Category: Others

16 Feb 2023
Others AGC 0 comment

Is Your Security System Open to Cyber Crime?

How many security cameras hang outside the places you frequent?

Surveillance cameras today are nearly ubiquitous. They’re at the gym, airports, businesses, and
nonprofits. Even animals are part of the picture. It’s not unusual for Hummingbird feeders to feature tiny cameras so people can observe these tiny acrobats in action.

The irony is that some camera arrays – whether it’s a network of several or thousands — may
potentially represent a security threat. As history has shown, hackers can access a camera’s IP address. If the camera’s security platform is not designed properly, the hackers can potentially leap into the main data network. Considering everything that’s on a data network — email to computer servers to sensitive customer records — this is how serious damage may occur.

AGC’s Approach to Camera Networks
A system integrator with a 28-year history, AGC fully understands video surveillance and access
control technologies and how to keep them running optimally. As our Solutions Architect often stresses, video-surveillance platforms should be installed in a manner to prevent these incidents. This exemplifies our ability to anticipate concerns other integrators may fail to understand or simply overlook.

When looking at surveillance and/or access-control designs, AGC takes it a step further by:

  • Ensuring internet traffic cannot be routed from the security system’s server, known as a
    network video recorder (NVR), into the larger network. Unlike traditional servers, NVRs have
    operating systems and application software dedicated to video recording. We possess deep
    understanding of these devices. Plus we install them within security architecture that accounts
    for possible breaches.

  • Making firmware updates streamlined and effortless. Even though the security platform is isolated from the main network, updates to camera firmware are still accomplished via remote access or by onsite technicians. Firmware is software embedded in hardware. These updates enable the latest features, compatibility solutions, etc.

Security incidents come in all shapes and sizes – from violent individuals to computer hacks.
Employing holistic solutions is key. As our approach to video-surveillance platforms show, AGC leaps beyond standard practices to keep organizations secure.

Moreover, as a Unified Elite Genetec Partner, we understand how to unify all security platforms and components into a single-pane-of-glass system with one login.

Schedule a site visit or call 502-583-6000.

14 Dec 2022
Others AGC 0 comment

Seeking a new phone system?

Need positive change around the office? The new year is a perfect time to act!

Business phones offer a great example. Many customers are switching from older “on-premises” systems to AGC’s cloud-hosted telecom for voice, video, messaging, and collaboration.

Here’s why “the switch” is on:

  • White-glove service that’s local – We’re in your backyard, not places like California or Holmdel, New Jersey (yes, “Holmdel,” wherever that is). Our Account Managers are here to ensure everything runs smoothly. Yet our cloud architecture serves clients throughout America and beyond.

  • Higher costs for older telephone lines — Internet Service Providers will soon charge significantly more for older lines. Or they’re switching customers to fiber or digital. Our solution doesn’t require these lines or on-site equipment, so scratch that worry off your list!

  • Zero replacement parts, no support — In many cases, no parts are available to fix aging equipment like wall-mounted servers. Toshiba’s support has stopped entirely. When available, parts arrival may require several business days. With AGC, you can wave goodbye to such disruptions.

  • Enjoying the “latest- and-greatest” system with free software updates while benefiting from rich features. A few examples include “always-on” virtual meetings, caller ID, and voicemail-to-email. Desktops, handsets, and mobile devices are all part of this solution.

Plus, we program your system to achieve precise goals depending on what makes your organization tick. Examples include handling emergencies for healthcare organizations, streamlining carryout orders for busy restaurants or stronger sales for any firm seeking higher revenues.

Would those telecom giants know your organization this intimately? Highly doubtful since they’re based in faraway places and tend to communicate with tens of millions of customers through chat, call centers or form submissions.

As always, contact us or call 503-583-6000. Also, check out our hosted telecom page and the “101” on business telephones! As a non-siloed, family-owned telecom provider, AGC’s account managers — even firm owners — are easily accessible and ready to serve you.

We offer a full line of award-winning Yealink handsets as part of your overall telecom solution.
21 Sep 2022
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How AGC Uplevels Campus Security

Advanced Global Communications (AGC) and technology partner Genetec teamed up recently at Morehead State University to demonstrate how our longstanding alliance is protecting campuses and other organizations from today’s evolving threats.

