System Options
The price of a business telephone system will depend on the system chosen to meet the businesses requirements, There are three types of telephone systems available on the market and these are; private branch exchange systems (PBX), key systems, and KSU less systems. The system chosen will depend on the size of the business and what facilities are required in the telephone system. Facilities available within a system include conference calls, IP systems, intercom systems, paging capability and messaging systems amongst others. For anything other than the most basic system,s the installation will be carried out by telecom's professionals. To get an exact price for the system the business requires, a consultation will be needed with an installation company. Some businesses are also considering using VOIP calls which uses the internet to make low cost calls.
Cost of PBX Systems
The Private Branch Exchange Systems are typically the most expensive and most sophisticated of the systems available. PBX systems are used either for larger businesses with more than forty extensions or by smaller businesses who require higher specification telephone systems. The cost will be dependent upon the number of extensions within the business, and the hardware chosen. The smallest PBX systems can start from a several hundred pounds up to several thousand pounds for the largest systems. In addition, a service contract will usually be set up with the telecom's installation company to ensure the business is not at risk of being without telecom's capability.
Cost of Key Systems
Key systems are typically cheaper but less flexible than PBX systems. Key Systems work by having a central unit to give the additional features to the telephone system. These can be used for up to forty extensions within a business. Prices will vary dependent upon the number of extensions the business requires. A typical cost for a four line, sixteen extension system can start from three or four hundred pounds. These systems will need to be professionally installed and service maintenance contracts are available for Key Systems. It is also possible to purchase a hybrid PBX / Key system to use in the business.
KSU-Less systems
These systems are the cheapest of the three options available, however they have to be self installed. They are generally used for small businesses of less than ten extensions, with basic needs Buying a KSU-less system will cost in the low hundreds. Service contracts are not available for this type of installation which is a cost saving for the business but does mean the business is at risk of being without telephone capabilities.
