Whether you’re starting a new business or replacing an existing one, selecting a new business phone system is not a decision to be made lightly. Before examining the options available to businesses today, there are several questions you should ask yourself. “Does your business require physical desk telephones or will a virtual phone service suffice?” is an example of such a question. Fortunately, there are numerous factors to consider when selecting the best business phone system for your organisation.
Virtual Phone Systems
A virtual phone system is located remotely from your business, as opposed to on-site. It enables calls to the primary business phone number to be routed to any phone, including desk phones, mobile phones, home phones (for remote employees), desktop computers, laptops, and tablets, via the internet. Numerous useful features are available with virtual systems, including voicemail, call forwarding, automated receptionists, a toll-free number, call screening, and online faxing.
The primary benefit of this type of service is that it lowers overall costs for businesses; there is no need to purchase expensive equipment or software. Additionally, virtual phone systems enable remote and mobile workers to communicate from any location, while simultaneously providing businesses with unprecedented scalability.
Traditional Landline Systems
Landlines have been the standard phone system for decades. Typically, this type of business phone system is supported by a local or regional utility company. Landlines, also known as public switched telephone networks, are analogue systems that use copper wiring to communicate. The telephone company instals this copper wiring. To operate a landline service, you will need on-premises private branch exchange (PBX) hardware. This hardware is used to create multiple extensions and includes call directory and call transferring features. Numerous telephone service providers are currently phasing out landline systems.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phone Systems
VoIP phone systems operate over the same internet connection as a business, rather than over copper wires. VoIP systems enable all businesses, regardless of size, to take advantage of features previously reserved for large enterprises. Computer integration, automated attendants, and call queues are just a few of these features. This enables the transmission of voicemails to computers and the conversion of email inboxes into soft phones. With VoIP, remote workers will be able to connect to the business’s phone system via their mobile devices.
On-Premises VoIP Systems
On-premises VoIP systems operate in the same manner as traditional VoIP systems. The primary distinction is that the business houses all of the equipment required to operate the phone system. On-premise systems require a significant capital investment because the equipment is purchased upfront. Monthly fees will apply to the SIP trunking, or PRI circuit; this hardware is what enables you to receive and make calls. You will only need to pay a one-time fee for the remaining hardware. Apart from the financial implications, another significant disadvantage of this type of business phone system is that your IT staff will be completely responsible for upgrades, maintenance, and repairs.
Cloud-Based VoIP Systems
If you are concerned about your IT staff’s ability to maintain an on-premises VoIP system, you should consider a cloud-based VoIP system. You will not be concerned with hardware or maintenance issues. Your service provider will host, upgrade, and maintain all technology associated with your cloud-based VoIP system. Additionally, this type of system enables your business to expand by adding new lines and providing access to new features. Businesses pay based on the number of users or on a monthly basis.
While there are a plethora of options available these days, selecting a business phone system for your organisation does not have to be difficult. To learn more, contact us today to speak with one of our in-house phone solutions experts.
