Tag: gage cloud voice

Gage Helps Businesses Deduct Up to $1M on Qualifying Equipment Expenses

November 6, 2020

Equipment Expenses

Baton Rouge, LA – October 2020 – Gage a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), announced today that it is helping customers take advantage of a substantial tax deduction, outlined by guidance issued from the IRS, also known as Section 179. Section 179 allows businesses to completely deduct the purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or leased during the 2020 tax year. However, the technology or equipment must be operational by the end of the calendar year, December 31, 2020, and with the deadline fast-approaching businesses must leverage its benefits quickly.

Cope With The Unforeseen And Sizable Expenses

Gage is advising its clients about this tax-benefit in order to help businesses cope with the unforeseen and often sizable expenses the pandemic has forced upon them. This comes at a time when many small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are searching for ways to restructure their operations to accommodate for remote workplaces, work-from-home scenarios and/or hybrid-offices, and have discovered how important security is to make this transition happen.

As business owners have done their best to comply with mandatory work-from-home policies, there are often significant costs in making these transitions work. Gage is doing its part to keep the business community informed on how they can reduce their tax liability and weather the storm.

“Small and mid-sized businesses have taken the brunt of this pandemic,” stated Jason Landry, VP of Sales of Gage. “Section 179 is too good of a deal to ignore. It’s a huge discount. If a business is restructuring itself or making an investment in technology or software, they need to know about this exemption.”

What Is Section 179?

Section 179 is affording businesses a golden opportunity to reposition themselves for success, by making investments much more feasible than ever before. The IRS is firmly behind this incentive and has even expanded the maximum expense deduction in the recent years, “For tax years beginning after 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) increased the maximum Section 179 expense deduction from $500,000 to $1 million.” (IRS.gov)

As businesses have been confronted with mandates to operate remotely, Section 179 offers a much-needed tax-break to make this transition financially possible. The TCJA also amended the definition of “qualified real property” to mean qualified improvement property and some improvements to nonresidential real property, including roofs; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning property; fire protection and alarm systems; and security systems.

Working Remotely

As a provider of various security-based technologies, Gage is thrilled that businesses can more easily access the security tools they need making their teams more productive and secure as they work from home, and with the assistance of a government subsidy, business owners don’t have to do it all alone.

For example, let’s assume that a business owner wants to invest $125,000 back into their company through qualifying expenses. In the first year, they can deduct the entire $125,000. This means that effectively they would save $43,750 (assuming a 35% tax bracket) on those expenses. This would drive the net cost of the new equipment down to $81,250. Regardless of which equipment the business invests in, Section 179 is a phenomenal program that should not be wasted.

 

For more information or questions about this tax deduction, please call (225) 753-4243 or visit www.gagetelephone.com.

The Versatility of Gage Cloud Voice

April 16, 2020

Gage Cloud Voice Blog

Now more than ever, people around the world are starting to adapt to new ways of doing business due to COVID-19. At GAGE, we are working diligently to help our customers transition smoothly to a remote working environment. Our Gage Cloud Voice system gives businesses the ability to be accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device. This system has the capabilities to keep workers informed of company policies and work requirements while still feeling connected to the rest of the team. Whether you work remotely, traditionally, or multi-site, the versatility of GAGE Cloud Voice makes business continuity simple. 

 

// About Gage Cloud Voice

Picking a business communications system can be a challenge, but with Gage Cloud Voice, we take care of the details – phones, installation, training and ongoing service – so you can focus on your business. Gage Cloud Voice is more than a phone system, it’s a cloud-based, carrier-class VoIP communications solution that gives businesses the ability to be accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device. 

Whether your organization’s outgrown your communications system or new must-have capabilities come to market… It’s hard to keep up. We deliver a carrier-class communications solution “as a service” from the cloud. There’s no system to install, so you can add seats or functionality on-demand. Harness the power of communication today so your company can reach its business goals.

