November 30, 2011
Key Features Of Office Phone Systems For Small And Large Businesses
In any tiny or large business, having an office telephone system in place is critical in order to maintain its regular operations. Though there could be other method of instant communication available right away like email, video call, or instant messaging, business transactions can be handled more professionally through an individual telephone call. When you are investing in a communication system, keep in mind that its performance can leave a big impact with your customers or suppliers. It should be well placed to efficiently transfer their calls and quickly connect to the right person or department they are trying to find. In reality it speaks volumes on how you put seriousness to shopper service and even reflects the picture of your company. Selecting the best communication system is truly crucial and you shouldn’t restrict yourself to a cheap office phone system or else you would risk losing your valued clients as well . Noted below are the different features of business phone systems and their corresponding functions to help you pick which would best match your requirements.
If you are running a business with 20 or less users, there are telephone systems that are designed to be used for smaller scale enterprises. In this case, only the basic functions are needed telephone point installation in your phone system such as voice mail, conference calls, transferability, and local direct dialling. In addition, you can also have the choice to have an automatic attendant who can prompt the user with instructions and this permits the callers to route themselves by pressing the keys based from the menu selection. Another feature you can consider in adding to your phone system is to incorporate background music while the customer is put on hold. Also, some companies also love to put promotional messages and other adverts that will also serve as their background for callers who are waiting on the line.
For large corporations, an extensive phone solution would be needed and this involves multiple phone lines that come in the form of T-1′s or specialized circuits. This type of system is mainly used by large businesses or call centers who expect a lot of call volume. Aside from utilizing an automated attendant, you can also integrate an Automated Call Distributor (ACD) into your phone system Perth which can directly transfer your incoming calls based from a group of extensions and this feature also allows you to manage high volume of incoming calls all at the same time. For more advanced features, you can also opt to have Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) added into your phone system. This application allows you to connect your telephone system to a computer and is used to retrieve messages from incoming calls and use this data to manage business transactions or inquiries.
When it comes to choosing the correct office phone system, be totally certain to consider your necessities first. A useful phone system should cover all the necessary features you will need that will help further enhance your business performance.
Article By: Johnathon F Black
Filed under Telephone Systems by artnet
February 11, 2011
Shopping For An Efficient And Effective Phone System
Many shoppers require efficient and effective phone systems that will help their businesses to grow. The main thing the shopper is looking for is that it functions very well, and that it has the potential to be upgraded in line with their business growth. This is critical to the shoppers, to minimize their risk of buying a phone system that will be overtaken by technology after sinking their hard earned money.
Given that there is a wide range of companies that are offering telephone systems, the shopper becomes confused as to what to do to eliminate the potential danger of making the purchasing decision. Given the level of investment, it’s important for the shopper to understand what they are looking for.
Your shopping spree may land you at Siemens, which is a leading authority in your search for telephone systems Northeast Mississippi. Siemens offers a wide variety of phone systems, ranging from HiPath 540 mini for the smallest business application to HiPath BizIP which integrates phone and internet applications. The company offers different systems with diverse budgets for different users. Their product range includes Siemens, HiPath 540, HiPath 33×0, HiPath 35×0, HiPath 3800, HiPath2000, HiPath BizIP, and HiPath Wireless.
The key aspects in this product range is the number of lines that one requires. This is dependant with the current business needs and the forecasted growth. The shopper can buy a product that has slightly more lines than he currently needs to accommodate future growth. The Siemens HiPath540, which is the smallest in the range, can accommodate up to 8 lines, with the others accommodating more lines.
The siemens HiPath 3300/3350 is a major bargain, offering high-end features yet it is designed for the small business. This means that the product is compact, and comes with many features that are innovative that beforehand were only accessible to big companies but have now integrated for the small companies. The product can accommodate up to 20 lines and up to 96 different users.
The other aspect in the choice for the product is the multiple applications. The customer could be interested in web integration, in which case the HiPath BizIP may be the ideal solution offering multiple applications. The product comes loaded with multiple features and the ability to connect using Ethernet connection. The system integrates both data and voice capability.This enables the user to have high quality Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) calls.
The Siemens 3500 is a winning solution, offering multiple functions at the most affordable price. This product is loaded with features. Having a window based console means that navigation is simple and smooth. The product goes beyond customer expectations, with the ability to connect up to 68 lines. This phone system offers value for money with a good return on investment. Given the multiple application by having multiple IP addresses that can terminate at the desktop or even a telephone line, the product offers real value for money.
Your shopping experience will not come to a close without analyzing your budget, and your current business potential to grow. You must understand your needs; however, you will find that Siemens offers different solutions for different business users.
