Quality and reliability of business phone systems

In today’s age and time when competition is getting fiercer and customer expectations are also high, a sophisticated and reliable phone system is critically important for any business - to stay and thrive. Although many different types of business communications are available - most of which are impersonal - nothing can replace the voice communication through telephones that carry a personal touch.

Talking on the phone gives two individuals the opportunity to talk in real time to one another and to obtain information as also to find instant solutions to problems.

If a business enterprise has a faulty or less reliable phone system, then customers will feel annoyed and cease doing business with that company. This type of inadequate phone facility will adversely affect the future prospects of the company.

There have been tremendous advancements in the telecom industry and purchasing the right phone system can be extremely confusing for many business owners.

Broadly speaking, there are four different types of business phone systems and all of them are equally reliable.

•    Key Systems (KSU) : ideal for business houses with 10-40 employees. This system fulfills most of the basic telephone needs for a company and it is also scalable.

•    Keyless Systems (KSU-less):  This system is suitable for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and it is also economically priced. The system supports only2-4 phone lines and offers all the basic features.

•    Private Branch Exchange Systems (PBX):  recommended for large corporations with more than 50 employees.   This system is costly and requires installation from a telecom vendor.  This system has some of the most advanced features that are needed for larger business houses. (Hosted PBX: Users purchase both the equipment and service   from a telephone provider; IP PBX: Using the internet to make and receive calls, requiring less maintenance then traditional PBX;  Mobile PBX: Calls can be forwarded to mobile devices).

•    VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Systems: This sophisticated phone system works well for businesses of all sizes.  This system sends calls through the Internet unlike traditional phone lines and so subscribers using the system can be located anywhere in the world. This phone system, operates on the internet and hence portable. The systems are inexpensive and today more and more businesses are opting for this system because of its manifold advantages.

Business owners will have to consider the type of phone system and features that are needed for their business and not overbuy succumbing to the sales pressure tactics of the vendors.

When deciding what type of phone system would suit your business best, you should consider the number of employees you presently have and how many more you will hire in the foreseeable future. You should also study the various merits and demerits of each system and also be aware of your budget.

It is best to buy a phone system that is reliable even if it is somewhat costlier as you can not afford to take risks buying some cheap and less reliable systems. Buying a reputed brand phone system even at a higher price will be worthwhile as the system can save money in the long run.