Cloud PBX Providers

Cloud Hosted PBX vs. Traditional PBX

Hosted PBX providers save businesses money by minimizing hardware costs and maintenance upgrades.

The Internet has changed how people access technology. Thanks to the cloud, multiple technologies can be accessed and shared around the globe.

Traditionally, the PBX that businesses used took up a lot of space, consumed a lot of power, and required expensive maintenance. Since they used copper phone lines and phone trunks, they were prone to interference. If there was an emergency or an outage, rerouting them was next to impossible.

For this reason, most businesses have begun the transition to a hosted PBX solution. Hosted PBX solutions, also known as Cloud PBX solutions, are a powerful and scalable technology that offers a host of features not available with a traditional PBX.

Internet connections let businesses connect via VoIP. These VoIP providers use massive state-of-the-art PBXs. They allow businesses to rent extensions at a price they can afford.

Virtual PBX

Virtual PBX needs no maintenance and less hardware than its traditional counterpart.

A virtual PBX is just another way of saying hosted PBX. This service is referred to as hosted because the PBX is hosted by the voice over IP service provider.

With a virtual PBX, a person will probably need PBX hardware and software for the system to function. However, they don’t own the components. These components are owned by the VoIP service. They manage the PBX hardware system. They give the customer the PBX service via a remote location.

This way, the customer doesn’t have to worry about purchasing, operating, or owning any hardware. They can save money because they don’t need to have an IT staff to regularly maintain their PBX service. They do not need to purchase expensive equipment.

The term virtual PBX could also describe a cloud PBX. With a cloud PBX, everything is hosted on the Internet. With a cloud PBX, a customer doesn’t need traditional hardware. The PBX is not physically located anywhere. Instead, all of the organization’s data is stored virtually in the cloud. As a result, a cloud virtual PBX can be used from any mobile phone, computer, or tablet that has Internet access. It doesn’t matter where a customer is physically located.

A cloud PBX is hosted by a service provider. The service provider is the one who is responsible for engineering and implementing the cloud PBX. The PBX runs on cloud technology that is hosted on the provider’s servers.

What Separates a Virtual PBX from an IP PBX?

An IP PBX requires more hardware and maintenance than a virtual PBX.

An IP PBX is something that a customer owns and operates from their office. One of the biggest challenges with only an IP PBX is maintenance. There are also the issues of limited functionality and lack of mobility.

Businesses that own a digital IP PBX usually have some highbred of hardware along with the software components. In some cases, it is composed entirely of software. Either way, if a customer owns a digital IP PBX, they have to constantly monitor the system.

However, with a virtual PBX, the only thing a business needs is IP phones and computers that can access the Internet. This means that the maintenance costs are drastically reduced. Upkeep and equipment cost are almost completely eliminated.

If a customer uses a virtual PBX for their business, they can have close to an unlimited number of phone extensions and phone numbers for their office. However, most virtual PBX providers will limit the number of extensions offered in each plan. For example, a pro plan might offer 10 extensions. An executive plan might offer hundreds or thousands of extensions.

The beauty of a virtual PBX voice over IP system is that it can give extensions to employees who work in different locations around the globe. This is because the virtual PBX is completely hosted in the cloud. There are no regional or geographical restrictions.

A virtual PBX is a basic entry-level virtual phone system. If a customer wants to spend more money and needs advanced systems, they can talk to their provider about the more expensive feature-rich packages they offer.

When a business makes the switch to a cloud hosted PBX, they can get rid of their old internal PBX. They will have more space that can be used for other aspects of the business, they will minimize power use, and they can benefit from modern enterprise-level features not available with traditional PBX systems.

A hosted PBX solution can be used by any business, regardless of its size. Maintenance costs, software upgrades, and add-ons are completely eliminated. Depending on the size of the business, this could equate to thousands of dollars in monthly savings for phone services.

Ways Businesses Can Benefit from Cloud Hosted PBX

Hosted PBX service can save a business money on maintenance costs and hardware upgrades.

If a business chooses a hosted PBX system, it will reap many benefits. Cloud hosted PBX solutions offer the following benefits.

1. Eliminates maintenance costs. Software upgrades, move charges, and add-ons disappear.
   
2. Enterprise features, all of them state-of-the-art, are included. These features are often provided without charge.
   
3. Receive improved voice connections. Cloud hosted PBX systems are more fault tolerant.
   
4. The user and admin portals make the service easy for both staff and administrators to use.
   
5. Salesforce, QuickBooks, and other state-of-the-art CRM and CMS systems integrate with cloud hosted PBX systems.
   
6. Cloud hosted PBX systems are less expensive. Voice over IP can save an organization thousands of dollars a year when compared to traditional PBX.

