How to Choose the Right Phone System for Your Small Business

With so many options out there, choosing the right business phone system can quickly become overwhelming. At Ashby Communications, we want to make your transition to a new phone system as painless as possible. Continue reading to find out more about the different types of phone systems available and how to decide which one is best for your business.

Choosing the Right Type of Business Phone System

Cloud

When you choose a cloud-based business phone system, your provider will host the system off-site. For example, at Ashby Communications, we house your cloud system in a secure data center where it receives regular maintenance. Cloud systems are easy and inexpensive to install because the phones are the only equipment you’ll need to set up in your office.

A cloud system is only compatible with VoIP or hybrid phones, and it requires a strong internet connection. VoIP stands for Voice Over the Internet Protocol, which means that your business phone system places calls over the internet instead of using physical telephone wires.

On-Premise

A premise-based business phone system involves installing its hardware somewhere in your office. The phones in an on-premise system use physical wires to connect to the system, which can get messy unless you implement structured cabling. On-premise systems offer the most options, because you can choose between landline, digital, and hybrid phones, or mix and match your equipment for various system configurations.

Hybrid

A hybrid business phone system combines on-premise and cloud systems. Hybrid systems can use your existing, on-premise technology while adding new phone lines that use VoIP technology. Hybrid phone systems are ideal for small businesses looking to transition from a traditional landline system without going over budget.

How to Choose the Right Business Phone System

1. Evaluate Your Location

Your geographic location and number of locations will both help you determine which systems are viable for your business. Cloud systems are the most cost-effective option for businesses with multiple locations because they don’t require you to invest in on-site equipment. They also allow employees from multiple locations to access the same system for unified communications.

If your business experiences poor internet connectivity due to its geographic location, cloud-based systems and VoIP technology might result in dropped calls and poor call quality. On-premise systems are much more reliable in areas with weak internet.

2. Determine Your Needs

Knowing exactly how much traffic your business phone system will need to support will help you choose the one with the right capabilities. Evaluate how many employees will need to use the phones, what your current system might be lacking, and what exactly your new system will need to be able to do.

3. Consider Your Remote Employees

When determining the communication needs of your employees, don’t forget about the ones who are working from home. Cloud-based systems give remote employees access to the same connection strength and productive features as everyone else on your team. If your remote workforce has stable internet connectivity, cloud systems will work best.

4. Decide Which Features Are Essential

Different types of phone systems come with different sets of features. Each type of system offers a variety of features, including conference calling, voicemail, and call forwarding. For instance, VoIP phones offer mobile twinning, which allows mobile employees to use their cell phones to take calls sent to their work phone numbers.

5. Allow Room For Growth

Scalability and flexibility are both very important aspects to consider when choosing your phone system. As your business grows and evolves, you will likely need to add more phone lines for new employees. Cloud-based systems easily allow for new remote or in-person employees. However, on-premise systems are easier to customize in terms of upgrading or mixing and matching your equipment.

Business Phone Systems in California

Choosing the right provider makes knowing how to choose the right business phone system easy! At Ashby Communications, we offer a variety of affordable systems equipped with all the best features for satisfying your specific communication needs. Call 916-960-0701 today to speak with a representative about which of our phone systems is right for you.