Installing business phone systems software can be a nightmare, even for a small or home-based business. You'll have to rely on strong in-house tech support or easily-accessible customer service no matter where you purchase business phone systems software and hardware. Your best bet may even be to purchase hardware specifically made to go along with your software, making it even easier to install.

Strong phone system software is one of the most important and expensive tools in managing your business for both inbound and outbound customer service calls, as well as soliciting new business. Still, it is possible to find great deals, especially on refurbished equipment and software, if you look in the right place.

Look to the following for the best way to buy phone system software:

1. Written reviews of business phone system software;

2. Leading brands; and

3. Discount telephone systems software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase phone systems software that offers online training and resources

It doesn't matter if you've installed software for phone systems before--each system, along with the software, is different. Look for user-friendly software for telephone systems so you won't have to completely retrain your staff or put off customers while they're trying to figure out how to work the new system.

I recommend: Register for a free membership to Avaya's DevConnect phone system software programs support and training program, complete with online training and SDK support. NEC Sphere software for telephone systems also offers Web-based support and training.

Go straight to manufacturer sites to find pricing on top-notch phone systems software

Business phone systems software handle everything from the simple, two-line phones to the more complex services like call conferencing, voice recognition and call recording. If you have a little extra to spend, the fancier features might be nice. Your business may be small now but could grow overnight, and it's a lot cheaper to invest once in business phone systems software.

I recommend: 3CX, a Miami-based telephone systems software vendor, offers a product tour and the ability to purchase online. Since Microsoft is the leading name in most computer operating systems, check out their business phone system software and make installation easy.

Buy from discount phone system software suppliers if your budget is tight

Buying from providers of phone system software that is discounted or refurbished can save you a ton of money, depending on the size of your operation. Keep in mind that even refurbished systems for very small businesses can cost several thousand dollars.

I recommend: Phoneguys, a discount service, offer great specials on complete phone systems packages for small business and offers a wide price range to meet most budgets. We Sell NEC also offers refurbished phone systems equipment as well as software.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're buying hardware like telephones separately from the software you'd like to use, be sure the two are compatible--there's no point in investing in solid telephone system software when it won't work with your hardware.