There are several types of office phone systems that run on different technology platforms. They consist of VoIP, digital key or PBX, and analog. Before choosing the right telephone system for the heartbeat of your business, there are several factors to consider. Factors include how many telephones ( extensions ), business applications ( features ), existing or new infrastructure ( cabling, wiring ), and of course budget. The four types of telephone systems are Key KSU Less, KSU, PBX, and VoIP.

Summary of Telephone System Types

Key KSU Less

This type of system is the most basic of all telephone systems available, more suited for a small business with 10 or less employees. KSU-less systems offer many of the basic features of a larger system without the cost and installation of a central control box or KSU to operate. The technology is retained in the phones themselves, which can be programmed to perform specific features. KSU-less systems are generally installed, programmed, and maintained by the customer themselves as most interconnect or telephone vendors do not sell or support these inexpensive systems.

KSU ( Key System Unit )

Many of today’s key systems can now provide advanced features for smaller businesses (usually within the 5-75 employee range) that were only available to larger PBX systems. These key systems are often referred to as a hybrid telephone system, which have both characteristics of a key and PBX telephone system. The key system is a multi-line phone system supported by a central control device for connectivity. Key systems are typically installed and maintained by a telecom equipment vendor and can be expanded as a business grows.

PBX ( Private Branch Exchange )

A PBX telephone system is typically used in a larger business environment than a key system. Normally PBX systems are used in excess of 75 employees’. Most PBX systems already carry the needed basic features and many advanced features that are standard on these systems. PBX systems allow for the greatest flexibility and can support more complex implementations required by many larger businesses. Although higher upfront costs are usually associated with PBX phone systems, the customizable advanced features and flexibility may prove to be more economical over time. Like the key system, PBX systems also require a telecom vendor to install and support the equipment.

VoIP ( Voice over Internet Protocol or Voice over IP )

The latest technology platform allows offices to seamlessly connect in various locations domestically as well as worldwide. VoIP ( voice over internet protocol or voice over ip ) technology works by sending voice calls over the internet, eliminating the traditional telephone lines to make a call. Although VoIP technology allows communication between branch offices or remote workers, it does not eliminate the need for a phone service provider to connect your voice calls to the outside world. With a VoIP phone system, users can be anywhere in the world and still place or receive a call while retaining the same number. These systems are usually a traditional or hosted solution. A traditional VoIP system is a phone system where the business owns and manages the equipment itself. A hosted VoIP phone system is a service where the phone equipment is hosted by a VoIP service provider. With hosted VoIP, a business usually pays a higher monthly fee for these services, but lower upfront costs than a traditional VoIP system.

As an authorized reseller of the most innovative worldwide telecommunications systems, Tel-Comp Solutions brings you the best service, support, and training to expand your communication needs. Our 20+ years of industry experience and expertise with AVST (formerly Active Voice), NEC and Toshiba will bring your small or large firm the best and most dependable telecommunications solutions.

We look forward to implementing systems to grow with your enterprise.

UNIVERGE SV8100 – The Complete Communications Solution for Your Business

Unified Communications for Small to Mid Sized Businesses

The ability to respond quickly and effortlessly to your customers can give you the edge in today’s competitive business environment.The NEC Univerge SV8100, installed by Tel-Comp Solutions, is the phone system that will help your small or medium business get ahead of your competition.The SV8100 is a robust and reliable system that helps you stay in touch with your staff and customers.Whether your staff is fully mobile, centralized in one office, or spread out over many locations, the Univerge SV8100 is a scalable system with a variety of technology options customizable to your business’ needs.

Whether you need a traditional system with a handful of desktop phones or a VOIP system with softphones, the SV8100 can handle either option or both. Unlike many other manufacturers’ systems, you don’t need to purchase one type of technology and make your business fit the phone system.

NEC has engineered the Univerge SV8100 to fit your business.

To learn more about how the Univerge SV8100 can work for you, click on any of the links below.

