A professional phone system is useful to your small business, considering it is a major link between you and your customers. But how do you choose a phone system that is just right for your particular type and size of business? Of course, the best way to start is with a good knowledge of the various options you have.
There are four main types of commercial phone systems on the market today. Let's start with what is probably the most familiar to us – the Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system. PBX systems are those which are generally housed in massive cabinets and come with dedicated operators. But there are PBX systems that are smaller and specifically designed for small businesses. While these systems increase in popularity, they have decreased in cost too, so they could be a good choice for your small business.
Another popular choice for small to mid-size businesses is known as the key system. This is equipped with a key system unit (KSU), whose job is to control all other phones in a single network. It is the KSU that controls each phone's features and functions, such as voicemail, and makes sure that only one party will be able to use one line at a time.
Over the years, the PBX system and the key system have become very similar in features and functionality. Phone systems that have the features of both PBX and key systems are known as hybrids, and are usually more expandable than the individual systems.
If the employees in your small business don't exceed 10 in number, your best option may be a KSU-less system. This system is composed of typical KSU phones with the same functions and features, but there will be no central unit. One of the biggest advantages of KSU-less systems is that unlike other phone systems, they are not affixed to the building. Because the technology is embedded in the phones themselves, you will have no problems about mobility in case your business moves to a new location.
A relatively new addition to the world of small business phone systems is known as voice over Internet protocol or VoIP. Instead of using phone lines, VoIP phone systems operate on a broadband connection. In comparison with traditional phone systems, VoIP costs are so much less even as call quality is higher.
In the end, you just want a phone system that is perfect for your small business' needs and requirements. However, don't just think of the present, and consider consider your future needs as your business grows. Choose a system that comes with this kind of scalability.