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Understand phone networking hardware from A-Z

A PBX (private branch exchange) is a telephone switch that reduces the number of outgoing phone lines needed for a business to about 10% of the total number of extensions. Centrex services are for businesses that don't want to maintain a PBX or key system. With Centrex, a fee is paid to the local exchange carrier so you can use their telephone networking hardware to provide four-digit dialing and other switching functions. VoIP (Voice-over-Internet-Protocol) offers telephone services that can significantly reduce telephone networking costs by using your broadband Internet connection. Examine VoIP but be sure and ask providers of phone networking equipment if you need an MTA (media terminal adapter). MTA and ATA (analog terminal adapters) are devices that let you use any regular phone with VoIP services.

I recommend: Talkswitch offers a cost-effective PBX system that can support from two to 64 extensions. Their solution can operate in PBX or key system mode giving you complete flexibility. For companies that don't want the hassle of maintaining a phone system, contact IP-Centrex provider Callis Communications. Callis offers cutting-edge VoIP that includes multi-location dialing and a host of other features. Purchase your own MTA equipment from Innomedia.

Build in extras after deciding on the right phone hardware solution

It's an unfortunate truth that some sellers of phone networking equipment will coerce you into buying more telephone hardware than you really need. Decide ahead of time if you need to engage callers with extras like music-on-hold or educate them with information-on-hold. Dropped calls equal lost revenue in many businesses. Specify auto-attendant if you have high call volumes and can't afford missed calls; otherwise opt for a simple voice mail solution.

I recommend: Meet your telephone hardware needs with a Partner system from UsedPhonesOnline.com. Small businesses shouldn’t have more than 40 extensions and 15 outside lines. Medium-sized businesses needing up to 200 extensions can get Lucent Merlin phone networking hardware from TWAcomm.com. Large companies can have the security of a lifetime warranty on a refurbished Avaya Definity system from Network Liquidators.

Choose recommended installation and maintenance providers for phone hardware

Unless your business has an internal department to handle telephone hardware installation and maintenance, you'll need a company to take care of that for you.

I recommend: Hire a proven provider like Hi Country Wire and Telephone (HCWT). HCWT has installed thousands of telephone hardware systems ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. There are few if any regional or nationwide telephone networking service providers but businesses in the Southeast can take advantage of Deltacom Inc.’s Solution Centers to select an integrated telephone hardware and service provider solution.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Seek out local vendors selling equipment for telephone networking. Even if you don't buy from them, they're a great source of information.
• •  Look for bundled deals to save money. With telephone hardware, Internet access, building security and video services more connected now than ever, finding a provider that can deliver the whole package can lower your equipment and service costs.
• •  Make sure the telephones you have or buy are compatible with any new telephone networking hardware you install. Many systems only work with telephones from the same manufacturer.