In a word, yes. Conventional phone contracts generally assumed everyone had the same requirements in terms of conference calling, voicemail, recording options and diverts.

However, because hosted VoIP phone systems place the administrator squarely in charge via an easily-controlled web portal, there is far more scope for customising the system around each user’s specific requirements.

Historically, your location was revealed by the area code (and local BT exchange) you were using. Because hosted telephony is sent over the internet, this is no longer the case. That brings a number of benefits, including the ability to infer your staff are in a certain area even when they’re not. For instance, customers in London who see an 0207 area code on an incoming call would assume they were speaking to a local agent, rather than someone based outside the capital, or working remotely.

One consequence of this is that employees can work from home while using their normal office line. That’s useful for companies wanting to offer the flexible working arrangements that employers are increasingly championing and it’s invaluable in the adverse weather conditions that affect the UK for over 30 days each year.

One of the biggest benefits of hosted phone systems is their relative affordability, and these cost savings are largely due to a lack of physical infrastructure. Just as sending an email eliminates postage fees, so hosted systems do away with trunking and exchanges, as well as expensive maintenance contracts.

Combining fixed and mobile telephony into a user-controlled online interface, it requires a minimal capital outlay, yet round-the-clock support is provided for everything from number porting to handset training. While the handsets themselves resemble conventional office phones, their interfaces and features are more intuitive, ensuring users are comfortable using their new telecommunications devices.

The service is provided centrally so you don’t need an expensive system on each site. Horizon connects branch offices together, calls are free between locations and mobiles and everyone shares the same dial plans and directories.