Corporate Phone System Buying Tips

Efficient communication is essential for corporations, so voice connections continue to play a prominent role in the course of daily business. Although the playing field is evolving, introducing wide-ranging options for sharing information, phones are still at the heart of interpersonal communication – especially in corporate environments, where image and efficiency are both enhanced using phones.

To speak of corporate phone service in modern communication goes beyond simple single-line office connections. On the contrary, today’s multi-line systems perform in ways unimaginable only a few years ago. Modern corporate phone systems assist sales, marketing, scheduling, warranty service and a host of customer care functions.

Both internally and externally, high-functioning phone systems influence businesses relationships, enable deals to close quickly, connect sellers with clients, and empower inbound agents to address questions and concerns about products and services. These and many other important contributions warrant the best corporate phone system your budget permits. The first steps toward comprehensive communication are evaluating usage and matching custom capabilities to the needs of your organization.

Performance Possibilities

Modern telecommunications possibilities present fresh frontiers for corporations accustomed to outdated hardware and services. Technology continues to open doors, so custom corporate phone systems include advanced features, which can literally change the way you do business. And since the playing field changes rapidly, telecom professionals are the best source for up to date information and cutting edge strategies. Some of the benefits of working with a seasoned provider:

  • Experience: Vetted providers have a track record of success, responding to industry shifts over time. The best phone system partners understand fundamentals, but also embrace progressive, tech-driven solutions.
  • Research: Direct relationships with manufacturers and system designers give professional providers access to the latest hardware and insight into the future direction of the industry. More than individual researchers can reasonably expect to achieve, established phone system companies are able to look ahead, ensuring your initial capital phone system investment provides returns for many years.
  • Industry Comparisons: Working with a reputable dealer furnishes access to phone systems from various makers. Through side by side comparisons, their experience with equipment and service possibilities empowers sellers to present the best options for your particular circumstances – whether your corporation is production or service-based.

Appropriate custom solutions vary, depending upon the needs of each business, but there are several key capabilities each system should have. The following traits are widely sought by corporate decision-makers, as companies compare and contrast commercial phone systems:

  • Easy to Use: Businesses absorb training costs and expenses associated with phone system changeovers. Intuitive, easy to understand set-ups reduce the costs of transitions, and limit downtime as phone agents and other users master the system.
  • Scalable: VoIP systems have become available to businesses of all sizes, enabling more and more companies to take advantage of diverse features. The phone system platform is a highly adaptable solution that can be properly sized to enhance existing operations and grow alongside expanding businesses.
  • Reliable: Improving customer experiences means seamlessly handling voice and data demands. Phone systems aimed at customer satisfaction are increasingly important, so downtime is unacceptable. Fortunately, IP solutions now rival traditional connections for clarity and reliability.
  • Collaborative: Networking internal associates and connecting collaborators across great distances are key communication requirements in an increasingly global business marketplace. Productivity and profits are directly linked to employee interactions, so providing high level phone service stokes the fires of innovation and creativity. Samsung’s Unified Communications, for example, maximizes productivity by changing the way companies look at communication – starting with well-linked resources.

Feature-Rich Connections

Phone systems represent significant investments for modern corporations, but the wide array of available features actually enhance performance efficiency. The price of phone upgrades is easily justified within company budgets, quickly recovered through increased productivity and improved internal and external communications. The following forward-thinking phone system functions help corporations excel:

  • Auto Attendant: Like having a staffer on duty 24 hours each day, auto attendant provides a greeting and efficiently directs callers to the correct parties. Using voice prompts and keypad responses, the system forward inquiries, whether or not you are open for business. When you are, it leads to fast resolution of caller concerns, and when inbound traffic occurs outside business hours, the attendant provides flexible, efficient options for leaving a message with the proper party. Cisco’s Automated Attendant, for instance, is one feature of the company’s comprehensive suite of small business phone solutions.
  • Music on Hold: Corporate callers shouldn’t be kept waiting, but music adds a pleasant dimension to the caller experience, during a brief transfer period.
  • Multiple Languages: Global companies are sensitive to language barriers, so effective phone solutions include multi-lingual capabilities. In order to court international business and work efficiently with global resource and production partners, progressive corporations use this advanced phone feature to bridge communication gaps.
  • Call Conferencing: Meetings take many forms, so successful modern corporations facilitate collaboration, using technology to bring together stakeholders. Conference phones and hardware, as well as crystal clear voice connections are no longer a luxury, especially among corporations committed to telecommuting and other remote work options.
  • Remote Management and User Privileges: Forward-thinking phone systems account for security and management efficiency. By controlling access and changing setting from afar, hands-on administrators easily keep track of system security.
  • Call Detail Reporting (CDR): Corporations with significant numbers of phone agents benefit from feedback mechanisms highlighting system activity. Tracking the length of calls, for example, furnishes insight into how agents are spending their time, shedding clues for potential improvement.
  • IP Telephone: This is a simple piece of equipment that can be plugged into any Ethernet jack. It represents a significant advantage over other corporate phone systems, such as PAR or key systems, which may require extensive rewiring each time a new phone is installed. Instead, IP telephone systems piggyback on common technology, offering greater flexibility for your system.
  • Computer/Telephony Integration: Commonly referred to as CTI, this process allows a typical corporate phone system to be fully integrated with an organization’s computer system. When someone rings, the call is routed through a computer, which displays information about the call to the person responsible for answering. This allows company representatives to view account information and answer questions without interrupting the flow of calls.

These are only a few of the flexible, custom functions used by corporations to manage inbound and outbound voice connections. Dealers and phone system installers are prepared to share further insight about today’s exciting programs.

Adding Telecommunication Value

Chasing technology is an expensive proposition, so maximizing returns is essential for phone system investors. Effective voice connections should perform flawlessly out of the box, and grow with businesses, as conditions change. Effective phone system partners add value to their goods and services by supporting and educating their customers. When shopping for telecommunications products, it is essential to analyze these costs, before making commitments:

  • Equipment
  • Service Fees
  • Set-Up Costs
  • Maintenance Obligations
  • Internal Operating Costs

Once budgets and organizational needs are clearly defined, partnering with the right provider ensures ongoing success and cutting-edge voice capabilities.

Find the best price on a corporate phone system with our easy pricing tool. Our tool allows you to compare up to four price quotes between multiple corporate phone system dealers – and you get to choose the best price.