Matching the Best Phone System to Your Business Needs
By Jeremy Swenson
Associate Product Manager
Finding the best phone system to support your business phone needs can be difficult. There are multiple options available, each with pros and cons. How do you decide? It starts with understanding what types of systems are out there.
Types of Phone Systems
Each phone (or voice) system is a little different from the next. From a simple solution to an advanced, customizable systems, it’s important to understand what your options are. At Midco, we support phone systems for any size business – from one line to several. I’m going to walk you through the three main phone solutions that can help you run your business.
Digital Phone Lines
Digital phone lines are great for small businesses with one to four lines that require a simple, low-cost solution. With this solution, businesses will have access to Midco’s network and would source their preferred equipment independently.
We typically match this solution with small restaurants, who want a simple phone solution for one location with one or two lines.
Hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Hosted VoIP is an ideal solution for small and medium-size businesses (five to 60 employees) that require more functionality and mobility – with no ownership or responsibility. With Hosted VoIP, businesses not only have access to Midco’s wholly owned, private network, but also receive all required desk phone equipment and enhanced features such as call park and forwarding.
Hosted VoIP is a full-service solution available for multiple types of businesses, but we’ve seen great success with automotive dealers and mechanics – such as Northtown Auto in Yankton, SD. They wanted something easy-to-use, yet with customizable call routing so their reps could be available anytime.
Trunk Lines
Trunk lines provide access to Midco’s network through session initiation protocol (SIP) or T1 technology. This is a great solution for large businesses (61+ lines). Businesses that use trunk lines would work with another vendor to provide the private branch exchange (PBX) and other phone equipment. All functionality would originate from the third-party PBX and will vary depending upon model and cost.
SIP lines are an ideal solution for our banking and financial customers with multiple lines and multiple locations, that already have purchased their own equipment, but want to connect with a reliable, trusted network – like ours.
How to Choose the Right Phone System
Now that you know what systems are available, it’s time to evaluate your business needs to determine the right fit. Here are a few questions you should ask during your own needs analysis – with a few helpful answers describing which solution solves each need.
Do we want to own the equipment?
Digital phone and trunk lines require equipment purchase and PBX (for trunk lines) from a third party. Hosted VoIP solution offers all necessary equipment without the burden of ownership.
Do we have mobile or remote employees?
If yes, Hosted VoIP’s Softphone ensures calls can be answered wherever your employees are via cellphone.
What functionality is critical to run our business – and what would be a nice to have?
If minimal functionality is needed and you simply need to answer single calls, digital lines are probably the best solution for you. If you require specific routing options, auto attendant or other sophisticated functions, Hosted VoIP or trunk lines with a third-party PBX will be more beneficial.
How many lines will we need?
The more lines you have, the more likely you’ll need sophisticated functionality options – if not for now, but for the future as your business grows. Digital lines are beneficial for businesses that require very few phones, trunk lines may be ideal for businesses that have a lot of phones, and Hosted VoIP is a good solution for the in between.
How much do we want to manage our phones?
Businesses that have a dedicated IT staff may find trunk lines beneficial, because you can control all aspects of the configurations. Businesses that desire little to no management of their phone system should choose Hosted VoIP, as users can manage as much or as little of the phone solution as they desire – allowing you to focus on revenue generating efforts.
How many vendors do we prefer to work with?
Hosted VoIP is the only one-vendor, comprehensive voice solution. Digital and trunk lines require a third party to supply the equipment, as well as provide support outside of the networking equipment.
What can we afford?
While each solution has its benefits, price is always an important factor in making any business decision, which is why we multiple pricing options to fit your needs. Our team is here to discuss how we can make the most of your phone system, without compromising your bottom line.
Jeremy Swenson is the General Manager for Fixed Wireless at Midco but has used his background in sales, product analysis and customer service to help develop business products. He thrives on turning ideas into reality – and sees each day as a new opportunity. Swenson is active in Shriners International, Junior Achievement and Lutheran Social Services’ mentor program. He holds a degree in management information systems from Northern State University and an MBA from the Vucurevich School of Business at the University of Sioux Falls.
Jeremy Swenson is the General Manager for Fixed Wireless at Midco but has used his background in sales, product analysis and customer service to help develop business products. He thrives on turning ideas into reality – and sees each day as a new opportunity. Swenson is active in Shriners International, Junior Achievement and Lutheran Social Services’ mentor program. He holds a degree in management information systems from Northern State University and an MBA from the Vucurevich School of Business at the University of Sioux Falls.