Whether your business is just starting out or you are opening a new office for a large multinational corporation, setting up a phone system for your new or existing office can be a pain in the neck. You have innumerable options available, but one of the first things you can decide in your telecommunication solution search is whether you will opt for a hosted phone system or an on-site system. This post will help you evaluate your situation and determine whether or not a hosted phone system is right for your business. Read on to learn more.
What’s the Difference Between Hosted and On-Site Phone Systems?
We have already covered PBX systems, which are a type of on-site solution. Essentially, on-site phone systems rely on on-site hardware that your business owns in order to operate. You will have to purchase a server and other equipment to create your phone system’s infrastructure in your office, and you will be responsible for maintaining and updating that hardware. With a hosted phone system, the only equipment that you will have to purchase and support is the actual phones and a network switch. Hosted phone lines are cloud-based, so a majority of the equipment necessary is stored and operated offsite by the hosting company to which you subscribe.
What Infrastructure Does Your Business Already Have?
The phone system you choose will likely depend on many factors, including what telecommunications infrastructure is already present in your office. If you have all of the equipment for a PBX and your IT department is robust and experienced in maintaining PBX systems, it may make more sense to use an on-site phone system. However, if your business is starting from the ground up and you have no equipment whatsoever, you may decide to opt for a hosted phone solution.
How Much Can You Spend?
One of the biggest differences between on-site and hosted phone systems is the price. While they may be equivalent over time (or close to it), on-site systems require a significant upfront investment in equipment. Once you own the license and equipment, though, your expenses to operate the system are very low. On the other hand, hosted systems require very little upfront investment; a few service fees, phones, and a switch are often the main starting expenses. However, you will have to pay your hosting service a monthly or annual fee to subscribe to their hosting service.
Phone System Solutions from Delta Intellicom
Want to learn more about the ways we can help improve your business? Delta Intellicom can satisfy all of your telecommunication needs, whether you need help with your new VoIP system or just want to streamline your existing office phone network. We have served the Maryland, Washington, D.C, Northern Virginia, and Pennsylvania areas for over 20 years and offer an unparalleled customer experience. We have the expertise and products to fulfill all of your phone service and data needs. For more information, contact us online or give us a call at 1-800-946-3358. For more tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.