel to print out documents on the company network from again from any location.

Software as a Service

A managed service provider can offer software programs to which you can have unlimited access if you subscribe to them on a per month or per year basis. The SaaS could either be a program that the managed IT services Plano develops and maintains on its own or it could be the one that the provider makes available from a third-party developer.

With SaaS, you will know that state of the art software programs will be fully functional on your devices.

Security Management

A managed IT service provider can make your computer system safer with a range of security management and risk prevention services. This includes anti-malware software, patching & maintenance, and application compatibility.

The managed service provider installs anti-malware software programs on your computer system to keep your network protected from viruses. They also keep up with the latest software updates to ensure as best as possible that no hackers or viruses bypass your security protocols and infect your system. The managed IT service provider also makes sure that the hardware components and software programs that comprise your company’s network are fully integrated and compatible with one another.

Communications Services

As part of an IT communications package, a managed IT service provider will offer support regarding data, voice, and video. This will allow your staff to send and share information on computers, laptops, and mobile devices from any location-be it local or far off.

Your staff will be able to speak to one another, both one on one and with multiple people on computers as well as mobile devices from various locations. You will also be able to hold video conferences with your staff members who can also be located anywhere with the help of an internet or wifi connection.

Data Analytics

Effectively managing search and big data is very important in today’s data-driven business world. You may have data experts in your company but for your engineers to have the time needed to monitor the tedious day-to-day operations and still keep their focus on strategic vision may be difficult.

As your data continues to grow and user needs evolve, without ongoing evaluation and support, the performance of your data system may deteriorate over time. A managed IT service provider can take away the burden of analysis off your team. They will harness and translate key information and make it accessible to members of your team. As a result, you and your team will have more time for strategic planning and innovation.

Support Services

IT Support 247 services cover helpdesk and troubleshooting needs. During business operations, your staff may encounter problems regarding a certain system program. With managed IT services, they can contact the remote support center for help on that problem. Also, a managed IT service provider can take care of everyday problems like password resets.

Do you have any questions about IT services in Houston? Please feel free to leave your comments below.

What is an RFID Scanner Used for?

RFID tags are affixed to assets in order to track them using an RFID reader/scanner. The RFID reader is paired with an RFID scanner app to explore the full functionality of the technology. With this system, your staff can easily scan assets.

With barcode labeling, your staff will have to point the barcode scanner directly at the tag to get an accurate scan. They may even need to reach difficult locations like climbing ladders to scan hard to reach assets. With RFID technology, the reader can be some distance away and still you will get an accurate scan. One employee can scan several assets in just a few seconds.

RFID tags can be integrated with sensors and GPS technology to provide asset condition data along with location information. By integrating with wireless LAN, assets can be identified and located remotely in seconds. Since assets can be located almost instantaneously and data about them obtained, most asset management tasks can be made more efficient.

How is RFID used in real-world applications?

Examples of RFID applications are almost endless. Applications extend from broad areas like inventory tracking to supply chain management and can become more specialized depending on the company or the industry. Types of RFID applications can span from IT asset tracking to car rentals.

Inventory tracking

Tracking on the item level is beneficial across a broad cross-section of industries but the retail sector seems to benefit the most from the use of RFID.

Using RFID to track items all the way to the point of sale provides companies with data that can be used to identify product demand in various channels and allocate inventory appropriately. This prevents items from being out of stock.

Nike, one of the top footwear brands in the world has decided to implement RFID in almost all Nike apparel and footwear worldwide.

Logistics and supply chain visibility

Due to the pandemic, more people are shopping online. This has put immense pressure on supply chains. In such a scenario, getting an advantage in the supply chain means increasing efficiency.

RFID provides managers with the ability to uniquely identify every item on the facility floor but then goes one step further in providing that information without requiring line of sight. This proves beneficial in stages like packaging, shipping, and delivery.

IT asset tracking

IT assets such as servers, computers, mobile devices, tablets, routers, etc are costly investments for any company. Also, if the information stored in those items falls into the wrong hands, that could prove to be detrimental for the company.

IT asset tags provide your IT team with the ability to quickly do an inventory count and make sure everything is in place. Your IT personnel will need to use the RFID scanner app and start scanning. IT asset tracking prevents theft of monitored assets.