 

// Unified Communication

Our Gage Cloud Voice system features improved control, access and efficiency of business communications. Our hosted communications solution has the flexibility to support all types of work and workers, allowing your employees an easy way to work together – whether they’re in the office, at home or on the road. Choose from full-featured IP desktop phones, wireless handsets and conferencing. Your business can integrate voice, video, presence, instant messaging and email into a single platform with Accession Communicator for desktop or mobile devices. 

It starts with Instant Messaging with Presence, a way to tell at-a-glance if coworkers are available, busy, away or offline. Plus, you get file sharing, desktop sharing, video conferencing and audio conference calling with individual moderator codes. Easy to personalize and easy to use, Gage Cloud Voice will link everyone in your company, allowing you to communicate more efficiently and effectively.

 

// Enable Remote Employees

For many employees, it’s necessary to be able to work from home during this time. With Gage Cloud Voice, you no longer need to be tethered to your desk. Gage Cloud Voice lets you conduct business on your smartphone, tablet or laptop – anywhere the Internet is available. Whether you have an Android or iOS device, or a Windows or Apple OS computer, our dedicated clients let you make and take calls with your work number, access contacts and share files.

 

 

Let us help you develop a plan for your business continuity and harness the power behind Gage Cloud Voice. As you have come to expect from Gage, you can count on expert installation, thorough training and local personal service. In addition, through June 30th, Gage is offering use of the Gage Cloud Voice Meeting service at no cost to you. To take advantage of this offer or learn more, please contact us or call 225-753-4243.

Business Communication and Continuity Through COVID-19

March 17, 2020

Coronavirus Business Communication

As the news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is rapidly changing each day, one constant for businesses is a concern for the health and safety of your team. At GAGE, we also understand the importance of business continuity in a time like this, when many businesses are being forced to consider remote work options in order to maintain operations. Over the years, GAGE has supported its customers in the path of hurricanes, floods and extended power outages. We are prepared and have contingency plans in place to deal with any potential issue that may arise from COVID-19. GAGE has been in business for over 40 years, and we continue to have the same mission, even through a crisis: to provide the finest telecommunications and data services that enable our clients to increase their profitability, obtain a competitive advantage, and improve employee productivity.

Many business owners know that down time can be devastating to Small- or Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs). We know you have a lot to think about during this time, and we want you to feel safe and secure with your business. Here are some tips to make sure you are prepared to get your business operations back up and running during a public health emergency like COVID-19 presents:

 

1. Implement Your Disaster Recovery Plan.

The first step is to make sure you are prepared to implement your Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP). If your business has an in-house IT team, or an external managed service provider, it is likely that you already have this in place and tested regularly – a great asset in times like these. A well defined DRP includes a list of your critical business functions with an analysis of your processes and recovery plans for each. If you do not have a DRP in place, the first thing you’ll want to do is consider what your critical business functions are.

 

2. Establish a Communication Plan.

Make sure your team knows who to contact and establish a point person for critical projects. Another thing that businesses often overlook is making sure you have your team’s personal contact details up to date. Communicate with your customers and vendors as well if there is critical information they need to know or downtime you are anticipating. 

 

3. Assess Your Infrastructure for Remote Access.

Assess your infrastructure and make sure you’ve considered any complications that could arise in a time like this. Can your employees access certain internal databases for your company if they would need to work from home? Make sure your data is protected and backed up, as well as accessible by your off-site team while they are away from the office.


4. Encourage Your Team To Work Remotely.

As the virus continues to spread, you’ll want to make sure your team is able to work remotely for as long as necessary. You can encourage continued productivity by making sure there is a point person assigned for critical projects, files are accessible, and all employees have the tools and methods in place for ongoing communication. Many SMBs may consider providing their employees with laptops, cell phones and a mobile hotspot to make sure they have what they need to get back up and running remotely. 

 

5. Utilize Cloud VoIP Capabilities.

If you are an existing GAGE Cloud Voice customer, this scenario is exactly what a cloud voice communication system is made for. By default, GAGE Cloud Voice is the most flexible and cost-effective solution in a time like this because its cloud-based communications system allows for remote work and maintaining a healthy work environment through continued connectivity. Maximize your unified communication tools to help with business continuity. Continue to keep your team members in communication with tools like instant messaging, video conferencing  and more. Your system may do more than you know – get in touch with your provider to understand your system’s capabilities, or maybe it’s time to consider upgrading to a new system that allows you to facilitate communication in the event like this. 

