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Small businesses with either analogue or digital phones are increasingly switching to a product that’s perceived to be the future of communications technology by making voice calls, video calls and data conferencing via a computer-to-computer telephone system.

Voice Over Internet Protocol, VoIP, or internet telephony, is a private telephone network operated via an internet service. Once only available to large businesses, now every enterprise can enjoy VoIP’s security, free calls and higher performance standards. Systems can be as small, sophisticated or extensive as you need them to be. Some systems work in-house and are registered to specific users, but the more extensive ones are enabled for all call requirements. This includes cloud technology.

Cloud based VoIP systems, or hosted phone systems, are growing in number. They are particularly popular with expanding businesses that have a set budget. Additional lines can be added simply and efficiently and delivered over the cloud as required. Plus, cloud data storage can be obtained in three ways, via a private cloud protected by the company’s dedicated firewall – this option is best for users who need more control over their data – or via public cloud storage, which comes from a service provider on a multi-tenant basis, or via the hybrid cloud, which is a combination of the above with at least one private and one public cloud.

VoIP works at internet hotspots, so calls are easy to make or receive in public places while home workers and field staff won’t need to ring in to the office to pick up their messages, they can do it via the system as if they were in the office. This gives them the time edge against a competitor and enhances customer satisfaction.

You have the option with VoIP systems to own the telephone system outright or you can rent a hosted system. Whichever you choose, it’s advisable to use a provider that is a member of the Internet Telephone Service Providers Association.

You just need to be online for the system to work. Normal phones can be used via an analogue telephone adaptor (A.T.A). Data is transferred in packets using the IP (internet protocol). Specialised phones connect to the Ethernet via a router and they have the PBX (private branch exchange) and software installed.

 

For those not ready to switch to VoIP, the NEC SL1100 is a fine example of an effective system, it promises:

  • Powerful but lower cost communications to the small business.
  • Improved customer service.
  • Home working capacity.
  • Connectivity wherever the user is on the premises with a roaming range of 50m or 200m outdoors.
  • Quick access for field staff to voicemail with message notifications.
  • Improved productivity.
  • Users can connect and make decisions more swiftly.
  • Efficient reporting tools.
  • Call recording facilities.
  • The SL1100 is tailored for your needs but easy to expand.

 

By investing in a quality small business phone system, you’ll enjoy cost savings and maximised performance. Although you’re a small business today, the systems detailed in this article will be suitable for expansion as your successful enterprise demands more from its telephone system.

To find out more about the top  small business phone systems, contact Midland Networks today. We supply phone systems for small business in Redditch, Wolverhampton, Worcester and across the entire West Midlands region.

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