BT launches RingCentral for small businesses

BT launches RingCentral for small businesses

BT has launched a new virtual phone system in the hope of levelling the playing field for smaller businesses managing their communications.

BT RingCentral is aimed at creating a "more professional image to customers and partners", according to the telecoms giant, as it enables small businesses to manage their landlines, mobiles and fax communications using a web-based tool.

The new system, which costs from £15 a month (excluding VAT), includes advanced call management and PBX features, voicemail and internet fax capabilities, but doesn't include the requirement and expense of buying and managing associated hardware in-house.

A professionally-recorded welcome message, in-queue hold music and the ability to answer, make and screen calls online using a desktop call controller are included in the package, as is a non-geographic 0800 free phone or 0844 Contactcall number that can be quickly and easily configured for multiple extensions with voicemail, automatic call screening and forwarding. Furthermore, users benefit from a click-to-call button for email and website usage, sales lead call logs, fax capabilities and message alerts.

"The telephone is still an essential business tool, but when combined with an online virtual phone system like BT RingCentral, it becomes even more powerful for small businesses," said Bill Murphy, managing director of BT Business. "It allows them to present a more professional image by giving them the tools that have traditionally only been open to big business and also gives them more control of how they communicate, with customers, colleagues and partners