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How to choose an office telephone.
Here are the features you need to know when choosing the right business phone.
If a user will be receiving and managing multiple simultaneous calls, they will need more than just a couple of line options.
Users will save time with one touch buttons for frequently dialed numbers.
Is information clearly displayed, without being cut off? Larger displays provide more information about callers and show more history without scrolling.
If a user holds calls with extra people in their office, or if they type notes while on a call, speakerphone is a much needed feature.
Phones with a USB port allow for uploading information such as contacts as well as recording calls onto a portable storage device.
This is a great option for offices where running cable is difficult or users need the option of transplanting their phone to another location within the office.
A must have for receptionists or users who will need to transfer callers to another party.
Particularly useful in speaker phone conference calls, this feature allows side conversations without including everyone in attendance on the call.
This is a helpful feature for bringing multiple parties onto a call from different locations.
Allows users to reach out to phones anywhere in the world organization wide with the touch of a button.
A useful feature for partitioned or spread out offices, users can contact colleagues anywhere in the world with the touch of a button.
This feature lets users see if they have a voice message waiting simply by glancing at their phone.
There’s no telling what the quality of the audio may be coming from the other end of the call. In some cases it might help to be able to turn the volume up or down.
A feature many traditional phone system users are accustomed to that allows them to see if others in the office are already on the phone before paging them or transferring a call.
Phone durability
The microphone and speakers in a phone are integral to the quality of every phone call for both parties. Great sound quality is a joy for all.
Flimsy keypads that break under the stress of regular dialing will render your investment null and void. Quality keypads will function perfectly and look like new for many years.
Next to the keypad, handsets take the most abuse from repeated use. An ergonomic handset that is well engineered will stand the test of time and be a pleasure to use.
Desk space
As floor plans are optimized, desk space is being condensed. Consider the desk environment each phone will reside in, and how much valuable desk real estate is available, while keeping comfort and functionality in mind.
For cramped or heritage building offices that present challenges to run cabling, phones with WiFi capabilities are a great option. Or, simply if you want to reduce cable count.
Will the phone require additional hardware such as an IP gateway, or an expansion module for extended functionality? Also consider if user’s role will require a headset.