KSU, PBX, and VoIP are the three primary choices for a company phone system. Find out more about each so you can make an educated business decision.
Small and big businesses alike may benefit from the call management features offered by business phone systems. Features-wise, they’re rather different from standard home phones. In order to be effective, a company’s phone system has to be able to field several incoming calls at once and transmit those calls to appropriate employees.
The following functions may be available on today’s top corporate phone systems:
If staff are allowed numerous lines, they may easily switch between calls and better handle peak call periods. The quantity of phone lines required for a commercial enterprise is proportional to its size. Two to four lines are sufficient for most small enterprises.
Callers are greeted by an automated system that then connects them to the appropriate team member.
Business phone voicemail systems now have the capability to display visual voicemail in addition to storing voicemails. Transcribing voicemails and then forwarding them to staff members through electronic means like email or text message is an option.
Phone meetings may be arranged in the form of conference calls, whereby numerous people can join in on a single conversation. Remote workers absolutely need this function.
Phone calls may be routed to a different number, or even an email address.
It is possible to record an on-hold message assuring callers that their calls will be returned as quickly as feasible. If you want to keep the caller entertained while they wait, you may play music over the phone line.
Support for headsets is a must for every enterprise phone system in the present day, and that includes both wired and wireless models.
So, how many distinct kind of telephones are there?
Instrumental Components of the System
The key system unit is the foundation of even the most basic telephone system (KSU). Given the low maximum number of phone lines that can be integrated into such a system, it is best suited for small firms with no more than 40 workers working as phone operators.
It’s as simple to use as your regular home phone. Although it offers all the fundamental capabilities a company could ask for, its lack of mobility and adaptability makes it less than ideal. A key switching unit (KSU) is used to manually choose a phone line.
KSU-less is the name given to this variant of the system. It’s much like the standard phone system in every way, except that it’s fully wireless and can be moved around easily.
However, there are significant restrictions on what may be done with the system without the KSU. Only around ten users may use the system at once, and you can’t buy it; instead, you have to order it via a phone company. To summarise, a phone system without a key service unit (KSU) is OK for a little company that has no plans to hire more people, but it’s not particularly helpful for a growing enterprise.
KSUs, PBXs, and VoIPs are the three primary categories of commercial telephone systems. All of these solutions are available in two distinct flavours: hosted (cloud) and non-hosted (on-premises). The differences are as follows.
Negative and positive aspects of a KSU
KSUs, PBXs, and VoIPs are the three primary varieties of business telephone systems. There are two types of each of these systems available: hosted (cloud) and non-hosted (on-premises). I’ll explain how they’re different.
Pros
The interface is straightforward and simple to use.
All of a company’s basic telephony requirements may be met with this solution.
One may choose a good phone line by hand if necessary.
Cons
There can only be 40 active lines.
There is no portability or adaptability.
It lacks the adaptability that rapidly expanding organisations need.
Exchange for private branches
In addition to traditional public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), private branch exchanges (PBXs) are now available for commercial use. Compared to KSU and KSU-free systems, this one is more sophisticated. As a result of its reliance on programmable switching devices, incoming calls may be automatically sent to the appropriate extensions.
This fully automated business phone system is ideal for a firm with 40 or more workers. The uninterruptible power supply (UPS) included into the PBX system is another major perk, since it allows a firm to keep running even if the power goes out.
The hosted PBX is a variant on this technology. Only change is that the programmable switching device is now hosted by a third-party telephone service rather than being put on-site. The key benefit is that you may keep the sophisticated functionality of a PBX system without spending as much on installation and upkeep.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using a PBX?
Pros
Incoming phone calls may be sent to the appropriate extensions automatically.
Large-scale businesses may benefit from its use.
Since it has its own power supply, it can continue functioning even if the electricity goes out.
Cons
Your PBX setup necessitates the attention of a specialised expert.
Repairs and upkeep are your company’s responsibility.
Problems with redundancy across workplaces are possible.
“Voice over IP”
Voice over Internet Protocol is one of the most recent and widely used technological advancements in the commercial world (VoIP). In comparison to other systems, this one allows a prospective customer and phone operator to speak with one another regardless of their physical locations, making it the most cutting-edge option available. An internet connection and a personal computer are needed for this. It is the most effective method, but the price is high since it is tied to the number of users. The primary value of this system lies in the fact that all of its features may be accessed digitally over your company’s corporate internet network.
VoIP systems may be hosted much like PBX systems. Since the service provider hosts the central telephone system, the hosted version provides the same benefits as the standard VoIP system with less installation and maintenance for the company employing it.
Voice over Internet Protocol: Pros and Cons
Pros
With so many options available, it’s easier than ever to get in touch with anybody, anywhere.
With the use of the internet, people from all over the globe may have simple conversations with one another.
It’s simple to add new users and expand the system so more groups may talk to one another.
Cons
the ease of contact has been much improved.
Because of the need for a constant internet connection, its usefulness is restricted.
Disruptions in communication may occur due to latency and bandwidth concerns.
Although there are no foolproof safeguards against hackers, you may take precautions to secure your devices.
How much does a typical business phone typically cost?
Monthly rates for the finest business telephone systems typically begin in the $12 to $20 per user range. Contrast this with Ooma Office, whose cheapest monthly package is $19.99 per user, and 88, whose cheapest monthly plan costs merely $12 per person. Our reviews of 88 and Ooma will provide further light on the topic.
However, the prices of business phones are not any more consistent than the prices of any other service. The price of a company’s phone line is affected by many variables. The number of lines plays a pivotal role. Line services may be packaged for bigger companies. There is a multiplicative effect on the monthly cost per line for smaller enterprises.
Different phone services have different advantages and disadvantages. Comparing the cost of a traditional landline phone to a VoIP service shows a significant difference. The cost per line will vary depending on whether or whether you have access to features like message storage, teleconferencing, and video conferencing (or per user). The cost of a business phone may rise with the addition of advanced features like an answering service, mobile access, and round-the-clock assistance.
