Communication Systems

5 Best Communication Systems for Small Businesses

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Maintaining an agile and scalable business communication system should rank high on any small business’ list of priorities. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) can help. This technology powers most modern virtual communication and collaboration platforms, from Skype to Zoom. 

However, there is also a range of solutions specifically targeting the needs of businesses. Whether you’re looking to nurture communication with customers, or flexibly collaborate with remote team members, these business VoIP services have you covered. 

In addition to voice and video calling, many of them also bundle other channels of communication, from live chat to email. Whether you run a large business, property management group, or small business, you can send text messages online and receive instant responses using a 2-way SMS text messaging platform that will change the way you communicate. Plus, they come with a range of productivity-boosting additional functionalities, from automatic call transcription to advanced call management.  

Here are the best VoIP business communication systems to take your small business to the next level in 2021. 

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1. Nextiva

Nextiva provides all-round excellence as one of the best virtual phone systems for small businesses. Based in Arizona, this communication system provider bases its services on proprietary tech, which combines communication with analytics and customer relationship management (CRM) functionalities. 

Nextiva offers voice and video calling, conferencing, fax and SMS. It also comes with over 45 powerful additional features, such as voicemail-to-email, advanced call management, and auto-attendants. It’s among the most popular VoIP systems in the US, with over 100,000 businesses among its customers. 

What makes Nextiva stand out on the crowded VoIP market is its reliability and excellence in customer service. Thanks to several data centers distributed across North America, this provider can boast an uptime of 99.999%. Also, if you ever do run into problems, its award-winning customer service is available 24/7 to help you out. Pricing starts at $18.95 per user and month, paid annually. 

2. Vonage

Next up is Vonage. It offers a solid “Business Communications” offer. It includes voice and video calls, SMS, and messaging. Useful features like voicemail transcription, virtual receptionists, and call groups are also part of the package. 

One of Vonage’s biggest advantages, though, is the huge number of integrations. This provider’s App Center includes over 20 third-party integrations, including platforms like Google Workspace, HubSpot, Office 365, Salesforce, and Zendesk. This makes it easy for users to weave this VoIP business communication system into an existing network of business apps. 

In terms of pricing, Vonage is available starting at $14.99 per user and month. However, for businesses with over 100 users, custom pricing is available. 

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3. 8×8

In third place, 8×8 communication system shines with international flexibility and security-consciousness. Not only does this provider offer toll-free numbers in over 120 countries, and local ones in over 80, its service is HIPAA-compliant by default. It also has ‘Authority to Operate’ with UK government agencies.

In addition to voice and video calling, 8×8 comes with nifty features like visual voicemail, advanced call management, meeting transcription, and file sharing. It also integrates with platforms like Office 365 to HubSpot, Slack, and Teams. Plus, it allows you to easily forward messages to other apps such as Telegram. 8×8’s Express plan is specifically designed for small business communication systems, at $12 per user and month. 

4. Ooma Office

Like 8×8, Ooma Office targets smaller teams. This provider aims to convince with solid features, flexibility, and reasonable pricing. Apart from voice calls, Ooma offers SMS, MMS, paging, video conferencing, chats, and team messaging. It also includes 35 additional features, from voicemail transcription to virtual receptionists for automatic call handling.

Standard pricing starts at $19.95 per user and month. The Pro plan, at $24.95, expands the offer with a variety of integrations with platforms like Zendesk, Salesforce, and Google Workspace.

5. Dialpad

Dialpad, finally, makes the list thanks to its focus on innovation, specifically targeting small- and midsize businesses. 

This communication system was launched by the developers of Google Voice. This service includes a number of cutting-edge tech features, such as call transcription through natural language processing, custom analytics, and real-time feedback delivered by artificial intelligence. 

While all of this may still sound futuristic to most businesses, Dialpad makes these technologies easy to access. This provider prides itself on easy installation, configuration, and user management. Key metrics, like call volumes, call activity, and average call and spike time, are comfortably accessible through user dashboards. Pricing starts at $15 per user and month. 

Conclusion 

The VoIP market is bustling with offers targeting different kinds of businesses and different communication requirements. When choosing a business communication system, start by analyzing your needs and expectations. Then, proceed to vet the services above with these criteria in mind. 

By defining your priorities, and doing some digging among the services above, you’ll be able to pinpoint the provider that will help you on your path to communication excellence.  

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