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So, you’re in the market for a new telephone system or looking to migrate to a larger system? The choices are abundant, but how do you make a decision that is right for you, your business and your budget?
Consider the following
a. The features you like,
b. The features you need,
c. The features you don't like,
d. Your customer/client expectations,
e. Your Business Communication plan for the future.
The need to communicate effectively and efficiently
Every business has to communicate with its customers. A small business may only need a line or two from the local Bell Company, whereas, a large business may need a robust system that offers an Auto Attendant/Receptionist, IVR (Interactive Voice Response), a Voice Mail, CDR (Call Detail Records), or even, Call Center Technology.
To find the system that meets your needs will require that you do a bit of research and ask yourself some questions related to your current and future business model.
By answering a few questions your organization will be stirred to a Telecommunications system that meets current needs and encompasses future growth.
a. How many numbers* do you need?
b. How many Fax Machines will you have?
c. How many modem lines will you need?
d. How many Analog sets will you need?
e. How many Digital sets will you need?
f. Are you planning on having an Operator Console/Position?
g. Do you want Caller ID capabilities?
* - Numbers could be a 1 to 1 relationship (Analog lines) or a DID (Direct Inward Dial) range with the use of a T1. See T1 information below.
Trunks
Trunks allow your business to communicate to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The two common Voice Grade Trunks are: Central Office Trunks (Analog telephone numbers) and T1's (Digital Circuits). Many systems are moving into VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) while maintaing their Legacy System features.
Do you need a T1?
A T1 contains 23 B-Channels and 1 D-Channel. The B-Channels are the dedicated Voice Connections and can be broken up into Incoming and Outgoing trunks/routes, and the D-Channel carries call control and signaling information.
Consider the following criteria
a. How many calls are made in a typical business day?
b. What is the average length of the calls being made?
c. Have you every received a busy when attempting to access an outside line?
d. Is receiving a busy acceptable?
e. Is your business expecting considerable growth in the near future?
f. Does your business perform outside transfers and conferences?
g. Are you planning on buying a Toll Free number?
Finding your system
When you've developed your Business Communication plan - take a look at some of the KSU/PBX systems on the internet and find the one that matches your plan the best.
Finally, be prepared to ask the following questions when you've decided on a system.
• Ask the vendor, "Are you an authorized dealer?"
• Ask if it's possible to visit the last site the vendor performed an install at. Look for well documented systems, cable labeling, housekeeping and neatness.
• Visit the vendors place of business. Many times a vendor will have a mock-up of the system that you are interested in.
• Ask about service support and maintenance contracts - including how much it costs and whether it is offered over the phone.
• Ask about the possibility of buying a refurbished or used system.
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