How to Choose the Perfect Business Phone System for Your Business
Types of Business Phone Systems
- Traditional / Landline Phones
- VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) Phone Systems
- On-site VoIP Phone Systems
- Virtual Phone Systems
Traditional / Landline Phone Systems
Pros of Landline Phone Systems
- Landline phone systems are a time-tested telephony solution
Cons of Landline Phone Systems
- Landlines phones systems are expensive to setup and maintain
- Traditional phone systems are not flexible or easily scalable
- This phone system will likely become obsolete in a very near future
BTI’s Take
We recommend landline phone systems only where you don’t have access to a reliable internet connection.
VoIP Phone Systems
A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system, also known as an IP telephony system or cloud-based phone system, is a phone system that works with your existing internet connection. But how do VoIP systems work?
Instead of using traditional copper wires or physical circuits like landline phones, VoIP phone systems convert voice signals into digital data packets and transmit them over an internet connection.
Pros of VoIP Phone Systems
- VoIP systems are easy to setup, configure, and can be up and running in less time
- IP telephony or VoIP systems are less expensive than landline systems
- VoIP system subscriptions can scale up or down with your business as needed
- VoIP Phone systems fit perfectly with organizations with remote and hybrid work policies
- VoIP Phone systems can integrate via web apps and generative AI to reduce personnel cost and improve productivity
Cons of VoIP Phone Systems
- VoIP phones are 100% reliant on your internet connection, so if your organization suffers from bad internet connection, this phone system won’t work for you.
BTI’s Take:
On-Premise VoIP Systems
On premise VoIP systems utilize on premise servers to communicate with your phones and the outside world.
Pros of On-Premise VoIP Systems
- You have more control over your in-building communication when the Internet fails
- Lower monthly subscription fees than cloud-based phone systems
Cons of On-Premise VoIP Systems
- On-premise servers will require space, power, and maintenance
- On-premise hardware failure is a single point of failure and connectivity to remote workers and offices
BTI’s Take
Since this type of VoIP system is on your premises, you can control all the elements but you also have responsibility to do so.
If you have an IT team on-site and you need specialized communication encryption or security internally, this phone system may be the right one for you.
Virtual or Cloud Hosted VoIP Phone Systems
Virtual phone systems connect callers through the cloud, providing seamless call-forwarding to any Internet connected IP phone, computer, or cellul phone.
Besides offering a high level of convenience, cloud phone systems also offer an array of business features including voicemail, toll-free numbers, online faxing, SMS/MMS, and more advanced functionality on demand.
Pros of Cloud Phone Systems
- With cloud telephony systems you can be reached anytime and anywhere on your tablet, phone, or computer since virtual phones are not tied to a physical location.
- With virtual numbers, you can assign a dedicated phone number or group number to you or your employees’ cell phones, computers, and desk phones, allowing them to use their cell phones without giving out their cell number and provide them with an extra level of convenience and security.
- Cloud phone systems also allow you to assign multiple local and international phone numbers to any phone anywhere.
- Increasingly, even small businesses use cloud phone services to seamlessly hire and collaborate with contracted overseas or near shore workers saving money on wages and benefits.
Cons of Virtual Cloud Phone Systems:
- Call quality is totally dependent on the quality of your internet or cell connection.
- Some providers lock you in and escalate rates unexpectedly.
BTI’s Take
If you’re a small or mid-sized business that has remote workers and/or multiple sites and you wish to mantain world-class communication for a low cost, cloud based virtual phone systems are for you.
In addition to GoodPhone, BTI’s own virtual phone system solution, we offer and provide professional service and integration with every major brand of both business VoIP and contact center solution to meet your requirements and budget.
What If I Want a Hosted Business Phone System But My Internet Connection is Not Good?
Some organizations would love to migrate to an internet based phone system but don’t have enough bandwith or internet quality to do so. In those cases, we recommend our clients to invest in a in-building wireless solution because it will allows organizations to have reliable coverage inside their office, building, or campus through the cellular network. BTI is expert at resolving these issues and procuring and provisioning reliable Internet anywhere.
BTI, The Business Communication Provider Near Me
Now that you know what type of business phone system fits you best, you’ll need to get the right provider!
BTI has more than 40 years of experience in business communication, IT, and physical security and we are able to assist you with all your business communication needs!
We take care of the design, installation, maintenance, and up-keep of your solution while providing you world-class support and below market-rate prices!
Contact us today to take your business communication system to the next level!
