VoIP or PBX for my small business?

You’re a small business in need of upgrading or purchasing a new telephone system but you have no idea where to start or what to even look at. So lets take a look at the two options a small business typically considers and the key points to each solution.

1. Traditional PBX System
2. VoIP System

Let’s talk about deployment. Depending on the time frame that you require a system, the features you need in the system and plug ins you might need, a traditional PBX system typically requires a lead time which can take a few weeks. A hosted VoIP system is much quicker as you don’t require a physical onsite system besides the handsets.

Features: depending on your business needs, the traditional PBX systems have a lot more simple features vs the more advanced features a hosted VoIP system provides.

Cost: When it comes to cost, the physical PBX setup is more expensive, however, new  PBX systems are now typically VoIP compatible which means you can take advantage of the cheaper calls using your data connection.  As a hosted solution means the hardware is managed in the cloud, the start up fees are minimal and again, calls are up to 3 times less than a traditional PSTN or ISDN line call.

Future Growth: With the internet, businesses have the ability to scale at a much quicker rate, this means you might need a system that offers you the ability to maintain costs now and scale in the future when needed. A PBX system needs careful planning to be able to scale, a hosted VoIP system is easily scalable as you only require handsets and all features in the cloud can be simply added or removed very easily.

Relocation: Part of the growth discussion with regards to the ease of scalability of the hosted system, VoIP systems are simple and easy as a plug in and play, a traditional PBX not so easy. Although the traditional system offers great security, the upkeep and cost to relocate the physical hardware needs careful planning and organisation.

For a free review of what might work best for your business, simply fill in the form on www.comparephonesystems.co.nz and we can arrange for up to 3 suppliers to give you a quote that can best fit your needs.

The truth about converting your phone system to the NBN

We see and hear a lot of confusion about the NBN, and in particular when it comes to people asking us about purchasing an NBN Ready Phone System. Because the NBN is a new technology, its not so simple to understand and the provider being NBN Co. don’t make it any easier

As we’ve learnt most customers are currently unaware, Telstra will be switching off all PSTN and ISDN (Home and business telephone lines) in the coming months which could take as long at 12-18 months from now which I’m sure seems like a long time, though this time frame is shortened based on when you received NBN internet access to your area.
How does the NBN work?
There are several different types of NBN connections, but to simplify it all, you will now use a VoIP or SIP service to run your phone system. Traditionally,  your phone service and a data/internet service were delivered separate to your office. Now, NBN data service is actually used to carry your phone service as well as your business internet in a single line.

What is an NBN Ready Phone System?
Most people refer NBN Ready Phone Systems as a Hosted Phone System, however, you still have a choice between these and Traditional PABX Phone Systems, which is why there is so much confusion out there.

PABX (Traditional Phone System)
A Traditional Phone Systems consist of a physical box that lives in your office, before Hosted Solutions arrived on the scene, this was the way we did business. PABX systems used PSTN, ISDN and in more recent times, SIP trunks to make and receive calls.

PABX systems are still a great option if you’re looking for an NBN Ready Phone System. Not being hosted in the cloud, doesn’t mean a PABX system can’t take advantage of the high speed data and VoIP services coming from the NBN. There is a catch however,  your PABX needs to be IP compatible, which means it can send and receive digital data.

If it isn’t IP enabled, in most cases it can be made to work with the NBN, but it will depend on the type and age of your phone system.

As a general rule, if your phone system is older than 5 years, it’s not likely to be compatible.
Financial Benefits of an NBN ready Phone System?
The cost of purchasing and installing a hosted solution is relatively similar to a Traditional PABX, however, the ongoing costs are significantly lower – especially if you choose your provider wisely.

Once you start using the NBN to make calls, SIP phone line rental and call rates are dramatically lower than traditional lines. In some cases, you can see costs up to three times lower. Choosing the right supplier is important, if  you choose a provider that doesn’t charge you for features you don’t use, or to update your programming, you’ll save even more compared. Why, a PABX system, will often require a technician to change the settings in your PABX and this comes at a cost.

Going To Market
If your business is ready to prepare for the NBN, visit our website www.comparebusinessphonesystems.com.au and we can arrange 3 free quotes for you with no obligations. Having 3 options allows you to get the most competitive pricing for your business.

5 Tips to prepare your business over the end of year holiday period

1. Carrier Embargo period. (15.12.17 – 15.1.18)

What is this? It happens every year and this year is no different. Industry wide, no telco provider can carry out certain types of work and any other types of work can take much longer to complete. How does this affect me? If you plan to update your hardware or physical phone systems, its business as usual. If you require any additional lines or work to the physical address, this won’t be possible. Ensure you plan for this period as it’s a great time to do hardware updates but limits the service provider side of any agreement.

2. Update your customers

Ensure your business sets up its voicemails and pre recorded message to ensure your customer know your trading hours and hours of availability. You can do this now so they are prepared and can flag any concerns early so you don’t come back to any unhappy clients.

3. Transform your business technology

While the holiday period is great to spend on a beach or at home with the family, planning to upgrade your technology during this period can be a great idea. With little to no effect on staff and customers, it can set you up for the coming year and you can hit the ground running.

4. Bill Shock

Holidays are great. Ensure if you plan to travel or if your staff plan to travel and take their work phone, that you are prepared and you have activated roaming. Ensure you do your research of roaming charges as the cost of data in another country could surprise you. And not in a good way.

5. IT and security checks

Ensure your I.T has ran all outstanding updates and a full antivirus protection program is active. Holiday periods are notorious for hackers as businesses are away and unaware of the attack. If you need advice, let us know and we can help.