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.

Effective communication is an integral part of any business organization and voice calling holds utmost importance when it comes to conversing with the customers. Your communication system should not only help in saving money but also make the administrative job easier. Therefore, it is crucial for a company to have an efficient and feature-rich phone system. There are a number of options available nowadays and you must choose the one that fulfils your requirements.

Here are some factors that you need to consider while choosing a phone system for your business:

• Business requirements: Evaluate your current as well as future business requirements before finalizing a new phone system. Take a look at your current as well as future communication requirements and what features your phone system should have. Also, select a business phone system provider that help you save on your company’s telecommunication costs. Thorough research is important and you also need to take into account the needs of your customers as well.
• Call quality: Never compromise on the call quality of your phone system. A poor voice quality not only gives out an unprofessional impression but it can also make you lose many potential customers. Always choose a system that offers excellent voice quality for voice and video calls as well as advanced features such as HD calling.
• Choose between on-premise and cloud-based solutions: When you install a cloud-based system, the provider can host and supervise all the important equipment at an offsite location. There is no need to set up a support system in the office premises. Also, hosted VoIP sends data on the Internet in a digital format. This is more convenient and cost-effective as compared to the traditional phone systems.
• Consider the advanced features: If you are a growing business, your phone system also needs to grow. Therefore, scan what all advanced features are required by your business organization. For instance, you might need to upgrade to messaging, video conferencing, call recording etc. for increased efficiency in business operations.
• Mobility: Most business phone systems can be easily integrated with smartphones and tablets. This allows you to have quicker access to all the information you require through instant calls and messaging. Hence, you can stay connected to your work even when you are not in the office.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd., can help you choose an efficient phone system for your business in Austin, TX. Our technicians will evaluate your company’s requirements to suggest the most suitable hosted phone system accordingly. For more information, feel free to call us at (512) 977 – 0055.

Phone system is an important equipment for any business, whether small or large. It allows them to communicate with their prospective and existing clients or customers.  Therefore, businesses want their phone systems to be efficient and cost-effective. With so many phone system options available, choosing one can be quite confusing.

Here is a quick guide that can help you buy a suitable phone system for your business:

• Assess the Features: In order to choose the best-suited phone that brings value to your business and increases productivity, assess the features that you require. Different phone systems offer a wide range of features for you to choose from. Some of them include auto attendant, call conferencing, voicemail, call recording, speed dialing, call forwarding, music on hold etc. Evaluate your company’s requirements and choose the features accordingly.
• Calls frequency: The number of calls that you expect to receive and make per day is also important while choosing a phone system. You can choose the number of phone extensions depending upon the total incoming and outgoing calls. You can even have expansion slots to add more lines later. Having a few lines may keep your clients waiting and affect your business. 
• VoIP: These days, most businesses are option for VoIP phones due to their affordability. Through these phones, you can make international calls at considerably lower costs. Also, if you have offices or employees working from multiple locations, VoIP phone systems can be very useful for you. It can help you to stay connected to your work from anywhere in the world.
• Find the right service provider: To get the best business phone system, you need to find a provider that is credible and reputed. You can look for a trusted service provider online or ask for references from your friends. The company you choose should be able to offer a business phone system that can be customized according to your needs.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd., offer affordable business phone systems in Killeen, TX. Our technicians will carefully asses your requirements and provide phone systems that will perfectly suit your company’s telecommunication needs. For more information, you can call us at (254) 698 – 0016 or visit our office at 701 Sun Meadows Dr., Harker Heights, TX 76548.

An efficient telecommunication solution is crucial for a business that is yet to establish its entity in the industry. The phone system should not only be cost-effective, but also be able to meet the requirements of the company. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is one such tool that offers economical services with considerable functionalities.

Here are some of the benefits offered by a hosted VoIP phone system for start-up businesses:

• Save money: When you initiate a new business, you need to save money from all quarters and avoid unnecessary expenditure. VoIP systems work well in such a scenario due to their affordable installation and maintenance costs. You can choose calling plans according to your needs and upgrade it as you expand your business. International calls are also much cheaper through VoIP.

• Increased flexibility: VoIP systems are very flexible and can be easily scaled according to your business requirements. You can easily add or remove extensions in your office phone. Integrating software programs such as remote conferencing, media messenger, automatic call distribution, voicemail solutions etc. is also very easy.

• Interesting features: VoIP phone systems offer a wide range of advanced features that can be beneficial for start-up companies. Some of them are call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendant, voice mail to email transfer, caller ID, find me/ follow me and a lot more. Incorporating these features can significantly improve your credibility and present you as a professional business to the clients.

