Small Business Phone Systems - VoIP to the Rescue!

VoIP systems or more formally Voice over Internet Protocol telephone systems are one of the most popular options when it comes to choosing a small business telephone system. Even the smallest company with one person can take advantage of VoIP services through cheap services like Vonage or near free services from Skype. Based on your business needs and call volume, these services may be just what you need and cover the most basic (or not so basic) services that your business seeks to find.

Many companies throw their hats in the VoIP ring, even popular operating system turns MP3 player software and video game system manufacturer Microsoft has a record with their Response Point product line. Response Point allows Microsoft to do what they do well, software. The software is set up so that the average person can run it from a desktop, so there is no need to hire and pay for an expensive IT staff to manage it. It is aimed directly at the smallest of small businesses, those with 1-50 employees. It allows you to easily add phones and lines, change functionality and easily move phones around.

For the hardware, Microsoft works with manufacturers to provide you with options for your unique needs. In the same way, they do the same for the service that offers you multiple partner companies to choose from. Microsoft takes their software, wraps it around services and hardware, and gives you a very valid small business opportunity.

As good as this is, it may not be your best option, there are companies out there that offer features, functions and VoIP phone systems for a fraction of the price. Whichever way you end up using VoIP for your small business, you need to study, educate and then attack. Not all VoIP systems are created equal.

VoIP is not your only option when deciding on a new telephone system; however, it is a solution that you should strongly consider. Microsoft boasts up to 51% savings on services; however, other VoIP systems can offer the same savings. So consider the cost of hardware, long-term service commitments, and the ability of the telephone system to grow with your organization. There are great options out there, such as a hosted PBX, voice person and many others for your consideration. Not all will be valid for your small business, so weigh costs in relation to value in your small business.