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Quick Guide to Phone Systems

Phone Systems Intro

Getting the right phone system for your business can be a challenge. There are many things to consider when talking with phone system suppliers, such as how many employees you have, how many lines you will need, future growth, compatibility with your current systems, how much you can afford, and many other factors. Because of these considerations you should prepare before starting the search for a business phone system.

Different Types of Telephone Systems

KSU-less Systems - These phone systems are generally for businesses with less than 10 employees. These systems will require a lower initial investment and may be the perfect option for your small business phone system. These systems are not permanently wired into your office, which means they can be easily moved. However, these telephone systems are not expandable...so if you plan on growing, then you may want to consider another option.

Key Systems - Also known as KSU (key system unit). These systems are typically for companies with between 5 and 40 employees.

PBX Systems - Also known as Private Branch Exchange (PBX). These phone systems are for companies with more than 40 employees. PBX systems will give your company advanced functionality. These telephone systems are completely programmable and can support complex implementation. These are also fairly expensive systems; the price differences between these systems and the other systems my be minor, but the functionality is superior.

Voice Over IP (VoIP) - VoIP systems can offer significant cost savings as well as many other benefits. VoIP runs over Internet lines and routes your calls over a data network. The downside is that sometimes you may experience network outages and/or limited bandwidth.

Tips for Finding the Right Telephone System

Get extra wiring installed - Always get extra wiring. Generally speaking, decide on how many lines you will need and then double the wiring. This will save you lots of money in the long run.

Test the system - Always ask to demo the system you're considering buying. Evaluate the phone and speakerphone quality, evaluate the ease of access to voicemail, and check the ease of accessibility to other extensions.

Voicemail compatibility - Many companies have third party voicemail systems. You should always ensure that your telephone system is compatible with not only your current voicemail system, but also with a wide range of voicemail systems in anticipation of future changes.

Buy at the end of a quarter - This is when sales targets need to be met and companies are more willing to bargain. Phone systems sales people will go to bat for you and your company and get you a good price in order to make their sales quota.

Sample Description of Phone Systems

"I have a business with 5 employees. We are looking for a new telephone system that can provide at least 10 different lines. We are anticipating adding several sales persons over the next 6-12 months, so we need some type of expandable phone system."