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Posts Tagged ‘I.T. hardware’

How I Got a Cisco1841-T1 for Under a Grand

Friday, August 14th, 2009

If you’ve ever gone through the process of having a system meltdown and be in complete crisis mode, you know it’s not fun. I’d rather gnaw off my right arm than go through that process again. Let me tell you about it…

We were using the Cisco 1800 series routers– a CISCO1841-T1 to be exact and we loved it. It’s an amazing product. I know this is a sidetrack, but let me explain why we love it so much. The 1841-T1 has two Integrated 10/100 Fast Ethernet ports, and provides advanced security features like on-board encryption, Intrusion Prevention and Firewall support. It also provides antivirus defense support through NAC (this is really, really important and we didn’t find that out until we got hacked on our old system and decided to actually pay attention to the kind of security features our new router had). It also has two
High-Speed WAN Interface Card Slots that allow it to perform concurrent services at T1/E1 WAN rates, increasing density and modularity.

Okay, enough about the 1841-T1. To make a long story short, we had a fire and the router went kaput.

So in addition to having to displace employees while we cleaned up– the fire wasn’t so bad, it was the water that saturated the rooms and ruined all the carpet and everything that was sitting on top of a desk or out in the open– I needed to get our network back up and running asap. EXCEPT… Cisco didn’t have a new 1841-T1.

Deciding I’d have to shop around, and being prepared to pay exorbitant prices to replace the router as quickly as I needed it replaced, I was actually really surprised when a friend tipped me off to an alternate Cisco provider called MULTI-LINK Communications Products. Long name, short lead time. I didn’t have time to do a quote sheet, I just called them in a panic. The next day, our refurbished, good-as-new router was at our front door and it cost me less than $1000.00. We were only down (network-wise) for twenty-one hours. Our physical office was down for three days. But at least we could continue to sell products and service our clients which is what was important. I can’t say enough good stuff about MLCP or about the Cisco 1841-T1.

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Obama’s Future Outlook on Cybersecurity and Cisco

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

On May 29, 2009, President Obama made an announcement regarding the U.S. government’s role in ensuring cybersecurity for the country as a whole, businesses operating within the U.S., and American citizens in the Cyberspace Policy Review:
Assuring a Trusted and Resilient Information
and Communications Infrastructure. The 76-page document stated,

The globally-interconnected digital information and communications infrastructure known as “cyberspace”underpins almost every facet of modern society and provides critical support for the U.S. economy, civil infrastructure, public safety, and national security. This technology has transformed the global economy and connected people in ways never imagined. Yet, cybersecurity risks pose some of the most serious economic and national security challenges of the 21st Century. The digital infrastructure’s architecture was driven more by considerations of interoperability and efficiency than of security. Consequently, a growing array of state and non-state actors are compromising, stealing, changing, or destroying information and could cause critical disruptions to U.S. systems. At the same time, traditional telecommunications and Internet networks continue to converge, and other infrastructure sectors are adopting the Internet as a primary means of interconnectivity. The United States faces the dual challenge of maintaining an environment that promotes efficiency, innovation, economic prosperity, and free trade while also promoting safety, security, civil liberties, and privacy rights.1 It is the fundamental responsibility of our government to address strategic vulnerabilities in cyberspace and ensure that the United States and the world realize the full potential of the information technology revolution.

But how can you, as a business owner, provide security for both your business’ data as well as keep confidential information about your vendors, customers, and employees private? There are several ways. Among them are: the use of one or more members of the Cisco PIX Security Appliance Series. PIX delivers cost effective, easy to redistribute user and application policy implementation, multi-vector attack protection, and secure connectivity services. Cisco is the leader in security-featured IT networking equipment. The Cisco Self-Defending Network enables IT organizations to protect critical assets, enforce business policies, and rapidly identify and respond to evolving threats while easing the administrative burden of IT making the total cost of ownership of Cisco network devices lower.

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The History of PoE (Power over Ethernet)

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

PoE, or Power over Ethernet, is a technology that describes a system to transfer both electrical power and data to remove devices using standard twisted-pair cable in an Ethernet network. In many circumstances, supplying power separately is infeasible, expensive, or just plain inconvenient, and a switch module that offers PoE enhances a network’s versatility and makes it more attractive to network administrators. A good comparison is POTS telephones. Like a network with PoE, POTS telephones are analog, but receiver data and power through the same cable. You may also hear PoE referred to as ‘inline power.’

