Despite the rise of other means of contact, such as email and instant messaging, the telephone is still a key means of business communication. But today’s telephone systems have progressed far beyond anything Alexander Graham Bell might have envisaged. Fibre optics, VoIP and integration with data networks mean that today’s business phone systems are more sophisticated than ever. It’s therefore important that they are properly planned and installed.

Many systems still have a PABX at their heart, although increasingly this is something that is moving to the cloud. Wherever the exchange equipment is located, however, there’s still a need for handsets on desks. That means cabling, which is usually CAT 5 or CAT 6 – the same that is used for computer networks – making for a flexible installation that can adapt to meet changing needs.

Planning Ahead

With the installation of any telephone system, planning is vital. All systems need to meet your current needs, but should also be sufficiently flexible to adapt to changes and the expansion of your business.

A good installer will take the time to understand your requirements and offer advice to design a system that will be able to grow with the business. This helps to avoid the need for extra cabling or changes of equipment, and the associated disruption, at a later date.

Modern telephone systems, whether in-house or in the cloud, tend to be designed so that they can be easily upgraded to take account of growing requirements. Even so, it’s important to consider possible expansion needs, or the need to add extra features, at the installation stage so that you won’t be caught out and need to change the system in the future. Once again, an experienced installer will be able to offer advice on installing a system that will suit your long-term requirements.