This October we'll be introducing our exciting new business venture Cirrus Edge Networks, LLC (CEN) which provides complete network connectivity solutions from the desktop to the cloud, and beyond. Our continuing growth in the industry enables us to bring to the table capabilities that address virtually every aspect of our customers' communication strategies.

Cirrus Edge Networks provides value through innovative solutions and advanced high-quality communication services with integrity, sound business practices and local, personal service. One of our goals is to shelter clients from the typically frustrating experience of dealing with in-accessible, impersonable service providers. Developing lasting relationships with our customers forges a strategic alliance whereby the client is empowered to focus on the execution of their business while CEN manages their commnication environment.

With over 60 years of combined experience in the communications industry of the leadership team of CEN possesses the knowledge, expertise and vision that our clients rely on to help solve some of their most difficult communication challenges. Our web site will soon have information about the upcoming launch event in on October 24th. If you would like to attend this event simply contact us at info@oberlander.com.  
 

Choosing Wisely - Some Practical Tips

Over the course of my 33-year tenure with Oberlander Communications (good Lord, has it really been that long!?) the state of the telecommunications industry has evolved from essentially one service provider – AT&T – to such a dizzying assortment of providers, offerings, packages, pricing, and technologies that ‘buyer beware’ is the maxim for any consumer approaching the market. Ok, maybe “beware” is a bit intense but without a doubt it is no less imperative for a consumer to thoroughly investigate the various offerings and more importantly, the vendors of the products and services under consideration.

You've gotta love the Internet. It's an invaluable tool with which to become an educated consumer, at least to the degree we can establish the legitimacy of the information discovered there. With patience and perseverance, a savvy shopper will ferret out seemingly any piece of information desired, regardless of how insignificant or trivial. Anyone will tell you that being familiar with the topics you will encounter can go a long way to help avoid being overwhelmed with the inevitable barrage of techno-jargon “product experts” may assault you with.

Some key words and phrases that can raise my yellow flag of caution are –

·       Effortless – when was the last time someone adopted or migrated to a new technology-based-anything and exclaimed afterwards “Hey, that was effortless!”?

·       Virtual – I love this! Google says:

• "1. Almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to strict definition.
• 2. Not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so." 

·       Seamless – satisfactory solutions typically involve the integration of various technologies, a patchwork if you will. Each patch is “stitched” together creating “seams”. No matter how fine the “stitch”, the seam can (and will) be a source of weakness, causing some or all of the fabric to disconnect. Look for a master “seamstress”!

·       Others might include “easy”, “no-brainer”, “Plug ‘n Play”, “indestructible” (insert your own favorite here __________)

·       Free – my personal favorite. Some will say “nothing is free”, others will argue. The phrase   “you get what you pay for” came from somewhere, right? When it comes to this industry, my experience suggests nothing is free.

Clearly establish your needs, wants and expectations. Research your desired products and potential sources, check references and reviews if available, and establish a realistic budget. You’ll be far more confident making your choices and your odds of satisfaction will dramatically improve.

Celebrate freedom of choice!

This coming September 1st our company will celebrate it's 36th anniversary. I remember joining the Oberlander companies early in 1977 when the communications division was a fledgling operation made possible by the opportunities created when AT&T  split up its monopolistic hold on the telecommunications industry. The intent of this historic move was to create an environment that would foster competitive alternatives in an otherwise stagnant, monolithic industry and result in benefits typically manifest by a free-market. Conusmers in turn - not providers - would determine the value of products and services by excercising their freedom of choice at the point of consumption. It was a brilliant and warranted plan though, arguably, sometimes painful in execution.

Freedom of choice is one of those privileges I excercise, and take for granted, daily. From beginning each morning choosing whether or not to get out bed with the alarm, to deciding if  a blanket is needed when settling in for the night - a day's activity is an endless series of choices bookended by slumber's bliss.

Our forefathers fought tirelessly to guarantee that we would always be free to make our own choices, to pursue our interests and seek our destiny. I love how our manufacturers respond to customers' needs and desires. I can pretty much guarantee that a solution exists to virtually any challenge. And most of the time there are mutilple solutions from which to choose. It typically becomes a matter of ferreting out the best choice. It's what I love to do. I'm anxious to see what happens in the next 36 years!