• Terminals
• Hospitality
• Automated Call Management (ACD)
• Mobile Extension

• Desktop Suite
• Voice Security Recorder
• Sonicview IP Recording
• Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

Tel-Comp Solutions has over twenty years of experience, setting the standards on refurbished voice and data equipment and offers only complete reconditioned telephones and data equipment with replacement of problematic electronic components, plastics, cords, wires, paper labels, and new headsets for all telephones. All equipment is then put through a complete test cycle to assure reliability and stamped with a like new, one year warranty on all equipment.

Tel-Comp Solutions offers NEC, Toshiba, Nortel, Avaya Partner, Legend, Merlin, and other voice and data refurbished equipment at the lowest cost for your business. Tel-Comp can also provide the installation; servicing and maintenance of all refurbished equipment for your business needs. We also offer to buy back your excess or out of service equipment.

One of the biggest backbones in any voice and data communication infrastructure is the network cabling needed. Research has shown that in many cases, improper cable connection and type of wire relate to many problematic errors and malfunctions in up to 50% of cable network infrastructures. Most all business communications rely on the network cable infrastructure for telephones and computers that communicate internally and to the outside world to conduct business. When connecting/installing any voice or data equipment, your cable network should be designed to provide the maximum performance for your phone or computer systems.

Tel-Comp Solutions is a full service voice and data cabling specialist, providing a wide variety of high quality cabling solutions for your business. Whether you have an existing network or are in need of a new designed infrastructure, our professional technicians and engineers can test, design, and implement you businesses state of the art voice and data cable network cost effectively.

Cabling Services Provided
• Voice and Data Cabling
• Reuse and Repair Cabling
• Video and Coax Cabling
• Fiber Optic Cabling
• Speaker and Paging Cabling
• Server Room, Patch Panels

Types of Cable
• Cat3, Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat 6e, Cat7
• Coaxial Cables
• Fiber Optic Cables
• 25, 50, 100 Pair Cables
• Speaker, Paging

There are several types of office phone systems that run on different technology platforms. They consist of VoIP, digital key or PBX, and analog. Before choosing the right telephone system for the heartbeat of your business, there are several factors to consider. Factors include how many telephones ( extensions ), business applications ( features ), existing or new infrastructure ( cabling, wiring ), and of course budget. The four types of telephone systems are…

Summary of Telephone System Types

Key KSU Less

This type of system is the most basic of all telephone systems available, more suited for a small business with 10 or less employees. KSU-less systems offer many of the basic features of a larger system without the cost and installation of a central control box or KSU to operate. The technology is retained in the phones themselves, which can be programmed to perform specific features. KSU-less systems are generally installed, programmed, and maintained by the customer themselves as most interconnect or telephone vendors do not sell or support these inexpensive systems.

KSU ( Key System Unit )

Many of today’s key systems can now provide advanced features for smaller businesses (usually within the 5-75 employee range) that were only available to larger PBX systems. These key systems are often referred to as a hybrid telephone system, which have both characteristics of a key and PBX telephone system. The key system is a multi-line phone system supported by a central control device for connectivity. Key systems are typically installed and maintained by a telecom equipment vendor and can be expanded as a business grows.

PBX ( Private Branch Exchange )

A PBX telephone system is typically used in a larger business environment than a key system. Normally PBX systems are used in excess of 75 employees’. Most PBX systems already carry the needed basic features and many advanced features that are standard on these systems. PBX systems allow for the greatest flexibility and can support more complex implementations required by many larger businesses. Although higher upfront costs are usually associated with PBX phone systems, the customizable advanced features and flexibility may prove to be more economical over time. Like the key system, PBX systems also require a telecom vendor to install and support the equipment.

