Check List
Before deciding upon a phone system, there are a number of questions you should ask your reseller, or the phone system vendor, to make sure that the solution is right for you.
- Is there a maximum number of extensions the system can support?
Businesses embrace growth, and even if that doesn’t seem likely right now it’s important to plan for the future. Can your system grow with the business without risk of extra, unnecessary licensing fees?
- What's the total cost of ownership?
Many IP PBX systems have a basic price which is then gradually increased by adding modules such as voicemail or queue capability. Always find out the total cost of the system and make sure you compare like for like.
- What about call quality?
VoIP call quality is only as good as your external connectivity, and where a broadband connection might seem fine for internet browsing, voice data is usually less forgiving. What steps have been taken to reduce the chance of embarrassing quality issues on important calls? Where quality of connection is limited, are there other ways to make and receive calls?
- What happens if our broadband/ISDN lines go down?
If 100% uptime is important to you (it is to most!) then try to find a system that offers protection against this. Hybrid systems that offer both VoIP and ISDN connectivity can be a solution – but make sure that automatic failover and alternative routing is available.
- How complicated is it to make changes to the system?
You might want to change your IVR or night mode behaviour, or add and remove users... the list goes on. Can you do this without consulting a manual, or without taking the system offline?
- Is there a choice of compatible handsets available?
Every business is different, but with such a wide variety of IP handsets available, everyone can find a handset to suit them. You need to be confident that the handsets you choose meet your working requirements.
- Does the system support remote/home working?
The business cost of sickness and other absence can be reduced by remote and home working. In addition, the right to request flexible working has now been extended to all parents of children aged 16 or under, and small businesses in particular are discovering the benefits provided by flexible working. Does the IP PBX system allow you to adopt remote working, if not now then in the future?
- Will the system stand the test of time?
An IP phone system should be designed to last. Find out the PBX upgrade policy to ensure that you won't be a victim of obsolescence.
