Product Details

What is a key system?

A key system is a telephone system for small businesses that provides direct access to outside lines from individual stations on the customer's premises. One of its greatest benefits to a small business is the low cost of expandability. Key systems are based on an expandable framework that allows users to purchase only those features required for current applications. At the same time, the key system is designed to incorporate additional telephones, lines and features, such as data communications capabilities, into the existing network. This allows for expandability without system outages or replacement, which saves the small business time and money.

Key systems can support a variety of sophisticated business features, including:

• High-speed integrated voice and data communications via CTI compatibility, T1 and ISDN support
  
  
• Automatic call distribution (ACD)
  
  
• Voice messaging
  
  
• Automated attendant
  
  
• Fax and modem connections
  
  
• Wireless/cordless telephone integration
  
  
• Hands-free usage

Key systems consist of the following components:

• Key service unit (KSU) - This is a freestanding unit that contains the printed circuit boards and power supply. This unit controls all aspects of system operation.
  
  
• Printed circuit boards (PCB) - The PCB determines the specific capabilities and features of the key system.
  
  
• Station equipment (telephones) - Station equipment hosts specialized circuitry or microprocessors to support common control and special functions at the desktop.
  
  
• Power supply - This unit can be housed within the KSU or in a separate cabinet near the commercial power source. Power supplies convert commercial voltages to meet the system's operating requirements.

Sprint offers three key systems options to fit your customers' call management needs.

• Norstar Modular Integrated Communications System - This sophisticated system can grow to 272 extensions.
  
  
• Norstar Compact Integrated Communications System - A unique building block design lets you start with four lines and eight stations or four lines and 16 stations, and grow to eight lines and 24 stations with software and system expansion cartridges.
  
  
• Venture Phones - A low-cost solution, the Venture phone helps your small business get started and grow to eight employees. It is a KSU-less system that allows a business to have many key system features without the expense of a full key system. The system will allow up to 17 lines and eight stations.