A business phone system (often referred to as a Cloud phone system or Hosted PBX) is critical for any business, as it serves as a primary mode of communication for making and receiving calls.
When selecting a Business/Cloud phone system or Hosted PBX provider, businesses should evaluate the following factors:
1. Softphones or IP Phones
1. Softphones or IP Phones
Determine where your users will make/receive calls:
Softphone apps (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Chrome Extension)
IP phones or conference phones
Choose a provider that supports all platforms, offers dedicated apps, and enables auto-provisioning for hardware devices.
2. Features Required
2. Features Required
Core features like voice greetings, voicemail, and call detail records are essential for most businesses. Additional needs may include call recording (for compliance/monitoring) or integrations. Opt for a provider with a feature-rich, customizable platf
3. DID Numbers
3. DID Numbers
Many providers are country-specific due to geographical limitations. If your business operates globally, confirm whether the provider supports DID numbers in multiple countries.
4. Dedicated On-boarding and Support
4. Dedicated On-boarding and Support
Transitioning to a new system can be challenging for non-technical teams. Prioritize providers that offer dedicated on-boarding sessions and 24/7 customer support to ensure a smooth roll-out.
5. Number Porting
5. Number Porting
Your business number is a critical identifier. Ensure your provider allows seamless porting (in/out) without downtime. Most carriers in the USA, UK, and Australia support this process.