When it comes to getting your business up and running, there are many million-dollar questions you need to ask yourself. That’s why in comparison to all of the finances, staff employment, management, marketing, and sales strategies, some things just seem trivial at the moment. But you’ll be surprised how these “trivial” things often have a great impact on the way your company presents itself in the world of business!
One of such often neglected trivial aspects is the phone service you have. If you’re thinking, “What about that? Any phone will just do!” Then you need to think again. Depending on your needs, the right phone system will not only ensure the professional image of your business, but it can also cut a lot of the costs off of your financial reports.
PSTNs stand for public switched telephone networks or landlines as we know them. They’re supported by a local or regional phone company, and they use traditional copper wiring to run. To make an internal extension between different divisions, you’ll need to install Private Branch Extension (PBX) hardware on your premises.
Pros: Landlines are the oldest in the history of verbal communication, and consequently, the most tested and reliable. Installing PBX also enables for call-transferring and call-directories.
Cons: Very limiting when it comes to remote work or regular working-trips, and installing PBX hardware costs some money.
When to choose: If you don’t have a fast or good internet connection, landlines are the best fit for you.
Pros: They are a great way to bypass all of the hardware hassles and just let the cloud take care of your calls.
Pros: Easy to install, premium services that are automated and synchronized phone system, no hardware setup expenses, allows for a great deal of work flexibility and telecommuting.
Cons: They rely solely on the internet connection. If you frequently have trouble with your internet connection or it’s slow, your work will be affected negatively.
When to choose: If you have a reliable internet connection and you don’t have a fixed workspace or your employees have to do a lot of business trips for their work.
For an on-premises VoIP system, there will be an upfront investment that goes into getting and installing the hardware needed. While you’ll have complete control over the system, you’ll need to ensure that your IT staff are qualified for maintaining, repairing and upgrading the system.
Cloud-based VoIPs require no hardware nor any maintenance and repair on your side, the service provider takes care of it all. All you have to is pay the periodical subscriptions, and enjoy the upgrades and features they provide you with. The only downside of the cloud-based VoIP is that you don’t have any control over it. If the system breaks down, you’ll have to wait for the provider to fix it.
Choosing the right phone service for your business is far from trivial. With the right phone service, you can ensure that your employees can be professional at all times and that the image of your company remains pristine. Whether your employees are working remotely, constantly traveling for work, or are in different departments in your company, providing them with the proper communication tools will do wonders for their productivity - and your company.
One of such often neglected trivial aspects is the phone service you have. If you’re thinking, “What about that? Any phone will just do!” Then you need to think again. Depending on your needs, the right phone system will not only ensure the professional image of your business, but it can also cut a lot of the costs off of your financial reports.
Different Phone Services to Choose From
That being said, your options lie between Traditional Landlines and Virtual Phone Systems.1. Traditional Landlines (PSTNs)
Pros: Landlines are the oldest in the history of verbal communication, and consequently, the most tested and reliable. Installing PBX also enables for call-transferring and call-directories.
Cons: Very limiting when it comes to remote work or regular working-trips, and installing PBX hardware costs some money.
When to choose: If you don’t have a fast or good internet connection, landlines are the best fit for you.
2. Virtual Phone Services
Virtual services use an internet connection rather than just relying on local phone companies. There are IP PBX systems that use virtual systems. They still work on the same PBX hardware, but use the internet, so they’re considered some sort of a hybrid. Other services, which are becoming increasingly popular, use the VoIP.Pros: They are a great way to bypass all of the hardware hassles and just let the cloud take care of your calls.
Virtual Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services
VoIP phones run on your internet connection instead of the copper wires and provide great options for small businesses and large corporations alike. Using a small business VoIP, smaller businesses can enjoy features such as call queues, automated attendants, as well as computer integration and synchronization. Such features were only previously available using expensive PBX hardware, but not anymore. VoIP systems also allow telecommuting employees to have access to their business numbers through their mobile phones.Pros: Easy to install, premium services that are automated and synchronized phone system, no hardware setup expenses, allows for a great deal of work flexibility and telecommuting.
Cons: They rely solely on the internet connection. If you frequently have trouble with your internet connection or it’s slow, your work will be affected negatively.
When to choose: If you have a reliable internet connection and you don’t have a fixed workspace or your employees have to do a lot of business trips for their work.
On-premises Vs. Cloud-based VoIP
You can further choose between hosting your own VoIP... or subscribing to a cloud-hosting service provider.For an on-premises VoIP system, there will be an upfront investment that goes into getting and installing the hardware needed. While you’ll have complete control over the system, you’ll need to ensure that your IT staff are qualified for maintaining, repairing and upgrading the system.
Cloud-based VoIPs require no hardware nor any maintenance and repair on your side, the service provider takes care of it all. All you have to is pay the periodical subscriptions, and enjoy the upgrades and features they provide you with. The only downside of the cloud-based VoIP is that you don’t have any control over it. If the system breaks down, you’ll have to wait for the provider to fix it.
Choosing the right phone service for your business is far from trivial. With the right phone service, you can ensure that your employees can be professional at all times and that the image of your company remains pristine. Whether your employees are working remotely, constantly traveling for work, or are in different departments in your company, providing them with the proper communication tools will do wonders for their productivity - and your company.