 

………………………….

 

If your team needs assistance achieving business continuity with your communications system, please contact us or call 225-753-4243. Our GAGE Cloud Voice platform is truly the last phone system you’ll ever need. More than just a phone system, GAGE Cloud Voice is a cloud based, carrier-class complete VoIP communications solution that gives businesses the ability to be accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device. GAGE Cloud Voice is an invaluable asset during unprecedented situations like the COVID-19 outbreak, and GAGE is prepared to help. Stay safe and stay healthy.

Cutting-Edge IT Trends to Look For In 2020

December 2, 2019

IT Trends 2020

As technology continues to expand beyond our wildest imaginations, there remains a singular focus when it comes to its development: human experience. At its core, technological improvements sprout from a very human desire to protect ourselves and our information, to experience the world through a new perspective and most importantly, to enhance communication across offices, countries and oceans. 

With this perspective in mind, we’ve put together some of the most cutting-edge and pivotal IT trends for the coming year in order to keep you and your business prepared for what’s ahead in the world of technology and communication.

 

5G

The global adoption of this new mobile network generation is highly anticipated in the coming year, and, while its faster connection is certainly a plus, 5G is taking a novel approach to change the tech landscape. 

Along with the natural evolution from its predecessor, 5G at its core is meant to enhance mobile broadband communications, massive machine-type communications and ultra-low latency communications. In other words, this highly-flexible network – according to Atos – is expected to be able to deliver the wireless capacity needed for streaming eight million 3D videos, well-connected video conferencing and so much more. What’s more, 5G will cut network latency to around 10 milliseconds end-to-end and is projected to save up to 90% energy. 

Of course, a new type of network will require new types of hardware. That’s where Gage comes in. We’ll help you determine what hardware you’ll be able to keep and what you’ll have to replace to accommodate the new 5G capacity, so your business will be ready to handle the 4G to 5G switch with ease.

 

Blockchain

Enabling blockchain technology provides both you and your clients with a transparent, secure way to store records of all kinds while removing the need to involve a third party. Blockchain has no single point of failure; it acts as a point of access between peers and has a variety of access parameters.

Blockchain can be used to record and store all manner of confidential data, including payment, bookkeeping and cryptocurrency information as well as intellectual property, health care information and supply chain authentication. 

According to Atos, companies should experiment cautiously with blockchain, identifying advantageous use cases. If a use case implies a group of users with a common goal, including a need to store global information, and there is a lack of trust between these users (no one is certain that another user is not going to change data afterward to his benefit), then blockchain is a good candidate.

Integrating blockchain alongside Gage’s Insite IT management suite is an excellent way to even further the protection provided to your business and your customers, providing all your day-to-day operations with a sort of tech security blanket.

 

Voice over Internet Protocol

This next system is already very familiar to the Gage team. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is one of our primary services in the form of Gage Cloud Voice. By utilizing the cloud, our VoIP system provides remote access to your business anytime, anywhere and on any device with a plethora of carrier-class mobility and collaboration features. 

VoIP provides advanced security and high-quality calls, without requiring a complicated or costly set-up. Gage Cloud Voice goes the extra mile by giving you a variety of options to personalize your service to exactly what your business needs. Whether it’s call recording or web and video collaboration, adding any of these to our 70+ standard features and always-at-your-side customer support will help extend your office to wherever you go.

 

Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs)

With the myriad of security breaches in digital databases, it’s no surprise that technology surrounding user security has become a primary focus for developers across the board. More than just password management, utilizing PETs in your daily business is now becoming a crucial part of creating and sustaining trusting relationships with both clients and employees. 

Through the use of various PETs, individuals are able to exchange personal data through digital platforms with peace-of-mind while companies can still implement data monetization business models that comply with continually-improving data protection legislation. Atos notes that the PETs like ‘pseudonymization’ and ‘data minimization’ will mold themselves to fit government regulations right out of the box. 

