Business phone systems by all service providers provide the same basic features, similar to one another, with many different choices tailored to individual customers’ needs and tastes. There are three main types of service plans currently offered by cellular phone companies. The most popular, most long lasting and most cost effective plan is the single line plan. This plan gives you the ability to make local, long distance or even international calls for a flat monthly rate. You can either select this plan as a bare bone or customize it to your specific needs.
Another choice would be a two line or four line service plan. This option is probably the most widely used today, especially for small businesses. A drawback to using a two or four line plan is that the customer service hours that are available during the week do not extend into the evening hours on weekends. This is why many businesses use an internet protocol landline phone system instead. An IP phone allows you to make calls during regular business hours and evening hours at the cost of a reduced fee.
A third choice for top business phone systems is VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP uses your existing traditional telephone lines, but makes telephone calls over the internet using digital packets called IP phones. There is no need to go through a switched telephone network, which is good if you don’t have a traditional phone system. It also saves you money since a traditional phone line goes much further than an IP phone line.
The typical home user is limited by their computer skills and internet capabilities. This is why many businesses use a hosted VoIP service instead. With hosted voip services you only need to install a basic software program. It connects to your existing phone system and makes outgoing calls via the computer. Most businesses have access to thousands of extensions so voice calling can be made across locations without any reduction in quality of service or functionality.
The fourth option for businesses looking for the best phone system is a bundle of services offered by a vendor. Bundled business phone systems provide the functionality needed by multiple companies at a reasonable price. These features include call forwarding, voicemail, business answering machine integration, caller ID, call waiting, and more. While these features are more expensive than the basic voip phone system, they provide the most functionality and offer the most value for your dollar.
The bottom line is that you can find affordable phone systems that meet the needs of your business. If you’re still trying to decide which option is best for your business, ask for quotes from multiple providers. Compare costs and features to see which ones are the most suitable. Most VoIP service providers have plans available that feature all four options mentioned above.
