A number of business telephone systems have developed in the present times by applying newer technology in the field of telecommunication. These systems are especially suitable for use by small businesses. These systems enable them to handle calls more easily, and are quite easy to install thus helping in reducing costs. As the price of these systems get reduced everyday, they are becoming more and more affordable for any small business. Investment in a good business telephone system would ensure greater efficiency and productivity. Such a system also provides help in managing relationship with vendors, customers as well as employees in a better way. To select a suitable business phone system, one should know the major features of all these systems so that a proper system suitable for the business could be selected. This article tries to give these details to help these small businessmen.

Business telephone systems are basically of three types, based on the technology used and features available. They are: KSU less, Key Systems and Private Branch Exchange (PBX). A fourth type is a hybrid of two systems.

KSU Less Phone Systems

KSU less Phone System is most suitable for companies that employ less than ten employees. This is because this system provides less than ten extensions. However, even if your business employs less than ten people, you might require a more sophisticated phone system for conducting your business successfully.

These KSU Less systems are the cheapest amongst all the business phone systems. Because of this, this type of system is quite popular amongst businessmen. Even if these systems are cheap, they still provide all the basic features required in any business phone system. The three advantages of this system are: they are quite cheap, the system could be installed easily and they could be moved to another location without any problem.

PBX Phone Systems

PBX Phone Systems generally have more than forty extensions. Therefore, it is suitable for an organization employing forty or more people. But, the price of these Telephone Systems have become much cheaper in recent years making it affordable even for a small business. With improving technology, the system has become quite compact and could be easily accommodated on any office desk. These systems have many features that are not available in KSU Less system.

Key Systems

Key systems generally have extensions ranging from five to forty. The system is monitored using a central control system. These systems are not as flexible as any PBX systems, but have certain features that might make it attractive for some businessmen.

PBX and Key Systems Hybrid

These are basically PBX systems incorporating some of the features of Key Systems. Some of these systems could be run either as a PBX or Key Systems by installing particular software.

This brief description of each of these business systems would help a businessman to select a suitable business phone system as per the requirement of the business.