1. CAPACITY AND MODULARITY: People don't order
enough phones and lines. Be sure that your phone system is modular
and can grow as your business needs to grow. Can more lines and
stations be added? How? Is an entire cabinet needed, or can cards
be added to the switch to increase capacity? How much will it cost?
2. ANALOG LINES: Spiffy, fast, sleek digital phone
systems are all the rage these days. But make sure if you go digital
the system also supports analog ports. And mare sure you get plenty
- you'll need them for your voicemail, modems, fax machines, answering
machines and other cute devices.
3. STATION SETS: Check out the feel of the phones.
Are the dialing keys big enough? Can you read what's on the screen?
Are the fixed key commands worded in archaic, hieroglyphic commands
nobody will understand? Make sure you feel comfortable with the
design and functionality of desktop sets.
4. BUY OPEN: Find out about emerging technology
compatibility and if you'll be able to connect the switch to your
PC or LAN via TAPI, TSAPI or TCP/IP.
5. TOLL FRAUD: Does the switch have any toll fraud
features? Find out what built-in measures the switch has to prevent
unauthorized people from breaking into your system and dialing out.
If possible, plan to disable DISA ports.
6. POWERFUL APPS: Find out if the phone system
supports powerful applications like IVR, ACD, and wireless sets.
Ask how these systems integrate with the switch. Do you need to
connect a PC to the switch for an ACD or IVR?
7. PAST AND FUTURE: Ask how the switch will evolve,
grow and adapt to new technologies. Find out how long the specific
system you're looking at as been in production and ask what type
of technology upgrades are planned for it.
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