Filed under Telephone Systems by artnet
December 21, 2010
3 Points To Take Note When Getting A Small Business Phone System
Every small business owner wants to improve their existing business in any way they can. However, sometimes factors such as cost, and unfortunate happenings come their way. A small business phone system works wonders to any small company’s way of life, since it smoothens and opens the communications between clients and among peers. However, no matter what business we have, there are mistakes that happen. Here are three mistakes to avoid when getting a phone system for your business.
1. Make sure that you know the exact number and type of telephone lines you will be using for your company. It’s simple really, the more extra lines you have, the more you pay for rental lines you don’t need. On the other hand, if you have too little lines, you will find yourself having a communications bottleneck, with many of your staff sitting idly waiting for the next phone line to be available, not to mention having calls meant for one department getting sent to another because the first one is being used. It can be frustrating really. So make sure beforehand what kind and how many you need to avoid such mishaps.
2. The second mistake to avoid is agreeing to timed telephone calls in 20 second to 1 minute blocks. What this means is that a 5 second call will cost the same as a 20 second or 1 minute call, depends on what you have agreed on. This of course means a lot of wasted funds. So when agreeing with the telephone company, make sure that you sign up with the timed calls that are billed in 1 second increments. This ensures that you pay only for what you use, and that there are no extraneous billings you don’t need.
3. The third mistake that a small business phone system applicant may commit is getting a business phone plan that doesn’t match their call spending. What you want to do is make sure that you get the lowest per minute call rates for the common call types you use. What this means is getting the package for long distance calls if you call long distance often. Or forgo that plan if you don’t do it at all. Because if you do, then those “savings” you get for long distance calls are not applicable if you don’t call abroad, like if you call local yet your plan is for long distance calls, it will just go to waste. So choose wisely.
There are other things to consider of course when you are getting a small business phone system, from the right telco to the proper service support and other fine print details worth noticing, but it is the top three that should be first addressed since these can cause a lot of headaches if left unabated. However, in the end, it all depends on what you and your business phone needs are. Of course, it goes without saying that one must also practice good common sense. If you are smart enough to run a business, you are smart enough to choose the right business phone system.
Filed under Telephone Systems by artnet
October 16, 2010
What To Look For In Telephone Systems For Your Business
Are you setting up your very first business and wondering what the best Telephone Systems are for you? There are lots of options as you will find once you begin your search, but there are also very highly sophisticated systems that you may not need for your business, especially if you are running your business out of your home.
On the other hand, if your new business is in an actual office and you have a staff, you may actually want to look for Telephone Systems that have a complete package. The best part is, with technology booming, the price you will pay is a mere fraction of what you would have paid just 10 years ago. Therefore, you will need to decide what you will need your phone system for and what features are the most important.
However, if you have remote staff or home workers, then your phone system can include systems such as an IP phone, which you would your current Internet and network in order to set up the phone. This is very cost effective and is especially useful for small businesses that cannot afford the Telephone Systems that their local phone companies offer.
In addition, there is always the option for a standard landline, which works well for those that simply do not trust the voice clarity over their networks. With the landline Telephone Systems, you have many options that are quite advanced including a voice mail system that can handle and save numerous voicemails.
When deciding on your phone system for your business, you will need to determine if the corded or cordless system would work best for your business. Corded phones require no charging and you never have to worry about the battery dying. You do however; have to worry about tangled cords, which can become a problem, though many of the corded phones today include a cord that does not tangle like the old phones.
The cordless option is nice because you have no cords to worry about and can move about the building without restriction. The downside to the cordless is you and your staff must remember to charge the batteries by placing the phones in the charger, or it can run out of power.
Lastly, you will need to consider your budget and what your business can afford to spend for Telephone Systems. Regardless of what plan and phones you choose, you have more options and you get more features than anyone ever thought possible just 15 years ago. In addition, you can have all the features for a very reasonable price, which of course, is probably the best aspect of all when considering costs for your business.
Filed under Telephone Systems by artnet
October 11, 2010
Customers Will Know If You’re Phone System Is Garbage
Believe it or not, your customers or business associates will know if you are using an outdated telephone system. Do you really want everyone to think that your business does not care or that it simply cannot afford a new phone system? If people were to start thinking that, what could that do it your business? You might just find that more and more money is being lost, all because you did not want to or did not care to realize just how outdated your phone system is and how it can affect the entire business.
One of the quickest ways customers start to realize that you are using a poor quality phone system is that their calls always seem to be dropped whenever they call in. Imagine having an important matter to discuss, sitting on hold for forty minutes and then your call is dropped. The dropped calls are usually a sign that your business has expanded to a point where the current telephone systems is no longer able to keep up with everything you have going on.
