So, you want to know why you need to know this information?

Well, we have consulted with hundreds of businesses to understand their main criteria when comparing VoIP Telephones. We’ve tried our best to describe why we believe each point is valid.

• Display – Whilst this may be down to personal preference, there also may be some real use cases for specific screen sizes. For example, in Hospitality, you may want to display your logo and integrate third-party applications into the phone, such as Point of Sale, Ordering, and more. It goes without saying that the fancier the phone, the more costly the investment.
• Number of Keys – The most common application is for quick dial or line state. This will enable you to view, at a glance, whether the user you have associated to that key is on the phone or not. By pressing the button the system will call the user automatically and will not require you to remember the users’ extension number, which is often an issue for switchboard operators. Some of the keys are known as Superkeys and have the ability to control system functions such as Hotdesk login, Call Centre login, Conference, and more.
• Supports Hands-Free – Hands-free operation is not Speakerphone. Speakerphone lets you hear the person you are talking to, but you will need to talk into the handset in order for them to hear you clearly. Hands-free in our sense is for full-duplex hands-free speaker and microphone and can function even with the handset on the cradle of the phone.
• Headset Ports – If you intent using a headset with your VoIP phone, you will need to know what your device supports so that you purchase the correct headset. Further on that, you need to make sure that your Headset provider knows the model of your phone so that they can supply the correct cable configuration and connection.
• Ethernet / WiFi – How will these devices connect to your network – will this be via your Network cable (Ethernet) or attach to your WiFi network? And in the case of Ethernet, you need to consider two things: the number of ports on the device, and the transmission speed of those ports. If the device only has 1 port, you will need to run a dedicated cable from your network for the phone, whereas, if the device supports 2 ports, you can use one to connect back to your network, and the other to connect your PC – thereby enabling a converged infrastructure. When it comes to transmission speed, it is ideal that you purchase devices that match the speed of your network switch now, or what you intend upgrading your network switch to support in the future. For example, if your network switch wants to communicate with a device at 1000Mbps, but your phone only supports 100Mbps, then the connection will be limited to 100Mbps – and if you’re connecting your laptop or PC through your phone, that can be a problem if you’re used to having a direct 1000Mbps connection. Your provider will be the best person to help you work out which is the best option, considering your current network or IT strategy going forward.
• Power – Great, so you purchase a fancy VoIP phone – but it needs power in order to work. No power, no function. VoIP phones typically get power from the Network, where possible, known as Power over Ethernet, and there are a few ways to achieve this (supported network switches, midspans or power-injectors). Some devices will still require you to use an AC adapter which may require a two-prong adapter and a spare powerpoint, which isn’t always ideal when you’re wanting to keep the number of wires to each desk at a minimum.
• Microsoft Integration – We thought this would be a pertinent point to include because we view Microsoft as the leader in Unified Communications. They do Apps really well and are progressing well on developing their solution as a complete telephone system replacement. For users who want to continue using devices, the devices need to have been tested and certified to work on the Microsoft telephone system (for example, Microsoft Teams). That integration will allow you to use a device with your profile, and that the Software knows that you’re on the phone when your device is in use. It will also enable you to use your device for incoming and outgoing calls, as an extension of the Microsoft system.
• Device Warranty – You need to have this discussion with your Partner. What does the Warranty cover? What happens if the device fails, do you sit without a device while your’s is being repaired or replaced? How long could that take? All of these are valuable questions you need to ask and keep a record of at your office!

Have we missed something? 

Let us know what you feel is important to you in the comments below and we’ll work on incorporating it into our Comparison!