A stable and efficient communication system is the backbone of any business. As business grows, so does its needs. Depending upon the number of employees, areas of operation, nature of work and profile of clients, one must choose the most suitable phone system. Following are the various business phone system options, each with features, pros and cons, which will help you, match them to your needs and make the right choice:

Virtual Phone System

If your business has employees working remotely, a virtual phone system is apt for you. In this system a business phone line is connected to the cell phones of remote workers irrespective of the location they are in. When a client calls on the business phone number, the call is diverted to the worker’s cell phones. The phone system offers services like call forwarding, automated receptionist, online faxing, voice mail etc.

It is an affordable solution for small businesses that are in need of presenting a professional face to their clients and at the same time saving on costs of communicating with the employees.

Landlines

The most traditional form of phone systems, landline phones are time tested and fairly reliable method of communication. Suited for large organisations that have designated teams to manage the equipment may opt for such systems and support the complex business arrangements.

Landlines also offer features like call forwarding, transferring, conference calls, fax etc. However, they need maintenance and often prove to be costlier than other advanced phone systems.

VoIP Systems

Best suited for businesses that wish to use sophisticated communication systems that project themselves as smart professionals, VoIP systems offer a wide range of services. In this system, the internet connection is used to convert even the computers and laptops into virtual phones. The installation costs of this system are reasonable.

There are two kinds of VOIP systems available:

Self Hosted VoIP

In this, the business buys, owns and maintains the equipment, mainly the Private Branch Exchange or PBX hardware to run the phone lines. PBX system allows for circuit switching within the organisation’s phone system. If a business has an IT team in place, this system works best as everything is under self control and can be configured as willed. It does have an upfront high cost as the entire equipment needs to be bought but a business that foresees growth and needs better accessibility to all functioning may opt for this service.

Cloud-based VoIP system

In this case the phone system company will provide the hardware and software related services and there is no hassle to manage anything internally. A monthly or quarterly payment is made to the vendor. Hence, for businesses that do not have many employees, this system is the most suitable.

Keeping in mind the budget and future plans, a business has many options to choose from when it comes to a phone system. Make sure you have done the research well as there are many vendors providing these services. Pick the best plan and best equipment to build a competent phone system for your business.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd., offer affordable business phone systems in Austin, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 698 – 0016.

A business phone system is the primary mode of communication between the company and its clients. You need to have a phone system with high-end technology in order to stay ahead of your competitors. Having the latest equipment will make communication even more effective and help you save your time as well as money.

Below are some signs that your business needs a new phone system:

• Existing phone system is technically outdated: If your existing phone systems have become technically obsolete and require frequent repair and maintenance services, you must consider installing new systems. Also, the traditional business phone systems are complex and require specialized hardware which involves a lot of investment. In contrast, most modern phone systems simply require working internet connection to be operated. 
• Your business requires increased functionality: Your current phone systems may function well but they can fail to keep up with the latest business operations. For instance, the new phone systems can provide you statistics by monitoring and recording the calls. These features are not available in the older systems. In addition, there are many other features in advanced phone systems which make them a perfect choice for your business.
• You are relocating your office: It is ideal to get a new phone system in case you are moving from your present office location. Transporting your present networking and phone equipment will add to significant costs as you need to uninstall, transport and re-install them in the new office. With so many constraints, it is better to upgrade to a new phone system.
• Increasing call volume: As an expanding company, your phone calls can spiral upwards. However, if you do not have enough phone lines to handle the growing traffic, it can hamper your business. Instead of increasing ports, opt for a modern business phone system that can easily accommodate the influx of rising calls.
• The old system has reached its maximum capacity: Older phone systems have limited ports, are hard to maintain and offer limited features. With upgraded phone systems, the location of the users doesn’t matter as it is simple to add extensions. This saves your time and money as well as adds to your company’s productivity.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd., offer a wide range of hosted phone systems to the business firms in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 698 – 0016 or visit our office at 701 Sun Meadows Dr., Harker Heights, TX 76548.

A phone system is an integral part of any business as it promotes productivity. The business phone systems nowadays are not just limited to making and receiving calls but are multi-functional systems that offer additional features like call recording, instant messaging, video calling etc.

