If you’re considering purchasing a PBX phone system for your business, you’re not alone. Several options exist, including traditional PBX, IP PBX, Hosted PBX, and ISDN. Read on to learn more about each option and how they differ. You’ll be amazed at all the options available to you. And remember, VoIP doesn’t have the same limitations that a traditional PBX does.
Traditional PBX
Considering a switch from a traditional PBX phone system? While the traditional phone system still offers a lot of advantages, it’s important to understand some of the disadvantages of this type of phone system. While traditional PBX systems are highly customizable, you will likely need to hire a dedicated IT or engineering team to maintain them. This type of system also depreciates in value over time, which is not good for your bottom line.
A traditional PBX phone system is limited in number of outside phone lines and trunks it has. If you have four people working at the same time, for example, one of them cannot place an outside call. Another limitation is the number of extensions or internal phones it can support. Voicemail to email is also limited. You also have to pay for additional phone lines and upgrades to get features, like unlimited extensions. Traditional PBX phone systems are still the most expensive option for small businesses, so choosing an alternative is definitely worth considering.
IP PBX
While a PBX phone system requires no internet service and doesn’t have to be constantly updated, it also requires a lot of maintenance and hardware space. Additionally, it can go offline for various reasons, including server upgrades or maintenance. It’s also very expensive to switch PBX vendors, as you have to purchase new phones every time. These downsides, however, can be offset by the many benefits of a PBX phone system.
PBX phone systems are often limited in the number of trunks and outside phone lines they allow. For example, if four people in your organization are trying to make an outside call, one has to wait until the line opens up. In addition, you can only have so many extensions and internal phones. Voicemail-to-email and call queuing are other features that are limited in traditional PBX systems. These limitations make them unsuitable for large businesses, while small businesses and homes are in dire need of high-quality communication.
Hosted PBX
If you are looking for a cost-effective phone system for your business, then a hosted PBX phone system is the perfect solution. With a hosted PBX phone system, you can use your existing internet connection to connect all of your employees, and you’ll get full maintenance from your service provider. Hosted PBX phone systems also have many benefits, including the flexibility to grow and scale with your business, and easy updates. These systems are typically billed by the minute, and updates are pushed out quickly.
A hosted PBX phone system allows you to customize the features for your company, whether you need to handle customer service calls or employees that travel a lot. You can set up the system for your call recording and call reporting needs, and you can even configure voicemail to text for your employees. You can even have the system configured to put customers on hold or route calls to other departments based on the needs of your business.
ISDN
The ISDN phone system uses two channels, B and D, for voice and data. The B channel carries the voice signal and the D channel is used to carry data, packet networking, and control. The BRI regulates the transmission of data and is used in many countries and small businesses. VOIP, on the other hand, uses high-speed data networks to carry data. Both technologies use advanced technology to maximize business productivity.
Many office telephone systems are outdated. While there’s no set period, the average equipment lifecycle in the telecommunications industry is five to seven years. Companies are often tempted to stick with their existing systems, but the reality is that these systems are becoming increasingly outdated and reliant on the PSTN. Modernisation of your PBX service will increase productivity and save you money in the long run. It also allows you to grow with your company and support the way you and your employees work.