Attendee tracking at events

If you have managed a large conference before, you will know that it is important to keep people moving throughout at a steady pace. With an RFID attendee solution, you can eliminate the need for registration lines at entrances.

Attendees are given badges affixed with RFID tags. Appropriately placed RFID readers/scanners track the location of the badges as the attendee visits booths, product demos, seminars, and other events. You can gain a lot of business intelligence from events like trade shows, conferences, corporate functions, etc.

Car rental

Car rental services are putting RFID in place to recognize vehicle returns. This can help the car rental companies to score major customer service wins by allowing customers to park in any open spot and go.

To provide corporate clients with car rentals, Avis Car Rentals recently upgraded its system. The upgrade allows corporate customers to rent and return vehicles on corporate campuses on virtually any location. Customers can rent cars through their smartphones and pick and return vehicles at the campuses. An electronic receipt will automatically be generated as soon as the RFID tag is tracked by the reader/scanner to make sure that the car has been returned.

Is there anything more that you want to know about RFID technology or specifically about an RFID scanner app? Please feel free to leave your comments below.

IT Support Checklist – What to Check Before Hire A Company

Outsource Your IT Works

The steady and perpetual growth of technology has taken the human world to new realms, and human life is becoming more and more intricate day by day. This swift change has influenced all fields of human actions, and the business arena is not an exception. The technological tools such as computers and the internet have become imperative, and businesses cannot combat the growing market completion without the prompt and efficient IT support. That said, IT-related work is a bit stressful and strenuous, and careful attention is a must. The small and medium companies will have to spend a lot of money, time, and effort to manage their IT works. Hence, outsourcing the ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services) works to outside agencies it the best option here. This method will be beneficial for such companies as it will provide the option to employ the staff for other productive works. However, it is always sensible that one must find out the best professionally managed IT support company near me. Hence, the outsourced company’s staff can visit your office regularly to make the IT system up-to-date.

Housing a separate IT section within the organization will cost the company more than outsourcing the IT works to another company. There are some top IT companies managed by specialists, and these companies offer affordable IT management packages, which will be of great help to small and medium-sized companies. However, one must check and find out which is the IT support company near me or IT strategy consultants Dallas. Whenever there is a need, the office personnel can walk into the related office for sorting out things or getting proper clarifications. If you find that there are various such companies near you, it is better to compare the quality of services and the pricing before selecting a particular company.

IT Support Checklist – What to Check Before Hire A Company

•  The selection of an ITES company for your organization needs focused attention. You must do the related research in an impeccable manner. The company that you select must be dependable.

•  The practical experience of the company is a vital point that you must consider. If a company has nearly a decade of experience in the same field, then you can consider it as a professionally competent and reliable company.

•  The company must have handled similar tasks and must have a track record of success. The company employees must be very much familiar with the works you entrust; only then they will be able to process those works promptly and efficiently.

•  You must check and find out whether the company is willing to give round-the-clock services, as this is a must for successful organizational management. You will need the assistance of the company both day and night depending, on your precise needs.

•  The company must have enough human and material resources. There must be sufficient employees, and devoid of this, there will not be prompt execution of your works.

•  You must also check the credentials of the management and the employees. They must have high technical qualifications, apart from the hands-on experience. Besides, the company-management must provide adequate training to their employees for updating their professional skills.

•  You must check the client-list of the company. If the company has a sizable number of clients, the company is perfect and expert. You can take the reviews of the customers to assess the professional ethics and competency of the company.

•  It is also wise to check the customer- retention ratio of the company. If there are constant clients, then that means the company is perfect as far as their working standards are concerned.

Benefits of Outsourcing IT works

•  The company will have to spend comparatively only a lesser amount. Setting up a separate IT section for managing the company matters will be expensive and time-consuming. Companies can minimize the administration cost as affordable packages will be available.

•  The management can focus on various other productive works rather than wasting the talents of their employees for IT works. Company will get professional expertise by spending less money.

•  The management can focus on various other productive works rather than wasting the talents of their employees on IT works.

•  Company management can reduce the risk of making mistakes, which will influence the overall organizational growth.

