Business Phone Systems Key Terms

Study business phone systems key terms to learn about your options

By Kristan Hart

As a business owner, your phone system offers you a direct link to your customers. That's why you need to research your options and find exactly what meets your business needs. There are different types of phone systems, depending on the size of your business. You might also consider the features that come with business phone systems to see what you need and what you can save on. Use these business phone systems key terms to help you out.

PBX, Private Branch Exchange

A Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a telephone switch installed at the business so you can receive phone service. It's recommended for businesses that require a minimum of 100 phone lines.
Try: Read about Private Branch Exchange at the Washington State Department of Information Services website.

KSU, Key System Unit

KSU, or Key System Unit, is a central control unit for the phones in your business. It's recommended for businesses that need approximately 60 lines.
Try: Read up on Key System Unit and the other types of business phone service at the PhoneGuys website.

KSU-less systems

For businesses with 10 lines or less, a KSU-less systems is the best option. It's an affordable system and it's easy to move from office to office if needed.
Try: The Phone Systems Business page contains a lot of good information about KSU-less systems.

IP phones, Internet Protocol phones

To take your business phone system to the next level, consider IP phones. This technology incorporates the benefits of the Internet into your business phone system.
Try: The Nortel website details IP phones features for businesses small and large.

Call routing

Call routing is a system necessary for many large business phone systems. Call routing allows the customer direct access to the office closest to his/her geographical area, and it ensures that you'll never miss a customer's call just because a line is unattended or busy.
Try: The call routing page on the AT&T website details this feature and why it's a great addition to business phone systems.

Hosted PBX

Hosted PBX is a business phone system package that uses the Internet. Hosted PBX allows employees in all locations access to the same system. These plans frequently offer free inter-office phone calls and unlimited local and long distance.
Try: Read about Hosted PBX at the Packet8 Business Services website. You can also see how the technology works at VirtualPBX.com.