As a Unified Elite partner, AGC is the company that integrates Genetec’s unified security platform among organizations throughout Louisville and surrounding regions. This solution enables clients to manage their security policies, monitor events and run investigations using one interface with single login access. Card readers, door controls, security cameras, alarms and other devices all run fluidly on our unified platform.

In short, we transform how security gets done. And our solution’s ecosystem enables clients to expand their systems with new technologies to face emerging threats. New data types are accommodated seamlessly in one interface.

In fact, AGC pioneered integration of Genetec’s signature platform, known as Security Center, within the Louisville and Kentucky markets some 15 years ago. At Morehead State, we discussed recent advances such as Genetec’s Higher Education Portfolio. We even showed how our solutions prevent unauthorized entries due to keycard copying. This copying is now done easily using kiosks at various retail chains, which is just one example of how potential threats are constantly evolving.

We discussed Genetec’s simplification and ease as well. Compared to lesser platforms or bulky multi-system formats, our unified solution enables faster alerts to different kinds of incidents, faster decision-making and lower stress. Running investigations becomes easier while time and money are saved by reducing or eliminating various redundancies such as multiple training requirements or maintenance contracts.

Core benefits include:

  • One login for all security monitoring and tasks
  • Improved collaboration and response times
  • Isolating video in seconds versus hours
  • Emailing captured video to law enforcement quickly and easily
  • Automatic license-plate recognition
  • Customize standard operations procedures for consistent responses

Why is AGC Kentucky’s go-to Genetec integrator? Key factors are thoroughness and expertise. We provide on-site system training for guards, human-resource officers, security managers or other employees before, during and after installation. We understand the finer details, such as updating Windows patches to ensure successful installation to enabling individual workstations to see video coverage (which complements control-room monitoring).

Thinking about converting to Genetec? Here are four key benefits based on case studies. Contact us or call 502-583-6000 to schedule a demo, site visit or to address any question about security. Our solutions protect clients large or small, profit or nonprofit.

As our participation at Morehead State demonstrated, we’re ready to discuss your security needs.

01 Jun 2022
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AGC earns 2022 Family Business Award

Credit for AGC’s Small Business of the Year honor goes to the entire team.

During Louisville’s recent Family Business Awards ceremony, the chairman of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory revealed his career’s biggest highlight – something that occurred in 1984 and impacts him today.

On that date Jack Hillerich listened to a presentation by management consultant W. Edwards Deming about good versus unproductive workers. Deming’s opinion, Hillerich recalled, bucked the prevailing view that 60 percent are good or willing, 20 percent are on the fence, and 20 percent are bad workers.

“Dr. Deming said workers have a right to enjoy their work,” Hillerich said. “In the four years I went to business college, I never heard the word ‘joy’ once. The bottom line is, if you don’t enjoy your work, how can you be proud of what you do? If you’re not proud of what you do, how can you be productive? If you don’t enjoy what you do, how can you be creative?”

“My whole career has been (about finding) ways to bring joy to the company and the people who work with me,” he said. “Because working with people who are joyful or happy is really great.”

Values Lead to Success

As a family business, Advanced Global Communications (AGC) embraces these ideas. We credit them for receiving a 2022 Small Business of the Year honor during the ceremony, held May 24 at The Olmsted.

The honor reflects AGC’s ability to outperform larger firms while staying true to core values (for more, visit About). Louisville Business First , the University of Louisville’s College of Business and UL’s Family Business Center presented the award to AGC co-founder Chris Keller.

During the ceremony, Chris Keller stressed the importance of treating employees with respect while delivering “white-glove” service to clients, echoing Deming’s advice.

“We’re excited about cutting-edge developments within our industry,” Keller said. “We see these developments before the public and even most competitors. But we look deeper to see how they can be applied to clients’ needs.”

More Awards Coverage

A special section with more coverage of the Family Business Awards ceremony, including profiles of each Small Business of the Year honoree, is available to Louisville Business First subscribers. In the section, Chris and Patrick Keller stated what the future holds for business telecom and security-system integration.

09 Dec 2021
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Why Purchase Your Phone System from AGC?

  • More than 26 years ago, we began as a voice provider then evolved into IT, security, audio-visual and cabling. We understand networking protocols and technicalities to ensure telephone systems function trouble-free and achieve office goals.

