Introduction
Information has taken center stage in modern day operation and the need for efficient information systems is given as much emphasis as strategic planning (Tipton & Krause, 2007). Information system is a collection of policies and mechanisms put in place to ensure their implementation (Tipton & Krause, 2007). Telecommunication devices are among the data device that ensure the efficient flow of information in and out of an organization and are therefore central to the success of any information systems thus the success of any organization depends on the implementation of their information system (Tipton & Krause, 2007). This paper looks at Toshiba Strata DK and the handsets: TELECO Model UST-1010DSD (Digital Key Telephone) which are some of the voice communication devices used in the organization I work in. To fully understand the devices the following definitions must be understood.-
Rotary Vs. DMF
Rotary as the name suggests relates to movement in circles around an axis. Rotary are phones where each number is input by dialing around the rotary. The effects of the turning is that the switch at the phones service provider is turned on and off creating a sequence that can be identified as a signal for a specific client (Instructional Software Research and Development Group, 2007). The DMF is a phone that uses audio signals generated by pressing buttons on a touch phone (Instructional Software Research and Development Group, 2007). Each key pressed generates two specific tones one of a high frequency and the other of a low frequency which are picked up by the service providers switch (Instructional Software Research and Development Group, 2007).
WATS Vs. Leased Lines
Wide Area Telecommunications Service (WATS) is a telecommunication service that handles both outgoing and incoming calls and a combination of both (Minoli, 2008). The networking method used by the mechanisms is a dial up system which uses access lines and public network that have been switched as per the regulation governing the use of such communication systems (Minoli, 2008). Leased lines on the other hand are symmetric lines of communications between two different locations (Minoli, 2008). The use of telephone numbers is not necessary since the two sides are permanently connected (Minoli, 2008). These lines find use in transmission of data and voice and may even be used for internet services (Minoli, 2008).
Private Branch eXchange (PBX) and Centrex
PBX is an organization’s telephony system that ensures switching of calls between enterprise users by the use of local lines while implementing a number of external lines. The main reason for the implementation of such systems is based on the reduction of costs that could have been incurred by having each users connected to the service provider. Centrex is basically a version of PBX; the difference being the level of switching. In Centrex, switching is done at the central office rather than at the user level.
ISO-OSI Reference Model
The OSI reference model provides standards that govern the communication between two devices in a network (Peterson & Davie, 2007). The reference model has seven layers each of which is charged with specific responsibility. The layered approach is useful for its ensures independence of the layers thus ease in troubleshooting and management of communication. The first layer is the physical layers which defines the medium of transmission. Media are charged with transmission be they thinnet, optic cables or untwisted pairs (Peterson & Davie, 2007). Conversion from one media to another is defined at this level (Peterson & Davie, 2007). The data link layer is definitive of the format of data in the network including its physical and logical destination via the network interface. The third layer is the network layer which uses internet protocol as its interface. Routing and redirection of datagrams and packets is managed by this layer (Peterson & Davie, 2007). Address resolution protocol is included in this layer to handle data signal directed to hardware destination (Peterson & Davie, 2007). The transport layer is responsible for the connection to the sources and destination nodes in network communication. The transport layer has a number of protocols that ensure packet delivery by resending failed signals and maintaining connection between two communicating devices (Tipton & Krause, 2007).. The session layer is responsible for the definition of the format that data sent over the connection use (Tipton & Krause, 2007).. It is important that the data format used be independent of the platform. The presentation layer comes right after the session layer and is responsible for the conversion of signals to their canonical form and the reverse (Tipton & Krause, 2007). The application layers is the last of the seven layered ISO reference model and is tasked with the responsibility of providing network applications or end user services .
Toshiba Strata DK (Digital Business Telephone Systems)
The office DK424 has a configurable universal slot architecture that allows for almost all combination of CO lines, peripherals and telephones (Toshiba, 2008). The system is based on building block which allows for continuous extension. The initial implementation provides a capacity of 16 CO and 32 telephones, it can be continually extended to a maximum capacity of 200 lines and 336 phones (Toshiba, 2008). The expansion cabinets can be configured remotely from base cabinets, this ensures ease in configuration in distributed systems. Strata DK 4242 incorporates the latest in the world of technology and presents it in a user friendly interface (Toshiba, 2008). The advantages of the system therefore include:
l Modular growth: The building block approach to its implementation ensures optimal use of the system in a cost effective manner since upgrades can be made as per the business requirements.
l Migration and Compatibility: The system allows for the integration of telephones from smaller and older versions of Strata DK systems (Toshiba, 2008).
l Cost saving: The detailed information it provides on incoming and outgoing calls, routing utility, ability to connect to high speed digital services, off-site programming and the ease in relocation without the need for reprogramming are some of the features that ensures its use is less costly (Toshiba, 2008).
l Efficient Interface: The complex system is presented in an interface that is easy to use by the display of simple, clear instruction on the phones LCD screen (Toshiba, 2008). Furthermore, it allows for user programming such that a number of tasks can be programmed to be performed by a single commands (Toshiba, 2008).
l Addition of Options: Strata DK424 allows individual addition of features when needed (Toshiba, 2008). This ensures that one gets the exact level of performance required by the businesses. This ensure maximum productivity in a cost effective manner.
The effectiveness of the DK424 is such that it can be considered the good system if only one can afford its rather high costs.
Teleco UST-1010DSD
The handsets features include an LCD display screen of considerable resolution, it further has a speaker phone with volume control and 10 digit display capability (Toshiba, 2008). The phone is compatible with all Strata DK systems and has a Voicemail retrieval facility. Its major undoing is the costs which may border exploitation in some definitions (Toshiba, 2008).
Conclusion
Without a proper communication systems there is little than can be done thus the implementation of proper communication system that will ensure efficiency in communication is considered the first step to success (Instructional Software Research and Development Group, 2007). Proper communication systems show high correlation to growth and overall organizational development. Even though implementation of proper communication policies is cited as a first step towards ensuring efficiency in information systems, the use of efficient devices should be stressed on. The use of the Strata 424 is a perfect definition of efficient though the costs may be considerable.
Reference List
Instructional Software Research and Development Group (2007). Data Communication and Computer Networks. Mumbai: Tata McGraw-Hill
Minoli, D. (2008). IP Multicast with Applications to IPTV and Mobile DVB-H. New York: Wiley-Interscience.
Peterson, L. L. & Davie, B. S. (2007). Computer Networks: A Systems Approach. San Francisco: Morgan Kaufmann.
Tipton, H. F. & Krause, M. (2007). Information Security Management Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Toshiba (2008). IP Telephone Systems. Retrieved 18 October 2008 from <http://www.toshiba-phones.com/strata_dk424.htm>
Valentine, M. H. (2007). CCNA: Exam 640-802. New Jersey: Que Certification.
White, J. D. (2007). Managing Information in the Public Sector. New York: M.E. Sharpe.
