We try to make selecting your next communications system a pleasant experience! Please consider the following questions which you need to address before making your decision and choosing a new system.

1. How many telephones do you need to operate efficiently and effectively?
   Remember to include all employees plus any common areas such as conference rooms that will need telephones.
   
   
2. How many telephone lines do you currently use and what type are they: Central Office, DID, Centrex, OPX, T-1, T-1 PRI?
   The number of lines you need varies from business to business. According to one study, the typical office-based business should buy three lines for every four or five people. A retail store, on the other hand, might need only a few lines for 30 employees.

   Planning ahead is crucial. Most consultants agree that companies should buy a phone system that can expand by at least 50% and last three to five years.

3. How many incoming lines and extensions will you need in the future, and do you foresee any changes to your business, like growth, move, or merger?
   Save yourself money in the long run by anticipating your future needs. Most of the time it will cost less to expand an existing system than to buy a new one.

   Remember, a phone system is something that you will have in your office for a long time, so a good rule of thumb is to think optimistically when figuring out the number of extensions needed in your office in terms of the size of your company in the near future.

4. How much do you spend on your monthly telecommunication bills, both voice and data?
   SCI Telecom can help you save up to 40% by conducting an audit of costs and analyzing your phone bills.
   
   
5. Do you want voice mail?
   For most people, the answer is yes. Voice mail is a valuable tool that most, if not all, businesses cannot afford to be without.
   
   
6. Do you use or need any cordless and wireless phones?
   Using cordless and wireless phones give you the freedom you need to move around the office and still stay in touch with callers.
   
   
7. Do you have or foresee to add any satellite offices or home offices?
   When you have satellite offices and/or home offices, phone systems can be networked and therefore providing a unified appearance to your callers.
   
   
8. Do you require an auto attendant answer all of your incoming calls?
   Auto attendant can be an extremely useful tool to provide direct station dialing, directory information, and night and off-hours call coverage.
   
   
9. How do computers integrate with your telecommunication system?
   Another feature, computer telephony integration, lets your phone and PC work together with popular contact management software such as ACT!, Microsoft Outlook and GoldMine to provide "screen pop-ups" of customer information. For instance, when a customer calls, his or her company information would automatically appear on your computer screen.
   
   
10. What other options (e.g., music on hold, external paging, special ringing devices, headsets, etc.) do you want?
    Having additional features can add value to your phone system.