At Best Business Phone Deals we are not tied to one provider or one solution. We offer a full range of products and services across all of your telecoms which means we can provide you with multiple options when we undertake a free review. This enables you to compare the best deals on the market.

As an example, imagine you needed a new phone system. Based on the number of users you have we could provide quotations for a standard phone system at your premises, a physical VoIP phone system or a hosted solution. Within each of these categories we would find you the most suitable product for your usage and the most cost effective.

We then provide you with a report detailing the different options, their strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendations where appropriate. The final decision is yours.

Click here for a free business phone review.

Independent telecoms specialists

Our aim is to provide you with the latest technology which will enhance your business communications whilst also saving you money.

For mobile phones this could involve upgrading to SmartPhones and utilising new mobile devices such as tablets (iPad, Playbook etc.). For fixed line services this could be moving to a VoIP or hosted solution. We can also advise about combining your mobile and fixed telephony together in a unified communications solution.

One area where more and more businesses are finding value is in better data connections. Whilst traditional ADSL broadband is suitable for home use and very small offices, once you have a few users a better connection is usually required.

Data is the lifeblood of many businesses these days and a slow or unreliable connection can stop a business in its tracks. In these circumstances a dedicated leased line or EFM (Ethernet First Mile) line can be the answer. Giving you a guaranteed upload and download speed of your choice, depending upon your requirements, and much better reliability.

We can compare the different data options as part of your package and you may be surprised at how affordable a dedicated line is for your business. Prices are falling due to competition and increased network supply so you could gain a huge data speed boost without having to break the bank.

Once you have our report you can compare our products with those you have already to see the savings you could make, as well as comparing how new technology could improve the way you work and thus drive productivity.

Reviews are available throughout the UK to companies large and small offering a straightforward business phone comparison service.

Posted in: Best Deals , Business Landlines , Business Mobiles , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Package , Phone Lines , Phone Systems , Solutions , Telecoms

Telecoms technology is advancing all of the time and the ways in which communications can be improved for your business are many. Finding the best solution can be complex and involves an in-depth knowledge of the latest products and services.

Our aim is to guide you through the process, looking at your current needs and how these will change in the near future, suggesting ways in which you could improve productivity and flexibility and comparing the latest products to get you the best tariffs that fulfill all of your requirements.

Click here for a free telecoms review.

Advances in telecoms technology

Mobile technology is moving towards everyone having a SmartPhone and maybe a tablet too! More devices are coming out that bridge the gap between the two. Advances are being made in the programs and apps that you can use on your mobile device meaning that you can do more and more work when out of the office.

Integrating your mobile and fixed line solutions is also a trend. This enables you to answer more calls as a business and to have the right person answering each call, increasing your productivity and also customer satisfaction.

Fixed line solutions now involve VoIP more often than not and also hosted services are becoming a common theme. Each of these could involve a level of data connectivity over and above a standard broadband connection. EFM (Ethernet First Mile) and leased lines are becoming more common even among small and medium sized businesses as prices fall.

Our service to your business

Bringing together mobile, fixed line and data connectivity is where we come in. Ensuring that each of the recommended products work together and provide your business with an improved communications package.

It doesn't have to break the bank either. Increased competition within the telecoms marketplace mean that prices are falling. Hosted solutions generally do not require any initial costs for hardware or ongoing maintenance, making them ideal for new small businesses.

Whatever your size of business and whichever sector you operate in we would like to look at your current telecoms set up and improve it. In the process if we can also reduce your costs this would be an added bonus!

The benefits of increased productivity, more flexible working practices, increased customer satisfaction and retention should not be underestimated. Utilising the latest telecoms technology could put you a step ahead of your competitors and enable you to outpace them and overtake them.

Take advantage of our 16 years experience within the telecoms sector and work with us to enhance your communications and drive your business forward.

Posted in: Business Landlines , Business Mobiles , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Hosted Solutions , SmartPhones , Solutions , Technology , Telecoms , Unified Communications , VoIP

A landline number makes it easier and cheaper for your customers to contact you. It adds credibility to your business. However, with a traditional fixed landline there needs to be someone to answer it and this ties up resources.

For small businesses in particular it is not cost effective to have a fixed landline when everyone is out and about working. Whilst you could set up an answerphone this is not offering much of a service to your customers and could mean you missing important time-sensitive business calls.

A mobile landline gives you a virtual landline phone number that rings on your mobile phone wherever you are. There are a number of different products that provide a similar end result but work in different ways and offer different pricing structures.

Some are network specific, such as Vodafone One Net Express, whilst others can work with any of the mobile networks. The main difference between charging is whether calls are diverted from the landline number to your mobile free of charge within your package or whether you pay for the call diversion.

