Telephone System Manufacturers – What’s the difference and who’s the best?

When it comes to buying a new office telephone system the choices seem to be endless. Every phone system supplier says that their office phone system is the best one for your business but there doesn’t seem to be much to differentiate them.

To help you we have devised this guide.

There are 3 main types of business telephony systems, the traditional PBX (key and lamp), the integrated server system and the hosted system. All these systems have their good points and bad, in summary

A PBX system is suitable for small businesses with minimal telephony needs and no requirements for integration with network devices or software. Traditionally these systems will have a key and lamp facility where users can see the availability of other users by looking at their phones. The leading providers of PBX system phone systems are Panasonic, Siemens, BT, NEC and LG.

The integrated server system is ideal for a business that needs flexibility, integration with CRM software programs or intelligent call routing and reporting. This type of office telephone system generally has advanced VoIP capabilities for both internal users and homeworkers allowing remote workers to be connected to the office telephone system though a virtual private network (VPN). The leading providers of Integrated server systems are Avaya, Mitel, Cisco and Intertel.

Hosted systems are excellent for small companies who make few calls but want the features of a larger system. The telephone system hardware is not based in the same building as the phones which can keep initial costs low. However these systems often require a separate broadband line to be installed which can cost more than an in-house system. Each phone may also require a separate line which can make costs spiral. Hosted systems are venerable to system failure due to the slow down of the broadband line.

business telephony systems