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A professional phone system is useful to your small business, considering it is a major link between you and your customers. But how do you choose a phone system that is just right for your particular type and size of business? Of course, the best way to start is with a good knowledge of the various options you have.

 

These days, you will find four main types of commercial phone systems on the market. Let's start with what is probably the most familiar to us - the Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system. Avaya EPABX systems are those that are usually housed in large cabinets with dedicated operators. But there are smaller-scale PBX systems meant for small businesses. As these systems become more popular, they have become more affordable too, so this may be a great option for your small business.

 

The key system is another popular choice for small to mid-size businesses. This type works with a key system unit (KSU), which works by controlling every other phone within a network. The KSU controls the features and functions of each phone, and makes sure that there will only be one user per line at a time.

 

Over the years, the PBX system and the key system have become very similar in features and functionality. Phone systems that have the features of both PBX and key systems are known as hybrids, and are usually more expandable than the individual systems.

 

If the employees in your small business don't exceed 10 in number, your best option may be a KSU-less system. In this system will be the typical KSU phones, except there won't be a central unit. One of the best things about KSU-less systems is that they are not fixed into the building as opposed to other types of phone systems. Because the technology is built into the phones, you won't have issues when you need to transport the system to a new building.

 

A relatively new addition to the world of small business IP PBX System is known as voice over Internet protocol or VoIP. VoIP phone systems work over a broadband connection instead of phone lines. VoIP technology can provide for the needs of your small business for a lot less cost and with a much higher quality than conventional phone systems.

 

At the end of the day, you just need a phone system that matches the needs and requirements of your small business. However, don't just think of the present, and consider consider your future needs as your business grows. In other words, find a system that will be scalable.