If you're operating a one-person business, a standard connection to your local and long-distance carriers will probably be sufficient for your needs. After all, you won't have to support simultaneous inbound and outbound calls. However, as your company grows, your need for flexible phone communication grows with it. By the time you have several employees on your staff, you might need to invest in a multi-line phone system (MLPS).
There are several options and each uses a different technology. In this article, we'll provide an overview of three types of MLPSs to help you select the system that is most appropriate for your business.
A Private Branch Exchange
A PBX is a robust system that uses an internal switching network - as well as other equipment - to route calls between employees. Because a Private Branch Exchange manages all internal voice communication, including voicemail, call transfers, and call waiting, it precludes an individual connection with the carrier for each employee.
This type of technology can be programmed with a high level of flexibility, but that flexibility comes at a cost. A PBX is appropriate for companies with over 40 people on staff.
A KSU Network
If your company has less than 40 employees, you may be able to use a KSU network. This is a multi-line phone system that uses a centralized controller called a key system unit (KSU) to manage a limited number of lines and extensions.
You may have observed this type of network in a very small office setting (for example, a dentist's office). A phone with several lines will show an active connection by displaying a light by the specific channel. If an employee wishes to make an outbound call, he or she must pick up an available - or unlit - line. KSUs offer less customization and programmable flexibility than a Private Branch Exchange.
A KSU-less Network
For very small companies (i.e. less than 7 employees), a KSU-less network may be a cost-effective solution for accessing limited voice communication flexibility. There is no centralized controller that routes internal calls or controls channel availability. Instead, the individual telephones are outfitted with features similar to that of a MLPS. Even in smaller businesses with only a few employees, this type of network may be insufficient.
Choosing The Best Option
Making the right decision regarding which multi-line phone system to invest in for your business requires a few projections. You'll need to estimate your short-term and long-term growth in staffing and voice communication needs. You should also estimate the number of concurrent outside connections you'll need in light of that growth. And of course, you must also consider your budget and access to credit. For example, a PBX is costly, but depending upon the projected growth of your business, it may be a wise capital investment.
There are several options and each uses a different technology. In this article, we'll provide an overview of three types of MLPSs to help you select the system that is most appropriate for your business.
A Private Branch Exchange
A PBX is a robust system that uses an internal switching network - as well as other equipment - to route calls between employees. Because a Private Branch Exchange manages all internal voice communication, including voicemail, call transfers, and call waiting, it precludes an individual connection with the carrier for each employee.
This type of technology can be programmed with a high level of flexibility, but that flexibility comes at a cost. A PBX is appropriate for companies with over 40 people on staff.
A KSU Network
If your company has less than 40 employees, you may be able to use a KSU network. This is a multi-line phone system that uses a centralized controller called a key system unit (KSU) to manage a limited number of lines and extensions.
You may have observed this type of network in a very small office setting (for example, a dentist's office). A phone with several lines will show an active connection by displaying a light by the specific channel. If an employee wishes to make an outbound call, he or she must pick up an available - or unlit - line. KSUs offer less customization and programmable flexibility than a Private Branch Exchange.
A KSU-less Network
For very small companies (i.e. less than 7 employees), a KSU-less network may be a cost-effective solution for accessing limited voice communication flexibility. There is no centralized controller that routes internal calls or controls channel availability. Instead, the individual telephones are outfitted with features similar to that of a MLPS. Even in smaller businesses with only a few employees, this type of network may be insufficient.
Choosing The Best Option
Making the right decision regarding which multi-line phone system to invest in for your business requires a few projections. You'll need to estimate your short-term and long-term growth in staffing and voice communication needs. You should also estimate the number of concurrent outside connections you'll need in light of that growth. And of course, you must also consider your budget and access to credit. For example, a PBX is costly, but depending upon the projected growth of your business, it may be a wise capital investment.
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