What’s changing most about PETs is not only how they’re used, but when they’re used. The majority of PETs are applied only after a major security breach occurs. With this coming push in regulations as well as the constantly-growing concern for online privacy, PETs are now becoming part of any base system set-up.

 

 

As the business world continues to digitally expand, Gage knows how important it is that our clients don’t get passed up by progress. We are right by your side, learning and adapting to join tech leaders across the business world. In the end, technology is only as good as the people who take care of it, which is why Gage puts our customers at the forefront of all that we do. 

At Gage, communication is our personal business. Let us help you make it yours. Check out our services and see how we can help you. We’re available 24/7 to support you and your business.

Robocall Blocking: Everything You Should Know

August 13, 2019

Robocall Blocking

Have you or your employees been receiving unknown or spammy phone calls? You are not alone! These robocalls are more common than you think and are affecting people nationwide. In 2017, the FCC passed regulations that allow phone companies (like us) to proactively block illegal Robocalls. The Robocall Blocking Service from Gage Cloud Voice works to provide protection of our subscribers from unwanted calls, whether they are robocalls, spam, nuisance, fraudulent calls, political campaigns, charities, or telemarketers by intelligently blocking the call before it ever reaches the end customer. Read on to learn more about Robocall blocking and what GAGE can do to help you. 

 

What is Robocall Blocking?

Robocall Blocking automatically prevents unwanted robocalls so they don’t ever reach the customer’s phone. It does this by gathering data from other carriers and our own systems and then actively blocking those numbers that have been identified as unwanted.

We use industry-leading third parties to provide “reputation data” on calling party numbers. Their databases are constantly updating in real-time based on a number of information streams (including publicly available lists, real-time calling patterns, and user reports of unwanted calling party numbers), and can react within minutes of a new unwanted calling party number starting to be used.

Based on that reputation data, the SIP application server makes a determination of whether to reject the call on behalf of the called subscriber, or allow it to continue as normal. If it is rejected, a short rejection announcement is played to the caller. If our subscribers also have voicemail services the caller will then be sent to voicemail (so that in the unlikely event a genuine caller has been misidentified as unwanted they have the opportunity to leave a message, but in the typical case of an automated robocall then no message will be left).

 

The Service Basics

This service can be activated on one, some, or all of the Gage provided numbers for any customer. FCC regulations require that the service has to be opted-in by the end customer. The service is either on or off, there is no configuration available and this is NOT a service that allows the customer to make changes to the calling number database.

 

………………………….

Our Gage Cloud Voice platform offers the best solutions to stop unwanted calls in their tracks. This is just one of the many capabilities our cloud system can do. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on your business. Read More about how we can meet all of your communication needs, or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Communication Tips Every Small Business Should Know

July 12, 2019

Communication Tips For Businesses Today

Here at Gage we understand the importance of communication within your business. Great communication can increase productivity, create a healthy culture and increase accountability, while poor communication can have the opposite effect. Here are a few tips every small business leader can implement to create a strong foundation for communication in their organization.

Document Processes & Protocols.

The first tip is to have established and documented methods for all of your key business operations. These documents should outline the tactics to be used, the objective, and how to evaluate effectiveness. Having your methods documented creates a company-wide standard that helps keep everyone accountable and in sync. Your documentation should be available to anyone within the company, so every employee can easily access things like protocol, workflows, training, and more. In small businesses, this important step is often overlooked, as leadership assumes they are small enough to implement these things without documentation. The truth is, no matter how small you are, you can always benefit from defining your processes. It ensures that everyone knows what’s expected and improves efficiency and accountability company-wide.

 

Use Technology to Your Advantage.

With the advancements in communication technology that have been made, today more than ever it is easier to stay connected and have effective communications. There are a number of tools and methods that can be used to keep everyone in touch and informed. Task Managers are great for communicating responsibilities among different roles and seeing projects go from beginning to end smoothly. Similarly, CRMs help your sales team manage their pipeline and communications in one place. Unified communication tools help you stay connected, any time, any place. Video conferencing allows you to have meetings remotely with your team or clients wherever they are. Tools like instant messaging help your team constantly stay in contact, even when they’re not in the office. And cloud-based business VoIP solutions can make sure you never miss a call – following you from your desk phone to your cell phone when necessary.

