First ever project - Phone sytems

First ever project - Phone sytems

Author
Discussion

S10GTA

Original Poster:

12,686 posts

168 months

Wednesday 23rd March 2016
quotequote all
I've been given my first ever project, replacing our ageing phone system.

Problem is, I've never taken on a project before. I need to put together the options and present them.

If anyone can point me in the direction of some good phone systems that would be a good start. What do you use and why?

S10GTA

Original Poster:

12,686 posts

168 months

Wednesday 23rd March 2016
quotequote all
Sheets Tabuer said:
How many extensions?

Do you need to keep it in house?

Does it need to talk to other things (exchange server)?

Are you adverse to hosted IP phone systems?



That'll start you off..
Currently we have 8 lines, 16 ports. We'd ideally like to double the capacity.

Doesn't need to be kept in house.

Nope

Nope, quite pro personally, boss will take some convincing.

Key wants are: Conference calling, remote working.


S10GTA

Original Poster:

12,686 posts

168 months

Wednesday 23rd March 2016
quotequote all
Sheets Tabuer said:
Don't really think you need to make a case, a hosted sip is from £5 a month per extension.

http://soho66.co.uk/

No brainer for the amount of users you have.
That seems pretty much ideal. Thanks. Will investigate that further.

S10GTA

Original Poster:

12,686 posts

168 months

Thursday 24th March 2016
quotequote all
Innowaybored said:
Don't go with Voda One Net.

You need to widen the scope and ask what you need the phone system for. How do staff work - homeworkers, mobile, all office based etc. How do you communicate with clients and suppliers? Can this be improved? What challenges do you have at the moment? What IT infrastructure is in place? What is your broadband like and can it be improved to FTTC?

You should note that cloud based Skype for Business is coming out this year and that will disrupt the market somewhat.

Ignore the technology initially and focus on user and business needs. Then get in three suppliers. Because of the size of business expect to get salesman trying to sell you rubbish.

As a guide - Hosted platforms should cost you up to £20 a month maximum (depending on what you need I would expect £15 as a top price) and you shouldn't have to pay for phone calls with the new system except to premium numbers. If you sign a three year deal then I would expect free handsets as well. Install on hosted of that size should take no more than 2 days including training.
Thanks for that. Useful info.

S10GTA

Original Poster:

12,686 posts

168 months

Friday 23rd September 2016
quotequote all
Thanks for all the advice. New phone system was installed on Wednesday and we are pleased with it. We went for Horizon by Gamma in the end.