For users with a small amount of incoming calls paying for each diverted call usually works out cheaper. For larger users buying a package often works out to be more cost effective.

Compare mobile landline solutions

Because we offer a number of different mobile landline products we can provide you with comparisons between the different options both in terms of price and functionality. Some of the products include extra features such as music on hold, automated switchboards and hunt groups.

A mobile landline will make your business more flexible and products cater for businesses from 1 user to 20 plus. Basic rental prices start from £9.95 per number and there is no limit on the amount of numbers you can have. For instance you can have a different number for each of your departments or different geographical numbers for local areas around your business.

Call routing and call management features are available on most of the products and there are even advanced features such as call recording which can be added to your package.

Larger users with 10 or more staff may wish to consider a fully integrated unified communications solution. Combining your mobiles, landlines and data so that they work together seamlessly will improve the way you work, driving your productivity forward.

Whatever your telecom requirements please get in touch for a free review. As converged telecoms specialists we offer an extensive package of products which provide an end result tailored to your business needs. These are bespoke solutions aimed at reducing your costs and improving your communication channels.

Posted in: Business Landlines , Business Mobiles , Business Telecoms , Flexible Working , Mobile Landline , One Net Express , Package , Phone Lines , Phone Systems , Solutions , Telecoms , Unified Communications , Virtual Phone Numbers

As 2011 comes to a close many people will be thinking about the new year and making resolutions for 2012. What are your business resolutions? Your goals and ambitions for 2012?

One area where we can help you is in cost reductions for telecoms products and services. Many businesses continue to pay too much for their mobile and landline contracts and have multiple suppliers to deal with, making it difficult when problems occur, not to mention an administrative mess.

A single supplier solution with a package that encompasses a range of services will help reduce the amount you pay and has other benefits too:

• One point of contact
• One easy-to-understand bill
• Guaranteed interaction between products

How to reduce your costs

Take a look at all of your 2011 bills and order them according to when the contracts expire. Diary each of them for two months before expiry - this length of time is needed to obtain alternative quotations AND give 30 days notice (the usual notice period although some may be longer - double check your contract and adjust the timescales accordingly).

When you reach your first diary entry contact us for a free no obligation quotation. We will look at the product or service which is due initially but we can also undertake a full review of all of your services with a view to buying out your other contracts if this makes sound commercial sense for both parties.

If a buy-out is not appropriate we can then look at your other services nearer their contract end date.

The benefit of a full review, as opposed to looking at a single product, is that unified solutions can be identified which will improve your communications. This can help your business perform more efficiently, thus improving productivity.

A review can look at any or all of the following products:

• Mobile phones
• Landline phones
• Phone systems
• Broadband
• VoIP
• Vehicle tracking
• Device tracking
• IT support
• Website hosting

If you are happy with our figures we make it easy to transfer your services with the minimum of disruption.

Posted in: Best Deals , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Package , Solutions , Telecoms

Ask yourself these questions:

• Has your business reviewed its telecoms recently?

• Are they working together optimally to enable your employees to work productively wherever they are?

• Is there a coherent strategy in place?
  
  
• Do you buy on price alone?

Many businesses focus solely on price and renew the individual parts of their telecoms infrastructure with different suppliers based on cost alone. This approach could lead to you having inferior equipment and not making the most of the latest telecoms technology.

The benefits of a single supplier solution

There are many reasons to consider a single supplier solution:

• Overall cost savings
  
  
• Optimum integration between devices and systems
  
  
• Simplification of administration
  
  
• Better fault resolution

A single supplier may not be the best price option for every one of your individual products but they should be able to show you an overall saving across a range of multiple services. Utilising one company for all of your business telecoms gives you a single point of contact, ideal when you have a fault such as a loss of data connection which could be a problem with your lines, broadband, router or IT. One call to your dedicated account manager (not a call centre) gets it sorted.

A review of your telecoms will look at how you currently use your services and make suggestions as to ways in which new technology may be able to improve productivity. Your current usage will also be analysed to ensure that the optimum tariffs are chosen.

The review should not take up too much of your time and at the end of it you will receive a cost/benefit analysis showing you the different options available. It will be fully costed and easy to understand.

Areas a business telecom review covers

• Mobile Phones and Devices (laptops, netbooks, tablets, mobile broadband)
  
  
• Landline phones (systems, lines, call charges)
  
  
• Unified Communication Solutions
  
• Broadband and data connectivity
  
  
• VoIP and hosted solutions
  
  
• Employee management and vehicle tracking

Many small and medium sized businesses in certain sectors may not have a need for a full review encompassing all of the above, but should still consider getting a quotation for the services they do have which may show up alternative ways of utilising telecoms technology to benefit their productivity.

