PHONE SYSTEMS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

PHONE SYSTEMS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Setting up your first phone system for your small business—or even upgrading the old one—can feel like a bit of a maze, right? With so many options and the nbn™ bringing in new ways to make and receive calls, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But there’s no need to stress. Once you get a handle on the different types of phone systems for small businesses and what features to look for, it becomes much simpler. Plus, with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology becoming the new standard in Australia, understanding the basics will help you see why certain features are essential in the latest systems.

What is a VoIP System?

NBN Business Standard Line

Think of this as your no-frills phone system. It’s just basic cordless or desktop handsets connected to one or more VoIP-enabled lines. Perfect if you’re just after the essentials.

Hosted Phone System

Ever heard of a virtual or cloud-based PBX? This is it. It’s like having a full-blown PBX setup without all the bulky equipment. Everything’s in the cloud, hosted by your service provider. It’s got all the traditional PBX features and then some. Plus, it’s a cinch to scale up if your business grows. You can use it with handsets or apps on your computer or mobile.

SIP System

This one’s a bit more advanced. SIP-enabled PBX phone systems connect to the telephone network. Adding or removing lines (called channels) is much quicker than with a traditional PBX. Depending on your existing setup, you might get access to new features with this.

What’s Required for a VoIP System?

Shifting from the old copper network to VoIP? First off, you need a good nbn™ connection. The speed you need depends on how many calls you’ll be making while using the internet for other tasks. Norcom’s phone system works with your existing NBN connection, or you can get our business broadband package with unlimited data and a phone line, plus an optional 4G backup for peace of mind.

If you’re planning on connecting more than two phones, a hosted phone system will need a LAN switch or a router/gateway with enough ports for each phone. For a SIP system, you’ll need an IP-enabled PBX system and the right router. Some VoIP systems even let you make calls from your laptop, desktop, or mobile—no handsets required!

What Handsets Do You Need?

Handsets might not always be necessary with a VoIP system. Your current phone system might be adaptable to VoIP. If you already have handsets or are thinking of getting new ones, check if they’ll work with your chosen system. Got a physical PBX system? Make sure it’s compatible with a SIP system before making any purchases. It’s always a good idea to chat with your phone system provider before buying new handsets.

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