By Saul Saresi
You've finally managed to convince your boss that Voip is the future of telecommunications and you've had the latest system installed. You've done your homework and chosen an highly reputable service provider, the boss is delighted at how much money he's going to be saving and you've feeling pretty smug. But wait, you've overlooked on vital element; choosing the right phone!
Well, luckily for you, help is at hand. The world of IP is awash with an array of the latest gadget laden executive business phones designed to give you that extra feeling of class, whether in the office, at home, or in your hotel room. But we're here to help, by giving you a rundown of the best IP business phones and technologies on the market.
Firstly, lets consider desk phones. Desk phones are, without doubt, the essential office phone for any and all businesses. Desk phones offer more features and variety than any other phone types and connect straight to your broadband router or LAN. When you're looking for the best desk phone be sure to check out the top four companies in the field; Snom, Yealink, Aastra & Cisco.
Secondly, DECT phones. DECT (which in case you're wondering stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications Phones) are cordless Voip phones designed to allow you freedom of movement whilst also allowing a multitude of Voip phones to operate from a single base. If you're looking to buy a DECT phone Siemens are the ones in the know, although Snom also provide some classier examples at the top end of the market.
And the final category belongs to conference phones. Now, while a conference phone may not be the most suitable choice for day-to-day call, nothing says class and success like a conference phone. (Except for, maybe, a Rolls Royce, a private jet, a yacht or a mansion)
As far as the world of desk phones are concerned, the Aastra 6379i - which was bought out at the end of last year - is the ultimate in style, class and gadgetry, featuring as it does, the world's first fully interactive touch screen display. No more LCD dullness with this bad-boy, that's for sure. And to top it off it also features fully interfaced Bluetooth technology. Nice.
But what about DECT? Well, with DECT phones features take a back seat to style. And when you're waltzing around the office like a free spirited ballerina/child/dancing dog the one thing you need to do above all other things is look the part. And to help you look like that part, (whatever part that maybe) Siemens should be your first port of call.
Et Voila. The world of IP phones laid bare for all to understand. The only thing you need to do is decide whether you're a desk, DECT or conference kind of a guy, and the easiest way to do this is to consider how important it is for you to look the part in the eyes of your colleagues. And although we all like to pretend that we are of humble origins and don't need to try and impress anyone ever, we all know that's only actually true if you live in a commune and your name is Rainflower. And you, I can tell from looking, are definitely not a rainflower.
About the Author:
Saul Saresi writes regularly for his site VoIPDito about all things Voip, from technology to regulations
business telephone system Further information about Voip technologies and hardware can be found here
asterisk