Choosing Landline or Internet-Based Business

When you are considering business phone systems for your company, one of the first considerations is the type of operating system that is right for you. The size of your company, products and services offered, how you are staffed, and your expected call volume will all affect your decision. Consider some of the features of the different types:
Landline (Public Switched Telephone Network – PSTN)
While Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) systems are gaining more popularity, landlines are still a good choice for many companies. Instead of using an Internet connection, these systems use a telephone company’s traditional wiring. These are a reliable solution that many people are more comfortable using. However, this type offers limited features, and the hardware can become expensive as your company grows. Maintenance has to be done on-site by specialized technicians, leading to delays in resolving issues at a greater cost.
Voice over IP (VoIP)
In a VoIP solution, communication is managed via the Internet. Since the company is most likely already using the Internet, your communications become another process using that same connection. These business phone systems offer more advanced and versatile features, such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR), and call queues. In addition, this type can easily integrate with email and mobile phones, which means better response times to your customers.
With this solution, you should consider the quality of your Internet connection. The company must have access to a high-speed connection and recognize that the more processes that have to use the connection may put a strain on its reliability. If your Internet connection goes down, so will your phone, so you will want to talk with your provider about contingency plans should this occur.
You do need to be aware of the inherent risks of communicating via a connection on the Internet, which poses the same security risks that all online users face. Talk with the provider about the processes and features they offer to protect your company.
Whether landline or VoIP based, you’ll want a solution that meets the size and operation needs for your particular company, which includes accessibility, flexibility, and technical support.
– Accessibility – If you have a number of employees who work outside of the office on a regular basis, you will want a solution that allows them to easily interact with the company and customers. A system that integrates with mobile phones and computers may be the answer. If most of your operations are done out of a small office, then remote access is not as important.
– Flexibility – If you are growing your company or you anticipate changes in the future, you will want a solution that can grow and change with you.
– Technical support – Ask providers about their support options. For landline solutions, you’ll need to know their typical response times and costs for on-site services. For Internet based, ask about support expectations and costs.
Your company depends on reliable communication internally and with your customers, so you want to carefully consider the business phone systems available to you. Shop around with various providers and talk with them about your operations, call handling, and expectations.