If you are thinking of getting a new phone system for your business in 2018, then, are some things that you need to ask yourself. Do I need a full system or can I get around it by using mobile phones as my virtual phone service? Should I choose a landline service provided locally or regionally, or a VoIP service which uses the internet and allows me to look at many different providers? If I do choose VoIP then do I want it on my premises or in the cloud?
Virtual Phone Systems – These work by connecting your main number to that of your workers who all have mobiles or home phones. They generally work as a call forwarding service and they have receptionists that are automated, voice mail and call screening. The good thing about this system is that it allows remote workers to appear professional and offers some features that mobiles and home phones do not offer On the down side, you are still charged for the phone call and so use up all your minutes.
Landline Systems – Landlines or PSTN’s are analog systems via copper wire and you need an on-site PBX for multiple extensions and offer call transfers and call directories. Modern systems today use a hybrid system where they connect with a VoIP that then connects to a data network and then you can connect to each phone. These systems are reliable but lots of phone companies no longer favour this method and so this leaves them difficult to repair in the event of a breakdown.
VoIP Systems – These systems provide a modern business telephony solution and use the company’s internet connection and also allow remote workers to gain access to their companies phone system from their mobile phones. The advantage is that VoIP provides the best and most current technological system that are relatively easy to set up and are much cheaper than having the traditional landline system. However, these systems rely solely on a reliable internet connection and if this goes down or the service is poor, then you are in trouble.
On-Premises VoIP – All of the hardware is stored within your business and they require quite an investment to set up in monetary terms. You pay monthly fees and your IT people need to take care of the system themselves. Clearly you are in control of your own service but you have to pay out a lot of money to set the system up and you need staff to run it and maintain it. These systems are generally well suited to large business who require high security, don’t trust the cloud system and want a system customised to their individual business.
These are some of the many phone systems available and now it is up to you to make the best choice for your business. Always try to get your whole system from the same provider as this will save you money and try to find an independent company who will definitely offer you the best solution for you and not for them.