If you are a small business, it is imperative that you install an efficient phone system to save the time of your employees and also increase the output of your organization. Following are the factors that you need to consider before buying a phone system:

• Features Offered: Before you decide on a specific phone system, have a clear understanding of the features that are required by your employees. For instance, they may require voice mail, video conferencing or auto attendant features. Finalize a phone system that meets all these requirements and also suits your budget.
• Scalability: You need to determine how scalable phone system you require. It is important to know the number of phone lines required in your office. For example: you could require a phone extension at the reception, conference room, warehouse etc. In addition, you also need to consider how many phone calls you expect to make and receive at a point of time. This will also help to determine the phone extensions that you would need.
• Backup Required: Having a single network for data and voice will save you ample time and money, but it may not be beneficial in the longer run. In case there is a power failure, all your business operations will come to a standstill if you do not have a back-up connection. Therefore, keep this consideration in mind before buying a phone system for your small business.
• Flexibility: As a small business entity, you are expanding your operations every single day. Therefore, you require a phone system that does not affect employee productivity even if they are traveling for work purposes. For instance, there are certain voice and video tools that are important for interacting with your employees working from a remote office. Also, you must have a phone system that will easily adapt to your changing business needs in the future.
• Sound quality: A good quality business phone system is imperative as it not only gives a good impression to the customer but also helps in effective conversation. Superior sound quality is a pre-requisite and you must install a phone system that adheres to this prerequisite.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd., provide efficient and affordable phone systems to all types of business firms in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 698 – 0016.

Effective communication is the lifeline of any business, whether small or large. Considering this, a phone system remains to be one of the most important components determining the success of any organization and, hence, should be chosen wisely. With so many phone systems available at present, deciding on the one that suits your business’ requirements requires a lot of deliberation. It needs to have a perfect balance between advanced technology and cost.

Here are some tips that can help you choose the right hosted phone system for your business in Central Texas:

• Evaluate your needs: Firstly, you should assess the telecommunication requirements of your business. Determine the number of employees who need a phone line at present as well as a few years down the line. The phone system that you choose should be scalable to accommodate your needs as your company grows.
• Decide the features: You should be absolutely clear about the features you need in your hosted phone system. There are a wide range of features included in the systems but you should choose only the ones that are essential for the efficiency of your business operations. Make a list of all such features, such as auto attendant, call forwarding, video calling, find me follow me call routing etc. and review it while comparing the phone systems.
• Telecommuting perks: If your business operates through multiple locations in Central Texas, you need to invest in a phone system that offers remote connectivity without the need of separate hardware. With a hosted phone system, you can have the option to stay connected to your office, no matter where you are.
• Easy To Operate: The phone system that you choose should have a simple functioning so that your employees can make the most out of its features. Also, it should be easy to add new features or phone lines whenever required, without the need to install any hardware. You can ask your phone system provider to demonstrate the usage of the phone system for the convenience of your employees.

If you are looking for hosted phone systems in Central Texas, consider Folkerson Communications, Ltd. We are a leading provider of quality and affordable hosted phone systems that can help to increase the efficiency of your business operations. For more information, you can call us at (512) 977 – 0055 (Austin), (254) 742 – 0064 (Temple), (254) 698 – 0016 (Killeen) and (254) 662 – 2255 (Waco).

Business phone systems have evolved rapidly over the past few years in terms of technology and features offered. Choosing the right phone system can not only yield tangible returns but also boost the productivity and efficiency of your employees. It is, therefore, important that business owners spend a considerable time deliberating over the potential options and arm themselves with the answers to some critical questions. By evaluating your requirements, you would be in a better position to choose the phone system that best fit the bill.

Will the phone system reduce your overall telecommunication costs?

Regardless of the type of phone system you choose, make sure that it will be able to lower your company’s phone bills. Evaluate all the expenses involved, right from equipment and installation to monthly charges and periodic maintenance costs. You should also factor-in the role of the phone system in improving your company’s standard of customer service.

Have you evaluated your company’s communication needs?

You should thoroughly identify your company’s telecommunication needs before choosing a phone system. For instance, if you have employees working from multiple locations, you would want a phone system that allows remote connectivity. The number of calls your employees make and receive per day is also an important consideration. Analyze the number of phone lines you require at present and in the near future to avoid incurring additional costs in the long run.

What features are important for your company’s operations?

Depending upon your business size and nature of operations, you should choose a phone system that comes with the required features. Different phone systems offer varied sets of features that can be easily customized according to your requirements. For example, in a call center, features such as auto attendant, call waiting, automatic call distribution (ACD), music on hold, call recording etc. are likely to be more important. Also, make sure that the features you choose are easy to be used by the employees and can be amalgamated in your company’s daily operations.

Is the phone system provider reliable?

In order to maximize the efficiency of your phone system, you need to find a provider that is reliable and experienced. The company should have a good track record of satisfied customers. Also, their technicians should be able to clear your queries about choosing the right type of phone system for your business.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd., offer feature-rich phone systems for the businesses in Austin, TX. We provide quality equipment from leading brand names, including NEC and ESI. To know more about the phone systems offered, you can call at (254) 698 – 0016 or visit our office at 701 Sun Meadows Dr., Harker Heights, TX 76548.

