Choosing a new business phone system for your business entails researching the best options available.
There are two types of business phone systems: traditional business phone systems and cloud-hosted business phone systems. Both have their advantages and understanding your needs will determine which system works best for you. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
The location of your operations
Consider a cloud-hosted business phone system if your operations are situated on more than one premise or if you’re planning to set up satellite branches shortly. A cloud-based business phone system offers added flexibility and features such as free calls in between sites.
Are you planning to move to a new location anytime soon? Cloud-hosted business phone systems allow you to add and remove handsets easily since they require little hardware on-site. Traditional business phone systems require you to define the maximum number of desk phones you’ll need from the outset. Since you house all of the hardware on your premises, it can be more costly to move them.
Team size
If your company is currently experiencing or expects to see major growth in terms of staff, a cloud-based business phone system offers easy and efficient scaling. You can add phone lines, extensions, and advanced features easily without hiring a professional or paying for more equipment. All updates can be done in the cloud, saving you on maintenance costs.
However, if your business already has an extensive traditional business phone system, it may be cost-prohibitive to acquire VoIP-enabled phones. Consider the equipment you have and confirm if it makes sense to adopt a cloud-based business phone system.
Cost considerations
Traditional business phone systems are handled as capital expenditures since the equipment has to be purchased upfront. On the other hand, with a cloud-hosted phone system, all of the hardware is leased to you by your provider. You pay a lower upfront initial cost and a competitive monthly operational cost; you simply pay for what you use.
Serving Franklin, Tennessee, business phone systems expert Pivotel Networks strives to be your advocate and ally in an ever-changing world of telecommunications and technology. Call (615) 499-7900 for more information.
