Cheap business phones and phone systems are available from several U.S. as well as international manufacturers. Most business telephone systems essentially consist of several internal telephones, fax machines and other devices, connected to each other and to the outside world by a switching system. Switching systems, called PABXs or PBXs are distinguished from smaller systems by the fact that external lines cannot be normally selected at any individual extension.
Smaller systems are called "key systems" and are cheaper than PBXs. A specific outgoing line is selected to make a call and external number is dialed on a key system. To make a call on a PBX system, the user needs to dial 9 or 0 followed by the external number. Requirement of 0 or 9 dial will differ, depending on that particular system. PBX automatically selects an open outgoing trunk line to complete the call.
A PBX performs three basic functions, namely, establishing connections between the telephone sets of two users, maintaining the connection as long as the users need them and providing information such as call duration, for accounting purposes. In addition to these basic functions, PBXs used in business usually need to have many other capabilities. Different business telephone system manufacturers provide different features in an effort to gain competitive edge. Some extra capabilities include call transfer, direct inward dialing, speed dialing, voice mail, call forwarding on absence, call forwarding on busy, music on hold, automatic ring back, night service, call distribution, call waiting, call pick-up, call park, call conferencing, custom greetings, shared message boxes, automated directory services and call accounting. It is important to note that many of these extra capabilities also need to be provided by the service provider to which that company is subscribing. Merely having them on PBX and telephone handset is practically useless.
Many agencies throughout United States offer cheaper new or reconditioned telephone systems. A large variety of cheap business phones is also available online, through the Internet. However it is better to make sure that the product comes with sufficient warranty and an established after-sales service within the US.
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