BT increases phone flexibility for small businesses

Small businesses in the UK can now present a more professional image to customers and partners by intelligently managing their phone, mobile, and fax communications with the launch of BT RingCentral.

The new virtual phone system is the latest in a series of web-based tools from BT Business that are specifically designed for smaller companies. It offers a sophisticated phone system – including advanced call management and PBX features, voicemail and internet fax capabilities – without the cost and hassle of buying and maintaining the hardware in-house.

For only £15 (excl VAT) per month, companies get a non-geographic 0800 Freefone or an 0844 Contactcall* number that can be quickly and easily configured for multiple extensions with voicemail, automatic call screening and forwarding, a click-to-call button to use on web sites and e-mails, call logs for sales leads, fax capabilities and message alerts.

BT RingCentral allows callers to be welcomed with a professionally recorded custom greeting, in-queue music or promotional announcement. It also enables users to make, screen and answer calls online, through their PCs using the “Desktop Call Controller”.

Being web-based, BT RingCentral gives users the flexibility to configure their virtual phone system to match their needs and as a company expands, add extensions for new employees, create departments and connect remote offices.

Bill Murphy, managing director of BT Business, said: “The telephone is still an essential business tool, but when combined with an online virtual phone system like BT RingCentral, it becomes even more powerful for small businesses. It allows them to present a more professional image by giving them the tools that have traditionally only been open to big business and also gives them more control of how they communicate, with customers, colleagues and partners.”