Telephone systems used for businesses are much more complicated than residential land lines, and the needs of each business are highly unique. Two main categories of business telephone systems exist. They are known as key telephone systems and private branch exchanges. Sounds simple, right? However, there exists a wide spectrum of hybrid systems that utilize appropriate technologies from each category. Understanding both of them and how they can meet an office’s needs can be confusing. With a Telephone System Set-up Service business owners can leave the hard work to professionals and easily get answers to any questions they may have.
Key telephone systems utilize individual line selection buttons for all available telephone lines. This simple system used to be used extensively in the days of land line telephone operators. These days it’s rare to see a key system that contains no hybrid features, even in an office environment. Private branch exchange systems provide intercommunication between different telephone lines within the organization. This can facilitate conference calls, so it is a handy feature to have. However, because traditional private branch exchange telephone systems only support internal calls, a key system must also be present in order to receive all necessary phone services.
Modern hybrid systems support a wider variety of options, typically including digital as well as analog functionality. Often call buttons are still present that correspond to individual lines, but most hybrid systems can also support direct dialing both extensions and outside lines. Current systems typically employ either digital or VOIP services.
Two qualities that are essential to any business, regardless of size, are reliability and ease of use. A complicated telephone system that is too much of a challenge for employees will waste valuable time and resources. One that drops calls due to either mechanical or human error is simply unacceptable. For small businesses and startups in particular that dropped call can mean the difference between developing a good professional relationship with a client that can lead to success and economic viability and losing them for good.
