Advice
Types of Business Phone Systems
There are a few different major types of phone systems on the market: Key systems, Private Branch Exchange (PBX), and KSU-less. The type of system you choose will depend primarily on how many stations (working phones) you require.
Key systems are typically used for offices of fewer than 60 stations. Prices begin around $200 per station.
These types of phones use a central control unit, called the key system unit (KSU), to provide features that are not available with ordinary phones. For example, a central unit typically allows users to make calls to another in-office extension, and prevents other users from accidentally picking up a line that is being used.
Key systems require professional installation and maintenance. All outside telephone lines must connect to the KSU, as well as all inside extensions. Unfortunately, configuring and wiring these phone systems can be nearly as costly as the phones themselves.
For a company of more than 60 employees, there are PBX systems. The configuration of a PBX system is totally programmable, so PBX systems can support the most complex features. But watch out - prices start anywhere from $800 to $1,000 per line.
More recently, the distinctions between the key and PBX systems have become relatively blurred. Many key systems include features that were once available only on PBXs, and some systems operate internally as either a key or a PBX depending on the software that is installed. The term "hybrid" is often used to describe systems that resemble both key and PBX systems.
And for the smallest firms (10 or fewer employees) there's KSU-less, which generally cost around $130 to $225 per phone. KSU-less phone systems are designed to provide the features of a small phone system in a decentralized manner. These phones contain proprietary circuitry that allows them to communicate without requiring a central cabinet.
KSU-less systems are not permanently wired into your office. These phones can easily be unplugged and moved to a new location, or sold. This flexibility allows you to treat a KSU-less system much like any other business machine rather than as a permanent investment in your premises.
Make sure any KSU-less system you are considering is compatible with the type of telephone wiring used in your office. The system should also be able to work with telephone accessories such as answering machines and modems.
Telephone System Buyer’s Guide
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