Home Based Business Communication Systems

By Rodney Brooks, on March 3rd, 2010

Phone.com The contemporary world offers us more options for interaction than ever before.

From written correspondence to the Internet and from cell phones to videoconferencing, it is quite simple to stay in contact with clients and vendors from around the world.

However, the wealth of options can be confusing.

Many of the latest technologies are expensive, and it is up to the consumer to make decisions that balance cost with usability.

It’s now quite simple to make use of a computer as a multi-function communications system for a home based business, since computer applications are available that include phone service, fax capabilities, video conferencing, and internet.

Alternatively, dedicated hardware can be used for all of these functions.

Whether or not to use your computer for various forms of communication, depends largely on the power of your system.

Communications tools are resource leaden, often requiring sizeable amounts of free hard drive space, as well as taking over the majority of the computer’s RAM when in use.

Additionally, most programs become resident in your system tray, meaning that they consume a portion of your computers resources even when not actively in use.

Powerful new computers can manage this effortlessly, with no loss of usability. However, older or less powerful computers may exhibit a decline in performance due to the consumption of virtual memory and hard drive space.

Assuming that your computer has the capability, using communications software has several advantages.

Many programs, especially those packaged together, will work in unison. This allows the computer to answer the phone and automatically direct the call appropriately.

Elaborate voice mail networks can be created, which present the impression that your company is divided into several different departments.

This adds authenticity and trust in the eyes of the consumer.

One such service that I have been using personally that does an outstanding job of this is Phone.com.

Additionally, separate components take up space. The more tools housed on your computer, the less devices need to be distributed throughout the room.

If your work is performed primarily on the computer, it may be to your disadvantage to set up your communications through your core computer. Pop-up windows will appear every time the phone rings, over whatever you may be involved in at the moment.

Some business owners find this significantly more distracting than simply answering a regular phone. So, every window that opens leads to another possibilty for a system freeze or crash. This could easily lead to a loss of data.

An alternative possibility is to acquire software for your own use in dialing out or sending faxes, but installing separate components to handle incoming communications.

This solution offers greatest flexibility, but requires a higher initial cost outlay. This furthermore has all the drawbacks of both options.

There are many choices on the market for communications software. Quality and functionality can vary widely from system to system. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read the fine print.

Your communications software is an integral part of your company, so do not skimp.

With low quality software, your calls may drop and your faxes interrupt in the middle. Low quality software is also more likely to cause resource conflicts on your computer.

The proper software, however, will provide ease of use and superior levels of functionality and reliability.

It is highly recommended that you read reviews and converse with other users, as quality varies and cost is no indication of superior software.

If you take the time to do your research, communications software can become an integral part of your home office.

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March 8, 2010 at 12:52 am · Reply

It’s great to see good information being shared and also to see fresh, creative ideas that have never been done before.
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July 8, 2010 at 3:20 am · Reply

Great site here. Many blogs like yours cover subjects that aren’t found in magazines. I don’t know how we got on 12 years ago with just newspapers and magazines.