by Francine L. Huff
The right office phone system can help a company become more profitable, retain customers, and improve efficiency. Businesses of all sizes can find a variety of options when looking to revamp their phone systems. Here are some up-and-coming trends in business phone systems that can help companies as they seek to improve customer experience and communication between offices.
Digital Phone Systems
A digital phone system allows businesses to combine data and voice communications into a single system that uses a local area network (LAN) for transmissions via the Internet. Desktop assistant software, voicemail attendants, and other call-handling features can be integrated more effectively with digital phone systems than with traditional analog phones. Digital technology also provides a better range for cordless handsets.
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IP-based Phone Systems
Internet Protocol (IP) Communications, or IP-based phone systems, allow businesses to use a single network for computer data, phones calls, and video. These business phone systems can allow companies of all sizes to use features that improve productivity and communications with customers as well as among staffers.
More efficient phone systems can help companies reduce their communications costs. According to IT research firm Nemertes Research, an IP-based phone system can reduce local-loop phone charges for medium-size businesses by $4,800 to $9,600 a year with a converged network.
Tracking Business Calls
When choosing a business phone system, many companies want the ability to track the call experience and outcomes of communications with customers. A system that allows a company to look at who placed calls, where calls went, and how long they lasted, can help to improve efficiency. Many businesses also look for the ability to charge calls to specific departments and to consolidate voicemail and email into one inbox.
Phone Systems for Mobile Workforces
More people are working from home, their car, or even at offices half a continent away. As a result, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is gaining popularity among businesses of all sizes. Calls are handled by software downloaded to each user's computer.
Free Phone Services
Free phone services are changing how businesses handle their calls. Using a VoIP system, for example, can give a company the ability to connect with employees no matter where they may be located. An auto-attendant can allow employees to have their own extensions, as well as forward calls to cell phones or transcribe them to email. Free VoIP services also allow people in multiple offices to communicate with each other at no cost. Other freebies that some services offer, and that should continue to grow in popularity include:
- Free VoIP calls through Wi-Fi using mobile phones
- File sharing from mobile phones
- Free conference calls
- Free faxes
The wide variety of features available and the bundling of free services with systems make it more important than ever for businesses to define their needs, determine what features best meet those needs, and find the company that provides the best overall solution.
About the AuthorFrancine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.
