Every kind of business needs an interconnected communication system. It helps employees to stay internally connected via extensions. Large organizations need an arrangement to manage the inward calls and transfer them to the right person in the concerned department.
- Customers need to reach the specific staff for necessary services or information.
- Employees need to get connected with one another quickly to set up meetings, exchange information, and transfer of consumer calls.
The structure that allows these tasks to get accomplished is called PBX telephone system. Many types of PBX systems are available. Let’s explore their different kinds and common functions in detail.
Buyers consider the following to decide between on-premise and cloud based PBX systems
- Real cost of ownership (TCO) – For on-site system, a huge upfront investment is needed, while cloud-based systems include affordable monthly payments. If you do a comparison study on the total cost of ownership, including the initial investment, operations, and maintenance, then you will see that the hosted PBX phone system cost will work out to be a lot cheaper.
- Specific versus bundled functionality value – Bundling of features make a difference. In hosted services common features are included in the package and charges set are per user price. On premise PBX provides flexibility for buying features needed.
- Ease of customization – On-site IT staff can customize its system easily with advanced technology. Hosted system customization can be handled by the provider, but is unable to include intense customization for every consumer.
- Tech support cost – If you have no existing IT staff, then using hosted PBX can save considerable amount of money. However, if you consider transferring support responsibilities to 3rd party, then it adds to existing IT cost.
Three key categories of PBX systems
Traditional PBX system – In the past, PBX arrangement included a switch board, which was manually operated. All the internal phone lines are linked to this switchboard for handling in-office communication. A cable from this switch board is connected to PSTN for allowing external calls to come in and go out.
VoIP system – VoIP technology is the current trend. Internet is used to pass on cell phone or even landline calls. VoIP is a device that looks like a normal phone, but includes suitable hardware or it exists on user’s computer as software. Software versions need headset with microphone, internet connection or DSL, and VoIP host server or SIP server.
Today, its increasingly extensive usage determines the VoIP systems convenience and value. Users are provided with caller ID, hold, transfer or call park functions. Businesses determined to use the physical device have to seek one with suitable features.
Hybrid PBX system – Hybrid technology provides best merger of both VoIP and traditional PBX system. Companies already using traditional systems can replace it with hybrid technology for enjoying advanced level of efficiency and easiness.
PBX system arrangement
Virtual PBX system – Virtual system providers deliver hassle-free setup, constant maintenance, and off-premise hosting, which reduce your business staff responsibilities. Appropriate IP phones need to be purchased and connected with internet, in order to handle the online admin panel of daily PBX system functions and arranged accordingly. As your business develops, PBX phone system cost per user will increase.
Self-hosted PBX system – Server is located on-site in a total air conditioned environment. Businesses with extensive volume of phone calls can opt for self-hosted PBX system. However, your business will have to handle the responsibility of maintaining and upgrading the system.
Any kind of system or setup you select, smooth functioning PBX phone system is the key factor needed for an inter-office communication and efficient consumer connections.