Navigating the modern phone system
A guide for small businesses
The traditional landline phone system is a relic of the past for many businesses. Today, small businesses have a wealth of options when it comes to communication solutions, and navigating these options can be overwhelming. This article provides a clear picture of the key terms and considerations for choosing the best phone system for your small business.
Telephone Systems vs. VOIP Phones:
Telephone Systems: These refer to the entire infrastructure that allows businesses to make and receive calls. Traditional landline systems rely on a physical network of wires, while modern systems can be cloud-based.
VOIP Phones (Voice Over Internet Protocol): These phones utilize the internet to transmit voice calls instead of traditional phone lines. VOIP phone service is often part of a broader cloud-based phone system.
Understanding Phone System Options:
VOIP Phone Service: This service allows businesses to make and receive calls over the internet using VOIP phones or even softphones (software applications on computers).
Phone Systems for Small Business: These systems are designed specifically for the needs of smaller companies, offering features like call forwarding, voicemail, and auto attendants at an affordable price point.
Key Terms to Know:
- Business Phone Line: This refers to the phone number associated with your business.
- VOIP Phone System: This is a cloud-based phone system that utilizes VOIP technology. It offers features like scalability, remote work capabilities, and integration with other business tools.
- Business Phone Service: This is a broad term encompassing traditional landline service, VOIP service, or any other service that allows businesses to make and receive calls.
- Cloud-Based Phone System: These systems offer flexibility, scalability, and lower upfront costs compared to traditional systems. They are a popular choice for small businesses due to their ease of use and remote work capabilities.
- VOIP Phone for Business: VOIP phones are ideal for businesses that want to leverage the internet for cost-effective calling and integrate communication features.
- IP Phone Service: This term is synonymous with VOIP phone service, both utilizing the internet for voice calls.
- Cloud Phone: This is another term for a cloud-based phone system.
- Business Phones: These are physical phones designed for use with business phone systems, offering features like call hold, transfer, and conferencing.
- VOIP Phone Service for Small Business: This service is specifically designed to cater to the needs and budgets of smaller companies.
- Virtual Phone System: This is another term for a cloud-based phone system, emphasizing its location-independent nature.
![](https://telsys.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/phones-for-small-business-t-946x1024.jpg)