Power over Ethernet is useful for powering embedded computers,wireless LAN access points,IP telephones, remote network switches, and network cameras as well as other I.T. hardware that needs power. PoE is typically implemented following the specification guidelines in IEEE std. 802.3af-2003.

Industry leader Cisco Systems is the father of original PoE equipment. Cisco was manufacturing components with inline power several years before an IEEE standard for delivering PoE came to be. With a capability of delivering up to 10 Watts per port, Cisco PoE forerunners ensured the amount of power to be delivered was negotiated between the endpoint and the Cisco switch. This was based on a power value added to the CDP, or Cisco proprietary Cisco Discovery Protocol. But CDP does even more. It’s responsible for communicating the Voice VLAN value from the Cisco switch to the Cisco IP Phone as well.

Now, you will find many products on the market that offer PoE. Cisco is still providing hardware on the cutting edge of this technology with products like PWR-C45-1300ACV and PWR-C45-4200ACV.

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Businesses Going the ‘Green’ Way

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

If you have used, broken, or no longer needed I.T. equipment, you may be tempted to toss it in the trash bin outside and watch it be hauled away. But there are two important reasons to refrain from doing that: one, you’re throwing away money; and two, adding more lead-based equipment to a landfill isn’t good for the environment.

If you’re a company that wants to go green, here are some important steps to take to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.

First and foremost, don’t throw away I.T. equipment! There are reliable alternative hardware providers like MULTI-LINK Communications (MLCP) that will accept your old equipment (even if it’s broken) for a trade-in credit, or will even sell your used equipment (like a Cisco 7905 IP phone) on consignment whether or not your buy anything from them at all. Let MLCP refurbish and try to sell your equipment and all you have to do is cash the check once it sells. Not only will someone else struggling to afford the right I.T. equipment for their company benefit, but so will you financially, and so will generations to come with fewer landfills.

You can also remind staff, vendors, customers, etc. to reduce paper waste by simply adding “Please consider the environment before printing this email” to the bottom of every email sent internally and externally from your staff. Sometimes, people just need a reminder to think before hitting that print button and saving paper not only saves trees, but also reduces supply costs.

Offering a recycling program at work will encourage to bring recyclables from home and not only eliminate how much recyclable material goes into residential trash, but the money can be used to donate to a local school, buy a new microwave for the break room, or given away to the employee (or team) of the month who brings in the most recycling.

Going green doesn’t have to be expensive. It can actually save you money, encourage respect for the environment with your staff, and keep the planet healthy for generations to come.

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Components of an Investment Recapture Strategy

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

When it comes to I.T. hardware, and the expenses involved to start-up or upgrade, an investment recapture strategy is important. What are the components of a valuable strategy, and how much can it save you?

Purchasing a new system or component can be expensive and often, businesses hold off on doing so because of the expense. But there are ways to reduce the expenses.

1. Purchase refurbished equipment from a reliable alternate provider.
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure– especially if it’s been refurbished to like-new standards. A good alternate provider is in the business of buying back equipment that other people need to get rid of when they upgrade or liquidate and if they offer trade-in credit, most likely have an impressive surplus of used equipment in their storage facility. Alternate providers discount this refurbished equipment not only because it’s used, but because they need the space. They’ve already made money on the sale that happened with the trade-in, so refurbishing and reselling is icing on the cake. Take advantage of that! Refurbished equipment often sells for less than 20% of the price of the same product new!

2. Consider buying new or refurbished equipment that is no longer being manufactured. Once equipment is end-of-lifed, the manufacturer stops selling it. So for example, if your Cisco 1600 Series WIC-1B-U melts down, Cisco isn’t going to sell you a new one. Instead, they may suggest you upgrade your entire system to what they’re currently producing. You don’t need to fall into that trap. Replacing broken parts is an important part of any Investment Recapture Strategy, so find a provider that will continue to supply new or refurbished equipment long after the product stops being made.

3. Lease your equipment. Consider leasing to own, or simply leasing until you put away enough to pay for the upgrade. Especially if you aren’t certain if a growth trend will continue. Leasing makes downsizing easy should it come to that.

4. Take advantage of trade-in credit. Buying from an alternate provider that accepts used equipment for trade-in is no different than trading in your car. You no longer need it, and you might as well apply the value to your new purchase. Since finding a customer to buy your old equipment is time-consuming to do yourself, let someone else take the old stuff off your hands.

