| Small business telephone systems are key to keeping | | | | Of course, while there is nothing you are able to do to |
| your school, college or University running smoothly. You | | | | avoid paying out for a telephony system, at least you |
| need to have a system that is reliable so that you can | | | | may be able to keep the costs down by asking the |
| be contacted whenever a parent or colleague needs | | | | following questions of any prospective telephone |
| to get in touch and vice versa. And the good news is | | | | system provider: |
| that getting the business telephone solution for your | | | | · are the existing handsets and other parts of the |
| education establishment that is efficient and | | | | telephony system in your facility compatible with the |
| cost-effective need not be a time-consuming exercise. | | | | new system you are considering, or will you have to |
| When considering small business phone systems as a | | | | replace all or part of your existing business telephone |
| solution for your school or other education | | | | equipment? |
| establishment needs, there are many factors to | | | | · what does the quote include? Will you have to pay |
| consider - the cost obviously being a major | | | | out for extras on top of the quote (eg start up fees); |
| consideration. | | | | · what happens in the future if you wish to upgrade |
| The costs associated with the system | | | | the system, is your chosen system scalable? If so, will |
| Getting the most suitable small business telephone | | | | it be expensive to upgrade? |
| system for your facility while keeping to an already | | | | · what are the telephone systems maintenance |
| tight budget will no doubt be a concern for you. | | | | charges? Is there a monthly fee for servicing? |
| There are many business telephone solutions, so it | | | | · if renting the system, what does the contract entail? |
| does make sense to check out both the differences in | | | | Check the duration of the contract, it is no good signing |
| features and costs for the different types, as they | | | | and then finding out 2 years later when you wish to |
| may vary a great deal. Telephone systems supplier | | | | change systems that you are locked into the contract |
| costs can also differ quite substantially too. | | | | for 5 years. |
| Take advantage of expert help and knowledge and | | | | These questions will give you a good idea of what to |
| get a telecoms company to explain the options | | | | expect from your school telephone system as well as |
| available to you. For example, you may find that a | | | | any costs. |
| simple single line solution is ideal for your school, | | | | Finally, other factors you may wish to bear in mind |
| depending on the size. Or you may not need a | | | | when checking out telephone systems include the |
| telecoms system that comes with the latest | | | | company themselves, their experience and their |
| technology. There may be ways to cut costs and so | | | | reputation. Word of mouth from other schools and |
| you may save some money and a reputable | | | | colleges etc is always a good advertisement and may |
| telecommunications company will tell you of these. | | | | be helpful when choosing a system. |