The Changing Face Of Phone Systems

Matching the fast pace of growth in the telecommunications technology, the phone systems have also undergone tremendous changes and improvements. There is a wide variety of phone systems available in the market today and buying a telephone system which is best suited for your home or business is indeed a daunting task.

One of the best ways to proceed to buy a phone system is to update oneself with the reviews of each system. These reviews familiarize you with the individual features and benefits as well as inform and educate you of the new features that they have added. You could find out whether they are compatible with standard phones and whether they have the usual features which you are used to have - like call forwarding, faxes, voice mail and mail boxes. Only a proper research of the features and benefits of the different phone systems available can enable you to choose the right phone system suited for your home or business. There are some simple but technical aspects of a phone system, like number of ports, etc. You should know about these ports, and its usage, before you buy a phone system.

Different phone systems have different features. One feature which is very popular with offices is the auto attendant feature. This feature enables you to do away with a receptionist - as the phone automatically greets a caller and directs him or her to an extension or asks the caller to dial 0 to access operator help. A phone system can also have options like voice mail or call forwarding. You can be anywhere in the office or outside, you simply leave instructions with the phone system, and the call is forwarded to your desired location. Communication within the office is also possible with some phone systems, as it doubles up as an intercom tool. Phone system reviews also inform you of the costs involved for wiring and installation.

There are basically three types of phone systems available - the KSU-Less, Key systems and PBX, or Private Branch Exchange systems. It all depends on your need with regard to the number of extensions you need for your office and which features are relevant to your business, which will help you decide which system to buy.

KSU-Less systems require very low investment for installation. These portable systems are suitable for companies which require up to ten extensions. One of the drawbacks of this system is that it is prone to 'crosstalk' when one conversation can get 'crossed' with another. PBX phone systems are suitable for offices which require up to 40 extensions, and Key phone systems can accommodate from 5 to 40 extensions.