Toshiba – IP Phone Solutions for Small Business

The Toshiba Corporation was founded in 1939 after the merger of Tokyo Electric and the Shibaura Engineering Works, two firms that were instrumental in the modernization of Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Following that successful merger, the company grew to become one of Japan’s leading suppliers of electronic machinery for the state. After the end of World War II, and the reconstruction that followed, Toshiba established itself as a global leader in the development and manufacture of electrical machinery. A steady stream of innovations, including the TAC digital computer (1951), the microwave oven (1959), and the laptop computer (1986), brought the company to even greater prominence, making Toshiba one of the most widely recognized and respected brands throughout the world. Today, they continue to lead the way in electronic innovation, with divisions specializing in home entertainment, social infrastructure, digital products and services, and telecommunications.

Quality, Reliability, and Innovation

Toshiba’s Telecommunications Systems Division specializes in delivering office communications and networking solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. As one of the first companies to fully embrace the potential of voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP), Toshiba has spent decades developing IP-based phone systems designed to address the productivity and efficiency demands of the modern workplace. Their exclusive line of Strata CIX IP phone systems offers the feature-rich communications environment businesses depend on to succeed in a highly competitive marketplace. The Strata platform, while exploiting the advantages of VoIP technology, is fully compatible with legacy analog and digital technologies, making it an ideal fit for businesses who may need to gradually upgrade their existing communications infrastructure. Toshiba’s office phone systems are highly scalable, offering business owners the opportunity to expand their office network as their operation grows. The firm’s dedication to quality, reliability, and innovation has made their line of office phone systems one of the most highly regarded in the telecommunications industry.

Intuitive Design and Unmatched Flexibility

The value of any business phone system is largely defined by the ease with which it can be integrated into any office environment. Advance features mean little if they cannot be quickly and easily mastered by both management and employees. To that end, Toshiba’s Strata CIX platform has been designed with a highly intuitive user interface, delivering a host of value added applications that allow calls to be handled with an unparalleled ease and efficiency. Strata CIX phone systems are highly customizable, and can be configured to support a wide range of endpoints including IP and digital telephones, so-called ‘softphones’, and laptops and desktop PCs. This allows business owners and office managers to create a fully integrated network that is more flexible and responsive, improving interoffice communications and customer relations.

State of the Art Phone System Features

Toshiba’s Strata series of business phone systems offers an extensive array of advanced features specifically designed to enhance connectivity within your office network, and to facilitate better communications with your customers and clients. Features and functions are simple to use, and each system can be purpose programmed to bring forward those applications which will best support your specific business model.

In addition to standard features like call waiting, call forwarding, and caller ID, the Strata CIX series offers the following state-of-the-art features and functions:

• Automated Attendant: Fully programmable auto attendant answers and routes calls 24 hours a day for improved communications management.
• Integrated Voice Mail: Allows callers to leave detailed messages for specific employees.
• Call Recording and Monitoring: Calls can be recorded and stored in the user’s voice mailbox, to be reviewed at a later time. Incoming calls can be monitored for review and/or training purposes.
• Automate Call Distribution: Incoming calls are queued and sent to the next available representative, allowing for quick and efficient call handling during periods of high traffic.
• Call Center Reporting: Toshiba’s exclusive Management Information System generates detailed call logs for all employees, allowing you to analyze your agent’s performance and determine future staffing requirements.
• Call Cost Routing: Outgoing calls are routed through the least costly line or carrier, cutting down on long distance charges.
• Remote User Support: Allows employees to work from remote locations (home or field) while remaining connected to the business’ own communications network. Incoming calls can be easily forwarded to remote numbers, including landlines, smartphones, and tablets.

Affordable Phone Solutions for Every Business Model

Toshiba offers an extensive line of IP-based phone systems that have been designed to fully integrate into any office environment. The Strata CIX series includes a number of different models, ranging from entry level systems for small businesses to more advanced models that can handle the high volume of phone traffic necessary to support a larger enterprise. All of Toshiba’s phone systems, regardless of size, feature a browser-based management interface that simplifies installation and operation, and reduces the need for costly on-site IT support. These systems are highly scalable, making it easy for you to expand your communications network as your business grows.

The following table outlines the five basic models available in Toshiba’s Strata CIX series, the included support features, and the associated costs:

Toshiba’s complete range of business phone systems are compatible with most contemporary IP, digital, and analog handsets. That being said, performance can often be enhanced by pairing your unit with IP and/or digital telephones designed and marketed by Toshiba themselves. These handsets and desktop terminals are extremely affordable, selling at approximately $250 per unit.

Toshiba’s Award Winning Sales and Services

Two time winner of the Internet Telephony award (2013 &2014), Toshiba has been regularly recognized for its outstanding products and customer service. The firm backs up all of their office phone systems with a 7 year manufacturer’s warranty, the most comprehensive in the industry. Technical support is available via telephone, with representatives available to answer frequently asked questions and troubleshoot potential problems. Unfortunately, at the moment Toshiba does not offer online support, but a number of tutorials and white-papers are available via their website providing valuable information for current Strata CIX owners.

The hub of any business, regardless of size or niche, is its communications network; and a lot is riding on your choice of office phones system. While cost is always a consideration, it is also important to consider the ultimate return on your investment. An effective business phone system will not only streamline office communications, but will enhance your staff’s ability to serve and satisfy customers. Toshiba, with its more than 40 years in the voice and data industry, understands the need for efficient and trouble-free communications in the workplace, and they have developed a range of office phone systems that comprehensively addresses that need while still remaining a cost effective solution for the average business owner. Before you decide on a new office phone system for your growing business, take a closer look at what Toshiba has to offer. You’re sure to find a Strata model that answers your business’ specific communications needs at a cost that will keep your accounts in the black.