Convergence of technology is making the choices for voice communication more complex. Your telephone needs could be as simple as a single phone line, or as complex as a call center with video conferencing. The following advice will help you get the phone system that you need and can afford.
Pieces to the Puzzle
Voice communication involves coordination between three areas:
hardware
software
service
Telephone hardware is the equipment you need in your business to communicate via phone. Examples include telephones and related equipment like:
speaker phones
cell phones
two-way radios
Software is the tool that is used to control the telephone equipment. Most phone systems come with a web-based interface to easily administrate features. Software-based features often include:
voice mail
voice mail to email
call recording
Service provided by a vendor give you a dial tone and support if something goes wrong. Other services related to voice communication include:
integration with security systems
voice recognition
cell phone bundles
high-speed Internet
Key Features to Get
Phone systems can quickly run up in price as you add features. Make sure you have the basics covered:
pre-programmed business hours messages
voice mail greetings
call forwarding
on-hold music
Key Terms to Learn
Learning a few basic terms will help you as you talk to voice communication vendors:
Broadband – high speed transmission of data over the Internet
DID – allows fewer lines than extensions, while still having a unique number for each extension
Hunt Group – process to select which line will receive the call
Leased Line – physical wire that connects two locations for voice and data service
PBX – a switch station for telephone systems
T1 – a dedicated phone connection supporting data rates of 1.544Mbits per second
VoIP – the transmission of voice phones through the Internet
WAN – a way to link remote office locations through your network
Get Quotes
Once you decide what you need, find out what is available in your price range. The best way to do this is to get quotes online for phone service. Filling out a form on one of the following sites will get you quotes from multiple vendors:
Questions to Ask
Communication costs are one of the largest expenses in any business. Before you sign any contracts, talk to the vendor to clarify any confusion. Check out the fine print for issues such as:
How long is the contract? What is included?
What hardware accessories are included? Required?
How can I add or remove equipment? Service?
What is the Service Level Agreement?
Hot Tips
Here are a few things to be aware of as you select a vendor or service provider:
Lines are Leased - The company you buy telephone service from might not be the company that owns the physical wires that connect service to your building. This could make service take longer if there is a disruption.
Don’t Cancel Your Phone - If you are keeping your current phone numbers, don’t cancel service with your old provider until your new service contract is established. Make sure your new provider knows that they need to transfer your numbers for you.
Local 911 Service - If you use VoIP, make sure you are aware of issues or limitations with services you may take for granted, such as local 911 service.
Check Out Skype- Regardless of the system you pick for phone service, Skype might be a great supplement to other phone services for your business.
Author: Peder Halseide
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: US Dollar credit card
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