[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When upgrading your phone system there are a multitude of options, and numerous considerations. Today the vast majority of SMB’s are choosing a hosted phone system – these phones connect to the provider over the Internet and function exactly as you would imagine a business phone should, but the phone system running those phones is located in the cloud rather than the cupboard in the basement.
Management and configuration of the systems occurs through a web-based portal, and Hosted systems such as Horizon Hosted Voice include a long list of features.
For SMBs, some of the most commonly important features you should be considering include:

  1. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, “Press 1 for accounting, press 2 for the White House…”
  2. Hunt Groups and Call queuing, where systems distribute incoming calls to specific recipients based on what the caller wants, extensions dialled, or other criteria.
  3. Hold music or audio, which should offer both a default option, as well as the ability for you to upload custom music or audio.
  4. Extension assignments, meaning an administrator on your side of the relationship should be able to assign internal extensions as desired.
  5. Number porting so you can use your current business phone number with the new service.
  6. Call recording so you can use phone experiences for training, sales, and marketing intelligence purposes.
  7. Voicemail to email, so your employees can listen their voicemail from wherever they receive email.
  8. Smartphone app so calls can be made and received away from the office.
  9. Integration with your CRM system, and click to dial capability.
  10. The right connection – enough bandwidth for the number of simultaneous calls you require, and the ability to prioritize voice traffic over other Internet traffic in order to maintain good call quality.

Trio Telecom offer advice and support, and are providers of the Horizon Hosted Voice system, the UK’s leading cloud based phone solution.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]