If you own or are a part of a small business, you need to stop and read the rest of this article on office phone systems!
Office phone systems are advanced calling networks used by companies and organizations to communicate efficiently, internally and externally. Thus, as a small business owner and/or employee, it is vital to understand how office phone systems operate.
There are four major types of phone systems used today that businessmen and women should know about. To ensure that you know all about these systems, we are explaining in detail what these systems do and how they differ from one another.
Get ready to become the communications expert at your office!
1. Multi-Line Office Phone Systems
Multi-line phone systems are phones that have several lines running from one unit. This is so that small business employees can speak with multiple customers at one time.
With multi-line phone systems, employees can put callers on hold or send them to voicemail when needed. Multi-line phone systems also have an option that allows multiple people from the company base to be on the same call.
An even more complex multi-line phone system allows employees of a company to simultaneously make and take calls. Multi-line phone systems are a great small business phone system because it is cost-efficient and reliable. Just make sure that you purchase the number of lines that you need based on the number of employees that you expect to use the phones.
Also, make sure that you purchase enough lines and phone coverage to allow your company to grow.
2. VoIP Phone Systems
VoIP phone systems use broadband internet connections as their central unit instead of phone lines. This makes VoIP business phone systems more advanced, mobile, and accessible than the basic multiple-line phone systems.
Because VoIP phone systems depend on internet connection rather than phone lines, they can do things like create a virtual assistant to help manage calls. Due to the internet connection, VoIP phone systems can also connect with customer relationship manager software. VoIP phone systems can even forward calls to employees’ cell phones.
VoIP makes good large and small office phone systems because it allows employees to route calls to the extensions of other employees when needed. This allows employees the freedom to move around the office a bit with their office phones without having to literally be next to an employee that they are connecting a call to. Just make sure that you have high-speed internet when using VoIP phone systems.
3. PBX Phone Systems
PBX, or private branch exchange, phone systems are private phone networks made for the office. Thus, a private network manages all the phone lines and routes all the office calls through an undisclosed central location.
This is different from multi-line phone systems that have the phone unit with all the phone lines and phones connected together right in the office. PBX phone systems are advanced enough to feature call holding, routing calls to extensions, and conference calling. PBX phone systems can even be hosted in the Cloud.
4. Cloud Phone Systems
Cloud phone systems manage business communication remotely, off-site. Because the Cloud phone systems are managed in the Cloud, it makes the cost of the systems very low.
Thus, you can save money while increasing the advanced features of your company’s phone system. It should also be noted that both a PBX phone system and a VoIP phone system have the option of being a Cloud phone system.
Capabilities of Business Phone Systems
Like previously stated, different office phone systems have features like multiple lines, automated features, and conference calls. Other important features of business phone systems include voicemail, on-hold music and messaging, and more.
Regardless of which of the four phone systems and its included features your small business gets, know that you are in good hands. Multiple-line, VoIP, PBX, and Cloud phone systems are all great to use in a small office.
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