Advanced Computing Edge

Advanced Computing Edge helps small retail businesses operate more efficiently and serve their customers better.

Founded in 1981, the Toronto company sells its own line of ACE Retail 3000 cash register management systems -- a fully integrated package designed to automate all day-to-day operations of a retail business, including accounting, inventory control, point of sale, purchasing, vendor and customer management, and loyalty programs such as member discounts or points. The in-house designed hardware and software packages are created to give small retailers the advantage of big business systems to help grow their companies.

“It is a full turn-key system,” says company president Karel Sala.

The ACE Retail 3000 system is affordable and easy to use, he adds. In fact over 800 small and mid-sized retailers across North America use their system, including Home Hardware, Castle Building Centres, and many jewellery, clothing and specialty gift stores.

The company also offers full service and support to clients who purchase their ACE management packages.

Advanced Computing Edge has a staff of 15 and Karel recently noticed that when several employees were using the Internet at the same time for research purposes or to download material, the connection was very slow. So he decided a stronger Internet connection was a priority and began shopping around among providers.

“We wanted to increase our internal productivity,” Karel explains. “As well, the company is planning to introduce a web store to sell its products online, so the Internet will become a more important part of our business and we can’t have a slow site.”

Advanced Computing Edge has built its business on providing cost-effective and efficient solutions, as well as top notch service, to help small companies grow and prosper. So it only makes sense that these are the same traits Karel was looking for in a new telecommunications provider.

And ultimately, that is why Advanced Computing Edge switched to Allstream Small Business.

Like Karel’s own company, Allstream Small Business is focused specifically on meeting the needs of smaller companies that have very different requirements than a big corporation and are looking for hassle-free options that are competitively priced and offer strong support.

First of all, Karel noted that Allstream Small Business has the technological capabilities to serve its clients well.

Allstream Small Business has a coast-to-coast fibre-optic network spanning more than 24,300 kilometers and equipped with the latest digital technologies to deliver reliable solutions to customers nationwide. It's also connected through strategic partnerships with leading service providers in more than 70 countries around the world.

Karel says he was also impressed with the fact that Allstream Small Business allows its clients to choose from an array of phone and Internet bundles depending on the size and scope of their telecommunications requirements. He purchased only the tools his company required and wasn’t forced to pay for services he didn’t really need as part of a “package deal.”

Karel chose the Phone + Net 1 bundle which includes high speed Internet service with personalized Internet domain name, email accounts, security features, as well as two phone lines with the choice of two calling features applied to both phones, and 1,000 U.S. and Canada long distance minutes.

Allstream Small Business recognizes that no two companies are alike so they also offer the ability to tailor the bundles by adding individual extra features, such as additional phone or fax or Internet tools.

Advanced Computing Edge, for example, has a high call volume so Karel chose to add four additional phone lines to the bundle.   

“The price is excellent,” says Karel. “The cost of the service combined with the long distance savings has chopped by monthly phone bill in half.”

The Allstream Small Business also offers flexibility. There is no contract to sign and he can switch between bundles or add services as his company changes.

“We are thinking of adding another two lines but we will see how it goes -- it’s great that with Allstream Small Business you can add on to your package at any time,” says Karel. “And I like the fact that Allstream Small Business is confident enough in their service that they don’t require customers to sign a long-term contract. I don’t intend to change providers but I prefer not to be forced to sign a yearly contract.”

It’s also a hassle-free choice, as  Advanced Computing Edge receives one monthly bill combining phone and Internet services.

Support is another area that was very important to Karel, who doesn’t want to take time away from running his company to deal with problems with the Internet. Allstream Small Business bundles include the use of a qualified customer service team available 24-7 to solve any issues.

“I had to call once to deal with a concern and it was dealt with quickly and I was well taken care of,” says Karel. “The support is really good.”

And, most importantly, he points out, his company’s Internet service is fast and reliable.

“It’s quality technology combined with quality service,” says Karel.