5. Know that you can liquidate completely if necessary. No one wants to be pessimistic, but the reality is, businesses encounter tough times. Find an alternate provider that will sell your equipment on consignment. Knowing you can sell it means money in your pocket.

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Overwhelmed and Over-Budget: Navigating the Online Aisles of I.T. Hardware Suppliers

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

You need to purchase or upgrade your company’s I.T. networking system. It’s time. You know it’s well overdue. And yet you procrastinate because the thought of sorting through hundreds of I.T. hardware suppliers and manufacturers. Your best bet is to find a reliable company that wants to build a long-term relationship with you. Forget fly-by-night companies that promise cheapest prices but are no where to be found when the product they’ve sold you stops working.

For example, you realize you need a new IP telephony system. You’ve looked through AdTran, 3COM, Ai-Logix, Alcatel, Ascend, Bay Networks, Carrier Access Corp, Copper Mountain, Crystalfontz, Digital Link, Enterasys, Kentrox, Larscom, Lucent, Micom, Motorola, N.E.T., Newbridge, Nokia, Paradyne, RAD, US Robotics, Verilink, Foundry, Nortel, Juniper… and finally settled on the Cisco 7920 IP Phone.

Instead of spending your entire budget to upgrade, consider a company that offers trade-in credit on your old, used, or obsolete system. One such company, MULTI-LINK Communications Products (MLCP) will not only get you a great discount on the new Cisco 7920 phone you want, but they offer a warranty longer than Cisco offers on the product themselves! They’ll also accept your old IP phone system and either sell it on consignment for you, or give you an additional discount for the trade-in!

Working with an alternate supplier that has access to both new and refurbished products as well as multiple brands and manufacturers has its advantages! Simply talking to an MLCP representative on the phone can help you understand all the different options you have and how to save the most money. Would you like to sell your old equipment on consignment and buy refurbished, warranted equipment? Or do you prefer new equipment from a third-party supplier and keep your old stuff? Would you like to upgrade to a brand new system from Juniper and accept trade-in credit on your old Cisco system? There are a number of options at your disposal, but the process needn’t be overwhelming. Working with a company that wants you to come back time and again for all of your I.T. needs means a knowledgeable rep on your side and you don’t have to go it alone.

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Investing in I.T. Networking Systems: What You Should Know

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

Investing in a networking system for your business can be expensive. And your budget may not be in alignment with your needs. This presents a problem. How can you put in place the system and hardware your business needs to be productive and grow, and still not break the bank doing it?

Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company with hundreds of thousands at your disposal, or a small, independent business, you’d be wise to develop an Investment Recapture Strategy. Elements of this strategy include ways to recoup costs spent on old or outdated equipment and also to liquidate equipment you no longer need. A good Investment Recapture program will include a discount on new or refurbished equipment that you want to buy along with a trade-in credit for selling the same company your used equipment. Some of the better companies even offer to sell your old equipment on consignment for a nominal fee even if you don’t take advantage of the discounts by purchasing new or refurbished equipment from them.

In addition, a company that offers an investment recapture program can provide benefits that a manufacturer or retailer can’t. If your system, or a component of your system is no longer being manufactured, for example the Cisco 803 router, a retailer or manufacturer will force you to purchase an entirely new system, requiring you to buy all new components along with the new router. An alternate provider that also accepts trade-ins and consignments may have a refurbished Cisco 803 router in stock and ready to ship to you, saving you thousands of dollars.

The key is to be sure to find a company that offers a warranty on refurbished products. Reliable companies will not only guarantee a refurbished product, but because they have access to so many more products than the manufacturer, they can show you the difference in price between buying the same part new or used, and you can decide where your dollars are best invested.

Upgrading your I.T. system shouldn’t be something you hold off on due to price when upgrading would benefit your business. And it’s good to know that all the money you spend on purchasing a system isn’t gone forever.

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Why You Should Switch from Legacy to IP Telephones

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

VoIP phones (Voice over Internet Protocol) use the internet to transmit voice communications rather than traditional phone lines. IP telephony allows you to extend reliable communications services to all employees in their workspaces, whether they are at main campus locations, in branch offices, working remotely, or using mobile units. IP telephony transmits consistent voice communications over the network using open-standards-based Internet Protocol (referred to as IP). IP telephony provides reliable, scalable, secure communications taking advantage of your WAN and LAN allowing users the benefit of third-party applications.

IP phones can be wired, wireless, or softphones.

