7 minute read
IT & TECHNOLOGY
by subcusa.com
market sectors
• aviation • CIVIL • commercial • corrections • education • entertainment • healthcare • historic renovations • hospitality/casinos • military • municipal • transportation services
• pre-construction • construCtion management • program management • design-build • general contracting • SPECIALTY CONTRACTING
IAH MLIT
www.azteca-omega.com | Houston MBE - HIRE HOUSTON FIRST
3340-C Greens Road, Suite 900 | Houston TX 77032 | 281-205-0919
Does Your Organization Still Use POTS?
By Paul Stoessel MCA Communications
Beginning in the late 1800s and for more than a hundred years thereafter, the Plain Ordinary Telephone System (POTS) revolutionized communication for business and personal use everywhere. But since the advent of new technology starting in the 1980s where the voice could be transmitted through digital protocols, the old “twisted pair” is likely riding out into the sunset.
Your organization probably already uses digital voice communications in some manner, but there may be some forgotten areas to consider such as fire alarms, elevators, gate systems, and even some fax machines. You probably want to check now because deregulation of POTS is upon us as of August 2, 2022.
There is no need to panic, of course. POTS lines will still be usable for some time to come. But you may see your rates increase as the aging copper lines and overall maintenance becomes more expensive. Left alone, this may create a budgetary crunch in the months to come.
What replacement What replacement choices are there? choices are there?
The most common technology for phone service is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), but cellular wireless has become increasingly popular and relatively less expensive in recent years. VoIP comes either in a hardware or software option.
The hardware option includes an actual phone that looks and sounds like a traditional POTS telephone, and almost always includes a software option. The software option relies on a downloaded app to your desktop or mobile device and can typically be managed through a web browser.
Using cellular wireless can make sense in areas where physically re-running a cable is not feasible. Otherwise, it is better to have it as a backup communication resource.
What else needs What else needs to be considered? to be considered?
Particularly for alarm and elevator lines, you must choose a solution that is compliant with safety standards and will pass inspection. For your business calls, you should ensure there is enough bandwidth from your internet service provider to maintain a clear connection with your VoIP phones. You should also speak with a professional consultant regarding the types of phone technology that best suit your needs, so you do not over-purchase services or get locked into a long contract.
At MCA Communications, our technicians and engineers can inspect your business’s network and provide a report with a scalable action plan today. With 40 years of experience, MCA is the best in the business and can fill all your technology, security, and communication needs. Consultations are always free!
For more information, visit MCACom.com or email Paul.Stoessel@MCACom.com to schedule a consultation.
Serving as MCA’s Director of Managed Services, Paul Stoessel holds more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology and Managed Services. His primary focus is partnering with clients as an expert consultant in managed services and working with them to design and implement customized solutions. He is responsible for the growth and development of MCA’s Managed Services Division and ensuring it meets and exceeds customer needs. He works closely with MCA’s Project Managers, Account Managers, and their clients.
SMALL BUSINESS ON THE MOVE
Take your company to new heights!
ARCHITECTURE/ ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GENERAL SERVICES SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
METRO’s OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS OFFERS:
• Outreach • Certification • Compliance • Virtual one-on-one • Small Business University (SBU) • Business Development
For more information, contact METRO’s O ce of Small Business at smallbusiness@RideMETRO.org or call 713.739.4844.
A COMPANY FOR ALL!
Tellepsen's Commitment
Tellepsen is committed to building a company that truly represents the diverse community we have served for 113 years. Texas Southern University and Tellepsen are working together to positively impact the success of students who are focused on career pathways in the construction industry. Through this partnership, we endeavor to provide pathways for the next generation to thrive and succeed as we work together to build for Houston’s future.
281.447.8100 www.tellepsen.com 777 Benmar Drive, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77060
SEPTEMBER 28 & 29, 2022 | 1500 POST OAK BOULEVARD, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056 Provides MBEs With Opportunities for EXPOnential Growth
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Under the leadership of President Ingrid M. Robinson, the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) continues to combat the challenges MBEs face with a commitment to seeing these businesses succeed. Since its founding in 1973, this nonprofit organization has remained a driving force in the economic growth of minority-owned businesses. Recognized nationally, HMSDC is a model setting the highest standards of excellence by bringing corporate members and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) together to create mutual value. HMSDC’s mission is to actively involve its members in efforts that will increase and expand business opportunities and business growth for MBEs and drive excellence in supplier diversity and supplier development. One of HMSDC’s signature events is its annual business EXPO. The 2022 EXPO Business Opportunity Marketplace is Texas’ largest minority business trade fair supporting the growth and elevation of minority-owned businesses. This year’s EXPO theme is “EXPONENTIAL GROWTH,” to describe HMSDC’s path forward as they support MBEs pushing through the challenges of the pandemic and into a new sense of normalcy for business success. “HMSDC understands the struggles that MBEs have faced over the past year or so, and that’s why we are pushing the message of EXPOnential growth at this year’s conference. This year’s EXPO is an extension of our work to help MBEs make business connections, gain industry insights, and provide opportunities to help them achieve exponential growth through the energy transition and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA),” says Robinson.
In conjunction with State Senators Borris Miles and Carol Alvarado, the 2022 EXPO’s hybrid format returns the Spot Bid Fair to its in-person format. The demand for face-to-face business opportunity discussions continues to grow and is hailed as the best method to create a meaningful and mutually beneficial dialogue between MBEs, Historically Underutilized The EXPO is focused on the deriving impact for our corporate members, government agencies, and MBEs. EXPOnential growth is possible for businesses as the economy rebounds and demand continues to increase for products and services. We want to ensure MBEs are connected to those opportunities, and the EXPO is the best way to achieve that.”
—Ingrid M. Robinson, HMSDC President
Businesses (HUBs), and major corporations and government agencies from across the state. James (Jim) Brownrigg, HMSDC Board Chair and VP at Turner Construction says, “Because HMSDC remains aware that access to contracts is imperative, attendees have been encouraged to participate in the State Agency Spot Bid Fair, as some contracts may be awarded on the spot and others within weeks of the EXPO. Now that’s immediate results!”
Some additional 2022 EXPO highlights:
• The State of Texas: Access and Opportunity Workshop • Rigel Awards Luncheon with the master of ceremony, Khambrel Marshall of KPRC Channel 2 • BizTalk Session co-sponsored by the
Houston Business Journal • MBE Best-In-Class Reception • Keynote speaker Jane Stricker, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI) • One-to-One Business MatchMakers • Power Hour Luncheon featuring Holly Kesterson and Dorita Hatchett, of the Houston Sports Authority
This annual EXPO remains a benefit to corporations, prime suppliers, educational institutions, and government agencies
as it connects these entities with MBEs that are qualified to meet their needs. As for MBEs, this conference is a valuable forum where minority-owned businesses can identify lucrative and current business opportunities and talk with key team members about processes and resources available to assist them.
For more information about the HMSDC, its annual EXPO, and all of its programs supporting MBEs, please visit www.hmsdc.org, call (713) 271-7805, or email info@hmsdc.org.
