Overview
Office phone systems, also known as private
branch exchanges (PBX), provide businesses an internal phone network
much like that of a nation-wide telephone network. PBX facilitates the
internal extension system of a company and enables a faster
communication flow within an organization.
If you use an internal phone system, you just need to dial an
extension number to call someone in the company. PBX enables businesses
to have extension numbers, which saves time by bypassing the need to go
through a switch board. With PBX, employees can reach others in the
office directly and instantaneously.
How It Works
A PBX is a telephone communication switch that connects many internal
telephone lines to a few external Plain Switch Telephone Network (PSTN)
lines. All internal phones in a PBX system have a designated extension
number that can be connected to any external line through a PSTN or to
any internal system by dialing the appropriate extension number. Other
capabilities of PBX include call forwarding and conference calling,
which are handled by the integrated software that manages the PBX
system.
A building needs to be wired properly to receive phone service. All
lines must go to a centralized location where the necessary hardware can
be attached. One important piece of hardware is switches, which
automatically direct calls internally and externally. There is also
hardware needed for answering systems, menu systems, and other sorts of
automated systems that customers and callers are accustomed to.
Benefits
The benefit of an internal phone system is that it facilitates
communication between employees and provides higher efficiency when it
comes to business communication. Emails and other electronic
communication are convenient but do not provide the benefit of person to
person communication. Phone communication conveys much more than the
words because people can hear each other's voices. A business phone
system also provides a business with many lines at the same number. A
single number makes it easier for customers to reach your business,
whether it is for tech support or other business inquiries.
Costs
The cost of a phone system varies greatly depending on the needs of a
company. A simple two or three line system can cost as little as $1,000
dollars, while larger systems that can fulfill the needs of large
companies can cost upwards of $50,000. The main factors that determine
the cost are the hardware needed at the company's end and the system
requirements at the phone provider's end. Each of these systems and
pieces of hardware contributes to the cost, which is in addition to the
phones needed at employee desks and monthly fees for use.
Timing
When you have your own office space, you should theoretically have a
line for each of your employees and offices. Your system should also
have simple internal extension calling and call routing. It isn't
necessary to invest in an elaborate phone system when your company is
small, but as your company grows and your needs develop you should
consider upgrading your phone system.
