If you're installing a business telephone system for the first time, or thinking of upgrading your existing network, there are many things you need to take into account when comparing different phone systems offered by providers.

Relying on your own experience and advice from friends and colleagues could help you identify the types of phone system that would be best suited to your company, as well as those that are not so well suited. Talking to 10 business owners and asking them which telephone system they use - and most importantly, whether they are satisfied with the service - could provide you with a shortlist to make your task easier.

If you already have a phone system installed, looking for ways to re-use your current handsets, cables and other components could be more cost effective than starting from scratch, but not all phone systems will be equally well suited to your hardware.

Checking the compatibility of your new phone system with your current system can be a good way of cutting costs on your new phone installation, as long as you are confident that this will not require compromise - bear in mind that you will likely be using this phone system for many years, and do not want to be plagued with frequent disconnections and other problems due to incompatibility.

Carefully considering the features you require from your new business telephone system could also help you save money, as well as better ensure your satisfaction with the service. If you operate a large business with many employees, you may need a telephone system capable of handling multiple lines. If your business is in sales or customer support, you may also find features such as music-on-hold and auto-attendants useful, to ensure callers are happier to wait in line during busy times.

Many businesses today are increasingly recognising the advantage of the internet in reducing the cost of calls, especially when using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to make calls over their broadband connections. Installing a phone system that is compatible with VoIP could help you make significant savings, particularly on international calls.

Once you know what you're looking for from your new business telephone system, the best place to go is online, where you can typically find the best deals from major suppliers. Using price comparison websites can be a useful starting point, helping you evaluate the respective prices and features of business telephone systems for your organisation.

Mildred Potts writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.