Ten key considerations when choosing a new hosted phone system

1. Is a hosted phone system reliable? – data transfer is more reliable with a hosted phone system as it uses broadband cables which are impervious to bad weather or broken lines
2. How much hardware is required? – in essence a hosted phone system requires no more hardware or infrastructure than a smartphone.
3. How many accounts are involved? – A hosted system brings landlines and mobiles together in a single cohesive phone network, with one all-encompassing contract and less billing paperwork
4. How is the hosted account managed? – Hosted phone systems are controlled through a web portal. Network/account managers can configure and modify these systems far more easily than with traditional hardwired infrastructure, while billing information and usage data is also instantly accessible.
5. Is a hosted system customisable? – Yes, because hosted systems place the administrator squarely in charge via an easily-controlled web portal, there is far more scope for customising the system around each user’s specific requirements.
6. Are allocated numbers portable? – Yes, phones can be switched seamlessly from an office’s Wi-Fi network to the cellular service of a mobile telecommunications partner, effectively turning one handset into both a desk phone and a smartphone.
7. What about geographic restrictions? – Because hosted telephony is sent over the internet, you are no longer tied geographically by your phone number. For example, you could have a London number and your staff are located in Leeds.
8. How much will the new system cost? – Hosted systems do away with trunking and exchanges, as well as expensive maintenance contracts. Cost-savings may be secondary to quality improvements when it comes to hosted phone systems, but greater affordability will always impress the Finance Director.
9. What does a hosted phone system consist of? – Basically, all you need in your office are the handsets. All the other infrastructure can be accessed via an online, user-controlled interface.
10. What if my company’s circumstances change? – Hosted systems are easily scalable (up or down) so not only can they adapt quickly to changing circumstances, you only need pay for what you use.

If you would like to find out more about how a hosted phone system can help your organisation, please contact us