These represent a handful of the ways that hosted PBX systems can help a business improve. To get the most out of a hosted VoIP, it’s good to do a bit of research.

What Should a Cloud PBX Provider Offer?

A hosted PBX solution should provide an organization with enterprise grade features and top-tier functionality.

Not all VoIP providers offer the same level of service. VoIP providers are in a service-oriented business. Different providers target different segments of the business world that are best suited to their capabilities.

There are many options available. With a little forethought and planning, the shopping process can be quick and simple. It is recommended that a business owner make a list of the things they need for their organization to function. Add to that a wish list or the things that they would like the cloud hosted PBX service to do if possible.

When screening VoIP providers, see if they offer the following services.

• A user-friendly web-based user interface that allows an organization to manage their users and extensions
• Auto attendant
• Automated software upgrades and fully automated data backups
• Call forwarding
• Call recording
• CMS and CRS integration
• Conference calling
• Enhanced voicemail
• The ability to keep the same number

Regardless of the service selected, all VoIP providers let a person make calls and receive calls from landlines and mobile networks. They can place a phone call just like they would with a traditional PSTN network.

It is common for providers to offer a toll-free 800 number and offer charge per month and charge per number toll-free numbers. This is in addition to per minute charges. If having a toll-free number is a must for a business to survive, it is recommended that a person do price comparison to make sure they are getting the best deal.

A major factor that separates VoIP providers from each other is the level of customer service they offer. This is important, especially since a hosted PBX system is how a business will contact customers and how customers will contact the business.

Take the time to read reviews provided on this site and third-party sites. See how the VoIP service treats small businesses. Some offer excellent service to large enterprises but are not as attentive to their smaller customers. Read reviews to get the best idea of what each VoIP option provides.

What Advantages Do Virtual PBXs Bring?

Virtual PBXs do not need hardware. They offer phenomenal enterprise features. They are less expensive than their traditional counterparts.

It’s easy to install a virtual PBX because there is no need to purchase any hardware.

Virtual PBX systems are usually cheap. Depending on the scenario, they might be the cheapest option available. Top providers offer PBX solutions at a price point that any business can afford.

It is good to point out that the cost of a virtual PBX system does not automatically cover phone service. A business may need a VoIP solution and a virtual PBX.

Some PBX VoIP features that could be useful include:

• Auto attendant
• Custom greetings
• Dial-by-name directory
• Faxing
• Music on hold
• Unlimited extensions
• Voicemail

Who Benefits from a Virtual PBX?

A virtual PBX is great for companies that want to control costs and do not need on-site equipment.

A virtual PBX is not the right solution for every business. However, if an organization wants to keep its equipment off-site, does not want to have to worry about maintenance, and wants to minimize upgrading costs, this might be the right solution.

Virtual PBX systems work well for businesses that have employees who work off-site. With a virtual system, remote workers can benefit from the PBX features even though they don’t have a physical desk or phone. The best advantages received from a personal PBX include:

1. No need for equipment. Reduced maintenance costs. No upgrade costs. All equipment is hosted off-site.
2. Scalability and flexibility. All changes, including additional lines and features, can be added instantly.
3. Make long distance and local calls for free. This is because calls are sent via the Internet.
4. Inexpensive international calling rates.
5. Enterprise features.

Some virtual PBX systems only offer a minimal solution. Do research before choosing a PBX system. It is good to compare how other companies stack up. Look at the features they offer the total cost. Some PBX solutions will work well for certain industries as opposed to others. More expensive virtual PBX systems will offer more features.

An Organization Is Ready to Make the Switch. How Do They Get a Hosted PBX Service?

A hosted PBX service will help an organization reduce overall spending. They will have access to enterprise grade features. They will notice an increase in their business’ productivity.

Besides saving time, a PBX system hosted in the cloud offers other benefits.

Reduced Spending

Having an in-house traditional PBX system requires purchasing hardware and hiring additional technicians. A business might need to remodel their office to make space for the new system. However, with a virtual PBX VoIP system, up keep spending disappears. There is also more money to invest in the business.

Increase Flexibility

Hosted PBX solutions allows a business to use bigger strategies than it did before. It can use various tactics simultaneously. It doesn’t matter the hierarchy of the organization. Communications are seamless and easy. Added freedom means business owners can focus their attention on the most important aspects of their business.

Increased Availability

The connections provided by a hosted PBX provider make it easier for an organization to connect with people. They make it easier for people to connect with the organization. Connectivity is clean cut regardless of the distance.

PBX services hosted in the cloud let an organization take advantage of the same style of phone system big businesses use without needing expensive equipment. The hosted PBX providers discussed above offer excellent services at reasonable rates.