When purchasing the phone system that is most appropriate for the size and aim of a company, there are audio, video and wireless options.

Audio conference phones use speakers and speakerphone features, as well as push-to-talk microphones to communicate. Videophone use transfers compressed or full motion video by way of a satellite, cable line or phone line.

Internet access allows graphics, emails, chats, forums and desktop videoconferencing to further company goals. This useful tool allows collaborators to come together, which is especially helpful in the case of group projects.

Depending on the type of phone you purchase, you could enjoy the ease of text-based, graphical and video chats.

When Wi-Fi replaces the use of Ethernet cables, a wireless network is created. This is a great solution for a company that supports the communication of a vast number of employees and other encounters.

Through WLANs, access to a variety of personal, business and other public networks can be reached within 100-300 feet of a wireless access point.

Companies, Prices and Features
The size of the office, room or meeting parameters will determine the type of conference phone you will use. For starters, individual office use often calls for hands-free audio-conferencing with two-line capabilities.

The Polycom Soundpoint Pro 2-Line Desk Phone costs around $250, offering both handset and headset access.

Polycom is one of the leading companies in the conference equipment business, providing small meeting offices with the Polycom VoiceStation, mid-sized conference rooms with the Polycom Sound Station2 and 24 hours of talk time with the Polycom SoundStation2W Wireless, which also allows cell phone dialing access.

AHERN is a great resource to seek when making a conferencing phone purchase. Some of the leaders in conferencing equipment production are available through these sources, which include brands like ClearOne, Spracht, Panasonic and Cortelco.

A top seller on the market is the line of ClearOne Conference Phones, which offer noise and echo cancellation, and plug-and-play capabilities.

The ClearOne Chat 50 USB Plus Personal Speaker Phone sells for about $180, while their ClearOne RAV 600 and 900 Premium Conferencing Systems can cost close to $2200 for a wireless controller, two microphone pods and BOSE ceiling speakers.

Through a series of several built-in microphones, Spracht Conference Phones allows 360 degrees of coverage. For about $250, the Spracht VoiceCenter Phone offers a high-quality choice in communication.

For about $90, you may purchase the Digital Telephone System Interface, which establishes conference phone capability with almost all phone systems.

Overall, when choosing a conference phone to fit the needs of the office or company, there is a wide-range of features that you may or may not need. Assessing current circumstances while looking towards the future will help to make the most beneficial and cost-saving decision.