The manufacturers of telephone systems - What is the difference and which is better? When it comes to buying a new office phone system, the choice seems to be endless. Every phone system supplier says that their office phone system is best for your business, but it does not seem to be much to differentiate them.
To help you we have designed this guide.
There are three main types of business telephony systems, the traditional PBX (key and lamp), the integrated server system and the hosted system. All these systems have their good and bad points, in summary
A PBX system is suitable for small businesses with minimal telephony needs and no requirements for the integration of network devices or software. Traditionally, these systems have a key and lamp system where users can see the availability of other users looking at their phones. The leading provider of PBX phone system are Panasonic, Siemens, BT, NEC and LG.
The integrated server system is ideal for a company that needs flexibility, integration with CRM software and intelligent routing of calls and reports. This type of phone system office usually has the advanced capabilities of VoIP for internal users and home workers that allows remote workers to connect to the office phone system if a virtual private network (VPN). The leading provider of server systems are integrated Avaya, Mitel, Cisco and Intertel.
Hosted systems are excellent for small businesses who make few calls but want the features of a larger system. The telephone system hardware does not lie in the same building as the phones that can keep costs low initial. However, these systems often require a separate line broadband installation can cost more than a system internally. Each phone can also require a separate line that can make spiraling costs. hosted systems are revered in the system to fail because of the slow broadband line.
Posted on May 18, 2010.