VoIP ( Voice over Internet Protocol or Voice over IP )

The latest technology platform allows offices to seamlessly connect in various locations domestically as well as worldwide. VoIP ( voice over internet protocol or voice over ip ) technology works by sending voice calls over the internet, eliminating the traditional telephone lines to make a call. Although VoIP technology allows communication between branch offices or remote workers, it does not eliminate the need for a phone service provider to connect your voice calls to the outside world. With a VoIP phone system, users can be anywhere in the world and still place or receive a call while retaining the same number. These systems are usually a traditional or hosted solution. A traditional VoIP system is a phone system where the business owns and manages the equipment itself. A hosted VoIP phone system is a service where the phone equipment is hosted by a VoIP service provider. With hosted VoIP, a business usually pays a higher monthly fee for these services, but lower upfront costs than a traditional VoIP system.

While both digital and voice platforms have their distinctive benefits, a business needs to know and understand how they will best communicate with their customers. How many telephone lines ( service provider ) are needed, how many extensions ( telephone set ) are required, types of features and applications, network/wiring, and infrastructure ( new or existing ). Today’s telephone systems have hundreds of features and applications. Understanding which of these features and applications your business needs will determine the best valued solution.

One of the biggest factors that VoIP manufactures claim to have an advantage in is lowering calling costs. When you take a good look and compare, many find that this claim was truer in the past than it is today. With most new digital systems, VoIP technology can be integrated within the system. However, in doing so additional equipment may be needed that could add additional expenses to the telephone system. Many service providers ( carriers ) now offer SIP trunk integration. In most cases, the carriers will provide the needed equipment for the integration of SIP lines, which enables your digital key or PBX telephone system to use just about any VoIP call transport technology via the internet and still maintaining your feature-rich phone system.

In addition to SIP trunking, most carriers now offer unlimited long distance charges with plain old telephone service lines which is quickly evaporating the cost savings expense of VoIP technology. Many customers still believe that you can’t beat the quality and reliability of traditional Plain Old Telephone Service ( POTS ).

Businesses can also benefit with VoIP technology to seamlessly connect their various business location known as branch offices. This ability is also an advantage with remote workers or employees that work from a home office. Again, this platform eliminates the expense of ( POTS ) lines, but in most cases a service provider ( carrier ) is still needed to place an outside call. Most digital systems can now also provide office to office connects, but might need additional equipment added to do so. Although a real and valuable benefit, most small businesses ( 90% ) are single site businesses and usually can’t take advantage of this benefit. Businesses that have small branch offices might find VoIP a suitable solution.

Features and applications play a major role in how the call processing will be handled to enhance a business. Digital telephone systems are jam packed with call processing features, with many years of experience in design, development, implementation, and working directly with customer’s voice needs. Some VoIP telephone systems are still trying to catch up and will eventually get there. External applications such as a cordless phone, external paging, analog ports, door phones and external ringer, or automatic door lock integration ( a real need for some businesses ) may not exist on some VoIP phone systems yet. Make sure that either type of telephone system has the applications and features needed for your business needs.

Another big feature many businesses are now using is unified messaging, which is the ability to deliver voice mail messages to your e-mail inbox. The integration of VoIP and data make unified messaging a common feature on practically all VoIP systems. However, some new digital telephone systems are now also offering unified messaging as a standard feature, canceling out the huge advantage VoIP system once had over digital phone systems.

Other System Benefits and Considerations

Although there are hundreds of features on today’s phone systems, some of the requirements in purchasing a new system are not just the telephone system, but the connectivity of the system itself. If you’re thinking VoIP, an evaluation may be needed to determine the proper cabling ( wire ) and the network as well as internet speed ( bandwidth ) and will technically handle a new VoIP system.

If the capabilities are not adequate, this could result in multiple problems from conversation cutoffs and interference to a complete re-cabling or network setup that may cost more than the telephone system itself. If you’re thinking of a digital telephone system, then a business needs to know if the phone system will expand and integrate with today’s technology, and at what additional expense to do so. Although these systems are feature rich, some features may be an “add on” cost and not a standard feature within the system.

Many new VoIP customers assume that they will have the same features and more than their old telephone system, only to find out that this is not always the case. Remember, VoIP is a new way to transport a call, not process one! In order for businesses to make a sound decision, all factors must be examined and evaluated for the best value and business solution.