That said, the pricing factor is another point that you will have to check and confirm. Though you must take into account the quality of work and the promptness in completing them, the price tag must be affordable.

Advantages of Using eFax Service for Your Business

Faxing is a reliable way of sending and receiving important documents. Earlier, most offices had a fax machine sitting at a corner. But times have changed and today many businesses have started using eFax services for convenience.

However, that’s not the only advantage eFax offers. Below are many other benefits you can reap by opting for the best eFax service.

Saves Money

eFax service is cost-effective as it doesn’t require you to buy papers, cartridges, replace ink toners or maintain any hardware infrastructure.

In traditional fax machines, if you send a lot of faxes, you would need a fax-only phone line which means regular monthly rentals. In addition, there are long-distance charges and expenses for energy consumption.

The best eFax services don’t even come with hidden fees and it’s ideal for both large and small-sized businesses.

Most of the eFax services come with the Pay-as-you-go model and offer various packages to suit your needs. You just pay for what you require without any bells and whistles. Whether you send a few faxes a month or a few thousand, you can customize accordingly. You can even send unlimited faxes depending on your package.

Easy to set up

Unlike a fax machine, an eFax system is easy to set up. You just need to sync an eFax service provider of your choice with an internet connection. It does not require any specialist or any extra equipment.

Easy to Use

Most eFax services come with a mobile app that enables you to send or receive faxes on the go. You don’t have to remain tied to your fax machine or worry about missing a fax if you are traveling. This will also save time and increase productivity.

eFax services also make the storage and archiving of documents very easy since you can electronically store them. With a fax machine, you may need to go through a stack of faxed sheets of paper looking for the one fax that you may need immediately. Also, a fax machine consumes good space.

The best eFax service will allow you to be more organized since all your faxes, both sent and received, will be stored in your data system forever. An electronic signature is also another benefit of using an eFax service for your business. It allows you to apply digital signatures to any document without having to print anything.

Secure

eFax services come with robust security measures for document management. The best eFax services use SSL encryption which is one of the most secure ways of protecting your information. And with no hardware involved, there are absolutely zero chances of leaving fax pages, containing sensitive information, unattended on the fax machine for anyone to find.

Available Across platforms

With an eFax service, you can send and receive faxes from numerous platforms including Web Apps, Fax API, iOS App, Google Docs and so on. This will boost your corporate image in the eyes of your clients.

Reliable

An eFax service is much more reliable than a fax machine. There are no issues like paper getting jammed in the machine or anything like that. You can send and receive faxes in a matter of seconds.

Environment friendly

Fax machines use a lot of paper and that is not good for the environment. By opting for an eFax service, you can save a lot of trees. It will also help send a strong brand message as customers preferably exhibit an affinity towards companies that care for environments.

Conclusion

Staying competitive requires you to stay up with the latest technologies. Choose the best eFax service that will enable you to be cost-effective and will take your business to the next level. Complete flexibility is the hallmark of a good eFax service. So why not avail it for your business? Especially when you can spend less time actually faxing and more time reaping the benefits thereof.

So which feature of an eFax service you like the most? Do you’ve any questions about choosing the best eFax service? Please feel free to leave your comments below, we’d love hearing from you.

VoIP Phone Service: What is it and How Does it Work?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet protocol. In simple words, VoIP phone service means telephone service delivered over the Internet. It is different than traditional phone service than handsets and networks of copper wires. A VoIP phone system allows you to make calls from any Internet-connected computer, a headset, and a VoIP service provider.  Let’s understand the VoIP communication system in detail.

What is VoIP?

VoIP is the fundamental technology on which the VoIP phone system works. VoIP is a technology that converts voice signals into digital signals which then travels over the Internet. VoIP is also known by other names such as IP telephony, broadband phone service, Internet telephony, or broadband telephony.

How Does the VoIP Phone System Work?

The VoIP phone system uses an IP phone which connects to the VoIP service provider through the Internet. The IP phone converts voice signals into data packets that are sent to the VoIP service provider’s server. The VoIP service provider converts the data packets back into analog signals and sends them over the traditional phone network.

