News You Can Use: Maryland will impose a 3% sales tax on data and IT services starting July 1, 2025.

Taxable services will include data processing, hosting, IT services, web search portals, online directories, digital libraries, research databases, computer systems design, software design, development, and publishing.

Maryland has passed legislation that will impose a new 3% sales tax on data and information technology services, effective July 1, 2025. This measure is part of a broader budget agreement reached by Governor Wes Moore and legislative leaders. The tax will apply to a range of services, including:

• Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services (NAICS 518)

• Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (NAICS 519)

• Computer Systems Design and Related Services (NAICS 5415)

• Software Publishers (NAICS 5132)

• Media and Intellectual Property Licensing Transactions.

The 3% rate is lower than Maryland's general 6% sales tax rate, but if a service could be taxed under multiple definitions, the higher rate would apply. This proposal follows the abandonment of an earlier measure that would have imposed a 2.5% tax on many business-to-business services, which faced significant opposition from the business community

We’ll continue to keep you informed about emerging Voice and IT news. 

Schedule time with our local experts to discuss your business communications and technology plans. Contact CTS today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

CTS joined Annapolis Maritime Museum in welcoming Spring & the 2024 Boating Season!

We celebrated the spring equinox and the beginning of boating season in March by burning our nasty winter socks at the Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning on Saturday, March 22, 2024.

Click to Support Annapolis Maritime

Your generosity will help to further AMM’s mission to educate students and adults about Annapolis’ rich maritime heritage and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, inspiring environmental stewards for future generations.

Leveraging RingCentral for Effective Regulatory Compliance

As Mid-Atlantic business leaders navigate the complex landscape of regulatory compliance, it's crucial to choose tools that not only streamline communication but also ensure adherence to evolving industry standards.

CTS partners with RingCentral - a global leader providing cloud-based communication solutions. 

Together we support organizations in heavily regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and government by offering features that align with key compliance frameworks like HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and SOC 2.

Key Compliance Features of RingCentral

• End-to-End Encryption - RingCentral ensures that all sensitive communications are encrypted using SIP/RTP/SRTP, providing a secure environment for data exchange.

• Access Controls - Role-based permission settings allow organizations to control who can access sensitive information, ensuring that data is handled securely.

• Audit Trails and Compliance Certifications - RingCentral maintains detailed audit logs and holds certifications like SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001, providing assurance of its security and compliance posture.

• Integration with Industry-Specific Apps - Seamless integration with apps like Salesforce Financial Services Cloud and Microsoft Dynamics enables centralized management of sensitive data.

In today's regulatory landscape, maintaining compliance is not just a legal requirement but also a cornerstone of trust and reputation. By leveraging RingCentral's robust compliance features, you can ensure secure, compliant communications. 

For more information on how to integrate RingCentral into your compliance plans, reach out to your team at CTS: call 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Why Healthcare Providers are deploying a hybrid mix of IT and Communication Services

CTS has decades of experience designing and supporting communication solutions that connect leading hospitals and healthcare providers across the region.

Healthcare organizations face complex technological challenges, requiring timely, secure, and dependable communication while managing shrinking budgets and regulatory oversight. 

Hybrid unified communication (UC) platforms address these challenges by optimizing infrastructure, maintaining data security, and streamlining workflows.

Key Benefits of Hybrid UC in Healthcare

• Security and Dependability - On-premises UC solutions provide control over sensitive data, ensuring mission-critical systems are always operational. This is crucial for protecting patient information and maintaining compliance with regulations like HIPAA.

• Hybrid Cloud Solutions - These solutions balance modernity with security by allowing organizations to leverage cloud flexibility while maintaining control over core systems. This approach is expected to dominate the UC market by 2026.

• Support for Frontline Workers - Hybrid UC offers adaptable solutions for mobile healthcare workers, enhancing patient experience and workflow efficiency. It also includes security features to protect workers in challenging situations.

• Regulatory Compliance - Custom-built UC solutions enable quick updates to comply with evolving regulations, ensuring trust between medical professionals and patients.

Your CTS team can help you improve your patient and provider experiences while ensuring reliability, security, and compliance. 

Contact your team of local experts today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Unlocking the full potential of Microsoft Teams with Ring Central's Supercharged Calling Experience

As businesses evolve, so do their communication needs. 

Integrating RingCentral with Microsoft Teams offers a powerful solution that combines the strengths of both platforms, driving more productivity and better collaboration. 

Transform Microsoft Teams into a communications powerhouse with RingCentral

• Use market-leading RingCentral’s cloud phone - no Teams phone license needed

• Get Five 9's reliability

• Add advanced phone capabilities that benefit your entire organization

• Stay informed with best-in-category analytics at no added cost

• Embed your business apps into your communications with hundreds of integrations

• Integrate a Microsoft-certified Contact Center

The Advantages of RingCentral’s Embedded App

• 3-step Administration from a single portal

• Single app experience for users - no need to use multiple apps or manage multiple call windows

• Integrated fax and SMS

• Accessible in Microsoft AppSource

• Robust call controls like warm transfer, three-way call, HUD, and call park 

Ready to enable easier collaboration and boost productivity? Integrate Teams with RingCentral today! 

Contact CTS today: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Get a $250 Thank You for your CTS Sales Lead

Know someone who is looking for a new phone system? Exploring adding AI to their communications? Grappling with RTO or a Hybrid workforce? Is moving their office? A friend who needs faster broadband or Wi-Fi? A business partner who wants to add Sound Masking to their space?

Tell us about it... Just mention the "Newsletter Referral Program" when you contact us – we'll take care of the rest. CTS rewards you with $250 when we get their business. And there's no paperwork hassle or hoops to jump through.

Contact us with your sales tip at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

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