If you’re planning on starting a small business or already have one understanding your options for business phone systems is a good idea. Small businesses can have up to 1,500 employees, depending on the industry. Having the right phone system can increase office productivity, sales, and customer satisfaction. No matter how small or big your small business is, you need a phone system that optimizes your incoming and outgoing communication. Let’s take a look at the different phone systems available and what they can do for your small business.
What is a Business Phone System?
A business phone system is defined as an advanced calling network designed to improve communications. Business phone systems are designed to handle complex needs and have capabilities that go beyond ordinary telephone service.
- Multiple Lines
- Voicemail
- Automated Features
- Conference Calling
- Advanced Call Routing
- On-hold Music and Messaging
Multi-line Phone Systems
Multi-line phone systems are phones that can have multiple lines run through the same unit. This allows the operator to answer each phone number individually and send calls to voicemail. These are basic business phone systems than can work for a lot of smaller sized businesses. When choosing a multi-line phone system, the biggest factor to consider is how many lines it supports and compare it to how many users you’ll have on your system. Make sure to leave room for growth.
VoIP Phone Systems
VoIP phone systems use broadband internet connections to operate. They are easy to install and come with advanced features like a virtual receptionist to handle calls and forwarding calls to employee cell phones. VoIP business phone systems allow users to have unique phone numbers, just like a traditional phone system. These systems let you use toll-free numbers, and route calls to extensions for specific employees. When choosing a VoIP phone system, you’ll want to select one that integrates with other systems and software your company is already using.
Cloud Phone Systems
A cloud phone system takes your infrastructure off-site. It handles call routing and signal processing remotely. A cloud system can be a hosted PBX system, or it can be a VoIP system. There are a number of advantages that come with hosting your small business phone system in the cloud:
- The system is entirely off-site saving space and equipment costs
- It’s hosted on a third-party server, so your company doesn’t need to worry about maintenance
- It’s easily scalable – it grows with your company
- Can be very cost-effective
The downside is you’ll need to rely on the hosting company to maintain uptime and keep things running smoothly.
Need Help Choosing a Phone System for Your Small Business?
Communications Solutions, Inc. has been the premier provider of telephony systems and support in Jacksonville and the Northeast Florida area for the past 20+ years. We specialize in Avaya IP Office and can customize it to fit your business needs. If you want to get more familiar with what Avaya IP Office can do for you call today.
(904)-777-6656