Latest posts by Jim Gustke

How fax machines work and how to fax in 2024
  • March 21, 2024
As fax machines improved, so did the transmittal time. This was a boon to businesses that depended on sending or receiving sensitive documents. Fax machines became so popular that “fax” became a verb, as in “Fax me your order and we’ll ship it today.” The sales of stand-alone fax machines peaked in the U.S. in 1997 and three years later in Japan. [Read More]
Posted in Business Blog
How VoIP home phone service can help
  • February 22, 2024
With every member of your household having a cell phone in their pocket, it’s reasonable to consider cutting the cord on your landline. After all, isn’t having a landline and cell phones a duplication of services? [Read More]
Posted in Home Phone Blog
What to do before big telecom gets rid of your home phone service
  • February 16, 2024
If your current home phone provider is pushing you to switch to their VoIP phone service as a result of the demise of traditional copper phone lines, you may wonder if it is really the right choice for you. This post explores some frequently asked questions on the topic and shares information on making the move to VoIP phone service successfully. [Read More]
Posted in Home Phone Blog
Why your landline home phone is getting more expensive and less reliable
  • February 6, 2024
Landline phone service over copper wires is going the way of the horse and buggy. Find out how to keep your landline, switch to a 21st century service and save money! [Read More]
Posted in Home Phone Blog
VoIP industry trends to watch in 2024
  • January 11, 2024
Happy new year and welcome to 2024! The new year can mean fresh starts, but they also mean taking time to prepare for potential changes. Check out what’s new in the telecom industry with the latest in voice over IP solutions from Ooma. [Read More]
Posted in Blog
2024 New Year’s resolutions: Ring in the New Year with Ooma
  • December 22, 2023
While it may feel like 2023 started yesterday, 2024 is just around the corner. You know what that means: New Year’s resolutions. It can be a lot to think up of goals you won’t abandon six months from now, so here are some resolutions to inspire you. [Read More]
Posted in Blog
Mastering business communications: the ultimate guide to business phone etiquette
  • September 5, 2023
Telephone etiquette is how you conduct yourself on a phone call. Historically there have been distinct do’s and don’ts for telephone etiquette. With the emergence of mobile devices, things are definitely more relaxed these days. However, it’s still crucial to use proper phone etiquette for business conversations. [Read More]
Posted in Business Blog
When did area codes become a thing?
  • August 4, 2023
We use phone numbers every day, and we’re well accustomed to dialing area codes. In fact, we’re so used to them that area codes have become part of our identity, and you may even be able to recognize where someone hails from based on their area code alone. [Read More]
Posted in Blog
6 tips on how to lower your home phone bill
  • July 17, 2023
Empower yourself with six tips on how to lower your home phone bill. We saved the best for last—switch to Voice over internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service. [Read More]
Posted in Home Phone Blog
7 tips on how to break cellphone addiction
  • June 6, 2023
Cellphone overuse, especially when it comes to social media, is getting a lot of news coverage lately, and rightly so. We’ve learned that too much of a good thing can harm both our physical and mental health. While smartphones entertain and delight us, they can also distract us, raise our anxiety levels and be a time-suck. [Read More]
Posted in Blog
The award for Best Business VoIP Phone Service in 2023 goes to… Ooma Office for the tenth year in a row!
  • March 28, 2023
PCMag readers called it. Each year, PCMag polls its readers for their Business Choice awards and Ooma Office took top honors as the Best Business VoIP Phone Service for the tenth straight year. [Read More]
Posted in Business Blog
The 411 on 911: Separate the truth from the myths
  • January 23, 2023
How exactly does the 911 emergency system work? There is a complex set of procedures and infrastructure behind the scenes that makes sure you get the help you need. Take a few minutes to find out how 911 works and make sure you are fully protected. [Read More]
Posted in Home Phone Blog
VoIP or landline phones: Which is best for your business?
  • November 15, 2022
But what does that technical difference mean for you, and how can it help your business? What advanced features can you take advantage of with VoIP over a traditional system? In this guide, we’ll explore how both VoIP and business landline phone solutions work and go over the advantages and disadvantages. You’ll learn whether VoIP is better for you or if your business might come out ahead with a traditional system, and you’ll be able to make the best decision for your company. [Read More]
Posted in Business Blog
The 411 on 988: How this valuable new resource can help save lives
  • October 19, 2022
Formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the 988 initiative is a joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, to put crisis care in greater reach for people in need. [Read More]
Posted in Blog
Escape AT&T’s high landline costs and keep your phone number
  • August 11, 2022
Are you stuck paying for high-speed internet and a landline phone? Shelling out for two different services can be a drag. But the good news is you can cut costs, cancel AT&T home phone service and keep your phone number by switching to a VoIP service. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, enables you to make phone calls via the internet – so you won’t need a landline anymore. [Read More]
Posted in Home Phone Blog
Celebrating National Telephone Day: From Rotary Phones to Cell Phones and Beyond
  • April 19, 2022
From Rotary Phones to Cell Phones and BeyondApril 25th is National Telephone Day! Because of this, now is a great time to think about the telephone, a truly amazing technology that has shaped civilization through its fascinating evolution. [Read More]
Posted in Home Phone Blog
Small Business PBX: Essential Phone System Guide
  • March 20, 2021
Not all PBX systems are created equal. There's a variety of features to consider, and different PBX types are suited to different situations. If you're just getting started, this guide will help... [Read More]
Posted in Business Blog
How Ooma Can Help You Work From Home
  • March 17, 2020
If you’re a small business owner, you may be looking at this trend and considering creating a remote work strategy that can help your business. The key to remote work is communication, and a core piece of communication for any small business is a phone system. [Read More]
Posted in Blog
How Tom Brady’s life lessons can help you inspire your workforce.
  • January 31, 2020
As we gear up for the biggest football game of the season, quarterback Tom Brady won't be on the field this year. However, his legendary success can be the inspiration for your business as you consider employee motivation ideas. [Read More]
Posted in Business Blog
Your guide to Canadian Boxing Day
  • December 24, 2019
It's easy to take Canadian Boxing Day for granted. It shows up on the calendar and we know that it's a federal holiday in Canada, but what exactly is Boxing Day, what are its traditions and how do you celebrate? Let's find out. Boxing Day is on December 26, the day after Christmas [Read More]
Posted in Home Phone Blog