Cisco Phone System Cost. I’ve had the privilege of exploring Cisco Systems, Inc.’s remarkable business phone systems, which are tailored to cater to the needs of larger organizations. Established in 1984 by a group of scientists from Stanford University, Cisco has solidified its status as a global leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing communication technology.
Cisco underscores its dedication to enhancing life experiences through connectivity with “The Human Network” campaign. This initiative highlights the company’s commitment to internet networking, facilitating global connectivity through technology. Cisco specializes in VoIP technology, enabling unified voice and data networks—a vital feature for modern businesses.
Cisco offers a diverse range of business phone systems for organizations of all sizes. These systems, whether hosted in the cloud or on-premises, provide the flexibility needed to accommodate various business structures. They come equipped with advanced functionalities like video calls, conferencing, and voicemail, enhancing real-time collaboration.
Cisco excels in configuring communication systems with precision, adapting them to an enterprise’s unique requirements. Whether it’s call management, mobility, or collaboration, Cisco’s solutions can be customized to align with your specific needs. Furthermore, they offer comprehensive contact center services, ensuring seamless and efficient customer interactions.
Expected Costs to Set Up Your Cisco Phone System
The number of users in your organization is a significant determinant of the overall cost. The cost spectrum for Cisco phone systems encompasses a wide range, extending from as low as $50 to a high of $700 per individual phone unit. If you have a large workforce, these costs can add up quickly. Therefore, it’s crucial to assess your user needs carefully.
The capabilities of each phone also influence the pricing. More advanced features and capabilities come at a higher cost. It’s essential to strike a balance between what your business needs and what you can afford. Understanding the specific requirements of your team can help you make cost-effective choices.
Cisco phone systems offer a variety of add-on features, such as integrations and conference call capabilities. These can enhance your business communication, but they come at an extra cost. Consider which features are essential for your operations and budget accordingly.
Installation costs are a one-time expense and typically range from $500 to $2500 per device. It’s important to budget for these costs when setting up your Cisco phone system.
Monthly costs can range from $25 to $250 per user, depending on the chosen plan and features. Keep in mind that opting for an annual payment plan can lead to cost savings.
Cisco has introduced a new subscription plan for small businesses, allowing them to sign a 3-year contract that includes installation and device costs in their monthly bills. While this may lower upfront expenses, it’s important to consider the potential long-term costs associated with this arrangement.
Why Choose Cisco?
I was impressed by Cisco’s unwavering commitment to providing an outstanding user experience. With Cisco, it’s not just about making calls; it’s about navigating a seamless communication path. The calling features are easy to configure, catering to businesses with multiple locations. The convenience of cloud hosting or on-premises hosting allows you to adapt your phone system to meet your business’s unique needs.
Security and energy efficiency are crucial in today’s business world. Cisco understands this and ensures that their VoIP phone systems are not only user-friendly but also safe and eco-friendly. Cisco has integrated various security measures, including call merging, call waiting, and voicemail to text/email, which can be integrated with Google Apps and Microsoft Office.
One of the highlights of my exploration was Cisco’s dedication to versatility. You can discover the potential of Cisco’s phone systems for your business with features like web conferencing through Microsoft Outlook and video conferencing via Skype for Business. If you need to enhance customer service, the conference calls and business texting options, which can be integrated with Salesforce and Zendesk, respectively, are at your disposal.
Cisco not only offers an exceptional product but also takes pride in their commitment to customer satisfaction. They provide auto-attendant and interactive voice response options to streamline your business communication. Plus, their continuous support and training help you make the most of your phone system.
Choosing the Right Cisco Phone System for Your Needs
Cisco offers a range of phone systems, each catering to specific requirements, pricing, and features. As of now, Cisco presents an array of five unique series, comprising the 3900, 6900, 7800, 7900, and 8800 series. Let’s take a closer look at these options to determine which one aligns best with your business needs.
1. Cisco 3900 Series
The Cisco 3900 series serves as an entry-level phone system. It supports only one phone model, the SIP phone 3905, and includes fundamental features like speakerphone, mute, and caller ID.
This system is optimally designed for environments characterized by sporadic phone usage, including spaces like classrooms, hallways and lobbies. Pricing for the SIP Phone 3905 ranges from $54.99 to $85.00, making it a budget-friendly choice for businesses with minimal communication requirements.
2. Cisco 6900 Series
The Cisco 6900 series represents an advancement beyond the 3900 series, incorporating supplementary features while maintaining its appropriateness for basic and occasional use. It extends compatibility to the IP phone 6901, which boasts functions like call waiting and a diverse selection of ringtones.
Priced between $70 and $120, this series provides more functionality without breaking the bank.
3. Cisco 7800 Series
The Cisco 7800 series is the ideal choice for businesses with frequent communication needs. It proudly offers top-tier audio quality for handsets, headsets, and speaker systems, guaranteeing impeccably clear call quality.
