This technology has been around for a few years but only now is the small business starting to take advantage of the benefits.  There are different ways to leverage VOIP in your business;  1) install a single VOIP phone at home on a Comcast connection to allow key employees to “telecommute”,  2)  connect a Seattle office with a Portland office over the internet eliminating interoffice long distance, enabling 4 digit dialing, and sharing resources from one site such as “networked voicemail”,  3) enable a mobile sales person to always be on the move yet outbound calls from a “soft phone” installed on a laptop no matter where the rep is in the world.  ITN is currently working with an ITN AVAYA IP Office phone system client who is expanding into an adjacent building next door.  Rather than trench the parking lot and install a 900’ fiber/copper backbone, ITN can use their robust internet connections at each site, QOS rated firewalls, and two separate AVAYA IP Office systems tied together over VOIP!

Section 179 of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, have you heard of it? We hadn’t either which is why when we learned of it, we knew we had to work quickly to inform our existing clients and potential clients of this temporary tax break on new business equipment. It existed through 2008 and was renewed by the new administration at the beginning of 2009. Section 179 allows taxpayers to take a full deduction of up to $ 250,000 of the cost of new equipment purchased and installed during the tax year! Of course more details are available from your tax professional however technology equipment such as telephone systems and wireless networks do qualify. We’ve met with companies this year who haven’t made any changes to their telephony system or don’t even have a wireless LAN. Technology is changing rapidly and the increase in productivity, efficiency, and profitability is substantial. Take advantage of this tax break from the IRS and upgrade your phone system to an AVAYA IP Office this year! Or consider the migration to a wireless network from MERU Networks! Business applications for mobile productivity are being developed every day and the IRS is encouraging you to move forward with a setting up a wireless network in 2009!