Like most given the task of purchasing an IP phone you may decide to simply purchase the one with the largest price tag, figuring that more money means more product. In the world of IP telephony, the most expensive product does not necessarily mean the greatest quality.
Begin with a reputable and high quality brand, Linksys and Polycom are vendors worthy of your short list. Next carefully weigh the features that your business must have against the ones that would be nice to have but aren’t completely necessary.
Some essential features may include:
Multi-Line Notification:
Does the business have more than one telephone number, or will there be more than one line available? It is probably a good for employees to be able to distinguish calls between lines.
Call Waiting/Hold Button:
Will employees be required to place callers on hold? If so, a dedicated hold button is probably a good tool.
Call Transfer:
In situations where callers will be routed or transferred between departments, a call transfer button is necessary.
Voicemail:
Some employees may find it convenient to simply be able to press a button to retrieve voicemails.
Call Display:
There is benefit in knowing who’s calling before you answer, this allows employees seconds to prepare. It can also provide vital information in the event of an emergency.
Some not so essential features may include:
Speakerphone:
In crowded call centers, there will be little use for a speakerphone. Make the decision to purchase a speakerphone capable IP phone based on need.
Backlit LCD Display:
Backlit displays consume a lot of energy, consider how often the phone will ever be in an unlit area and the user will need to see the display. In most businesses, never.
Mute:
If the IP phone will be used in conjunction with a headset, there may be no need to invest in a phone with a mute button since the headset will most likely have on built in.
IP phones can become rather pricey, knowing what features are required, and what aren’t prior to making a final decision will help to ensure the best investment based on needs.
