In many cases, being able to manage multiple phone calls at once is part of the communication capabilities that every modern business needs. Not every type of business, including startups just starting out, needs multi-line phone systems. Small companies that only answer a few calls a day, however, might eventually need to expand. In general, a multi-line phone system should be at least considered by every business.You’ve come to the right place if you’d like to learn more about these phone systems, their features, and how they operate.
What is a multi-line phone system?
A multi-line phone system enables businesses to make and receive calls simultaneously without interruption, whereas a single-line phone system can only handle one call at a time. In its most basic form, it lets staff members to put a call on hold, pick up the phone and call someone else—either internal or external—to obtain the information they require, and then put the first call back on hold. Naturally, there are a lot more features that multi-line phone systems can offer, which we will discuss.
How does it work?
For a long while, the best option for a multi-line phone system was analog technology. Though analog phone technology is largely obsolete and in serious decline of use, modern digital systems operate on the same principles. A single landline that has been specifically wired to provide two-line functionality serves as the foundation for the most basic analog multi-line phone system. You had to pay the phone company for an additional line in order to use this system. Additionally, it made use of handsets that could switch phone lines and put calls on hold.
Private branch exchange (PBX) is another example of an analog technology that has been around for a long time, though it is now available in digital form. Have you ever worked for a company where using a traditional PBX required you to dial “9” in order to make an outside phone call? A PBX is an analog system that consists of multiple landlines providing multiple phone lines. As these systems developed, they added more sophisticated functions like call forwarding and voicemail. The fact that callers would receive a busy signal if every line was in use was a significant disadvantage of the outdated PBX system. Those who run a lot of phone calls might find this concerning.
Although they are still in use today, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines are mainly limited to legacy and specialty applications such as security phones, elevator phones, and fax machines. For many years, Compute4U has offered technological solutions to many businesses. They are equally conversant with cutting-edge solutions as they are with old technologies.
They can assist if business phone services are currently of interest to your organization. They can connect your business with the best-fit voice solution that keeps costs low and keeps you connected thanks to their numerous provider relationships. They can evaluate every service available and design a plan that works best for your company.
