10 Questions to Ask Your Hosted PBX Provider
If you are thinking of switching your current businesses communications system to a unified communications system like hosted PBX, you are making a wise decision. However, before signing a long term binding contract with a hosted PBX provider, there are some questions you should ask.
1. Find out the terms of policy termination. In case you find your hosted PBX provider is not all that it promised, you want to make sure you have an out. Many providers of hosted PBX will try to lock you into long-term contracts, but there are some that do not have excessive early termination policies.
2. Check on the start up costs. It is standard for there to be start up costs that include set up and equipment fees. However, hosted PBX providers will include 'hidden' costs that are not standard.
3. Find out the day-to-day usage costs not covered under the hosted PBX plan. Services such as international calls are not normally covered under hosted PBX monthly service costs. Find out what the costs of these services are so you don't end up with a hefty surprise bill at the end of the month.
4. If you plan on faxing, find out the logistics of the hosted PBX providers fax services. Some older systems will require an extra box or adapter for a fax line, which will cost extra. Find out if your system is fax compatible and if not, what the extra fees will be to get it up to date.
5. Find out if you will need add-on's, or extras for existing analog phones installed in your offices. If you already have extensive analog phones, you may be able to utilize them using SIP trunking services instead of hosted PBX. Check to see if your existing hardware is compatible with hosted PBX, and if it is not, consider SIP trunking solutions.
6. Find out how your hosted PBX system will handle remote and mobile workers. One of the greatest benefits of hosted PBX is its ability to allow mobile workers to interact in a fast and efficient way. Even if your current business requirement doesn't require remote worker communications, it may in the future.
7. Find out what the requirements for upgrading include. Your business will hopefully expand and grow in the years to come, and your hosted PBX needs to be able to grow with you. Make sure there is room for growth without excessive upgrade costs.
8. Ask about service guarantees. If you encounter an issue with your hosted PBX, you may need solutions fast. Find out the quality of the customer service you will be receiving, including any costs that may be associated with service guarantees.
9. Find out the emergency service protocol with the hosted PBX provider. Federal mandate has made VoIP become 911 compliant but some hosted PBX providers still don't have a solution. In the event of an emergency, you want to know that emergency workers will be able to locate you or your staff. Find out the details on this service before you sign.
10. Make sure you are dealing with a company that will still be in business in the years to come. As in every industry, there are those fly-by-night companies that are here today, gone tomorrow. Research your hosted PBX provider to ensure you are dealing with a reputable company that has a strong and reliable reputation.
1. Find out the terms of policy termination. In case you find your hosted PBX provider is not all that it promised, you want to make sure you have an out. Many providers of hosted PBX will try to lock you into long-term contracts, but there are some that do not have excessive early termination policies.
2. Check on the start up costs. It is standard for there to be start up costs that include set up and equipment fees. However, hosted PBX providers will include 'hidden' costs that are not standard.
3. Find out the day-to-day usage costs not covered under the hosted PBX plan. Services such as international calls are not normally covered under hosted PBX monthly service costs. Find out what the costs of these services are so you don't end up with a hefty surprise bill at the end of the month.
4. If you plan on faxing, find out the logistics of the hosted PBX providers fax services. Some older systems will require an extra box or adapter for a fax line, which will cost extra. Find out if your system is fax compatible and if not, what the extra fees will be to get it up to date.
5. Find out if you will need add-on's, or extras for existing analog phones installed in your offices. If you already have extensive analog phones, you may be able to utilize them using SIP trunking services instead of hosted PBX. Check to see if your existing hardware is compatible with hosted PBX, and if it is not, consider SIP trunking solutions.
6. Find out how your hosted PBX system will handle remote and mobile workers. One of the greatest benefits of hosted PBX is its ability to allow mobile workers to interact in a fast and efficient way. Even if your current business requirement doesn't require remote worker communications, it may in the future.
7. Find out what the requirements for upgrading include. Your business will hopefully expand and grow in the years to come, and your hosted PBX needs to be able to grow with you. Make sure there is room for growth without excessive upgrade costs.
8. Ask about service guarantees. If you encounter an issue with your hosted PBX, you may need solutions fast. Find out the quality of the customer service you will be receiving, including any costs that may be associated with service guarantees.
9. Find out the emergency service protocol with the hosted PBX provider. Federal mandate has made VoIP become 911 compliant but some hosted PBX providers still don't have a solution. In the event of an emergency, you want to know that emergency workers will be able to locate you or your staff. Find out the details on this service before you sign.
10. Make sure you are dealing with a company that will still be in business in the years to come. As in every industry, there are those fly-by-night companies that are here today, gone tomorrow. Research your hosted PBX provider to ensure you are dealing with a reputable company that has a strong and reliable reputation.