Different Ways to Use VoIP Phone System

There are two ways you can use VoIP phone service in your organization. The first method involves the use of the PBX system and other equipment set up. Once you have the setup ready, you can use IP Trunking to route calls through the Internet. This method allows you to take advantage of existing telecommunication equipment and processes.

If you do not have any business phone system in your office, you can go for Hosted PBX which is a complete phone solution in the cloud. In hosted PBX, answering, routing, messaging are managed by VoIP service providers directly.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that will make the VoIP phone service concept clear for you.

IS VoIP and Landline the Same?

The basic setup and technology between both are not much different. For example, the traditional phone system and VoIP phone system uses a microphone and speaker. In a traditional phone system, the analog air vibrations are turned into analogous electrical frequency. The speaker interprets the incoming voice signals and converts them into sound.

On the other hand, the IP phone converts sound into digital packets and send them over the Internet.  The primary difference between the two is the traditional phone system directly plugs into PSTN. The VoIP phone system needs a VoIP service provider to convert the digital signal into an analog signal and send it over the phone network. The traditional phone system uses the phone line while the VoIP phone system uses an Internet connection.

Can You Use VoIP on a Smartphone?

The smartphone uses a traditional phone network for communication and data. This does not mean you cannot use VoIP on a smartphone. To use VoIP on your smartphone, you will need an app from the service provider.  Since smartphones have Internet connectivity, you can use VoIP on your smartphone too.

Why VoIP Phone Systems are Popular?

A large number of businesses are switching to VoIP phone systems due to the various cost and technology advantages it offers.

Low-Cost Per Call

Traditional phone companies charge their customers for call duration. If your company has more outbound calls, you are more likely to have a huge phone bill.  VoIP phone system uses your internet connection to route data packets. If your company has subscribed for unlimited data connection, the VoIP calls would come cheap even if you make domestic long distance calls.

Service Mobility

Mobility is an important factor for businesses. If your company plans to change office location, shifting the traditional phone system can be a time consuming and expensive affair. With the VoIP phone system, things are more convenient. All you have to do is shift your IP phones to a new location and get an internet connection in new premises and you are ready to go. No more waiting for the transfer of numbers, setting up phone lines in new premises which can take a long time.

Versatile Features

VoIP is a modern technology that comes with a host of features like voicemail-to-text transcriptions, forwarding messages with a click of a button.

Do you’ve any questions about VoIP phone service?

What Is Plumbing Estimating Software and How Do I Use It?

To make a profitable bid on a plumbing project, it is essential to make an accurate estimation of your time, the materials you will require, and the constraints of the job. An error with any of these could end up costing you. Unfortunately, it is all too common to make errors when you try to factor in all the details using paper or a digital spreadsheet. You might make a wrong entry or miss a key detail while switching windows to look up the relevant information. However, you can avoid such pitfalls by using plumbing estimating software.

What is Plumbing Estimating Software?

Plumbing estimating software is a specialized software created specifically for plumbing professionals. Many companies produce different variations of this software at different price points. The software, mainly, helps to increase your productivity by making quick and accurate estimations. It also offers you the convenience of accessing work plans and other relevant data on your mobile device and sharing it seamlessly with co-workers, contractors, and clients.

The Benefits of Plumbing Estimating Software

If you are considered digitizing your plumbing business, here are some of the benefits you can gain from using plumbing estimating software:

• You can import your existing plans into the software program, or you can create digital plans with the software.

• With the digital plans, you can quickly figure out which materials you will need for your project and in what quantity, and how many hours you are likely to require to complete the work.

• You can also look up the right prices from pricing databases that the software company updates in real-time. So, there will be no question of losing money on account of getting the prices from an outdated list.

• Another important benefit of using plumbing estimating software is that you can keep all the information on the same page. You won’t need to switch windows to record your measurements and item counts, and that reduces the risk of making entry errors.

• The software program protects the calculation formulas, so you don’t have to worry about inadvertently altering them and getting the wrong estimate results.

• Also, digitizing your plumbing business gives you the advantage of being able to access your project plans and data on the go. You don’t need to head back to the office every time you need to look up anything. Furthermore, if you are working with a large team, you can share data, assign tasks, and discuss project issues in real-time, without resorting to separate emails, messages, phone calls, or meetings.

• Additionally, if you need to make changes in the plans or update certain information, you can do so quickly.

