Small business phone systems provide businesses with custom phone options that enable companies of all sizes to manage their business calling needs. The options include call routing, customer service, and automated call answering. A small business phone system has features typically not provided by residential phone services.
Among the features one could expect from a small business phone system include:
The technology for small business phone systems has evolved significantly over time, along with many technology standards. The current options available for small business phone systems include multi-line, PBX, VoIP, and cloud-based solutions. They differ in technologies, providers, and costs. Each of these systems possesses the capabilities noted above, but prices can vary widely.
Keep reading to learn more about features to expect when choosing a small business phone system.
VoIP Phone Systems
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems use high-speed internet connections instead of traditional phone lines and systems. Most new services from local phone companies use VoIP technology. Small businesses can enjoy some unique advantages when using VoIP phone systems instead of traditional business phone systems. Advantages include easier setup, pricing, scalability, and custom features like automated call forwarding and call answering.
VoIP phone systems provide unique, local phone numbers just like a traditional local phone service provider. They accommodate toll-free numbers and calling, and automated call routing to specific employees or extensions.
Some features to watch for when shopping for VoIP systems and services include integration with other products and services, like CRM software or services, automated call logging, and related functions.
PBX Phone Systems
PBX, or private branch exchange, is an in-house business phone network. A PBX can physically reside at a business, or it can be hosted in the cloud – known as a virtual PBX, often used with VoIP. PBX systems manage all calling and call handling features, not the individual phones on the system.
PBX phone systems are scalable and cost-effective solutions for businesses requiring flexible expansion to accommodate growth and manage costs.
Cloud Phone Systems
Cloud phone systems move all small business phone system infrastructure entirely offsite. Cloud phone systems also provide small business phone system features for businesses that have no on-site presence. They typically offer all of the standard business phone system features for a low monthly fee.