Posted in: Best Deals , Business Landlines , Business Mobiles , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Solutions , Telecoms , Unified Communications

The best phone system for your business depends upon a number of criteria:

• Number of current users
• Single office or connecting multiple sites
• Whether your data connectivity is suitable for VoIP
• Call management features required
• Likely future expansion

You need to carefully consider how you are going to use the system, which features are essential and which are not required. From this you can narrow down the choice of systems which offer what you need.

Physical PBX or hosted VoIP?

The first major choice is whether to have a physical system in your premises or a hosted system. A physical PBX is the hardware that powers your system, the brains of the unit. There is a cost involved in purchase and you will need to maintain it. As with all hardware it can go wrong and this will result in downtime until it is repaired/replaced.

With a hosted PBX the brains of your system are hosted remotely "in the cloud". This means that there is no maintenance for you to do and no up-front costs as this type of system is usually charged on a monthly fee per user model. All you have in your office are suitable handsets which are connected to the internet.

An ideal use for a hosted system is to connect multiple offices. Each user is connected to a single virtual system meaning that transferring calls between offices is as simple as between users. This bridges geographic boundaries across cities, counties and even countries. It makes flexible working easier with the ability to connect to the phone system from your home or anywhere with an internet connection.

The flexibility of a hosted system is achieved because of its connectivity via the internet. This is also its achilles heel in some respects. You do need a decent connection to run voice and data services simultaneously and, as we all know, broadband is not 100% reliable, nor is it available at sufficient speeds in many rural areas.

There are options for dedicated internet lines which offer guaranteed service for both upload and download, ideal for VoIP. Whilst these are more expensive than standard ADSL broadband the cost is coming down to be within reach of many small and medium sized businesses.

Once you have decided whether to choose a physical or hosted phone system you can now narrow down which available systems will suit you.

You need to cater for current users and for likely expansion across the lifetime of the unit with a physical system. A hosted system is usually charged per user and will expand exponentially so you don't have to worry about adding users in the future.

The system you choose needs to be capable of performing the tasks you need. This might be an auto attendant (press 1 for x, 2 for y etc.), call recording or a number of other call handling and management features. A hosted system will have all of these and you choose which ones you need and pay accordingly.

Whilst a hosted VoIP phone system will generally be more flexible and feature packed than a physical system it is not always more cost effective, depending upon the number of users and features required. Choosing a supplier, such as ourselves, who offer both types of system and can provide a direct comparison tailored to your business needs will pay dividends.

Posted in: Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Phone Lines , Phone Systems , Solutions , Telecoms

We are increasingly being asked about supplying virtual phone numbers to businesses and the options that are available. There are a number of different solutions, two of which we detail below.

A virtual landline number saves you having to install and maintain a physical line. The number is fully portable so no matter where you move to you can keep your number. Depending upon the solution you choose you can point the virtual number to a mobile or landline of your choosing.

"My Inbound" call management

This service gives you a landline number of your choosing for which you pay £9.95 per month. There are a selection of geographic and non-geographic numbers available for you to choose from free of charge or you could consider a "gold" number which is more memorable and will involve a cost for purchase.

You have access to an online control panel which not only provides you with options for your diversion, but also provides a whole host of call management features. For instance, your virtual number can be diverted to a group of numbers, each of which rings simultaneously.

You do have to pay for the call diversion. Current costs are 1.25ppm for diverting to a landline or 9.95ppm for diverting to a mobile.

We have on online pdf brochure for this product for you to read: Inbound Call Management brochure.

Vodafone One Net Express

One Net Express works in a different way, but the end result is broadly similar. It provides you with a virtual landline phone number (or numbers - you can currently get 5 free of charge on selected packages) which rings on your mobile.

It differs from the Inbound Call Management in two ways. Firstly there are no call diversion charges. The virtual number is held within the Vodafone architecture and rings on your mobile automatically.

Secondly there is the charging model. The most popular option is a flat rate of £55 which includes all of your landline and mobile calls, as well as unlimited texts and 500MB of data.

It also provides many different options for configuration and a host of phone system features accessible directly from your mobile handset.

We have on online pdf brochure for this product for you to read: Vodafone One Net Express brochure.

Choosing your virtual phone number solution

Which of these two options suits your business best will depend upon your usage and number of users. Contact us for a tailored quotation and a direct comparison between the two options.

Posted in: Business Landlines , Business Phone Numbers , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , One Net Express , Solutions , Virtual Phone Numbers

For businesses that rely upon data, a strong internet connection is a must. This should be reliable, and fast enough to serve all of their users with spare capacity for busy times.

Standard ADSL business broadband can offer this for some customers, but for others it is not up to the job. The next step up in connectivity is EFM - Ethernet First Mile.

This is a dedicated internet connection, meaning that no-one else is sharing the bandwidth. The speed you get is guaranteed and is symmetrical - meaning you can upload as fast as download. This makes it ideal for VoIP telephony and video, for instance.

