When it comes to business phone systems, is bigger always better? Take it from a provider of business phone system additions: not always.

While many businesses, especially large businesses, benefit from the wide variety of features available with modern communication systems, the same system might overwhelm or become obsolete for a smaller business.

But size isn’t the only thing that affects what a business needs in a telephone system. If that were the case, choosing one would be a lot more straightforward than it is.

Central Telephone, your team of Plymouth, Minnesota communication experts, is here to help with a few questions to help get your business to the office telephone system it needs.

3 Types of Business Phone Systems to Consider

Fortunately, there are a range of types of phone systems for your business. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages, use of technology, and features.

So before you consider whether one type of business phone system is best for your business, take a moment to better understand each one.

1. Cloud-Based Phone Systems

Cloud-based phone systems are a type of VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Essentially, you get phone services via an internet connection.

Cloud-based phone systems provide a way for your business – no matter its size – to communicate effortlessly. They use a singular network, cutting infrastructure complexity and increasing efficiency.

One of the potential disadvantages of cloud-based phone systems is that if the internet goes, so does your phone communication. However, an advantage of cloud-based phone systems is that you can switch to alternative telephone numbers if this should come up.

2. Premise-Based Phone Systems

A premise-based phone system is a hybrid phone system, also known as PBX, or private branch exchange. It can be configured into a digital, VoIP, or analog system – or a combination of the three.

It is a unified communication system, so premise-based phone systems have all the features and advantages of cloud-based phone systems. While there is more room for issues like slow internet connections and IP address conflicts, premise-based phone systems are easily managed using a web interface.

Digital phone systems also support “station relocation,” which means you can move your phone system where you need it most.

3. Distributed Antenna Phones Systems

DAS phone systems, or distributed antenna systems, help your business achieve a uniform cell signal throughout the building. If your internet connection is less than stellar on location, considering the DAS phone system, an indoor cellular solution, may be your best bet.

A DAS system boosts cellular signals throughout the building for a more reliable, consistent signal. In particular, Central Telephone works with Cel-Fi, an excellent solution for businesses in the Twin Cities.

Overall, DAS improves internet connectivity and cellular signals and maintains critical communications.

Choosing the Phone System for Your Business

There are several benefits and potential disadvantages of every phone system designed for business. However, while one phone system may be recommended for one type of business, or even an industry, every business is different.

Therefore, when choosing a phone system for your business, don’t look too heavily into what works for others like you. Instead, look at what your business needs and its unique phone system needs, and use those factors to make a final decision.

Consider Your Workforce

Most phone systems could work for your staff if you have a traditional in-office workforce. But if you have remote employees, you must ensure that you communicate as a team, no matter where they might be.

Remote employees, in-office, and hybrid employees – how we work is changing. Business VoIP systems offer smartphone applications and mobility features while enjoying the complete functionality of desk phones from home.

Do You Need One Landline or Several?

When you consider which type of business phone system works best for you, ask yourself how many phone lines you need. Hybrid and cloud-hosted VoIP systems do not typically limit the number of lines you can connect, even those that may be accessed from outside the office per a smart device.

Adding new lines to these modern systems is easier than ever, and as you add new lines, you pay less for each line. Per-user cost for larger companies is much lesser than traditional local and regional phone systems.

What Types of Features Do You Need Most?

Whether you work in construction or provide bookkeeping services, your business needs different services than your competition. Choosing the right phone system with these features is crucial to the long-term satisfaction of using said phone system.

Here are some of the most common features requested in business phone systems:

  • Voicemail to Email
  • Voicemail to Text
  • Call Forwarding
  • Call Queues
  • Directory Assistance
  • Option of Local or Toll-Free Numbers
  • Video Conferencing
  • Text Messaging
  • International Calls

Once you understand the features your business needs the most, you can compare these to suitable business phone systems.

Modernize Your Business With Central Telephone

It shouldn’t be a quick decision when you hire the right phone system services for your business. So many factors go into it, from budget to the number of employees. When you work with a professional technology consultant from Central Telephone, it’s much easier to get the appropriate guidance and advice for your business’s much-needed phone systems.

Whether you seek a cloud-based or a premise-based phone system, Central Telephone has the technicians and expertise to seamlessly integrate it into your workflow. Give our Plymouth office a call today at 763-550-2000!