Evocal

Business phone systems come in 3 main varieties:

1. Simple extensions

You can have more than one phone on a single-number line. All extensions ring when an incoming call arrives; any extension can make an outgoing call, but that prevents anyone else from doing so.

Essentially this system is very similar to the solution that you have at home. For small companies this can be an economical, starting point– particularly with everyone working in a single office, so that you can see or hear whether anyone is using the line. The optimum solution here is a DECT cordless system, which allows up to 5 or 6 extensions per line – including faxes and telephone answering machines – with internal calling between them.

There are several simple DECT phone systems that may provide a suitable starting point. Additionally, there are also more sophisticated DECT solutions such as the Gcom Circle solution that provides functionality for up to 3 analogueue lines and 10 wireless extensions. This type of option can easily be self-installed and yet still scale as the needs of your business increase.

2. Key systems

Basic key systems are becoming increasingly rare as phone systems become more sophisticated. Typically, these systems have multiple buttons on each phone, allowing users to select one of several outside lines or for calling an internal extension.

Any phone user can make outgoing calls, pick up an incoming call or answering all incoming calls and direct them to individual users.

3. PBX

The majority of new phone systems are PBXs (standing for Private Branch Exchanges). These systems are designed to handle larger call volumes and are essentially smaller versions of the local telephone exchanges.

Inside a PBX phone system is a computer, programmed to provide advanced phone functions. PBXs usually have an operator or switchboard to monitor and route incoming calls to the extension requested. In technical terms, though, modern PBXs don't need much human intervention - with facilities like:

• Auto attendant: this directs the incoming call to the appropriate destination by asking the caller to select particular options.
• Voicemail: records messages for people who are away from their desk.
• DDI: Direct Dial In which allows a caller to dial a specific number that gets them directly to a particular extension.

For a phone system quotation please complete the following form to outline your requirements.