We offer EFM with speeds ranging from 1MBps through to 20MBps. The speed you can actually receive is determined by the distance from your local exchange. Contact us for an accurate assessment.

Data is carried by multiple copper pairs from the exchange into your premises. If one of the copper lines fails temporarily the others share the load to keep you connected.

We can also provide fibre leased lines with faster speeds, although these are more expensive and there is a longer installation time. EFM can typically be up and running within 30 days.

EFM is more reliable than standard broadband and our service is actively managed. This means that we provide a pre-configured EFM router to you and are notified of any issues with your line immediately. The SLAs on EFM lines are much quicker than for standard broadband so any downtime will be minimal (we can also provide failover options to eliminate downtime if required).

EFM can be included as part of a total data solution for larger businesses, connecting multiple sites. We can tailor a package for you that meets your requirements and budget.

So if your current broadband is too slow or unreliable you should consider EFM - the cost is coming down and is now within the reach of many small and medium sized businesses. Contact us for a free review of you data connectivity and a cost/benefit analysis.

Articles about EFM:

What is EFM?

Posted in: Broadband , Data Solutions , EFM - Ethernet First Mile , Ethernet , Hosted Solutions , Solutions

Is your business based in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire? Are you using a local company to look after your telecoms?

Based on the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire border we are ideally placed to install and maintain telecoms equipment for your company, particularly phone systems. From a traditional PBX through to a state-of-the-art VoIP phone system.

Being local we can get to you quickly and cheaply meaning that the cost of installation is reduced and ongoing maintenance is affordable.

We have our own telephone engineers in-house who will be responsible for installation and then would maintain the system. You get to see the same person working on your system from day 1 and throughout your contract.

Reducing the cost of your business phones

We have good relationships with a number of suppliers enabling us to find the right system for your requirements at the right price. From a small 3-user system through to a VoIP solution covering multiple offices.

In addition we can supply you with lines and calls at greatly reduced rates over many national suppliers. We have our own bespoke billing engine allowing us to tailor packages to your usage.

As well as offering physical phone systems installed in your premises we also have new hosted VoIP solutions which give you corporate phone system features without any up front PBX costs - you only pay for what you need.

Which phone system is going to be ideal varies from business to business dependent upon a number of factors. We can undertake a free review for your business to show you not only which one works out best but also to compare the various different options and features which are available.

It may be that extra features such as call management and call routing could drive your productivity upwards and these can be factored into any solution. For more information contact us.

More information

The benefits of a local Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire phone company are further extolled in our pages:

• Nottinghamshire Phone systems
• Derbyshire Phone Systems

Posted in: Business Landlines , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Derby , Derbyshire , Nottinghamshire , Phone Systems , SMEs , Solutions , Telecoms , VoIP

Does your business currently have a phone system? Is it approaching the end of its life or are you outgrowing the features it offers? Have you considered a hosted solution when the time comes to replace it?

A hosted phone system has a number of advantages over the traditional PBX:

• No need to buy a costly phone system
• No ongoing maintenance
• Always up-to-date with the latest technology
• Pay for the features you use
• Flexible and scalable
• Enables flexible working
• Ideal for multi-site operations

It does rely upon a decent broadband connection but most businesses now understand how important data is to their organisation and many are upgrading their connectivity accordingly. The cost of dedicated connections is also falling making it affordable for small to medium sized businesses.

The cost of a hosted phone system

Hosted phone systems are generally charged per user. This usually yields considerable savings over standard set ups. There are scenarios where this pricing can work out more expensive than traditional telephony, particularly in large organisations, and in these instances it is possible to find pricing models that are similar to traditional telephony, offering a price per channel instead.

If you don't have a phone system currently or have an analogue system you will usually have to purchase dedicated handsets for each user. These do not have to be expensive and offer better features than a traditional handset. For instance, you can take them home and plug them into your router there and use them as if you were in the office.

Hosted phone systems are particularly cost effective in multi-site operations. Instead of purchasing a phone system for each site you have a single hosted account meaning that your "system" is effectively spread across all offices allowing transfer of calls between sites and free calls between all users.

The extra features you will get from a hosted system, such as call management and call routing, will also lead to improved productivity which saves you even more money over time.

Compare traditional and hosted phone systems

At Best Business Phone Deals we offer both traditional phone systems and hosted solutions. This means that we can produce a report for your business which shows you how much you would pay for each and allows you to compare them both for pricing and features.

You see which is most cost effective for your business and make your choice accordingly.

Posted in: Broadband , Business Landlines , Business Phones , Business Telecoms , Cloud Computing , Data Solutions , Hosted Solutions , Phone Systems , Solutions , Telecoms , VoIP