  • This above point includes system configurations plus network-hardware installations. Some examples:

    • Configure Auto Attendant
    • Create Ring Groups
    • Set up simultaneous mobile-phone integration for users as needed
    • Set up voicemail-to-email integration for users as needed
    • System training with personal voicemail setups
    • Configure gateway anti-virus and malware
    • Configure onto firewall baseline perimeter security
    • Local number porting
    • Content filter to block unwanted websites
    • Set up paging over all phones as needed
    • Create timeframes for call routing
    • Many other steps

  • Customers enjoy Unified Communications (UC) such as voice, chat, text, visual voicemail, HD video meetings, permanent “virtual collaboration rooms,” call center and more. Desktops become “softphones;” Personal mobile phones become business phones displaying office extensions. UC affords remote and hybrid solutions needed for 2022 and beyond.

  • As a Yealink partner, we install the world’s top-selling SIP handset according to the Global IP Desktop Phone Growth Excellence Leadership Award Report, Frost & Sullivan, 2019. Yealink received in 2018 the highest customer satisfaction rating for VoIP phones in the small-business market, per Eastern Management Group. Yealink is compatible with most hosted systems. Customers can purchase their phones, or we have leasing options, if needed.

  • AGC is the registered service provider in Kentucky. Telephone service contracts are not controlled by some telecom giant in a faraway place. Unlike most companies, we can simply end the contract if you’re unhappy with service.

  • No support agreements or annual fees other than the monthly phone bill, which is provided by AGC.

  • Remote service at no additional cost, including moves, adds and changes, voicemail/password resets, programming requests and remote troubleshooting.

  • Customers have direct access to their AGC account manager. Plus, our owners get involved as needed. Many telecom firms have tens of millions of customers. Direct conversations with C-level management is untenable, perhaps laughable if you’re one of 70 million customers. Even access to a helpful customer-service agent could prove nightmarish. By comparison, our account managers, IT engineers and owners are here for you.

We’re happy to provide a free demo at your site. Contact AGC or call 502-583-6000.

11 Oct 2021
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Failure Warning: 3G Alarms

Clients whose fire/security alarms use cellular communications as the reporting path to the central monitoring station should note the following caveats:

  • Systems that operate over 3G networks will become inoperable once wireless carriers phase out 3G in 2022. These phase outs are already underway. Completion dates vary by carrier but will occur as early as Jan. 1, 2022, in the case of Sprint (by new owner T-Mobile). Unless upgraded, these alarms would not communicate with central monitoring stations during a fire, disaster or security incident.

  • If your system is served by 3G, updating our system is strongly recommended due to these phase outs. Contact Advanced Global Communications at 502-583-6000 or [email protected].

Background

Mobile carriers are shutting down 3G networks, which rely on older technology, to make room for more advanced services, such as 5G. Completion dates will occur throughout 2022, with precise timelines depending on the carrier. More information is available at the Federal Communications Commission’s website.

fcc.gov/consumers/guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular-networks-and-service.

11 Aug 2021
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Limited Toshiba Help Begins 10/1

Toshiba-branded telephone systems are entering the final phase of a withdrawal from the telecom business, part of a global restructuring. Therefore, our technical support for Toshiba-branded systems and equipment — including the CIX and IPedge products — will be severely limited starting Oct. 1, 2021. We will support these systems to the best of our abilities while technicians with requisite expertise are available. However, remaining customers with Toshiba-branded phones and equipment should note the following:

  • The absence of factory-level technical support or licensing will limit our ability to service these systems;
  • Parts availability will be limited or unavailable;
  • Expanding these systems beyond their current capacity will no longer be viable; and
  • If we are unable to fix issues, the service call is billable, and we would be unable to troubleshoot further.

Replacing these Toshiba-branded systems before these scenarios happen is our highest recommendation. We offer attractive solutions, including cloud-hosted communications that can reduce line costs and maintenance needs, plus on-premises systems.

We built our telecom business on service, responsiveness and relationships. This will continue long after the unwind of these Toshiba-branded systems.

We have contacted as many affected telecom customers as possible. This began in 2017 and continues with account managers making personal visits to these organizations. Being fully informed so they can plan accordingly is our primary goal.

We built our telecom business through personal service, responsiveness and long-term relationships. This approach began in 1995 with our founding; it will continue long after the unwind of these Toshiba-branded systems.

Use our Support contact form, or call 502-583-6000 for assistance. You may also email service requests to [email protected].

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