Business Phone Systems – Gone are the days of those old clunky big boxes screwed to the wall. The telcos are still selling them if you’re willing to buy, but the truth is these archaic telephone systems should be a thing of the past. The Modern Business Phone System should be flexible and integrate with the other ways your business communicates. Step into the future of communication with Cloud Hosted Business Phone Systems. Offering both 3CX and Microsoft Teams, we provide versatile solutions tailored to streamline your business communications. Explore their innovative features and find out how they can transform your operations.
3CX or Microsoft Teams
Which Modern Business Phone System is right for your business
What are the top 10 features of 3CX?
Easy Management
Whether it’s on-premise or hosted, 3CX is designed to be easy to manage
Cost Savings
3CX can help businesses save up to 80% on phone bills
Remote Work Support
With 3CX’s iOS and Android apps, users can work remotely and still stay connected
App-Free Web Conferencing
3CX provides the ability to conduct web conferencing without the need for any additional apps
Live Chat
This feature allows instant communication with team members and customers
Easy Setup and Configuration
3CX is known for its straightforward setup process and easy configuration
Cloud-Native
Being a cloud-native system, 3CX eliminates the hassle of maintaining physical servers
Call Management
3CX offers advanced call management features like queues, hunt groups, and routing
Video Conferencing
3CX supports video calls, enabling face-to-face communication regardless of location
Integration Features
3CX can be integrated with CRM systems, offering skills-based routing, call recording, and a website plug-in for live chat & talk
How does Microsoft Teams compare?
Direct Routing
This feature allows you to connect your SIP trunks directly into Microsoft Teams
Call Queues
Microsoft Teams supports call queues, providing traditional PBX functionality for incoming calls
Auto Attendant
An automated system that answers and routes inbound calls
Voicemail
Voicemail messages are transcribed and delivered to your email, allowing for convenient access
Emergency Calling
Microsoft Teams supports emergency calling, which can be critical in certain situations
Call Park
This feature allows a user to put a call on hold and have it picked up by another user
Caller ID
Microsoft Teams supports Caller ID, displaying the identity of incoming callers
Call Transfer
This feature allows users to transfer active calls to other members or devices
Integration with Office 365
Microsoft Teams is integrated with Office 365, making it easy to schedule meetings, share files, and collaborate on documents
Device Support
Microsoft Teams supports a wide range of devices including desk phones, conference phones, and Teams-certified headsets
Frequently Asked Questions
A business phone system is a communication network that goes beyond basic calls. It includes features like virtual phone numbers, auto attendant, call waiting, and conference calling — all designed to keep your team connected and your customers well looked after.
With the right system in place, calls are answered promptly, routed accurately, and handled professionally, leading to better customer experiences and smoother day-to-day operations.
A business phone system is more than just a way to make calls — it’s a strategic tool that improves both internal and external communication. The right system helps your team stay connected, ensures every customer call is handled professionally, and even provides useful analytics on call volume and patterns to support better decision-making.
Whether you’re looking at a cloud-based VoIP system for flexibility or a more traditional setup, 4iT can help you choose the solution that best fits your business needs and budget.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficient communication is vital to success. One of the primary tools facilitating this is a professional business phone system. However, choosing the right system can be a complex process, with cost being a significant factor. This article aims to provide an overview of the average costs of business phone systems and factors influencing these costs, helping businesses make informed decisions.
According to various sources, the annual cost for a business phone system can range widely, from around $2,200 to $25,500 for cloud-based systems. The average cost per user for a low-end hosted VoIP phone system is between $10 and $25 per month, while mid-range systems can cost between $25 to $40 per user, per month1. Traditional PBX systems require a larger upfront investment, averaging around $4,5002.
The total cost of a business phone system is influenced by several factors. The number of lines required, the type of system chosen (e.g., VoIP or PBX), and the hardware and software components involved all play a part. Additionally, features like virtual phone numbers, auto attendant, call waiting, and conference call capabilities can also affect the price.
Despite the costs, there are ways businesses can save on their overall phone system expenses. Leasing options can spread out the cost over time, making it more manageable, especially for small businesses. Maintenance agreements can also reduce long-term costs by ensuring the system remains in optimal condition, thus avoiding expensive repairs or replacements.
Understanding the costs associated with different types of phone systems is crucial for businesses to make the right choice based on their unique needs and budget. By taking into account the number of lines, system type, hardware and software components, and additional features, businesses can find a phone system that offers the best value for their investment.
Yes, small business phone systems, specifically those provided by 3CX and Microsoft Teams, are designed to ensure high levels of security. 3CX is known for its robust security measures to protect against potential threats. One of the key features of 3CX is the secure SIP protocol which is crucial for integrating with Teams. This ensures that your calls are protected and secure.
Microsoft Teams also places a high priority on security. It provides advanced security controls and compliance capabilities, including data loss prevention, information barriers, and legal hold, among others. The integration of 3CX with Microsoft Teams further enhances security, offering a unified calling experience.
However, as with any technology, the level of security can be influenced by factors such as proper configuration and adherence to best practices. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure these systems are correctly set up and maintained for optimum security.
Choosing the right business phone system comes down to four key factors:
Business size and needs — Small to medium businesses needing flexibility may suit a VoIP system like 3CX, while larger organisations with complex requirements may be better served by Microsoft Teams.
Compatibility — Make sure the system integrates smoothly with your existing technology to avoid disruptions.
Features — Look for essentials like call waiting, auto attendant, and virtual phone numbers to keep communication professional and efficient.
Support — Reliable manufacturer support ensures any issues are resolved quickly and your communications stay uninterrupted.
Not sure which system is right for you? Our team is happy to help you find the best fit for your business needs and budget.
When evaluating the best phone systems for small businesses, it’s essential to consider multiple factors such as scalability, features, compatibility, and customer support. Both 3CX and Microsoft Teams stand out as strong contenders in this regard.
3CX is a robust VoIP system known for its flexibility and scalability, making it particularly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a wide range of features, from traditional call handling functions to more advanced capabilities such as video conferencing and CRM integration.
On the other hand, Microsoft Teams, a unified communications solution, integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, making it an excellent choice for businesses already using Microsoft’s suite of tools2. It offers features like instant messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing, facilitating efficient internal and external communication.
Each system has its strengths, so the best choice depends on the specific needs and circumstances of your business. Both 3CX and Microsoft Teams have proven track records and strong customer support, providing businesses with reliable options for their communication needs.
Certainly, it’s possible to run a business phone system on 4G. 4G LTE connectivity provides fast and reliable internet speeds, which can effectively support various business applications and services, including business phone systems1. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, which many business phone systems utilize, works well over 4G internet2. This allows businesses to make and receive calls using their data, often at a lower cost than traditional phone services. Additionally, 4G can serve as a reliable backup for business phone systems in case of primary internet connection failures34. However, it’s important to note that while VoIP works on 4G, they are not the same—VoIP is a technology that allows voice calls to be made over internet connections, while 4G is a type of network that can support this technology.
