Reviewing the best phone systems for small business can be difficult for a variety of reasons. For instance, they don’t know how fast they will grow in the future, whether or not they need in-house I.T. personnel, and where the future of voice solutions is headed. Be that as it may, the largest choice is between analog and digital phone systems, but it is not an easy choice. Understand that there are more cost savings with digital systems, but the amount of money you save and the impact your voice solutions have on your bottom line largely depend on your needs.
Benefits of Analog Phone System for Small Businesses
Analog phone services such as PBX solutions do, in fact, cost less than digital phone solutions up front if you already have the analog equipment. However, they can cost you more in the long run because calls that aren’t made locally will be subject to long distance fees and other terms.
The only big advantage with these types of phone systems is their ability to remain functional in the event of an Internet outage (without ISP redundancy) and a power outage. However, from a small business perspective, these types of phone systems are attractive if the business already has analog telephony equipment.
Drawbacks of Analog Phone Systems for Small Businesses
The largest drawback to analog voice systems, on the other hand, is that they can’t compete with the service offerings of advanced digital communications. While analog systems can compete on some level, they only offer limited services when compared to digital technologies. Features like caller-id, voicemail, and call forwarding will cost you extra. Because they have so many drawbacks when compared to digital solutions, small businesses usually only implement PBX and traditional phone systems when they need to have a guarantee that they can make emergency and mission-critical calls in the event of a power storm or Internet failure.
Benefits of Digital Phone Systems for Small Businesses
A digital voice infrastructure can help your small business in ways that a traditional phone implementations simply cannot. In today’s mobile world, digital phone solutions are the preferred option because they add so much value. They offer you a variety of features which are usually free and they can save you a lot of money in the long run. One way digital solutions will help you save money is by consolidating your network infrastructure. Instead of needing a separate voice and data networks, a digital solution will converge voice and data into your existing infrastructure.
In addition, you get a variety of services that aren’t present in traditional systems. Not only are these features usually free or cheaper than traditional alternatives, but you get services that aren’t available on traditional platforms. For example, analog phones don’t offer you mobile solutions. In addition, digital phone systems can take advantage of Unified Communications, allowing a business to unify their messaging systems to increase communications, productivity, and efficiency. Small businesses are often focused mainly on growth, and the savings that digital phone systems provide can be used to reinvest in the company to facilitate growth.
Drawbacks of Digital Phone Solutions for Small Businesses
The biggest drawback to VoIP solutions for small businesses is change. Some small businesses don’t allocate much of their budget to new technology equipment. As such, they may not be easily swayed into purchasing IP phones if their older phone systems still work. However, the point of any small business is to generate profits, and older phone systems can cost you more than you think. Though IP phones cost money upfront, they can reduce your long-term phone bills by routing your call over the public Internet. Simply put, digital voice technologies are the way of the future. Though traditional phone systems still exist today, they are decreasing in popularity as digital technologies mature.
Packaged Small Business Solutions
Because VoIP technologies are so attractive and affordable, industry leaders have designed special packaging options for small businesses to provide them with the services they need at an affordable cost. More often than not, phone systems providers are going to be able to provide you with a digital voice solution that surpasses traditional phone systems by providing more features at an extremely affordable cost. The best way to find various small business packages for your company is to browse through a list of reputable providers to see their small business offerings.
Final Thoughts
If your small businesses don’t have enough capital to invest in VoIP solutions and already have existing analog telephones, PBX solutions will provide you with the bare necessities without breaking the bank. You will be limited in the services you can use which can be a major drawback, but when you lack options a PBX system may be perfect for your business. More often than not, however, you are better off selecting a digital system. If you still need help finding a phone system that’s perfect for your small business, you can either contact us here or call us at 855-801-6700 for a free quote or even browse our portfolio of phone systems providers.
We hope you will feel free to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff so we can work with you on finding the right service for your business at the most affordable rates. Our goal is to ensure high levels of customer service plus building and maintaining a system that enables your business to run well.
Clarus Communications is a national leader that specializes in providing over 60 telecommunication and technology provider solutions and we would appreciate the opportunity to become your technology partner and help you find the best solution for you and your company.