This can be an exciting thing to realize because it means that your business is growing but if you do not shape up and quickly upgrade your phone system, that new business will disappear, as your customers will decide to go with a company that is working with better technology. Do not let this happen to you. You do not want to be known as the company that cannot even manage phone calls. That would be just terrible and costly as well.
The sooner you upgrade the phone system for the business the better. However, this does not mean that you want to rush the upgrade to the point that you are picking the wrong company for the job. You will want to make sure that you are going with a company that has a solid reputation and that can get you hooked up with the best possible telephone system for a price that you are able to afford. Even though you might not want to spend any money right now, this is an investment that you really should not pass up on.
Filed under Telephone Systems by artnet
September 12, 2010
Switching To VoIP Phone Service – Does It Add Value To Your Business?
VoIP office phone systems are adaptable, multifunctional systems that reduce telecommunication budgets without compromising on voice quality or features.
In fact, traditional phone systems cannot match the capabilities of VoIP with features such as virtual phone numbers, forwarding faxes and voice mail to e-mail, fixed mobile convergence, and more.
In spite of the strides in VoIP technology, some businesses are wary of implementing VoIP at their offices. They worry about poorvoice quality, insecure network, losing service during internet outages, costs and difficulty of implementation. In this article, we talk about how the advantages of VoIP overshadow the drawbacks, and how to get the most out of your VoIP system.
What makes VoIP the best choice?
VoIP service has the potential to cut down your telecommunications expenses drastically and improve productivity. Here is how it accomplishes it:
Advancing VoIP technology
Earlier, VoIP restricted users to computer systems and not so good voice quality. Today’s regular phones (equipped with VoIP adapters) and IP phones promise high voice quality, good mobility, and a range of helpful features. Businesses leverage existing networks for phone calls within the office, resulting in significant savings and increased employee productivity.
Business VoIP slashes telecommunication costs
Typical phone systems need constant administration and upkeep of expensive infrastructure as per industry regulations. VoIP cuts down installation and maintenance overheads by maintaining a single network for voice and data. Moving the phone with the employees that incurs a charge of about $100 per head is cut out completely by just plugging an IP phone into another broadband network jack. For similar services, VoIP providers fall cheaper too than conventional phone system vendors.
Use VoIP services wherever you are
VoIP keeps you connected wherever there is a broadband connection. You can take calls from clients and associates at the office, your home, a hotel or even a friend’s place. This cuts down your cell phone expenses. A lot of VoIP systems include software that allows you to make and receive calls on your laptop with a headphone and a microphone.
Trouble-free VoIP configuration
Faxes and voice mails can be forwarded to your email inbox by setting up the VoIP phone system. Emails can also be recorded and delivered as voice mail. It lets you manage your messages and mails at one place.
Virtual phone number
If you are making calls to customers outside your area, you may want to use a local number. With VoIP, you can have a virtual phone number with the preferred area code.
VoIP improves productivity
Research indicates that VoIP systems improve productivity by almost 4 hours per employee per week. VoIP phone system features manage employee’s time effectively. Your VoIP phone number can ring concurrently on your landline and mobile phone before reaching voice mail, making sure you never miss an important call.
Making the most of VoIP phone systems
VoIP is a worthwhile investment. If you still have doubts, these tips will help you stay on top of them.
1. Use professional VoIP services
Though a typical VoIP phone system can be installed effortlessly, hire a VoIP service provider for bigger projects. Some network providers manage installation and configuration of VoIP solutions for small businesses.
2. Run a pilot project
Have a small group of people use the VoIP system and verify its usefulness to your business. Once you’re satisfied, implement it across the office. Hold on to your traditional phone system as a fall back during this phase.
3. No missed calls with call forwarding
Configure VoIP phone system to forward unanswered calls to a landline or a cell phone or both. If there is a power failure, you won’t miss any calls till an alternative power source gets going.
4. Build up network security
The only way to circumvent call hacking is to protect your network from denial-of-service attacks and digital hackers. Make it a priority to update network security and to check it thoroughly at regular intervals.
VoIP phone systems are an economical option with all the advantages of an advanced telecommunications system. Small businesses can minimize travel costs with high quality videoconferencing in real time, use VoIP integrated call center applications, and other cost effective benefits of VoIP. With latest wireless phones offering seamless switching between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, VoIP users can look forward to more cost savings and attractive offerings. Daljeet Sidhu is the author of this article.
Filed under Telephone Systems by artnet
VoIP office phone systems are adaptable, multifunctional systems that reduce telecommunication budgets without compromising on voice quality or features.
In fact, traditional phone systems cannot match the capabilities of VoIP with features such as virtual phone numbers, forwarding faxes and voice mail to e-mail, fixed mobile convergence, and more.
