Finding the perfect phone system is key to achieving maximum productivity and success for your business. A business phone system can either make you or break you. With numerous options now available on the market, selecting the right phone system can be overwhelming.
In this blog, you will learn about the types of business phone systems so when it’s time to choose, you make an informed decision that benefits both your organization and your pockets!
Types of Business Phone Systems
For starters, there are 4 types of business phone systems that you can choose from:
Traditional / Landline Phones
VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) Phone Systems
On-site VoIP Phone Systems
Virtual Phone Systems
Traditional / Landline Phone Systems
Traditional phone systems, also known as “landline" or “public switched telephone network” (PSTN) refers to an analog telephone connection that is linked through a physical infrastructure, like telephone poles, copper wires, or other terrestrial communication methods.
To run a traditional phone system for your business, you will need to install PBX (Private Branch Exchange) hardware on-site. This hardware will allow you to create multiple extensions and enhance your system with added features like call transferring.
Even though landline systems are extremely reliable, most businesses are switching to other communication 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 to large organizations that have a big budget for business communications and don’t have access to a reliable internet connection.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to have an IT team on-site at all times to take care of your business communication phone system.
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 works?
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 systems are significantly cheaper than its traditional alternative
VoIP phones can scale up or down with your business as needed
IP Phone systems fit perfectly with organizations with remote and hybrid work policies
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:
VoIP phones are dominating today’s market. Every day, thousands of businesses and providers switch to IP Phone systems thanks' to the amount of flexibility and reliability these systems have to offer.
If you are a small to mid sized organization and you have a reliable internet connection or work with remote teams, VoIP phone systems are perfect for you!
On-Premise VoIP Systems
On premise VoIP systems work similar as cloud-based VoIP systems except with the on-premise system, all your your hardware and data has to be stored on-site.
Pros of On-Premise VoIP Systems
You have full control and customization capabilities of your phone service
No monthly subscription fees like in cloud-based phone systems
No need to worry about sudden price increases on your service
Cons of On-Premise VoIP Systems
On-premise VoIP systems will require space inside your premises in addition to controlled temperature server room for your equipment
You and your IT staff will be responsible of the management, installation, and maintenance of your equipment so you will need to have an IT staff on site
BTI’s Take
Since this type of VoIP system is on your premises, you can control all the elements of your business communication infrastructure, including security.
If you have an IT team on-site and you need world-class security or your compliance requirements are very strict, this phone system is the right one for you.
Virtual Phone Systems
Virtual phone systems connect callers with remote workers through a main business phone number, providing a seamless call-forwarding solution to an employee's mobile or home phone.
Besides offering a high level of convenience, virtual phone systems also offer an array of business features including voicemail, toll-free numbers, online faxing, automated receptionist and call screening capabilities, to name a few.
Pros of Virtual Phone Systems
With virtual 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 dedicate phone number to you or your employee’s cell phone, allowing them to use their personal cell phone without giving out their personal number and provide them with an extra level of convenience and security
Virtual phones allow you to assign a local area phone number to your phone line allowing you to enter a new market with ease. Since customers are more likely to answer calls that come from a familiar number rather than ones they don’t recognize, your teams effectiveness will definitely see an increase.
Since virtual phone numbers can be used on your staff’s personal devices, you can save thousands of dollars on hardware and new equipment while boosting your business communication efficiency and convenience.
Cons of Virtual Phone Systems:
Since you are “always available” work-life balance can have a negative impact in some people
Call quality is totally dependent on the quality of your internet connection. If your internet connection or cell signal is unreliable, slow, or you work in an area where internet or cellular connections are not the greatest quality, you will have a poor call experience.
Depending on your provider, data can be limited, and if you bypass the minutes on your current plan, additional minutes can become very costly.
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, virtual phone systems are for you.
GoodPhone is BTI’s virtual phone system solution and we highly recommend for you to try it!
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.
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 35 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!