One might think that small businesses cannot benefit much from hosted telephony applications. But that is simply not the case. Small businesses can benefit a great deal by using a hosted telephony service that provides a host of features that can give the much required boost to a small business.

Consider the usage of Freephone 0800 numbers. A small business owner, such as a florist or a plumber might not devote a lot of thought to getting freephone numbers. But if one takes a moment to think about it, one might find that there are several business advantages by using an 0800 number.

Most small businesses rely on just a landline and a mobile phone for their daily operations. A landline has its own limitations, it might not be possible for the business owner to be around the phone at all times. If he wants to be accessible at all times, the only other option is the mobile phone. But not many would want to give out their personal mobile number for business calls. If the business owner decides to take two mobile numbers, one for personal use and one for the business, there is the added hassle of carrying around two mobile phones at the same time.

These problems can be effectively eliminated by using a freephone 0800 number. It automatically and intelligently routes calls to the mobile phone and landline according to the time of the day. It is also possible to customize call preferences to suit individual tastes. The IVR menu can be uploaded with a professionally recorded voice prompt message that urges callers to select options 1, 2, 3 etc. according to their requirement.

For example, a caller who wants an urgent resolution may indicate his preference by punching the number 1. If it is just an enquiry call, the caller may choose to leave a voice message and the business owner can call back later. The 0800 greeting message can be customized for normal daytime operating hours as well as out of hours. If the call is of a general nature, the caller may be requested to call back during the operational hours; on the other hand if it is an urgent requirement, the caller may indicate that by choosing the designated number.

0800 numbers can help small businesses set themselves apart from the competition. Using an 0800 number means that the business has a permanent number irrespective of change in location or telephone service provider. It allows the business owner to respond to all the callers and it also makes for an attractive option in the Yellow pages because it is a freephone number.

Apart from 0800 numbers, Numbertalk also offers 0845 numbers, 0844 numbers, premium rate numbers and 03 numbers.