Designed with remote work in mind, this series accommodates four diverse phone models, all thoughtfully equipped with programmable keys to facilitate swift speed dialing. In addition, the 7800 series demonstrates its prowess by effortlessly harmonizing with the cloud, courtesy of its seamless integration with Cisco Spark.
Here are the available models and their price ranges:
- IP Phone 7811: $75-90.
- IP Phone 7821: $70-120.
- IP Phone 7841: $100-120.
- IP Phone 7861: $100-120.
4. Cisco 7900 Series: Colored Displays and Broadband Audio
The 7900 series offers businesses an array of colored screen displays and access to Gigabit internet. Each phone in this series is equipped with speakerphones and handsets supporting G.722 wideband audio.
It’s worth noting that this system is not designed for mobile or remote workers. If you’re seeking a basic system with colored displays, the 7900 series is a viable option.
- IP Phone 7945G: $70-170
- IP Phone 7965G: $70-265
- IP Phone 7975G: $160-300
5. Cisco 8800 Series
The 8800 series stands as Cisco’s most advanced phone system, offering a plethora of features and options. Notably, it supports HD video calling across all its desk phones, making video conference calls across different locations a breeze.
The system caters to both remote and mobile workers with models like the IP Wireless Phone 8821 and 8821-EX. These phones enable seamless synchronization of contact lists and call histories between desk and mobile phones.
Moreover, the IP Conference Phone 8832 guarantees top-notch audio quality during conference calls in rooms up to 400 square feet. Wideband audio support ensures an exceptional audio experience across all phone models, each accommodating up to ten lines.
This flexibility allows employees to handle multiple customer or client interactions simultaneously.
- IP Phone 8811 – $100-180
- Wireless IP Phone 8821 – $220-320
- Wireless IP Phone 8821-EX – $250-600
- IP Conference Phone 8832 – $450-675
- IP Phone 8841 – $120-300
- IP Phone 8845 – $150-400
- IP Phone 8861 – $200-400
- IP Phone 8865 – $240-400
Installation Costs
Exploring Cisco phone systems has provided me with invaluable insights, particularly when it comes to the installation process. For Cisco phone systems to operate seamlessly, a robust internet connection is vital. If your current connection is insufficient, investing in an upgrade becomes necessary.
Equally important are the costs related to setting up the system, including routers and associated equipment. These costs are not fixed and can vary based on the number of users.
Installation costs for Cisco phone systems can fluctuate considerably. Typically, they range from $1,000 to $20,000. However, these figures can increase when dealing with extensive and intricate setups.
The intricacy of your business requirements, the scale of your setup, and the type of hardware needed all impact installation costs. Smaller businesses with fewer users generally incur lower expenses, while larger enterprises may face more significant upfront costs.
Monthly Costs of Cisco Phone Systems
I recently explored Cisco phone systems and discovered that comprehending the monthly costs is vital. Allow me to simplify this financial aspect for you.
The monthly expenses aren’t fixed; they fluctuate based on your system and the number of users. For each user, the monthly costs can fluctuate between $20 and $100. Naturally, a greater number of users will lead to higher monthly bills.
The complexity of your phone models also influences your monthly costs. For instance, phones in the 3900 series entail a more budget-friendly monthly fee in contrast to those in the 8800 series.
Training Costs for Cisco Phone Systems
Providing training for employees in the adoption of a new system is absolutely essential. It’s worth noting that basic training may or may not be included in your installation costs.
If training isn’t bundled with installation, be prepared to allocate a budget for it. Typically, you can expect to pay over $50 per hour for training sessions. Keep in mind that as the number of users increases, so will your training costs.
Additional Equipment Costs for Cisco Phone Systems
To optimize the functionality of your Cisco phone system, you may require additional equipment. This often includes headphones, softphones, and headsets. These tools play a significant role in ensuring effective communication within your organization.
The expenditure on such supplementary equipment can be subject to fluctuations, contingent upon your selection of brand and the specific features you decide to incorporate. Typically, you can expect to invest between $30 and $150 for each piece of equipment.
The variety of options available in the market can be overwhelming. Take the time to research and choose the equipment that aligns with your business objectives. Look for features that will benefit your employees and help streamline your communication processes.
Conclusion
When opting for a Cisco Phone System, several cost components come into play. Your initial expense includes installation costs. This can range from $1,000 to $20,000, contingent on system complexity and user numbers.
Additional equipment like headphones, softphones, and headsets are essential for optimal functionality, with each piece costing between $30 and $150. Employees must be proficient in using the system. Training may or may not be included with installation, so budget for hourly rates that typically exceed $50.
These depend on your system and user count, varying from $20 to $100 per user monthly. Expect higher costs with more users. Over time, upgrades may be needed, and additional training will be required. Factor these into your long-term costs.
If Cisco doesn’t align with your needs or budget, explore other VoIP phone system providers. Assess their offerings to find the best fit for your business.
