Phone Systems
Phone Systems
Options for Phone Systems for Organizations
Multi-line phones. These systems provide the ability to share multiple phone lines across different phones. They can provide features like voice mail for each phone, auto attendant (i.e. “Press 1 for Bob…”), call transfer, etc. There are both standard phone systems with phone cords and cordless systems. This is the least expensive option beyond just a basic phone system, and cordless multi-line systems can start as low as $200-300. The limitation of these systems is that they usually can only expand to support a limited number of phones (maximum often ranges from 8-36) and also support limited features. Good for very small to medium organization (3-30 staff) with limited budget.
- Panasonic Wireless 4 line phone system: $599 base with $120 for each additional handset. http://www.101phones.com/flypage/37/6179e9d506bebc5ec4b967ad164579ad/Panasonic_KX-TG4000B
- AT&T E2526 Wireless 2 line phone system: $169.99 base with $83.99 for each additional handset. http://www.101phones.com/flypage/2448/1a94578fe82cabc10e20b0dfc1691741/ATT_E2562
- AT&T 2462Wireless 2 line phone system: $119.99 base with $99.99 for each additional handset. http://www.101phones.com/flypage/594/none/ATT_2462
- General Electric Wireless 4 line phone system: $114.99 base with $94.99 for each additional handset.
- http://www.101phones.com/flypage/3959/c330c42a4f38afd3231c1ab95939ec7d/General_Electric_RCA_25413RE3
- http://www.101phones.com/flypage/3959/c330c42a4f38afd3231c1ab95939ec7d/General_Electric_RCA_25413RE3
- VTech VT20-2431 2 line phone system: $139.99 base with $209.99 for each additional handset
- http://www.101phones.com/browse/0323ac45519fefdf94360313722b8b51/Vtech_Multiline_Phones
- Uniden TRU8866 2 line phone system: $149.99 base with 99.99 for each additional handset http://www.101phones.com/flypage/2688/bbfe430fadd7751341feae3a38cd71e8/Uniden_TRU8866
- Motorola MD7091 2 line phone system: $149 base with $79.99 for each additional handset. http://www.101phones.com/flypage/4054/c5669be8b2939624402e8131872dfa0e/Motorola_MD7091
Centrex. With this option, all phones are provided by the phone company, which provides advanced features like voice mail for each phone, auto attendant, call transfer, etc. This option provides the easiest setup and maintenance, but will cost much more than other options in the long term. Generally each phone is charged a monthly fee as compared to charging for each line. Good for very small to medium organization (3-30 staff) that wants to avoid difficulty of setting up a phone system.
- Pricing depends on location and vender.
- Verizon:http://www22.verizon.com/enterprisesolution
- Sprint: http://www.sprint.com/business/products/products/centrex_enterprise.jsp
- At&t: http://www.att.com/gov/contracts/maas/services/maas_services_centrex.html
PBX/Key System. This option provides the most features for a large number of phones, without the monthly fee for each phone reducing the long-term cost as compared to Centrex. This option also has the highest up front cost and ongoing cost of maintenance. Most large businesses and non-profit organizations use this option. Good for medium to large organization (20-500 staff).
Bizfon: http://www.bizfon.com Base Brice: $1200 each handset $229
Centerpoint: http://www.talkswitch.com Base Price: $1495 each handset about $149
3Com: http://www.3com.com Base Price: $2,000 each handset about $350
Other Resources
http://www.soho-telecom.com/phone-systems/tutorial/tutorial.html
http://www.101phones.com http://www.hellodirect.com/
Help with Plantronics Telephone Headsets from Headsets Direct - Articles, videos, updates and more.
Phone Conferencing
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