There are three major types of phone systems available: KSU-
Less phones, Key phone systems and Private Branch Exchange
(PBX)phone systems. Which type of these phone systems you
choose will depend on the amount of extensions you require
and the features your telephone system needs to have
installed.
KSU-Less systems
KSU-Less systems are usually more suited to companies that
typically have less than ten employees, or require less than
ten extensions. That isnt to say that all companies
requiring less than ten phones can make do with a KSU-Less
system. It may be that you require more features which are
only available through either a PBX or Key phone system.
Requiring a far lower initial investment than the other
types of business phone systems, KSU-Less phones are
specifically designed to include many of the features
usually only available through the implementation of more
expensive small business phone systems.
KSU-Less phone systems can be easily unplugged and
relocated, because they are not permanently wired into your
office. This portability allows you to treat KSU-Less phone
systems, much the same as any business machine, rather than
a lost permanent investment.
You will need to ensure that any KSU-Less system you choose
is compatible not only with the type of wiring you have in
your office, but also with any accessories you may already
have, such as: headsets, answering & fax machines and
modems. Because KSU-Less phone systems are relatively
inexpensive, they are not usually sold, installed, or
maintained by telecoms vendors.
All of this means, you have to go out there and do not only
the shopping yourself but, also the installation and
support. This is one of the two major drawbacks of KSU-Less
phone systems. The last thing any business needs is to be
concerned with the reliability and maintenance of its phone
system. Another drawback of KSU-Less systems is that they
are more prone to something known as crosstalk. This is
where separate conversations may blend into each other. With
PBX phone systems, Key phone systems and Hybrid phone
systems falling in price, it sometimes makes more sense to
invest in a full business phone system, rather than become
susceptible to the risks of KSU-Less phone systems.
Private Branch Exchange (PBX) Phone Systems
If your business typically requires more than forty
extensions, or your needs dictate you need advanced
functions from your business phone system, then PBX systems
are often the solution. PBX phone systems used to be
extremely expensive and only affordable by huge corporations
with hundreds of extensions. Though this is still the case
for larger installations, the development of the technology
required has progressed to the point where a powerful, fully
functional PBX office phone system for a small business is
able to fit on the top of a desk.
Nearly all these compact PBX phone systems come with all the
features you might want as standard. You pay a premium for
the programmability and flexibility that a PBX offers, but
in most cases the price difference is not as much as you may
imagine between that of a less flexible phone system.
Key Systems
Key phone systems are more typical in businesses that
require five to forty extensions. This type of phone system
uses a central control unit called the Key System Unit (KSU)
to provide features and functions that are not available
using ordinary phones. An example of this is: key systems
using a KSU allow one extension to call another in house
extension, and prevents any other users from picking up a
line that is already in use. Key systems usually come as
standard with most features any business would expect, but
in some cases they are often less flexible than a PBX phone
system.
PBX & Key Systems (hybrids)
Though Key and PBX systems have some different technical
features, these differences have become somewhat blurred
over the past couple of years. Many Key systems now offer
features that were once only available to those who chose to
install a full PBX phone system. Some systems also operate
internally as either a PBX or Key system depending on the
software installed. Sometime these systems are often
referred to as “Hybrid” phone systems.
Thanks for reading.
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