September 19, 2023
Even as businesses increasingly move towards digital platforms for many functions, the traditional business phone system remains a cornerstone for many operations. With the recent announcement from BT this will likely accelerate the uptake into digital voice following their discontinuation of copper based phone line installations.
Business telephone systems are as crucial as ever in maintaining strong customer relationships and facilitating internal communication. The office phone is still a vital tool. So today we will delve into the various types of business telephone systems available and offer insights into their implementation and longevity.
Different Types of Business Phone Systems
Traditional Landline Systems
Business landline phones are the oldest form of office phone systems and are operated by a local or regional phone company. These systems are reliable but are gradually being phased out in favour of digital solutions, since the 5th September 2023, BT will no longer provision copper phone lines anywhere in the UK.
VoIP Systems (Voice Over Internet Protocol)
VoIP has revolutionised office telephone systems by allowing calls to be made over the internet. These systems offer a host of features like call queues, auto attendants, and integrations with CRM software, making them a popular choice among modern businesses and giving the opportunity for customised audio branding.
Hybrid Phone Systems
Hybrid systems combine aspects of VoIP and traditional landline systems. For businesses in transition or those wanting to maintain some aspects of their traditional systems, hybrid solutions can be a good fit.
Virtual Phone Systems
Primarily used as a phone system for small business operations, virtual phone systems route calls to personal phones or remote locations. While it offers the convenience of mobility, this might not be ideal for larger enterprises with complex requirements.
PBX Systems (Private Branch Exchange)
A PBX system connects all the phones within a business and also links them to the public telephone network. This makes it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes. PBX can be a physical or a virtual system, adding to its flexibility.
Key Features and Implementation Strategies
Business Phone Service Features
Modern business telephone systems come loaded with features that can be customised based on the nature and needs of the business. Auto-attendants, call forwarding, conference calling, voicemail-to-email, and call recording are just a few of the features that can be integrated into an office phone system.
Installation and Maintenance
Implementing a new phone system requires careful planning. Here are some starting points to consider that Origin can help you define and implement:
1. Needs Assessment:
Understand the size of your business, the volume of calls, and the features you need.
2. Budgeting:
Cost can vary widely among different systems. Phone systems for small business operations might require less initial investment but consider the cost of add-ons and future scalability.
3. Consultation and Vendors:
Whether you’re in the UK looking for small business telephone systems or elsewhere, consulting the experts at Origin will be beneficial. We can guide you through various systems, and help you make an informed decision.
4. Installation:
This process can be complex for larger systems and will require our professional installation services.
5. Training:
Ensure your team is comfortable using the new system to make the most out of your investment.
We are trusted associates of Panoptic Technology and have over a decade of experience providing telecommunication solutions to businesses throughout London and the UK. We will not only find the perfect fit for your business needs but also ensure the solution is within your budget and sustainable for your operations and future business aims. Beyond installation we will ensure your employees are trained adequately and comfortable with any changes made to their workflow. For further information or to speak to one of our consultants, please get in contact with us today.