Businesses are turning more towards computers every day. Computers are expected to provide everything from services to products. Companies without a web presence will be in serious trouble. While all of this is true, it is still a requirement that businesses of all size have a good phone system. It may be tempting to run a business off of your cell phone if you are a small business, but this is not a viable solution. Innovations are being created every day to help you find the solution which is right for your business.
The Problem with Old Systems
The important thing to remember is that the old phone systems are on their way out. While they are not as dead as disco yet, they are fading fast. Even AT&T is asking about when they can stop providing the landline services. Keep in mind the telephone services are currently required by law to maintain the land line services. The problem they are running into is that they simply cannot afford to expand while the land lines are being maintained.
Innovations have almost completely ceased in the land line market. Most companies are waiting to get the go ahead from the federal government to stop maintaining the lines. The initiative to bring broadband to every part of the United States is 90% complete, but will require another $350+ billion to finish. This is money they are trying to borrow and is not something they are looking to invest in land line systems.
This means anyone investing in landlines for their business are investing in a dead market. Even if you can find some deals, you will be limited in scope in comparison to some of the other options which are available. You are much better off pursuing one of the other phone systems which are highly innovative in design and in scope.
Cellular Revolution
The original mobile phones were something you had to carry in a special carrying case because they were so large. The current cell phones have more computing power than the average computer had available when mobile phones first hit the scene. With plenty of apps and options, it is no wonder people are turning to iPhones, BlackBerries and Droids for their business phone. They are able to be reached anywhere and can even complete video conferences through different apps.
While these phones are a great thing to use, they are not the best for an office setting with more than one employee. The problem is that you will not be able to transfer calls through one phone line. Everyone would have to have their own phone number which is confusing for the clients. It is much better to have a main number with the option to reach you on your personal cell phone.
Innovations in VoIP
The VoIP business phone system has emerged as the best way for companies to get the most out of their phone system. This is because all of the innovations which have helped the land lines are now integrated into the software use by VoIP. The systems go even further because they are computer based and have the ability to run applications which will transfer phone calls and act like a virtual secretary.
Companies like Google have been asked by many to offer more than just Google Voice. Users have filed a petition which tells the company that they need to start a VoIP service. While it is unlikely that Google will launch a service with VoIP phones any time soon, you can see the potential which would be offered by the company offering these types of services.
Currently the VoIP system is the best available because it is not going anywhere. VoIP also provides users the ability to complete conference calls, video calls and more. The integration of websites into the phone systems will help to make sure that the VoIP services will continue to grow and to offer more services. As more businesses come online, you will need to do even more research to find the one which is right for you.
Shannon Suetos is a writer based in San Diego, California. She writes extensively for Resource Nation, an online resource that provides expert advice on purchasing and outsourcing decisions for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
