Business Telephone System : Lifeline of Business

Every kind of business needs a business telephone system. While email and social media are popular forms of communication, and many employees and contractors for a business will communicate with one another via emails and even instant messages, it's important to remember that the phone system structure hasn't gone away, and while some aspects of business communication have made way for online communications, people still need to pick up the telephone. Calling a company to ask a question, purchase a product, or voice a concern is a way for customers to experienced a more personalized interaction, and thus a business phone system plays an important role in every company.

When contemplating a business phone system, you will be presented with several general options. For small businesses, a key system, which utilizes phones that look like traditional telephones, is most efficient. It offers the support of multiple lines, and uses a key system unit to function. This type of system is great for small businesses that have no more than a few dozen employees. But for super-small companies, consider the keyless system, which uses a similar setup as a key system, but without the keys. Also, only a few lines are supported - usually no more than three or four. You can learn more about these small systems from your business telephone line utility company or vendor.

Larger businesses will want to consider a private branch exchange system (known more commonly as PBX), or a Voice Over Internet Protocol system (also known more commonly by its acronym, VoIP). These systems support dozens of phone lines and offer robust features that include dial by name directories, automated receptionists, and voicemail capabilities. These systems are more expensive because they require professional installation, but it's a one-time investment that has the capability to grow as your business does.

If you're not sure which type of phone system would work best for your company, start by finding out what your company's top needs for a phone system are. Individual lines and voicemail are a must for all employees, but do you have a dedicated receptionist who is willing to handle phone calls? If so, then you can save some money by skipping on the automated attendant. But what about wireless phones and integration with a cell phone system? These last two options are indeed higher-end features with higher-end prices, but for warehouses and companies with multiple locations or who have employees that are frequently on the road, they may certainly be ideal.