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When you re shopping for business phone systems, it helps to understand all the options that are available to you. Here are four choices for meeting your business s particular communications needs: KSU (key service unit)-less telephone systems are reasonably-priced systems that are perfect for small businesses with ten employees or less. They do not require a cabinet to route calls, since the routing software is integrated into the phone unit itself, making them more affordable than other types of phone systems. However, these systems are not supported by telephone system vendors, requiring you to handle the installation yourself. You will also encounter problems when you have to upgrade your system when your business grows, since KSU-less phones are not compatible with PBX or key phone systems. KSU business phone systems are affordable solutions for businesses with ten to forty employees. KSU units feature multiple buttons that allow the user to access various functions, including being able to manually direct incoming phone calls as well as accessing intercom and conference features. Users can easily install KSU systems and allow you to handle multiple lines without an additional surcharge to the phone company. Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems are usually found in organizations with more than 40 employees, and have online switching equipment to route calls to external lines and internally between employees. Features include the caller needing to dial only one number to reach different extensions, automatic call distribution, automated call answering and customized welcome messages. PBX systems, however, cost more than the first two systems, since you need to buy all the equipment necessary to set up the system. But a more affordable alternative is Virtual PBX, which will layer a PBX system on top of your existing phone system, allowing you to save money by taking advantage of the lines you already have. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an ideal solution for micro-businesses and home-based enterprises since they are very affordable. VoIP systems use the Internet, rather than regular phone lines, to send and receive calls. Advantages of VoIP include portability as well as not having to buy specialized phones, although you will need to buy a router that converts the Internet signal. But you will need a high-speed connection with adequate bandwidth to get the best quality calls. When deciding which business phone systems that your organization needs, here are some things to consider: What is your current situation? How many staff members do you have and does each of them need their own extensions? Do you need mobility solutions such as issuing employees their own BlackBerries? This will help you decide what features you need as well as what system is ideal for your business. Can the system be upgraded and expanded? Keep in mind that your enterprise will grow and it will cost you a lot of money if you have to buy a new system to meet your increased needs. What optional features do you need? Possible features that could help your staff become more productive include teleconferencing, auto-attendant that you can program to route calls to the proper employee, and call hunt that automatically forwards a call to another staff member if the person being called is not available to answer calls.
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Craig Yancich is an expert when it comes to business phone systems. To find out everything about Shoretel phone systems, visit Americom, Inc. at www.americominc.com/.
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