What type of telephone system?

The telephone industry is moving with the times and connecting to the world via the internet. With ISDN lines being phased out by 2025 there won’t be a choice other than to join the IP movement. Although you can still order ISDN lines to be installed into a new premises until 2023 the end game is to migrate everybody to some sort of VOIP solution.

So, what is the best type of system for you? Well… ultimately it all comes down to your business infrastructure and cost. Hopefully this will help you understand what the differences are. Basically there are only two options. The features and capabilities are the same on both although the cost implications can differ. They both offer multi-site connectivity. Meaning you can transfer between offices worldwide and have one telephone number for your business to operate from. Any changes to the programming can be done remotely they are just a phone call away.

HOSTED

You pay monthly rental for a telephone system in the ‘cloud’. You get charged per user/physical phone. So, for example if one person wants a phone at home and at the office you would be charged for two separate users. As well as your rental cost you get charged for the calls you make on top. Although inclusive minute deals are available these can often cost more than paying for what you use. Hosted is usually a good option for smaller businesses with less users. We advise if it’s a costing exercise, 16 users or less, hosted is your best option.

What’s advantages of being a larger business with multiple users?

Although your monthly costs will be higher you have less to worry about with maintaining your system and keeping it up to date. Most hosted systems are in data centres with constant monitoring, security checks and power backups.

What is required?

The only thing that is required is a consistent connection to the internet and the correct cable infrastructure. You need enough cabling to get the internet at each phone position. No WIFI doesn’t count, so a solid cable connection is what you need. Most hosted handsets have 2 ports on the back. One for the internet and another to link another device such as another phone or computer to the internet. We can help with that.

What if you don’t like it?

Hosted solutions are always contract based because you are entering a rental agreement. BE AWARE you could get stuck into a long-term contract with high rates and early exit penalties. Contact us for a no obligation hosted experience.

ON SITE SYSTEM

Just like a hosted system you need a consistent connection to the internet. There are monthly costs for your SIP TRUNKS, these are cheaper than ISDN and not for each user like hosted. This option means you have physically bought the system and it is onsite. Initially the cost is more but if you look at the big picture, generally over 5 years, money will be saved depending on your situation.

What are SIP TRUNKS?

This is what we use to replace your ISDN lines. Basically, it’s what your phone system needs to allow multiple phone calls at the same time served by an internet connection. SIP TRUNKS can be added to an existing system if the system is up to date.

What I need to consider?

As you own the telephone system you need to maintain it. You can pay for a maintenance contract with your supplier. You also should think about power back-ups and any updates it requires. Like most technology there is a shelf life and one day your system will need to be replaced. Unlike hosted it’s the system itself that needs an internet connection not each handset. So traditional telephone cabling can be used which helps in older buildings with poor cable infrastructure.