The value of electronic phone systems

Written by Eric Fleming

Today, it seems as if everything being sold is “digital this” and “digital that,” with very little thought given to analog alternatives. Even though the vast majority of music today is sold digitally (either through CD sales or online downloads), there are still many who contend that record albums, with all their inherent drawbacks considering modern technology, still provide vastly superior audio. In the case of business phones, while digital and virtual phone systems are gaining more and more prominence, you may find your business still has room – and need – for the features that traditional electronic phone systems provide.

What is an electronic phone system?

Simply put, an electronic phone system sends signals over standard telephone wires. Typically, one set of wires will be used to transmit the voice signal to and from the phone, while a second set of wires is used to transmit operational information to and from the phone. This second set of wires transmit codes so that on-hold lights will blink, beep, etc. Some phones, such as the AT&T Merlin, requires two more sets of wires, while Toshiba, Panasonic, and other companies use only the two basic sets, along with one additional pair of wires, each for proprietary telephone operation.

How do electronic and digital phone systems compare?

In many ways, a traditional hard-wired electronic phone system is identical to one of the more modern hosted digital phone systems, at least when you consider how the two are configured. In an electronic phone system, there are discrete wires connecting each phone in the building to the phone system control unit. This unit is responsible for making sure the physical phone lines coming into the building are doled out on time and to those that need them. With a hosted digital phone system, this exact event happens as well. However, instead of relying on physical wires, connections, and electronics, everything happens in the digital realm, with information transferred over a local network or even the Internet.

What should you look for in a dealer?

For the most part, electronic phone systems are a thing of the past. Sure, many businesses are still using them, but for companies looking to upgrade or purchase a phone system for the first time, digital phone systems have taken over the market. In spite of this, there are many companies and installation outfits with used electronic phone equipment available. And that lower cost may seem attractive to your business.

Before making the leap and purchasing or leasing a used system, however, consider two things:

1. Service. Is the leasing agent looking to pawn off an older system, simply to get it out of stock? If decide to go with this older system, how long will it be supported? If the answer is “we're not sureA” or “it's sold as is,” then a different solution might be best. If, on the other hand, your installer/dealer is willing to support this older system just as it would a current model, you may want to consider it.
2. Features and expandability. There are certainly more options available with current hosted phone services (compared with an electronic phone system), so look carefully at what you need now, and may want in the future. Also, if your business suddenly grows, will there be additional electronic phone equipment ready to supplement your current system? If so, then this could be a good choice. If not, spending more now to set up a phone system you can grow into may be the wisest choice.

Interested in getting your company started? Submit a free request for electronic phone systems price quotes and get matched to multiple dealers who will try to get you the best deal for your business.