How to Start the Bidding Process for a New Phone System
So, you’re in the market for a new business phone system – great! You’re in the right place! Whether you’re the business owner or you’ve been tasked with simply researching the best options, we have all the information you need. This will help you or your organization reach a decision.
There are two types of business phone systems: an in-the-utility-closet traditional phone system and a cloud-hosted phone system solution. Each has specific benefits and understanding your own needs will help you decide which is right for you.
To determine which type is the best for your business, start by considering these questions:
How many locations does your organization reside?
If you are situated on more than one premise or are likely to be in the near future, consider a cloud-hosted phone system. It offers added flexibility and features such as free calls between sites.
How many people in your organization will need a desk phone?
If less than 20 extensions, a cloud-hosted phone system may be the most affordable option. Generally, the more seats you have, the more investing in a traditional business phone system makes financial sense. However, that isn’t to say cloud-hosted phone system isn’t suitable for larger organizations. We would recommend looking at both options and seeing which features/benefits suit your organization before making a decision.
How you prefer to finance a new business phone system?
Perhaps one of the most significant differences between a traditional phone system and a cloud-hosted solution is the way in which they are financed. Traditionally, you purchase all of the equipment upfront with a traditional phone system. As a result, it is handled as a capital expenditure. However, with a cloud-hosted phone system, all of the hardware is rented by your provider, so you pay a lower upfront initial cost. You also pay a competitive monthly operational cost. Simply pay for what you use.
Do you have any plans to expand or move your organization in the next three to five years?
If you already have plans to expand your organization, then you’ll need to take this into consideration when choosing a new phone system. Cloud-hosted phone systems are flexible; you can add and remove handsets as your business changes. Moreover, since they require little hardware on site, they can be moved easily. Traditional phone systems require you to define the maximum number of desk phones you’ll need from the outset. Since you house all of the hardware on your premises, they can be more costly to move.
The above gives you a rough flavor of the differences between the types of phone systems. Simply call us to discuss all of the available technologies in more detail. Alternatively, fill out a quote request from the menu above or call us at 1.800.857.1517.
