These days, there are countless companies offering different kinds of communication packages. These vary depending on the needs of the customer. Not surprisingly, businesses have very different needs then home phone users, and the services reflect this in several ways.

Home phone services are very straightforward. All that’s typically required is a line (perhaps at most two or more) and a voicemail system. Sometimes different lines have their own unique voice mail, but the demands don’t really get much more complicated than that. Business phone systems are characterized by being able to access different lines from different “stations” by pressing on a lighted button. It’s not hard to imagine how necessary this is in an office. Business phone systems have other requirements. It’s important to be able to reach a voice automated receptionist, be able to use extensions to reach certain personnel, leave customized voice messages for customers and clients, and to have all this connected to fax machines and even the internet. In other words, businesses have a web of needs and requirements and home phone users, by comparison, have a strand.

Home phone services almost never require more than two lines, and usually only one. Some people enjoy having a different ringer to separate their line from their children’s line so they don’t have to answer the phone if it isn’t for them. This type of distinction is sometimes used for voicemail too for the same reason. But there are conditions for businesses that home phone systems don’t share which make the functionality of their phone services absolutely crucial.

A business is totally dependent on its ability to reliably communicate with customers and clients. Its survival depends on it. A solid communication channel is the lifeline of the business. If there isn’t a direct conversation, the customer needs to hear certain information about the company or be able to leave a message for the right person. Nothing is more frustrating than feeling like a big, faceless corporation doesn’t have time for you. This sense of resentment can be removed when a business phone system is used properly, something beyond the capabilities of a normal, everyday home phone system.

Another aspect which separates the two systems is programming. Granted, there are home phones with this capability now (considered more a luxury then anything), but for business phones it’s essential that certain numbers be reached quickly: important clients, other locations, or customers. Having to look up their numbers is a time-consuming hassle, especially in an emergency situation. Having them ready to go at the push of a button is more in line with the demands of business.

Finally, home phone services don’t ever need to change or adapt, whereas business phones need to stay current. The trend for business phones is being hooked up to the internet (in addition to traditional lines). This diminishes cost and gives access to a wider range of connection options. Remaining flexible is uniquely a business phone system requirement.

Hopefully, this sheds some light on the difference between these two common phone systems.

Author Bio: Offers business technology solution, HDTV, cable TV, cell phones, wireless internet and business phone system services to residential and business customers in Canada.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: business, mobile, communications, society, culture, lifestyle, leisure, mobile services