IP telephone systems allow phone calls to be made over the internet. They often look very much like standard digital proprietary phones but, while there are some similarities in terms of their functions, there are also some big differences.

Types of IP phones

IP phones come in a variety of types, from simple to high-tech.

A basic IP phone might be used as the guest phone in a reception lobby - it has no fancy features but will allow people to access an internal number. 

Then there are IP phones with a large, high-resolution screen that enables users to access an even greater number of features and applications such as touch screens, Bluetooth and even set up a direct link to the office network for phone calls and data.

IP handsets can also have a PC 'hanging off' the back of them, says Terence Tutaan from Telstra.

"IP phones have a LAN port, so rather than crawling under my desk to find the socket in the wall, I can simply plug my PC into the back of the phone," he explains.

Affordability of IP telephones

Obviously, more basic models of IP telephone will be more affordable and prices increase as the complexity increases. Well-known brands are also likely to be more expensive than lesser-known brands.

Terence strongly advises going with a reputable, well-known brand for your IP phone. 

Basic features to look for in an IP telephone

• Ability to put calls on hold
• Ability to retrieve held calls
• Redial functionality
• Volume control/muting capability
• Ability to transfer calls
• Caller ID
• Call waiting
• Voicemail
• Conference calling function
• Ability to pick up calls within and outside your group
• Call history function

Added extras available in IP telephones

• Access to online and database information
• Logs for dialled numbers, missed and received calls
• Corporate directories
• Attendant console (gives you the ability to monitor usage from your PC)
• Call reporting
• Unified communications capability - combining voice, email and fax

Benefits of IP telephones

• Cabling the phone system is less expensive, as fewer ports are needed.
• They are flexible; you can link an IP home phone with your office systems to work from home.
• Unified communications - IP phones allow you to check voicemail via your email client, send faxes and so forth, saving you time and money.
• More businesses are using them, so to stay competitive in the marketplace it's worth installing them.
• Some providers allow you to choose an area code for your IP phone's number, meaning local customers will only be charged at local rates. 

Impress with IP

With cheap set-up costs and unified communications abilities, an IP telephone system can save your company big bucks as well as time.

So to find out how to install an IP telephone system in your business, call a communications technology company today.