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Business Communications

Business communications technology is vital for both internal and external communications. Business phone systems, email services, call center software — our advice-filled guides cover it all, with expertise from vendors and real-life users alike.

Article
What Is Interactive Voice Response?
By Mark Fairlie | January 29, 2026
Your company may benefit from an interactive voice response system, which routes callers to the right contacts. Here is what you need to know.
closeup of a hand on the receiver of an office phone
Article
What Are Multiline Phone Systems?
By Mark Fairlie | January 29, 2026
Learn how to improve communications and optimize your entire business with a phone system capable of handling multiple calls simultaneously.
Article
What Is a Cloud PBX System? A Business Guide for 2026
By Mark Fairlie | January 29, 2026
Cloud PBX is an internet-based phone system that routes and manages business calls. Learn how cloud PBX compares to hosted VoIP and on-premises PBX in 2026.
Article
What Is a Softphone?
By Mark Fairlie | January 29, 2026
Softphones help businesses deliver voice, text and video over the web via cloud-based VoIP service providers. Learn how to use softphones in your business.
Article
What Is a VoIP Number?
By Mark Fairlie | January 28, 2026
A VoIP number is a dedicated phone number assigned to a user and not tied to a physical line. Learn how VoIP numbers work and how to get one.
businesswoman talking on a phone
Article
What Is VoIP?
By Mark Fairlie | January 28, 2026
VoIP technology uses a broadband internet connection to transmit phone calls. Learn VoIP's features and everything you need to know to implement VoIP.
Article
What Is a Virtual Phone Number?
By Mark Fairlie | January 09, 2026
Learn everything you need to know about virtual phone lines and how you can use one to optimize your business in a matter of moments.
Article
Why Businesses Are Still Sending Faxes in 2026
By Mark Fairlie | January 06, 2026
For some companies, faxing is more important than ever. Learn the benefits faxes provide and the online fax services you should consider using.
Article
What Is PBX?
By Mark Fairlie | November 17, 2025
PBX systems manage business calls through hardware or cloud-based VoIP. Traditional PBX requires on-site equipment, while cloud PBX offers lower monthly costs.
Article
Need a Business Phone Number, but Not a Business Phone?
By Max Freedman | November 12, 2025
A phone isn’t always necessary to do business these days. There are a number of options if you don’t need a traditional system.
Review
8×8 Phone System Review and Pricing
By Jessica Elliott | July 31, 2025
8x8 is a great cloud-based phone system for growing businesses, with valuable features, affordable pricing and excellent customer support. See full review.
Twilio logo
Review
Twilio Flex Review and Pricing
By Mark Fairlie | June 26, 2025
Twilio Flex is a programmable cloud contact center at $1/hour per active user or $150/month per named user. Requires developers but offers deep customization.
Salesforce Service Cloud logo
Review
Salesforce Service Cloud Review and Pricing
By Mark Fairlie | June 26, 2025
Salesforce Service Cloud provides omnichannel support, Einstein AI, and customizable workflows starting at $25/user/month for enterprise service teams.
RingCentral logo
Review
RingCentral Omnichannel CX Review and Pricing
By Mark Fairlie | June 26, 2025
RingCentral RingCX is top call center software for inbound teams, with excellent analytics, training tools, and omnichannel routing. AI features cost extra.
Five9 company logo
Review
Five9 Review and Pricing
By Mark Fairlie | June 26, 2025
Five9 offers cloud contact center software with AI routing, compliance features for HIPAA and PCI DSS, and gamification. Plans range from $149-$299/user/month.
Review
Nextiva Review and Pricing
By Jessica Elliott | March 11, 2025
Nextiva stands out for customer support, offering 24/7 phone assistance, multichannel tools and strong call routing. See our full review of features, pricing and limitations.
woman using a laptop
Article
12 Ways to Maximize Your Productivity With Slack
By Mark Fairlie | January 31, 2025
Boost productivity with Slack by using reminders, keyboard shortcuts, custom notifications, and channels to reduce meetings and improve team communication.
Article
Ping Author Andrew Brodsky on Digital Communication Manners in 2025 (Full Q&A)
By Taylor Friedman | January 23, 2025
The University of Texas at Austin management professor shares his “Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication.”
Remote team meeting on a laptop
Article
RingCentral vs. Zoom Comparison
By Jessica Elliott | September 30, 2024
Decide which phone system is right for your business. Learn how features and pricing stack up in our RingCentral vs. Zoom comparison.
video meeting on a laptop
Article
RingCentral vs. 8×8: How Do They Compare?
By Nicole Fallon | September 27, 2024
RingCentral and 8x8 are robust business phone systems. Learn how their features and pricing compare so you can choose the best option for your business.
person talking on a business phone
Article
What Is an Auto-Dialer?
By Shannon Flynn | April 10, 2024
Auto-dialing software has been around for some time, but it can be confusing to the average person. Here's how it can be a game-changer for businesses.