Business phone solutions abound for companies seeking to maximize profits, improve customer service, shorten hold times, and cut costs. There are solutions that improve network access for employees, converge data to free up capacities, link multiple offices on a single network, or even link the networks themselves. Best of all, most of these solutions can be applied remotely by a single telecom company.

The Solutions that Are Right for You

Just as you wouldn't put a Ferrari engine inside a pickup truck, you wouldn't build high-tech solutions on outdated or obsolete phone and voice networks. If it's cutting-edge technology you're after, your first step will be to make infrastructural changes that establish a solid base for your peripherals. A state-of-the-art Cisco router on an old copper wire network is practically useless. Remember the old "weakest link" adage when assessing the overall performance of your data management system and make improvements accordingly.

Whether it's call logging that you need, three-way conferencing capabilities, interactive voice response (IVR) components, or any other particular solution, VoIP may be the answer you're looking for. One of the amazing features of VoIP that is sure to catch on is the option many providers give you of selecting which area codes you want for your local calls. This is a wonderful feature for companies with several branch offices.

Suppose your three main branches are in San Francisco, New York, and Chicago. With VoIP, you can designate the 212 and 312 area codes as your local calling areas and escape the high-priced long distance you are currently paying for. Imagine how much money this saves for businesses like law firms that often engage in long, inter-office conference calls--choosing local calling areas is a gold mine. You could also set up 4-digit dialing between these locations, enabling employees to stay in contact more easily.