VanBelkum Blog

A Beginner's Guide to Troubleshooting Your Network: 6 Things to Check When Your Business Can’t Connect

Of all the different issues that can plague your computer and various devices, a network connectivity problem is perhaps the worst. Most computers and smart devices can do a lot offline, but not being online can severely cripple the everyday tasks of your business. This is especially the case when most work resides in the cloud —apps, online tools, etc. can help to run your business smoothly, but can also be a source of misery when not connected...

What is Omnichannel and Why Does it Matter?

In 2021, U.S. consumers were expected to spend roughly $768 billion from retail e-commerce, building on the pandemic gains that were seen in 2020, according to data from Statista. Highly enterprising retailers have been implementing multi-channel strategies, known as omnichannel, for some time. However, for the majority, change is on the horizon—and it’s approaching quickly. Companies must adapt to a world where customers want to find...

No Buyer’s Remorse: The most important tips when searching for VoIP phone solutions

As a business owner, you already know the importance of having a reliable and effective means of communication with your customers. Email and chat may work for most instances, but neither can totally replace telephones and the need for telecommunications – especially with prospective customers. So, you need the right VoIP phone solution for your company, and that means finding the right platform and implementer. When attempting to decide...

Data Cabling 101: New Construction and IT Infrastructure

If you’re doing new construction, think about IT early. Don’t make it an afterthought. The backbone of your network is data cabling. High-speed connectivity is critical to daily business operations, and your building’s cabling infrastructure is something you should take seriously. But, when taking on a new build, the last thing on your mind is often the communications and IT systems – and it can be very difficult to grasp how exactly cabling...

Caught on Camera: What every business owner needs to know about video surveillance systems

Installing a video surveillance system can offer several benefits to small businesses including protection against internal and external threats, safety, monitoring workflows, and more. The purchase of a few reliable network cameras for your business or organization can yield a high return on investment.

Security: Your data may be secure, but what about your information? Let’s talk about BYOD.

Controlling access to your company’s data should be part of every IT security and compliance plan. But it’s time to think beyond your data and to start considering the security of your overall information as well. This blog is the first in a series that identifies gaps in your information security and gives you tips on how to fix them. We’re starting with a big and very common threat: bring your own device (BYOD). BYOD policies and employee...

Case Study: RE/MAX United

How managed voice and Internet across multiple buildings helped RE/MAX United avoid tech debt The Client RE/MAX is a real estate franchisor with locations all over the globe and more than 135,000 agents. The network of offices are franchisee-owned and operated. RE/MAX United has two offices that serve West Michigan in Rockford and Grand Rapids. These offices have a total of 6 employees and 45 real estate agents.

Case Study: Multiple Buildings, One Internet Provider

Here's How a Bridged Wireless Connection Solved Bandwidth Management Issues for this Small Business The Client The client is the owner of several businesses, all within close range of each other and located in rural Michigan, serving a small town. They needed a secure network between multiple buildings, which included a combined gas station, restaurant, and convenience store, a liquor store, a second, standalone restaurant, and a storage...

Get the 411 on Michigan's MLTS Law

If you are tasked with overseeing your organization’s Multi-line Telephone System (MLTS) you want to make sure that each phone works according to regulations if someone dials 911 from that phone. These regulations ensure that emergency personnel can easily know where the call originated so they can get there quickly to provide aid. In this post we will update you on Michigan’s E911 and ERL regulations included in the Multi-line Telephone Systems...

Van Hydraulics – Case Study

Rural Small Business Enjoys Benefits of Modern Tech Thanks to VanBelkum The Client Van Hydraulics is a regional hydraulic and pneumatic repair facility located in Conklin, MI. They have more than 200 years of experience repairing industrial and mobile hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, custom machine design and construction, specialty machining and fabrication, preventive maintenance programs, and customer service. The owner of Van...