Most businesses these days have a telephone system in place. But what many business owners don’t know is that various types of systems are available, and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Initial Considerations
When choosing the right telephone system for your business, there are a few crucial factors to consider. One of the most important is customer preference. According to American Express, 40% of consumers want to speak to a real person over the phone. If you offer customer service or support, it’s essential to choose a system that will allow your customers to easily get in touch with you.
Another important factor to consider is the size of your business. A hosted VoIP phone system may be a good option if you are a small business with a limited budget. These systems are typically more affordable than traditional or on-premise PBX systems, and they often come with various features that can help improve your communication efficiency. If you run a larger business or need more advanced features, a traditional or an on-premise PBX system may be ideal with extra flexibility and tailored options.
In this article, we will explore the three main types of business telephone systems: traditional on-premise PBX systems, VoIP PBX systems and hosted VoIP phone systems.
Traditional On-Site PBX
A traditional business telephone system is a good choice for businesses that need a lot of features and flexibility. These systems allow you to customise your phone setup according to your specific needs, and they come with a wide range of features such as voicemail, call forwarding, and caller ID. Traditional systems are also very reliable and can be used with landlines and mobile phones. On-premise PBX systems are hosted on-site, such as in your office. This means you have full control over your system and full access to all its features. On-premise PBX systems will likely require more maintenance than the more modern types of systems, and they can be tricky to set up and operate without proper training and professional support.
VoIP PBX
VoIP PBX systems use VoIP technology to convert analogue voice signals into digital signals over your broadband connection. This makes them a good choice for businesses that want the flexibility of VoIP without the need for a separate VoIP service. Unlike traditional systems, a VoIP PBX runs as software on a computer, allowing you to take full advantage of advanced processing power and a friendly user interface. It’s easy to make and receive calls over the internet, but you require a high-speed internet connection to maintain optimum performance with crystal clear audio and minimal downtime.
Hosted VoIP Phone System
Hosted VoIP phone systems are similar to VoIP PBX systems, but a third-party provider hosts them. You don’t need to worry about maintaining or managing the system, and you can focus on running your business. Hosted VoIP phone systems are typically more affordable than traditional or on-premise PBX systems. They offer the added benefit of making and receiving calls over the internet, allowing you to scale your system up or down as your business needs change.
Which Type of Business Telephone System is Right for You?
The answer to this question will depend on many factors, including the size and budget of your business, your communication needs and your customers’ preferences. The best starting point is to reach out to our friendly team. Here at Barton Telecom Services, we can guide you through the process of choosing and installing the right telephone system for your business. Give us a call today on 01604 812813, or send us a message, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
