THE DOLLARS AND CENTS OF UPGRADING YOUR BUSINESS PHONE SYSTEM


Phone technology for business is an increasingly complex network of devices and connections. As a result, the cost of implementing a new phone system can be difficult to nail down until you know exactly what you want. To get a solid idea of how much a new phone system will cost, you need to be sure that you are getting down to the fine details to really see which system is better.

END POINT DEVICES

The most obvious cost associated with phone technology for business purposes is for the actual handheld devices that you will be using every day. Depending on what type of functionality you want on your devices, you will need to consider things like desktop sets, mobile devices, headsets, and more. The number of devices you need for your team will also depend on if each individual is getting a personal device or if the device will be shared across multiple shifts. However, this is only the beginning.

SOFTWARE

Along with your new devices, you will be depending on advanced software programs to help you route calls and locate customer information. This software comes with licensing fees for each user. Plus, many software designers also offer tiered plans with varying levels of special features for a little more money. You need to plan on paying for software licenses either up front or in monthly installments.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The next part of your cost analysis will be the infrastructure of your phone technology for business. If you choose to move to a cloud-based system, you may save money on the cost of servers or call routing hardware. However, you will likely be signing up for an ongoing cloud subscription. If you are not going to the cloud, you need to consider the maintenance costs associated with keeping all of the hardware on your own site, including new parts, paying your IT team, and other associated costs.

THE CONNECTION

Naturally, you need a service provider to bring all of the hardware together. If you are still using landlines for your phone, then your phone bill may not change. However, if you are going to VoIP, you will likely need an Internet upgrade to handle the additional Internet traffic.

All four of these components are part of making phone technology for business operate smoothly. As you shop around for the best possible deal, make sure that you are comparing your options in each of these categories to determine whether you will be spending more or saving some by making the switch. Just remember that new phones are only a small part of a much bigger picture.


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