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How to choose the right computer equipment for your business to increase your productivity and efficiency without it costing the earth.

Business software helps you complete a range of tasks. Choose the right software, provide support and train your staff with our introduction.

It is highly likely that you depend on the internet for some aspects of your business. Find out how you can use the internet more effectively.

Good communication with customers, partners and suppliers is vital for business success. This summary explores business communication methods.

How would you cope if your IT system failed or was breached? We cover the main IT security issues and how to protect against them.

Good IT management can help you choose, use and implement IT. Our overview helps you manage IT in a way that maximises the return on your investment.

IT support is vital if you rely on your IT system. But how can you set up an effective safety net in case things go wrong? We explore the options.

Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate training, policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.

How to choose a business telephone system supplier

Finding and choosing a business telephone system supplier is not always straight forward. Without detailed knowledge of how business phone systems work, you'll have to do some research to identify a supplier who can provide the telephone functions your business needs

In this guide, we talk you through the steps you should follow to choose the right small business telephone system provider for you.

What do you want from your telephone system?

If you’re considering investing in a new business telephone system, start by establishing what your requirements are from your communications platform.

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. How do you want to manage calls, faxes, emails and data sent across your internet connection?
  2. Do you want to implement a unified messaging system, or do you simply want a telephone system that integrates with your customer database?
  3. Do you want to route your calls over your internet connection using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) to reduce costs?

These three questions are fundamental to the design of your new business phone system.

If you can explain exactly what you want to potential suppliers, they will be able to respond directly to your requirements, rather than simply quoting for what they think you want.

Finding potential telephone suppliers

The business telephone market is a competitive one, so finding the right supplier can be a challenge. One approach to identifying potential providers is to speak to your business contacts. Ask them who they use and whether they would recommend the company.

Your local chamber of commerce or trade association might also have a list of approved business telecoms suppliers it can recommend. Alternatively, you can search online directories and comparison sites for local business phone system businesses. They will provide a shortlist of suitable suppliers based on your requirements.

Watch for telephone supplier terminology

The telephone and telecommunications sector is full of jargon that can catch you out if you’re not aware of what it all means. Many suppliers will speak in acronym-heavy sentences unless you challenge them.

Make sure the providers you talk to explain everything in terms that you understand. It will obviously help to have some knowledge of the terminology yourself, but you shouldn't have to learn a whole new language just to talk to your chosen small business phone service provider.

Who asks most questions?

When you talk to business telephone system suppliers, take note of which ones ask most questions about you and your specific requirements. They're probably the suppliers who will take most time to understand what you are after, rather than just trying to sell you a standard package.

Also, remember that the business phone supplier which tells you it can't be done, but then offers a workaround, probably understands exactly what you have asked for.

Last steps to choosing your telephone supplier

As business telephone systems are complex, make sure that what is being proposed will work before you commit to one supplier.

If you are opting for a hard-wired telephone system, ask to visit one of their existing clients before signing up. Ask the client if their system does everything they need it to. Find out how easy it is to use, and what the support they receive is like.

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