Choosing a Business Telephone System

Here are some of the things to consider:

1. What is the maximum number of extensions it can handle WITHOUT having to replace the "PBX on the wall"?

Check the capacity on the system you are purchasing.

Do you need a larger system in the range to get maximum capacity stated?

Find out at what stage you will need to invest in a bigger box.

Get this information in writing!!!

2. How will it help our customers communicate more easily with us?

DIRECT DIALS allow calls to by pass the switchboard.

VOICEMAIL takes messages if you cannot get to the phone.

Access to messages can be remotely as well as from your handset.

3. How can it improve our Customer Relationship Management?

CALL LOGGING itemises missed and answered calls

Return missed calls to improve CRM

4. How can mobile staff work effectively?

DECT allows you to contact people wherever they are in the office

It can be used to locate people who are on another site

HOT DESKING allows people to log on to any handset

Unified Messaging stores emails, fax, SMS and voice in one location

Messages can be retrieved via ANY PC with internet access

Copy of all messages in your email inbox to refer to again

Allows you to respond if necessary while away from the office

5. What if we have more than one site?

One set of lines can cover all sites - reducing costs

If sites are close together they can be linked using the latest wireless technology

One VOICEMAIL and one CALL LOGGER can be used for the whole network

All sites can be centrally managed.

Calls between sites are FREE

Everyone appears in one phonebook if they are on the same telephone system

6. How can I reduce costs?

ISDN allows you to cut out lines for faxes, modems, etc (saving about £170 for each line you can cut)

Cheaper call rates can reduce your bill - however these are always projected savings and care should be taken to justify claims made.

Systems with ISDN allow engineers to access remotely so changes will be much cheaper to carry out.

Your telephone system is the key to achieving long term business growth

Visit www.marcom.com for more information

About the Author

Writer is a telecoms specialist