• Increased mobility: If your business currently does not have a physical location or manages employees who work from home, VoIP is certainly the best solution for you. You can carry the adapter and hold telephonic conversations from any location. All you need is an Internet connection and a VoIP phone system.

• Enhanced productivity: Since VoIP systems allow multitasking; it can significantly increase the productivity of employees. You can conduct virtual conferences, share important data, make and receive video calls etc. This saves a lot of time and enhances the efficiency of employees. The voice clarity is also quite good, making it the number one option for start-ups.

• Easy installation: Installing a VoIP system does not require high level of technical expertise. The installation process is quite easy and you do not require any separate cabling or wires for this purpose.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd, offer cost-effective VoIP phone systems for businesses in Waco, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 662 – 2255 or visit our office at 1412 S Robinson Dr, Waco, TX 76706.

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) has been successful in making a mark in both public and private organizations. Being an advanced telecommunication technology, more and more businesses are implementing VOIP to capitalize on its useful features and improve their profit margins. The healthcare industry holds no exception. VoIP systems provide an easy way to doctors and nurses to improve their networks with patients as well as other fellow employees while minimizing the communication costs.

Here are some of the benefits of VoIP technology for healthcare industry:

• Reduced Expenses: VoIP is an efficient and low-cost alternative to the traditional phone systems. As VoIP uses the internet to send and receive calls, it eliminates the need to pay a separate telephone bill. There are no large equipment and cabling that have to be maintained. Moreover, the cost of international calls through VoIP is a lot cheaper than the wired phone systems.
• Scalability: VoIP systems make it easy to add phone lines to an existing network. Thus, if you expand your hospital or clinic, you can include more phone extensions without any significant investment. The phone systems are also easy to install and maintain.
• Improve Clinical Care: A hosted VoIP system allows healthcare providers to communicate with specialists in other states or countries. It allows them to conduct video calls and call conferences to discuss complicated medical conditions and the effective line of treatment for the same. They can also carry out real-time training programs to improve proficiency in handling medical emergencies.
• Increase Efficiency: A VoIP system provides better access and management of patient records, thus, reducing the costs of dedicated equipment to store data. The process of billing and registration can also be streamlined with VoIP. The large volume of incoming calls can be simultaneously answered and sorted according to priority.
• Better Service: VoIP phone system helps the staff to manage appointments to reduce wait times and also send reminders to the patients about visit times. With a caller ID feature, it becomes easy to identify each patient and access his/her medical record during the call. Moreover, the calls can be tracked and recorded for quality assurance purposes.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd, offer efficient VoIP phone systems for healthcare industries 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.

Every business, whether small or large, aims at reducing overheads. One of the most commonly overlooked elements in this regard is the phone bill. Communication is an essential component of a successful business and taking certain steps to reduce the phone bills can significantly contribute to the overall profits.

Here are some strategies to lower business phone bills:

• Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Switching from your traditional phone system to VoIP can help to cut down on telecommunication costs. VoIP offers affordable international calling, less hardware and equipment as well as various other features. A VoIP system improves connectivity among employees and assists in better customer service. It offers voicemail, conferencing, and music while hold, call forwarding, auto-transfer, call waiting etc. These features enhance the communication and professional outlook of the company.
• Choose wisely: While selecting the phone system provider, it is essential to ensure that you make an informed decision. You should ask for discounts, more features and reduced rates. You must conduct a proper research and select a company that offers the most profitable deal. You can also compare the rates according to the features provided by the phone company.
• Reduce Equipment: When lowering phone costs, it is essential to consider reducing the phone equipment installed in the company. Excess hardware, wires and equipment are expensive and require costly repair as well as maintenance. A hosted phone system requires minimum wiring or bulky equipment.
• Phone plan: You must determine the usage of the phone system and choose a plan accordingly. Assess your business activities and choose the phone system features. You must consider your requirements and stick to the features essential to your business. Paying for anything that is not required will only increases the business costs.
• Update package: With changing times, the company may offer new features, discounted rates or a membership discount. You must always look out for any special deals to ensure that your business has the most profitable phone system installed.

Reducing business phone bills can assists in improving the overall profitability and efficiency of your organization. It is essential to research and select the most suitable phone system for your company.

We, at Folkerson Communications, Ltd. offer a wide range of business phone systems in Austin, TX. For more information, you can call us at (512) 977 – 0055.