The way the businesses are using phone systems is changing. No longer do internal and customer communications rely upon the expensive installation and hardware of a traditional telephone set up. This new phase in communication technologies brings with it an increased ability for businesses to make their phone systems suit the way they work and interact. A solid understanding of the different options is necessary for a business to ensure the highest return on investment.

What are the Options?

To be able to make the most informed decision it is first necessary to become acquainted with the different options available. While there are some subsidiaries, the three listed below are the most commonly used solutions.

PBX

These systems are probably what most people think of then when imagining an office phone. They operate through telephone wires and rely upon in-office hardware.

IP PBX

These voice over internet solutions, as the name suggests, rely upon direct internet connection and an enabled device.

Virtual VoIP Software

This is a software system, meaning it does not rely on a traditional phone. Rather it is enabled using the provider’s application or through a browser.

Matching the Phone Solution to the Business

When it comes to choosing the right phone solution, it is necessary to consider some specifics of the business itself.

What is the Current Level of Operation?  

The first aspect to consider is the level of operating a business is currently running. This can include the number of employees, the working environment, and the budget. For example, there are some plans that will fit perfectly with the working style of a solo entrepreneur but that won’t work for a big business. Some plans better suit those businesses that already have a landline and want to upgrade, while some work best just over the internet.

What is the Budget?

There are two aspects to consider when looking at the best phone solution for a budget: the upfront and ongoing costs. PBX systems usually involve the highest upfront costs since a business will pay for the hardware and its installation. While all of these systems usually require a monthly payment, it is also worth considering the ongoing costs that come with hardware, such as repairs and upgrades. For reviews and extra information about PBX trends, check out virtualhostedpbx.net, where you can compare different plans and pick the ones that best suit your needs and budget.

How Reliable is the Internet Connection?

While it might seem strange to think about the slow internet in today’s age of fiber optics, it is important to consider when choosing the right phone system. Businesses who experience a high volume of calls and slow or unreliable internet connection will want to invest in a PBX.

How do Employees work?

As with anything else, the introduction of a new phone system will come with a certain adjustment period as employees get used to the tech. To keep this to a minimum, one will want to choose a solution most compatible with the current working environment. For example, if the staff are used to conducting business on mobile devices, then an IP PBX should work well. Businesses that involve a lot of employee travel might want to opt for a virtual VoIP software since these can be used anywhere in the world on any device.