Which Telephone Systems Are Best For Small Businesses?
Deciding on which phone system to use is a big thing, for any business whether that be big or small. It is also quite a difficult decision to make, simply because there is so many different phone systems on offer. They all seem to offer similar things, which only seems to make the decision all that much harder than it has to be.
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Which Telephone Systems Are Best For Small Businesses?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol):
Virtual PBX Systems:
Providers: Grasshopper, RingCentral, Nextiva, 8×8, Vonage Business, and Phone.com.
On-Premises PBX Systems:
Providers: Avaya, Cisco, Mitel, Panasonic, NEC, and Grandstream.
Hybrid Phone Systems:
Mobile Phone Systems:
Providers: Mobile carriers (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three), virtual phone system providers, VoIP services, and business mobile solutions.
Unified Communications (UC) Systems:
Providers: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, RingCentral, Cisco Webex, Avaya, Mitel, 8×8, and Nextiva.
Below are some popular types of phone systems for businesses:
Cloud Based
Cloud-based phone system, also known as hosted PBX (Private Branch Exchange), offer numerous advantages for small businesses:
Pros :
Scalable : Easily add or remove users as your business grows without the need for significant infrastructure upgrades.
Affordable : Typically, cloud-based systems operate on a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing for predictable monthly costs without large upfront investments in hardware.
Ease of use : With no need for complex setup or maintenance, these systems are user-friendly and can be managed through intuitive online interfaces.
Feature-rich : Cloud-based phone systems offer a wide array of features, including call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, and even advanced functionalities like video conferencing, enhancing communication and collaboration within the organization.
Cons :
Reliance on internet connectivity : Cloud-based systems are reliant on a stable and strong internet connection. Downtime or interruptions in internet service can disrupt communication operations.
Security concerns : As with any cloud-based service, security is a concern. It’s essential to choose a reputable provider that implements robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data and communications.
Overall, the benefits of scalability, affordability, ease of use, and feature richness make cloud-based phone systems an attractive option for small businesses looking to streamline communication and enhance productivity. However, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate providers and consider factors like reliability and security before making a decision.
On-Premise Phone Systems
On-premise phone systems, while offering certain advantages, also come with notable drawbacks for businesses:
Pros :
More control : With on-premise systems, businesses have greater control over their data and security protocols.
No reliance on internet connectivity : Unlike cloud-based systems, on-premise solutions can function even if internet connectivity is disrupted.
Cons :
Expensive : On-premise phone systems typically require a significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and infrastructure. The initial costs can be prohibitive for small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.
Difficult to maintain : Setting up and maintaining on-premise systems demands specialised IT expertise. Businesses may need to invest in dedicated IT staff or external consultants to ensure the system operates smoothly.
Not scalable : Unlike cloud-based solutions, on-premise systems are often less flexible and scalable. Adding or removing users can be challenging and may require costly hardware upgrades or expansions.
In summary, while on-premise phone systems offer advntages in terms of control and independence from internet connectivity, they can be cost-prohibitive, difficult to maintain, and lack scalability compared to cloud-based alternatives. Businesses must carefully weigh these factors and assess their specific needs before deciding on the most suitable phone system for their operations.
Virtual PBX Systems
Virtual PBX (VPBX) systems offer a middle ground between cloud-based and on-premise phone systems, providing a blend of benefits and considerations:
Pros :
Hybrid functionality : Virtual PBX systems combine the advantages of cloud-based and on-premise solutions.
Affordability : Compared to fully on-premise systems, VPBX solutions tend to be more cost-effective, as they require less initial investment in hardware and infrastructure.
Flexibility : VPBX systems offer greater flexibility than traditional on-premise solutions, allowing businesses to adapt and scale their phone systems more easily to meet evolving needs.
Cons :
On-site hardware requirement : While VPBX systems primarily rely on cloud-hosted infrastructure, they still require some on-site hardware, such as analog phones or adapters.
Complexity : Setting up and maintaining a VPBX system may be more complex than managing purely cloud-based solutions.
In summary, virtual PBX systems offer businesses a balance between the advantages of cloud-based and on-premise phone systems, providing flexibility, affordability, and a blend of functionalities. However, businesses should carefully evaluate their specific requirements and technical capabilities when considering a VPBX solution.
For more information on PBX telephone systems, head over to this page .
How to Choose the Best Phone System For Your Business
Selecting the right phone system for your business entails careful consideration of various factors. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects to evaluate:
Deployment Method
Cloud-based (Hosted PBX)
On-premise
Virtual PBX (VPBX)
Features
What features are essential to your business success?
Scalability
Ensure the system can accommodate your business growth.
Ease of Use
Assess user-friendliness, setup simplicity, and availability of support resources.
Cost
Consider upfront investment, monthly subscription fees, per-user charges, and additional costs for exceeding usage limits or advanced features.
Security
Make sure you choose a provider with robust security features to protect your data.
Customer Support:
Be sure to read reviews of the customer support for your ideal provider.
UK VoIP Providers
UK VoIP Providers
Company
Price
Free Trial
Customer Rating
Who is it Best For
£19 per user, per month
✓
4.7
Small businesses with big growth plans
£9 per user, per month
✓
4.6
Small businesses looking for a cheap and easy solution
£12 per user, per month (billed annually)
✓
4.4
Telesales teams and small businesses with high turnover
£6 per user, per month
✓
4.4
£10 per user, per month
✓
4.3
Companies that need to communicate remotely
£7.99 per user, per month (billed annually)
✓
4
Small businesses with varied departments
£14.99 per user, per month
X
3.9
Small companies that are based online
Here is a Handy Video About Phone Systems For Small Businesses
VIDEO
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