IP telephone systems such as PABX and VoIP are becoming increasingly popular. Emerging telephone service providers have introduced higher levels of competition to the telecommunications industry giving rise to a wide variety of robust and feature rich PABX systems. In the current economic landscape many organisations are realising that they cannot afford not to make the switch to a cost saving integrated voice and data system.
The initial cost of switching may be unavoidable however IP telephone systems prove to be more cost effective in the long run. In-fact, these days leasing has almost become the norm with the procurement of telephone, IT and other office equipment. As a result, one finds that procuring a PABX telephone system may not necessarily mean a huge capital outlay since a lease agreement could secure a very impressive system.
When it comes to making a decision between either leasing telephone equipment or purchasing it, there are many variables to consider. There are advantages and disadvantages to each scenario and the final decision really comes down to the financial circumstances of the organisation. Some factors to be considered include the following:
Do you have the capital required to upgrade your telephone system right now?
If you are unable to raise the capital required to purchase an IP telephone system internally this would mean financing the purchase through a third party. On the other hand a lease agreement in-which monthly leasing costs are likely to be fixed or predictable would allow you to spread the cost over a longer period, maintaining cash flow and freeing up capital for other purchases.
Does the purchase price include related services such as installation, maintenance and training?
These are often included as part of the lease agreement however you do not want to be surprised by hidden costs. Ensure that you know whether or not the above costs have been included.
Will you need to upgrade your telephone system again and when?
Upgrading purchased equipment could mean another capital outlay in a few years time. Leased equipment on the other hand can be upgraded with far less cost and hassle allowing you to respond more easily to your businesses changing needs. Although leasing is becoming a popular choice for all sorts of office equipment and furniture it is a particularly sensible choice for IT equipment. Given the fast rate at which new technology is being developed leasing gives you some protection against purchasing equipment which may well be obsolete in a few years time.
How will this purchase / lease reflect financially?
Leasing allows you write off the expenditure as an operating expense instead of a capital purchase which gets added to your asset register and must be depreciated over time. Although this may not always apply, it has been said “buy that which appreciates and lease that which depreciates”.
Whether you choose to lease your PABX telephone system or purchase the equipment outright, switching to IP telephony and integrating your communications network makes business sense.
To find out more contact
086 123 TALK or email sales@talking.co.za