Phone systems are an essential part of any business’ daily operations. Therefore, it is essential to choose the one that facilitates and streamlines your telecommunication requirements. Nowadays, a wide range of phone systems are available which offer different features suitable for both small and large businesses. Opting for the right one can save you time, efforts and financial resources.

Given below are few considerations that you should keep in mind before selecting a phone system for your office:

• Budget: You should have a clear idea about the number of phone lines you require for your office. Assess the number of employees you have at present and those that you plan to hire in future. Accordingly, decide how many of them need a phone system to work efficiently.
• Internet: Many VoIP phone systems allow you to make local and international calls through the internet. You should ensure that you have all the necessary hardware and software required for the phone system. A high speed internet connection is also important for high quality voice and video calls.
• Network: The type of network available also determines the phone system to be installed in your office. The new phones may require a separate network or can be combined with the existing one. Depending on the availability, you can choose a phone system accordingly.
• Plans for Growth:  Any plans for growth should be considered before purchasing a phone system for your office. If you have 20 employees at present but planning to expand your company up to 50 members in the near future, you must look for a phone system that allows easy addition of extensions without much cost. 
• Features: VoIP phones offer many features such as call forwarding, call waiting, speed dialing, voicemail to email transcription, caller ID, automated attendant etc. you can choose the features according to your company’s requirements. For instance, call waiting and caller ID are a good option for businesses that handle a large volume of inbound calls.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd, offer hosted phone systems for business firms in Central Texas. We provide advanced and feature rich phone systems customizable according to the needs of your company. For more information, you can call us at (254) 662 – 2255 or visit our office at 1412 S Robinson Dr, Waco, TX 76706.

A reliable communication system is the backbone of any successful business. Traditional phone systems pose many limitations as the scale of the business increases. In the age of Internet, when everything is becoming smarter, switching to hosted telephony brings in efficiency and speed which is required in a fast growing scenario. This system allows you to make calls via internet and thus doesn’t depend on the traditional telephone network lines, which when get faulty, can affect your business activities.

Listed below are some benefits of a hosted phone system:

• Control: It provides for greater real time control over your telephony as it can be managed from your laptop or smart phone. This brings in efficiency and transparency.
• Back up service: Companies that offer this service have well laid out service network systems which are a great relief as issues are resolved promptly.
• Image builder: It is professional to avail hosted phone services as it uses latest technology to operate. For new businesses where first impressions are important, installation of this system may help a great deal.
• Lower costs: There is no need for heavy investments to start telephony through this system. The rates are also competitive and there are many plans available from which one can choose the best suited to their budgets and requirements.
• Better connects employees: Hosted telephone services allows for a distributed workforce. It is easy to stay connected for scattered employees, sales force or remote staff as they are virtually connected faster than traditional methods through features like call conferencing, video calls etc.
• Scalable: As the need for more phone connections and extensions rises, upon growth in business, adding more lines is very simple. One can say that this system grows with your business.
• Add on services: Other benefits like integration of voice mail with email, sync with mobile devices, call waiting, music on hold, call transferring etc. are some of the features which are must have for a business.
• Business continuity: If the business changes location, like shifting to a new address or a city, this system can be easily shifted and installed in the new location.

Improved reliability and flexibility are definitely an added advantage for any business. Hosted phone system is a technology which smoothens out processes by keeping communication simple and productive. The best part is that it brings the costs down, which is beneficial for a growing business so it can allocate savings into improving other arms of the organisation.

Folkerson Communications, Ltd, provides efficient hosted phone systems for business firms in Central Texas. For more information, you can call us at (512) 977 – 0055.

When it comes to business telecommunications, it can be quite difficult to figure out which type of phone system will best facilitate your needs. Choosing between the hundreds of features available, different types of phones and service providers, all these require a lot of planning as well as insight about the company’s future requirements. The phone system you select should be able to simplify communication within your office and with your clients or customers. 

Here are some of the tips that can help you choose the right phone system for your business:

• Draw Up A Staffing Plan: First and foremost, you must lay out your business plan in order to determine the number of phone lines you will require at present as well as a few years later. This will depend upon the number of employees in your company as well as the nature of operations, i.e. whether the calls are mainly incoming or outgoing.
• Choose The Features: You may consider call routing if you want your office calls to be directed to your mobile phone. For companies having a work-from-home culture, features such as call conferencing, video conferencing, voicemail etc. would be advantageous. You can also consider a phone with an automated attendant feature.
• Type Of Phone System: Depending upon your company’s telecommunication requirements, you should decide if you want to choose a hosted PBX or a VoIP phone system. Carefully analyze the feature offered by both to determine which of them would best suitable for your business. For instance, if your company has more than one physical location, dealings with international clients or employees working from home, a VoIP phone system will be the best solution for you.
• Scalability: You must make sure that the phone system facilitates easy addition of features, without the need to install any new hardware. In case you hire more employees in the future, it should not be difficult to add extensions to the already existing phone lines. The features offered must be able to increase your business’ efficiency, lower telecommunication costs and the system should not require specialized IT staff to be managed effectively.   