In spite of the strides in VoIP technology, some businesses are wary of implementing VoIP at their offices. They worry about poorvoice quality, insecure network, losing service during internet outages, costs and difficulty of implementation. In this article, we talk about how the advantages of VoIP overshadow the drawbacks, and how to get the most out of your VoIP system.
What makes VoIP the best choice?
VoIP service has the potential to cut down your telecommunications expenses drastically and improve productivity. Here is how it accomplishes it:
Advancing VoIP technology
Earlier, VoIP restricted users to computer systems and not so good voice quality. Today’s regular phones (equipped with VoIP adapters) and IP phones promise high voice quality, good mobility, and a range of helpful features. Businesses leverage existing networks for phone calls within the office, resulting in significant savings and increased employee productivity.
Business VoIP slashes telecommunication costs
Typical phone systems need constant administration and upkeep of expensive infrastructure as per industry regulations. VoIP cuts down installation and maintenance overheads by maintaining a single network for voice and data. Moving the phone with the employees that incurs a charge of about $100 per head is cut out completely by just plugging an IP phone into another broadband network jack. For similar services, VoIP providers fall cheaper too than conventional phone system vendors.
Use VoIP services wherever you are
VoIP keeps you connected wherever there is a broadband connection. You can take calls from clients and associates at the office, your home, a hotel or even a friend’s place. This cuts down your cell phone expenses. A lot of VoIP systems include software that allows you to make and receive calls on your laptop with a headphone and a microphone.
Trouble-free VoIP configuration
Faxes and voice mails can be forwarded to your email inbox by setting up the VoIP phone system. Emails can also be recorded and delivered as voice mail. It lets you manage your messages and mails at one place.
Virtual phone number
If you are making calls to customers outside your area, you may want to use a local number. With VoIP, you can have a virtual phone number with the preferred area code.
VoIP improves productivity
Research indicates that VoIP systems improve productivity by almost 4 hours per employee per week. VoIP phone system features manage employee’s time effectively. Your VoIP phone number can ring concurrently on your landline and mobile phone before reaching voice mail, making sure you never miss an important call.
Making the most of VoIP phone systems
VoIP is a worthwhile investment. If you still have doubts, these tips will help you stay on top of them.
1. Use professional VoIP services
Though a typical VoIP phone system can be installed effortlessly, hire a VoIP service provider for bigger projects. Some network providers manage installation and configuration of VoIP solutions for small businesses.
2. Run a pilot project
Have a small group of people use the VoIP system and verify its usefulness to your business. Once you’re satisfied, implement it across the office. Hold on to your traditional phone system as a fall back during this phase.
3. No missed calls with call forwarding
Configure VoIP phone system to forward unanswered calls to a landline or a cell phone or both. If there is a power failure, you won’t miss any calls till an alternative power source gets going.
4. Build up network security
The only way to circumvent call hacking is to protect your network from denial-of-service attacks and digital hackers. Make it a priority to update network security and to check it thoroughly at regular intervals.
VoIP phone systems are an economical option with all the advantages of an advanced telecommunications system. Small businesses can minimize travel costs with high quality videoconferencing in real time, use VoIP integrated call center applications, and other cost effective benefits of VoIP. With latest wireless phones offering seamless switching between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, VoIP users can look forward to more cost savings and attractive offerings. Daljeet Sidhu is the author of this article.
Filed under Telephone Systems by artnet
August 17, 2010
When Is The Best Time To Upgrade Your Business Telephone System?
So many business owners wait until the last minute to replace their business telephone system. This is either because they are too wrapped up in all of the other details of the job or they did not take seriously how important it is to always have the best possible business telephone system in place. The thing is though, there are many people who understand that this is of importance, but they really do not know when it is that they should be upgrading their phone systems.
The key to making sure that you know when it is the best time is to make sure that you are staying ahead of the game. You want to make sure that you are doing your best to keep an eye out on new trends and new technology that is hitting the news. When you do this, you will be fully aware of when new telephone systems for businesses hit the market. You will be able to make sure that you are getting the best possible phone system in place for your employees and for your business as a whole.
If you wait too long, you just might find that your company is actually several steps behind the rest of the world when it comes to business telephone systems. With the right telephone system in place, you will continue to beat the competition and your company will continue to make a lot of money. You might even notice an increase in profit after the new system is installed, even taking into account the money that you had to spend on the new system.
Speaking of system costs, you will want to make sure that you are shopping around for the best deals. This way, you will be sure to be able to afford the very best that money can buy, or at least the very best that your budget will allow. Also, make sure that you are having a qualified company come in and handle the installation. This way, you will not have to run the risk of major problems that could end up closing down your shop for a while.
Filed under Telephone Systems by artnet