• You can align plumbing estimating software with accounting software for direct price transfer.

• You can create and send automated marketing emails to existing and potential clients.

• You can find and bid for plumbing jobs that are right for your professional experience.

Using the Plumbing Estimating Software Subscription Model

Earlier versions of plumbing estimating software required separate licenses for different computers, and that could push up the price significantly. Most companies now follow the subscription model with more affordable fees, and, generally, offer a 30-day free trial to let you sample the software before you decide to purchase a subscription. Furthermore, depending on your requirements, you can select a monthly or annual subscription plan.

The software is easy to install, and you can access it on your desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. It isn’t necessary to buy different subscriptions for each. You only need to purchase different subscriptions for different users. When the company issues periodic software updates, you can download them to keep your system functioning well. As a result, with the subscription model, there will be fewer compatibility issues with browsers or other software programs.

Digitization is now so integral to most of our business activities that incorporating plumbing estimation software is more of a necessity than an option for plumbing professionals. Along with facilitating the way you run your business and enabling you to bid on new projects, it will help you to keep up with industry developments and pricing changes. Moreover, it will save you time and increase your productivity. As such, it is an excellent investment.

How Do Fax to Email Services Work?

Fax is still being used by several businesses to send essential documents. Some companies have switched to a new form of fax communication that is a fax to email service. If you are wondering how to send a fax to email, read on to find out.

What is Fax to Email Service?

The traditional way of faxing involves two fax machines; one is used to send a fax and the other is used to receive a fax. An online fax service does not necessarily use a fax machine though you can send a fax from your computer to fax machine.

Online fax service is a virtual fax machine where the service provider arranges the infrastructure required to send a fax over email. The faxes that arrive are forwarded to an email program that can be accessed through an application interface (installed on the computer) or web interface of the service provider.

With Internet faxing, you can attach documents to the email and send them to an analog fax machine that prints it. If you are using an online fax service, all faxes sent to your fax number are converted into digital documents and sent to an email address.

Online fax service is a hosted service, and you don’t need to buy modems, install fax servers or special software. The service provider converts faxes to emails and emails to faxes for you.

How Fax to Email Services Work?

To send faxes to email, you need three things.

· Internet connectivity

· Ability to send and receive emails

· A subscription to fax to email service

Receiving Faxes

1. When you subscribe to an online fax service, the service provider assigns you a local fax number or a toll-free fax number.

2. The sender dials your fax number from an analog fax machine and feeds the document in the fax machine.

3. The fax is received by your service provider who converts the data into an email attachment which is then sent to your email address.

4. To read the fax, you need to open the attached document.

Sending Faxes

1. The sender attaches a file like a scan of a paper document or word document to an email message or through the web interface provided by the online fax service.

2. The sender types the recipient’s fax number which can be a traditional fax number that has digits only. If the recipient also uses online fax service, the fax number may look like 18002221234@internetfaxes.com or something similar.

3. The online fax service translates the attachment so that the recipient fax machine can read and print it.

4. After proper conversion, the data is sent over the phone line to recipient’s fax machine.

5. The fax machine decodes the data and prints the fax.

Since email is the only software required to send an internet fax, you can send a fax to email even from a handheld device.

Advantages of Internet Faxing

Paper Problems

Paper jams are a common thing with traditional fax machines. If the paper gets jammed, the fax document may get damaged, rendering it useless.

Such things do not happen in online faxing. The reason is there is no printing of fax as it is sent as an email attachment to your inbox. Online fax service gives you freedom from paper problems.

Saves Costs

Since faxes are sent as an email attachment, you don’t need to print it unless required. The faxes are stored as an email attachment, and you can get a print whenever needed. Also, you don’t have to keep a record of faxes received as they are always accessible through the application/web interface of the service provider.

Security

Security is a big issue connected to the traditional fax method. You always need a person to be physically present at the fax machine while sending or receiving a fax. If someone is sending a confidential document over fax, the recipient needs to be present at the fax machine to receive the fax.

With an online fax service, the faxes are sent as an email attachment, and only you have access to your email. Hence, the confidentiality of the faxed document can be easily maintained.

So do you have any questions about fax to email service?