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd., are a leading provider of high quality phone systems in Waco, TX. We offer both VoIP and hosted solutions that can be customized according to the requirements of your company. For more information, you can call us at (254) 662 – 2255 or visit our office at 1412 S Robinson Dr, Waco, TX 76706.

Phone systems are a critical component for the smooth and efficient functioning of every business. It is imperative to pick the right one that perfectly suits your organization’s needs and finances. However, with a large number of innovative phone systems offering a host of advanced features, it can be quite easy to get confused. Knowing about the uses of each feature and how it can deliver better customer services is the key to choosing the right phone system.

Here are some of the features that must be incorporated in your business phone system:

• Call Forwarding: With this feature, employees who are routinely out for field visits or working from home can stay connected to their office. It allows them to automatically transfer the calls on the office phones to their mobile numbers. Some business phones also offer a hunt group feature, in which the calls are directed to a chain of phone numbers and finally to voicemail, if not answered.
• Automated Attendant: The automated attendant feature will ensure that your inbound calls will always be responded to, even when your staff is not available. It serves as an alternate receptionist and is essential to present a professional first impression before the clients or potential customers. Automated attendant comes with several customization options which help to efficiently deal with large call volumes.
• Call Conferencing: This feature allows multiple extensions of the phone line to join the same discussion. With call conferencing you can easily conduct meetings or discuss targets with all the employees at the same time, regardless of their physical location. 
• Call Recording: This feature is essential to assure quality and improved services to the customers. Businesses even record calls to train new employees and improve accuracy in conversation with the clients. Recording also helps to review important topics discussed or orders received through phone calls. 
• Voicemail To Email Transcription: Some phone systems allow you to transcribe your voicemail messages and send them to your email Id as text files. This way, you can easily and quickly view, delete, search or sort all your voicemails. You can also access your voicemails from any location across the world.  
• Music On Hold: If you need to handle several inbound calls or require to put your callers on hold, this feature is a must have. Music on hold will let your callers listen to a soothing tone while waiting for someone to answer their query.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd., provide advanced business phone systems in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 698 – 0016 or visit our office at 701 Sun Meadows Dr, Harker Heights, TX 76548.

Businesses, whether small or large, are constantly on the lookout for ways to increase their efficiency and reduce overheads. One of such ways is to use hosted phone systems for their telecommunication needs. Unlike the traditional phones, a hosted system utilizes an outsource service provider install and sustain the company’s communications. As most of these phone systems work on the VoIP technology, they unfetter the companies from getting into the hassles of maintaining or repairing large equipment. Thus, businesses can focus on expanding their arena with the help of advanced features as well as lowered phone bills. 

Here are some of the benefits you can have by installing hosted phone systems at your office: 

Does Not Require Large Infrastructure: The main benefit of choosing a hosted phone over a traditional system is that the former one does not require you to install large infrastructure within the office premises. You just require a phone and a working Internet connection to operate the system. All other equipment is put up in a separate location. Your employees simply need to learn the basic working of the system such as making and receiving calls, retrieve messages, record conversations and other such operations.  

Easy To Maintain: Being off-premise these phone systems are quite easy to install and maintain. You do not need to hire specialized IT staff to operate the hosted VoIP system. Each employee can easily learn to handle the phone system, add or remove features, as per their requirements. Your service provider will also offer regular maintenance programs to keep the equipment up and running as well as boost your employees’ efficiency. 

Offer Flexibility: Hosted VoIP phone systems offer a considerable level of flexibility to the users. You can easily expand or cut down functionality, enable remote communications and even open up or relocate to another office branch without disrupting the present communication system at your office. 

Advanced Features: Hosted phones typically offer certain key features that are not present in the convectional systems. These may include call waiting, call recording, voicemail, video calling, call conferencing, automated attendant, voicemail to email transcription etc.  

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd, offer affordable hosted phone systems for business houses in Austin, TX. We offer high quality phone systems from some of the leading brand names in the industry, such as NEC and ESI. The phone plans and equipment can be easily customized according to your company’s telecommunications requirements. For more information, you can call us at (512) 977 – 0055.