IP phones look and work exactly like normal phones with a handset, cradle and buttons. But instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connectors, IP phones utilize an RJ-45 Ethernet connector. These highly reliable phones connect directly to your router and have all the hardware and software already installed to handle the IP call. Benefits of IP phones over legacy phones include: increased security and reliability, as well as advanced functionality. The feature set of IP telephony tend to far outweigh those of traditional phones.
Cisco is an industry leader in the manufacturing of IP telephony. Cisco IP phones are available in both wired and wireless versions and also provide handset functionality for several programs like Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Cisco Unified Communications Manager Business Edition, Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express, SBCS, and XML applications. Softphones such as Cisco IP Communicator and Cisco Unified Personal Communicator are also available. They extend voice communication and multimedia functionality to customers that rely on Windows or Mac computers.

New and refurbished IP telephony products are also available from third-party suppliers often at significant cost savings. If you’re looking for an IP telephony product, these suppliers, like MULTI-LINK Communications (MLCP) can often help you find the perfect fit for your home or business.

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Recycling I.T. Hardware: A Global Concern

Sunday, April 26th, 2009

Although ‘going green’ may be the buzz word of the decade, the disposal of ‘technotrash’ is a very real concern globally. It’s estimated that the U.S. alone produces up to 230 million metric tons of hazardous waste annually, even though confirming that statistic is difficult. Regardless, most of the United States’ old computers, cell phones, and I.T. equipment ends up either in landfills or is shipped off to poverty-stricken countries like China where villagers dismantle the computers for recycling. For less than 25 cents a day, these people are exposed to high amounts of lead and currently suffer higher rates of birth defects and increased mortality rates than other countries.

So what can we do? Is there a way to reduce our consumption, not only of fossil fuels, paper, and energy but also of computer hardware and technology-dependent products?

Here are three ways to reduce our carbon footprint and still keep up with cutting edge technology:
First, purchase refurbished hardware like routers, switches, telephony, and more from third-party suppliers. One person’s trash truly is another person’s treasure—particularly when it’s been refurbished to ‘like new’ standards. Not only will you reduce the demand for ‘new’ products forcing manufacturers to produce less, you can save a great deal of money and some third-party suppliers actually offer better warranties on refurbished products than the manufacturer will offer on the same product new.

Second, trade in your old equipment. Third-party suppliers often offer generous trade in credits on equipment you no longer need because your network has either grown or needs to downsize. These companies refurbish and resell your equipment which not only keeps the products out of a landfill but also helps smaller companies a few years behind you to upgrade their networks at prices they can afford.
Third, donate retired cell phones to organizations like ‘Cell Phones for Soldiers’ which collects and recycles old cell phones and then uses the money to purchase international calling cards which are given to troops stationed overseas so that they may call home more often and at no cost.

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What is a Third Party Supplier?

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

A third-party supplier is also known as an alternate provider of a product. Third-party suppliers often have connections with the manufacturer or distributor allowing them to provide the same product to the public for considerably less than the retailer. Some third-party suppliers, like MULTI-LINK Communications (MLCP), also purchase used equipment, refurbish it, and resell it for even greater discounts. For example, Cisco Systems lists the MEM-MSFC2-512MB memory component for the 6500 Series for $4,800. MLCP offers the same component – new—for $165. In most cases, choosing a third-party supplier over the retailer yields significant cost savings.

So why doesn’t everyone just purchase from third-party suppliers?

Many people are misinformed about third-party suppliers. They worry that if they don’t buy directly from the retailer and pay exorbitant rates, they will not be protected under their service and maintenance agreements. This is untrue, but a myth that many retailers perpetuate to encourage customers to pay more for the same products. If you actually read the section about third party component support in a maintenance contract, you’ll often find that the service provider will not withhold support for integrating third party components into the network.

Another reason people opt not to save even more money by buying used components from a third-party supplier, is because of the stigma that ‘refurbished’ products are not reliable. This, again, is a myth purported by retailers. Often, the warranties on refurbished hardware are longer than those on new products. In MLCP’s case, all refurbished products are tested twice and guaranteed for at least one year—nine months longer than Cisco warrants many of its hardware products. Other products from MLCP, like new Memory components, are warranted for life. The risk of wasting money replacing a product that was purchased new from the retailer is actually greater than purchasing one refurbished. And with the money you save by purchasing the product used, you could actually replace the product multiple times before ever coming close to the price you would have paid to buy it new from the retailer even once.

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