What do home businesses use for phone systems?

[sdsumike619]

Does anyone here know what small home based businesses used for telephone and voicemail systems? For example, the ability to put someone on hold and have hold music play. Or, if I wanted to have a voice over artist record a voicemail message for when we're not answering the phone. How would I get that recording into the system? Is there some software that can do these things for me or how does it all work?

[MOVIEGEEK]

Look into Virtual PBX,you don't need to buy any hardware or software:
http://www.virtualpbx.com/
http://www.virtualpbx.com/services/comparison.asp

[Abbadon]

It would be good idea to also contact your local communications provider, aka Telephone Company, they will be able to tell you what kind of service they can offer and the prices, most of them support small businesses and provide the equipment, such as a switchboard.

[sdsumike619]

Thanks for the replies! I was hoping to find some kind of owned solution instead of the pay by month things. Isn't there a piece of software out there I can do the same thing with? I guess I don't really need hold music because I wouldn't be putting anyone on hold anyways..

[gadgetguy]

I have a Nortel Option11 PBX in my house, but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone else. Not that it isn't an excellent machine, but it is soooooo overkill. When I got it, I was actively developing communications monitoring software and using multiple analog ports for modem testing. Perhaps a Nortel ARIA SOHO or similar would be more suitable for your needs. http://www.datatel.co.th/product/lg_nortel/ARIA_SOHO.php

[greymalkin]

I would think a more cost effective, flexible solution would be using voip phones. is there any truth to this?

[Lucifers_Ghost]

You can get a small phone machine like the Nortel Norstar series. Check them out online for their specs. If you can pick one up used, it shouldnt cost too much.

[pstedman]

Keep in mind if you put your own system in you'll need to maintain it. I've never worked with Norstar, but Nortel's Meridian system in infuriatingly cryptic and not easily set up by a novice (Granted the Meridian series are meant for larger facilities so they're not really a solution here)

I agree with Abbadon that you should check with your local telco about small business solutions. You're more likely to get a turn-key type of solution that will let you focus on running your business - not wasting time figuring out why extension #1 won't transfer to extension #2

Did I just endorse the phone company??? Oh man, I need a shower

[MOVIEGEEK]

Keep in mind if you put your own system in you'll need to maintain it.

That's why I think virtual PBX systems are best for home businesses,$25USD up front and $10 a month for three extensions.
You never have to worry about hardware problems or upgrades and you can have your cellphone as an extension.
Another solution is get another line installed by the phone co and buy an answering machine,you are still looking at $25 a month.

[sdsumike619]

I went ahead and found a vanity number and signed up with ringcentral.com, so far it seems pretty good! 100 included mins for 9.99 per month if you pay for a year in advance, with a whole mess of features