There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a business phone system provider. You want to ensure the system has all of the functions and features your business needs. Can it support the number of employees who need the service? Does it have all of the features your business relies on or would benefit from?
Features
While some businesses only want standard calling features like caller ID and voicemail, others want added functions like ring groups, automated attendants and on-hold music. Also consider any other communication tools your business needs. Are you strictly looking for a system that allows you to talk over the phone, or are you in the market for more of a unified communications system that adds functions like video conferencing and instant messaging? Your answer to this question will guide you in your search for a new business phone system.
Reliability
Another factor to consider is a business phone system's reliability. A phone system is of no use if it isn't up and running when you need it. This is especially important for a cloud-hosted solution. Ask each provider what its annual uptime percentage is. If it isn't 99.999%, find out what the company is doing to correct the issues. Also ask about its service-level agreements and if it has any uptime-related clauses. Many business phone system providers will reimburse customers if the system doesn't hit a certain uptime percentage.
Cloud Systems vs. On Premise
If cloud-hosted systems aren't a good fit for your business, you need a phone provider that offers on-premises systems. With an on-premises system, instead of the PBX being hosted in the cloud, your business houses all the equipment. These systems have more upfront costs, but not many of the ongoing monthly fees that cloud-based systems do.
Very small businesses may want to consider whether they need a true phone system with on-site desk phones. Businesses that can get by with mobile phones may want to look into a virtual phone system. These systems connect a main business number to employees' mobile phones. When someone calls the main business number, they are greeted by an automated attendant that can transfer them to different employees or departments. The call is then transferred to the appropriate employee's mobile phone instead of a traditional office phone. Virtual systems are well suited for very small businesses, businesses with a large remote workforce and solopreneurs.
Provider Customer Service
Finally, what type of customer support does the company offer? If you don't have a full-time IT manager or staff that can handle issues, you want a business phone system provider that will be available to answer questions when you have them, preferably through multiple channels and online resources.
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