Business Telephone Systems – The Components of Business Phone Systems
Business telephone systems is basically a multi-line telephone system usually used in company environments, usually encompassing multiple lines ranging from the main line to the business branch exchange and the more specialized key phone systems. The main purpose of such telephone systems is to provide a smooth communication link for different departments within an organization. This is usually done by connecting the calls on each line through a centralized control station and then forwarding them to either the local area network or the public switched telephone network.
There are two main types of such systems available today: the wired system and the wireless system. Most of the times, the main distinction between wired and wireless telephone systems lies in the number of lines provided and the cost involved with the installation. For a larger organization, the cost can be extremely costly. The cost also varies depending on the type of system chosen.
One important aspect of business telephone systems is the interconnecting of the various lines. This is done by the use of dedicated lines, which are only meant for communication with specific clients. Such lines are expensive, since they have to be purchased from an authorized vendor and the company has to maintain and repair the system at regular intervals.
In addition to dedicated lines, there are also virtual dedicated lines, which are used to separate the internal and external communication networks. Virtual lines are usually used for voice-over IP systems, where the internal telephone line can be routed through the Internet for voice or data purposes only. These lines are much cheaper than dedicated lines.
Some other important components of business telephone systems include the call forwarding features, which redirects calls to specific extensions and also allows the users to choose the extension that they want to use as well as the number of extensions that they want to handle calls. Different extension numbers can be assigned, depending on the business requirement.
Other major components of business telephone systems are the call capture devices and the call answering devices, which ensure that customers can reach an actual agent if they have any queries. In addition, automated call routing services enable the system to route all incoming and outgoing calls automatically, saving the user the company a lot of time and money.
There are many different types of business telephone systems available in the market today. The most popular ones include the basic ones, which can be installed by the company on its own and are affordable, while the more advanced models, which can be integrated into an existing network. and can provide real-time processing capabilities, are more expensive.
Call accounting software enables businesses to track the details of their calls, including the time and duration of calls, the number of calls per minute and the number of calls that are forwarded to another extension. This enables the company to know the amount of calls that are being made and the amount of money being earned or lost. It also enables a business to see how many customers and staff are making calls to one another and how effective the sales and marketing campaigns are.
Business telephone systems also provide voice mail services to customers. These are useful features, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who do not have dedicated call centers, or even for those who have only limited number of employees. The calls can be sent to the appropriate departments, while the messages can be stored and forwarded for future reference.
Business phone systems also incorporate an efficient calling plan, which ensures that people who dial an extension are transferred directly to an agent. Once they enter the proper area code, they are connected to a live operator who will then take over the call and handle the rest.
Business telephone systems also include other features, such as VoIP and Internet based conferencing, which allow two or more people to connect via the Internet using a special IP address and talk through the same call. to each other.
The importance of a good business telephone system cannot be understated, especially in the modern era of fast-paced business. Since the advent of the Internet, almost every company needs to communicate with their clients on a regular basis. In fact, most business telephone systems can handle calls in the office or at home and are integrated with the Internet for a smooth and seamless interaction.