When buying a system, a primary concern is to make sure that the system is the right size for your firm. This means understanding the size constraints of the system. Lines indicate the total number of outside lines used by the company, while extensions refer to every phone within the company. For example, a system might accommodate up to 12 lines and 36 extensions.
Ports indicate the maximum number of connections that can be made to the system.
This includes outside lines and inside extensions, as well as accessories such as voice mail or automated attendants. Even if a system can handle your current phone traffic, you also need to check that it will be able to handle your future expansion needs. The ideal system should be able to handle such expansions in a very cost-effective manner. Check which items will need to be purchased or replaced as your needs grow in order to get a good sense for your future costs. The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.