Multi Line Phone Systems

You need to ask yourself what it is you really need with a Multi-Line Phone System.

The reason being, most people get confused by what's a "Line" and what's an "Extension". These terms were common distinctions back in the day of on-site installed analog telephone systems. However, today people interchange the terms "Line" and "Extension" quite frequently thus making your search for a "Multi-Line" phone system in need of further clarification.

So here's a quick definition of "Lines" and "Extensions":

LINES: Refers to the phone numbers you acquire. Do You need Multiple Phone Numbers?

EXTENSIONS: Refers to the phone extensions that run off of a phone line, or where an incoming call is redirected to.

TIP: Most online services provide multiple extension packages and enable you to expand your actual telephone "lines" (your phone numbers), so be sure to check this before you sign up. Even if you think you may not expand very much, assume you will..just in case.

These days your Multi-Line System can be immediately acquired online. As I mentioned above, the service I personally use is Ring Central. The cost for your "Cloud Based Phone System" varies depending on what you need; Prices range from $50.00/mth to $19.99/mth per Extension User.

Another popular service is eVoice®. They offer a six month free trial and you can select a package with 5 multi-extensions. They also offer room for growth with the ability to add more lines and extensions beyond the base package amount. The 5 Extension Package will run you approximately $30/mth.

Most internet phone services will allow you to transfer an existing phone number, but there can be restrictions. That's a question you need to have addressed before you commit.

Also, normally you will be asked to select a toll free number or a local phone number for your virtual system; the choice is yours. These services are based on the package of minutes you select and the number of extensions you need. It's significantly cheaper than calling up a local phone company and having them install a full PBX (Private Branch Exchange) Telephone System for you.

TIP: Some Services let you select a Local Phone Number from Another City - Handy if you want to create a local presence in another area.

Most online services provide a whole host of features in a Multi-Line Phone System. Things to look for are:

* Full online Call Management
* Administer the System From Online, anywhere
* The potential for unlimited Extensions
* Call Forwarding
* Voice Mail
* Dial by Name Directory
* Fax Services
* Answering Rules
* Toll Numbers or Local Numbers
* Auto Receptionist Capabilities
* Call Queues

When you acquire a multi-line phone system numerous features are included, including Call Forwarding.

Again, depending what it is that you're actually wanting to do, multi line telephone systems with call forwarding, are all inclusive of full PBX features and tools

What is it that you are trying to do with your calls, that makes you believe a multi-line system with forwarding is your solution? Are you wanting to have several different incoming phone lines forwarded to another location; if that's the case, no problem, that can be done.

Perhaps you would like one incoming phone line to forward to several locations, again no problem, that can also be done.

Essentially, virtual phone systems today can pretty much do most everything you want.