 

Plan Effective Meetings.

Meetings are one of the single biggest pain points in any organization, large or small, and often one of the biggest time wasters. Small companies often fall prey to this when they don’t define a structure for their meetings, don’t stick to internal meeting times, or let meetings go off on a social hour tangent. Make sure your meetings have a purpose – define who should take part, what you want to cover, and what you want to accomplish from each meeting. It’s a good idea to have an agenda and a moderator to keep your discussion points on track, take notes, and conduct the meeting in a timely manner. Everyone should have a key takeaway from the meeting and know what their next action item should be. Again, you can utilize technology to manage meetings – sync team schedules with shared calendars, set conference calls, and more.

 

Be an Active Listener & Be Responsive.

Possibly one of the most important tips is to practice active listening and always be responsive. The 3 key objectives of active listening are to listen to obtain information, listen to learn, and listen to understand. Implementing these three can increase the efficiency of your communications. When you practice active listening, you are able to pay attention, ask the right questions, and provide clear feedback and direction, increasing the productivity of the entire team. That leads to being responsive. Implement a standard response time in-house as well as with clients, whether you have all the answers or not. At the end of the day, employees and clients alike just want to be heard. It’s important that they know that you’ve listened to them and have internalized what they shared, and that’s truly the cornerstone of effective communication.

………………………….

At Gage, we have a solution that can help meet all of your communication needs in one platform. Gage Cloud Voice is truly the last phone system you’ll ever need. But Gage Cloud Voice is more than just a phone system – it’s a cloud based, carrier-class complete VoIP communications solution that gives business the ability to be accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device. Gage Cloud Voice will link everyone in your company, allowing you to communicate more efficiently and effectively, with powerful features like unified messaging, time-of-day routing, and video collaboration. With no system to install, it’s easy to add seats or functionality on-demand. And, just like everything we do, you can count on expert installation, thorough training and local personal service. Read More about how we can meet all of your communication needs, or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Stay Better Connected With GAGE

May 16, 2019

Gage Video

Since 1980, GAGE has designed, implemented and serviced business communication systems ranging in size from a few phones to hundreds of interconnected devices. Through the years, our service lines have also grown to include managed IT, cabling, and standby backup power. As a family-owned business, our diversified culture and connection to each other have laid the foundation to better connect with our customers and establishing true relationships throughout the years. We know that when you’re family in Louisiana, you stay connected – and that’s why GAGE is truly in the business of connectivity.

 

Customized Approach

Cloud-based, cutting-edge technology is nothing without the people behind it. Being better-connected starts with service before and after you become a GAGE customer. Easy to personalize and use, our secure GAGE Cloud Voice platform will connect everyone in your business, creating an efficient and effective work environment. With no system to install, it’s easy to add seats or functionality on-demand. We also provide a complete suite of managed IT Services, catching and fixing even the smallest problems before they turn into big ones. No matter your needs, we always take a customized approach to build a tailored solution for your company. At GAGE, we take pride in our customer relationships. Just because business technology constantly changes, it doesn’t mean relationships have to change too.

 

Service You Can Rely On

As a GAGE customer, you’ll enjoy a level of service beyond your expectations and a personal, responsive relationship with real people. We value your time, money and trust, which is why we don’t let our customers down. When it is all said and done, we want our solutions to allow you to focus on what really matters: running and growing your business.

 

Better Connected

GAGE is a Louisiana-based company, and we know the importance of being connected to the community that has supported us throughout the years. We are learning and growing every day from our community and culture. Being local means more than having a home office, though – it’s about giving back to your home. Since our company’s opening in 1980, we have poured our hearts into Family, Service, and Community. It’s the way we started, the way we’ve grown, and it’s the way we’ve become Better Connected.

 

………………………….

 

With our customized solutions, valued client relationships, and family culture, GAGE is always available to help you find the best communication solution for you and your business. To learn more about our services, read about our products & services or contact us today!