Talkswitch Small Business Phone Systems News

The new Talkswitch models, 248VS, 288VS, 488VS, and, 848VS are meant for a different type of market than previous systems. All VS models have the same functionality, the difference is in the number of lines, analog extensions, or VOIP paths they have. Talkswitch model numbers have significance, they are easy to understand:

• The first digit is the number of analog phone lines that can be connected.
• The second digit is the number of analog extensions that can be connected. Please note all VS models running Talkswitch software version 5.0 or later can have 16 extensions per box total. The only difference is the number that can be analog extensions, all other extensions would need to be IP phones.
• The third digit is the number of VOIP paths into the system

So, the first 2 digits are fairly obvious. The third digit, VOIP paths, is where the new xx8 models open up new opportunities.

With Talkswitch software version 5.0, you can have remote IP phones register as local extensions. The way this works is, when the phone is on an active call, one VOIP path is used up on the Talkswitch. So, previously, the largest Talkswitch only had 4 VOIP paths. With enough Teleworkers, this was not sufficient. Now, new possibilities are open for Talkswitch systems. Please note the path is only used when a call is in process, not when the phone is sitting unused. The VOIP paths are shared with all other VOIP uses, so, think of how you will use the system before decided on a model.

VOIP paths are also used for VOIP trunk lines (phone lines over VOIP) when an adapter to that VOIP service is not used, i.e. SIPConnect. This means your lines come in through the network port, there is no phone cord involved. Talkswitch works with a variety of VOIP SIPConnect providers such as CBeyond, Broadvoice and others. So, for example, on a basic CBeyond T-1 line, they give you 6 SIPConnect. paths. Those can be traded for analog lines, or, cell phones. So, a CBeyond customer who uses 1 cell phone, 1 analog fax, has 4 SIPConnect lines remaining. Therefore, any of the xx4VS models would work, unless, they want to also support Teleworkers or place calls between branch offices. So, the new xx8 models are generally better for CBeyond customers, especially if you want more than 4 SIPConnect lines.

A third use of the VOIP paths is to connect branch offices. Perhaps a chain store, or, maybe you just have a couple of offices. Those offices can be connected via VOIP, with no VOIP phone provider required, this of it as you own private VOIP network. Each call uses one VOIP path on each end. So, count this in the number of VOIP paths when considering the models you may want. The advantages of linking offices together in this manner are reduced long distance (potentially), but, more importantly, a possible reduction in the number of phone lines you need. If you spend 4 hours a day communicating between offices via analog phone lines (even if the long distance is free), that is a phone line you can likely eliminate by using VOIP since the line would no longer be used 4 hours a day. Multiply that by how many offices you have, and the savings can be quite large. By linking via VOIP, you can even transfer calls between offices.

Always remember, any Talkswitch model can be expanded, either by upgrading it to a higher capacity model, or, by just buying another one of sufficient size and linking the 2 together. The link is seamless, and, the resulting multi box system functions as one phone system in all ways.

If you are a reseller looking to sell a powerful, owner-friendly™ small business phone system, you should definitely consider Talkswitch.