If you’re considering options for small business phone systems, you could become overwhelmed by the sheer number of solutions available. You may have a tight communications budget, but also need to find ways to accommodate a staff that’s become more mobile. Investing in a solution that provides a seamless experience to your customers may be advantageous, giving your company a professional appearance.
There’s a wide range of small business phone systems, and each brings its own advantages:
Landline: This is the legacy phone system that many small business owners have used for decades. Its main limitations are a lack of features and relatively high price for so little offered. In many cases, the landline stays in place because the owner of the business is simply focused on the core functions of the business and hasn’t had the time to consider what other options might benefit the company.
Private Branch Exchange: The private branch exchange (PBX) is a standard solution for businesses because it offers a few key features that are helpful for serving customers. Call forwarding and holding are two of the more common tools that business owners want. With on-premise PBX, the hardware is stored on-site.
There’s also the option of hosted PBX, which uses an internet connection for the PBX and the hardware is housed at the service provider’s location. This type of solution is often beneficial for small business owners who want the features of a PBX, but don’t have the in-house IT to support the maintenance and troubleshooting that such a system requires.
Virtual Phone Systems: Virtual phone systems provide some of the newest communications technology, allowing users to access all formats within a single application. From instant messaging to video conferencing and email, users enjoy a seamless experience that can be accessed from any connected device.
These small business phone systems are paid for on a monthly subscription basis, and clients pay only for the number of users they need. This feature is often attractive to small business owners, because the cost of the technology is categorized as an operating expense.
In addition, virtual phone systems often incorporate existing hardware into a hybrid solution, making it easy for a small business owner to gradually make the switch to a cloud-based system.
This option also helps small businesses appear to be bigger companies than they are. From the digital receptionist to call forwarding and the ability to filter calls through a single, centralized number, the features give your small company a professional presentation.
Exploring small business phone systems and determining the right one for your needs can be a time-consuming process. Let Cloud Source aid your search for the perfect fit. Contact us for more information.