Telephone Systems
The telephone was conceived by many different people during the 19th century, although its creation is typically attributed to Alexander Graham Bell. Bell had a difficult time selling the phone to the public and to investors at first, as the kind of functions that it offered were so far beyond what any other communication technology had so far afforded.
The initial phone systems involved private lines connecting two properties for basic voice conversations. By the 1880s there were hundreds of thousands of telephone connections, although these were haphazardly arranged and lacked centralisation. The move towards long distance calling and then eventually international link-ups progressed into the early 20th century.
Computerised switchboards were not put into operation until the 1970s and within a decade a majority of calls were handled electronically, with phone systems built into larger businesses to handle multiple inbound and outbound calls simultaneously. Private Branch Exchanges (PBX) became common and then virtualised PBX systems remotely controlled with internet connectivity allowed smaller firms to enjoy the advancements in telecommunications capabilities.
Avaya Technology employs tens of thousands of people worldwide and its speciality is networked phone systems. Since it was decoupled from its parent firm in 2000, Avaya has gone from strength to strength by shedding its manufacturing arm and focusing on phone systems. It is known for its use of fibre optic networks for communication and it was a partner in the production of the 2010 Winter Olympics, as well as other global sporting events in the past where high levels of connectivity and bandwidth are required.
Aastra is a firm that primarily works on PBX technology designed for enterprises, although it has received recognition for its work on solutions for much larger firms. It operates under a variety of brands, including Nortel and its acquisition of German telecoms firm DeTeWe in 2005 meant that a majority of its products were bought by European customers. Its acquisitions have continued in recent years, with the 2008 takeover of Ericsson’s PBX arm adding further to its market share of enterprise phone systems.
Samsung is the largest conglomerate in the world and it has had experience across virtually every manufacturing and production industry imaginable. Its involvement in the telecoms industry is as prolific as its other ventures and whilst it is best known for its range of mobile phones which have made it the second largest mobile firm in the world, it also has interests in fixed line phone systems.
Panasonic has humble beginnings which have since propelled it into the record books, as in 2009 it was ranked amongst the top 100 businesses in the world in terms of size and revenue. Its home electronic goods have made it a household name, but it also has a respected phone system business, offering everything from basic desktop handsets right up to complete PBX systems and cordless solutions for large businesses. Several firms make their money from servicing Panasonic phone systems and it is still chosen by many businesses looking for an established name.
Siemens is an engineering and manufacturing firm that has multiple interests in different markets, but it plays a significant part in the phone systems business with a varied portfolio of products and services. Whether your business has 4 or 150 phone lines, Siemens has the technology to hand and 500 or more individual handsets can be incorporated into a single Siemens phone system. As with all major providers of phone systems, it has made a move towards converged and networked telecommunication in recent years, giving those with modest budgets the chance to enjoy high-end functionality without breaking the bank.
If you have an existing phone system in your place of work, then you will be able to find products that can augment your current technology with new features. System phones are designed to slot seamlessly into a majority of phone systems, providing extras such as speed dialling, noise cancellation during speakerphone conversations and half-duplexing to give the best all-round calling experience for different circumstances.
System phones can be made even more flexible with the addition of corded headsets and if you want to get complete freedom, then you might choose a cordless headset for handsfree, free-roaming capabilities. If you are looking to start a phone system from scratch, then the miniaturisation of common phone system technology means that a desktop box can perform the same functions as a much larger cabinet would have been required for in the past.
Desktop PBX systems can cost just a few hundred pounds and will service a small business admirably. System phones may have enough onboard technology to meet basic requirements, but a centrally controlled system which is fully customisable will be a better addition to a business that is looking to grow.
Networked phone systems, which require no on-site equipment but rely on internet connections and VoIP services, are becoming a cost-effective alternative to in-house PBX use. Providers who offer in-house technology now have their own remote PBX services, which means that they look after all of the hardware and cover the costs of maintenance themselves. As such there is no need for expensive installation or upkeep; then your business broadband connection is used to hook up the various handsets in your business and inbound calls are routed over the internet, with browser based controls, email alerts and voice-to-text services all on offer.
Many businesses will still choose PBX products which they can operate onsite and integrate into an analogue landline connection, but it is now practical for small and medium enterprises to take advantage of networked phone systems. Although the internet has altered the way in which consumers and clients get in contact with businesses, a vast majority of the population prefer to talk things out over the telephone rather than rely on email. Therefore, having a phone system installed and operational in your business remains a necessity. Any business with the ambition and talent to grow will need a system that is scalable to match increasing demand, but also affordable so that the initial investment is bearable.
More Reviews:
- Phone System Buying Guide
- NEC Phones
- How Can a Conference Phone Help My Business?
- Conference Phones Buying Guide
- Data & Installation
- Conference Phone Buying Guide
- What is VoIP?
- Cordless Phones Buying Guide
- AddCom NewFonic Headsets
- BT Diverse 7110
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