In as much as communication is concern, it always difficult to figure the bet communication platform for a business, expecially if you are a startup or running a small office business. The first in step in selecting the ideal phone system for your small business is to consider what phone capabilities your company needs and wants. You’ll also have to give some thought to want functions and features your business might need as it grows. Cost might drive your decision making process, but keep in mind that saving money on your phone system today may mean losing money in the long run.
Your telephone system s one of the most important parts of your organization.
- It connects customers.
- It connects employees.
- It connects your business.
To find the right system, you need to consider how calls are answered and how often callers are put on hold. You also need to determine which people in your organization need phones, and what types of features they’ll need (e.g., conference calling, voicemail, call forwarding). The two major types of phone systems in today’s market are Key system and (PBXs). Key systems are traditionally used by companies with fewer than 50 employees. The key system is telephone that has keys and are connected to the System key unit which is the central control system. A key system has telephones with multiple buttons (“keys”) and lights that indicate which lines are in use then . When you want to place a call, you just press a button to directly select the telephone company’s central office phone lines. Key systems typically have one unit – an attendant phone or separate box—that acts as controller for a limited number of lines for a limited number of extensions.
Key system
Key System is a traditional and basic type of business phone system hat works well for companies with a few dozen employees or less. A Key System is controlled and supported by a Key System Unit (KSU) that offers multiple lines. Key System telephones have multiple buttons that represent individual lines. When you want to make a call, you pick up the receiver and press a button to access a phone line. The button then lights up to indicate that the phone line is in use. When compared to a PBX system, Key Systems aren’t as customizable, but they do offer an array of features a traditional phone system can’t. In fact, a Key System offers every basic calling feature most small businesses need, such as hold buttons, speakerphone, paging, intercom,memory dialing, timers and long- distance restriction capabilities. With a Key System you can also call extensions within your office. You can expect that largest initial cost associated with a Key System is the purchase of new handsets. A Key System may be compatible with your current phone wiring, which can save you substantial money. The KSU must be installed and maintained by a professional and all external phone lines will need to be connected to it.
Linx Networks Ltd offers professional installation and Maintenance services for your key system installation and supply, contact us today and enjoy the benefits.
PBX System
A PBX system connects the telephones within a company to one another and also connects them to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). It’s a private telephone network where employees share a limited number of outside lines (often referred to as trunk lines) to make and receive calls outside of the business. In essence, you can think of PBX as functioning like a mini version of the phone company’s central office (CO). A PBX system will be higher in cost than a Key System, but the flexibility and options you gain with PBX could be well worth the added expense. PBX systems can be on-premise or hosted. Using a hosted or virtual PBX configuration has its pros and cons, but generally you’ll enjoy a cost savings by using hosted PBX because you don’t purchase the phone equipment.
Compared to a Key System, PBX is much more scalable. As you develop and grow your small business, PBX can be reconfigured to meet its changing needs. In fact, a PBX system can accommodate hundreds of phone lines. Similar to a Key System only larger, a PBX system demands a cabinet of electronic equipment. Just like a Key System, a technician must install your PBX system and all internal and external phone lines must be connected to it.
How do find the best for your business, it all depends on your priority and budget, Linx Networks Ltd can help you figure out the best and deploy it for you, simply request for a a consultation from us, we will send a Telephony Engineer o your location to discuss the best platform to suit your business and budget.