Virtual & Hosted PBX

Here is the basic process of communications with a hosted PBX:

The company network

Each business has a local network. It is through this system that computers are able to connect SIP users and internet-powered phones to the PBX server. 

The business router/firewall

The router or firewall attached to the business establishes the internet connection. Once established, this same connection can unite other remote extensions. Among the remote connections that can be accessed through this system are softphones, remote IP phones, mobile phones and tablets equipped with 3CX Android and iOS applications, and other PBX’s utilizing bridges. The router can also be utilized to attach to a PSTN network if a VoIP phone provider is utilized instead of a VoIP gateway. 

VoIP gateway

VoIP gateways are a direct route from the hosted PBX to the PSTN network, allowing for outgoing and incoming calls on traditional analog phone lines. This service is ideal for businesses transitioning to VoIP in stages. 

What Kind of Companies Use Hosted PBX?

Hosted PBX is the ideal solution for mid-sized businesses with a need for as few as two or as many as 30 individual phone lines. This service is also an excellent choice for start-ups and even businesses looking to expand their current operations. Hosted PBX is convenient, simple to set up, and affordable. 

Greater security

Virtual PBX servers are heavily fortified with the latest cybersecurity protocols, providing you with an added layer of protection to keep your data safe. 

Guaranteed business continuity

With traditional phone service and even on-site PBX, your workflow comes to a halt when phone lines or your internet goes down. No matter what Mother Nature brings your way, your employees can stay on the job fielding and making calls with hosted PBX. A helpful mobile app keeps you connected to local cellular services to ensure your productivity remains on target regardless of what is going on in the world around you. 

Lowered upfront costs

Virtual PBX is an inexpensive telecommunications system for businesses. Since there is no hardware to purchase or maintain, there are only very minimal upfront and ongoing costs, providing substantial savings for company owners. 

Since all maintenance and upgrades are provided by the PBX operator, it is unnecessary to invest time and money into training your employees to fulfill these roles. Once implemented, the system is very user-friendly, allowing you to manage your day-to-day telecommunications needs from a simple online portal. This easy-to-use system allows your employees to customize their own phone features to best suit their own unique workflow needs. This allows your staff to utilize the most current and effective technology tools to help them reach peak efficiency. 

Fixed and predictable monthly costs

With only one hosted PBX operator responsible for all of your telecommunications needs, there is only one monthly bill to pay. VoIP PBX is affordable and predictable, providing you with a consistent monthly expense that fits easily within your budget. 

Scalable to meet your needs

With hosted PBX, you have the opportunity to grow your service to match your business growth. This easy scalability can be accomplished through a few clicks of a keyboard on a simple-to-use online portal. You can add or delete users at your will without the need for a help desk technician or a visit from an on-site specialist to help you scale your service. 

Professional and branded communications 

Whether you opt to purchase VoIP desk phones or to integrate a BYOD policy, your employees can utilize your business’ main phone number for work-based communications. This ensures the continuity of your business image, ensuring all phone calls, texts, voice mails, etc, stay connected to your brand. 

Promotes worldwide collaboration

With hosted PBX, it is easy for employees in the home office and in the field to remain connected and working collaboratively no matter where they may be in the world. Geography is no barrier with VoIP phone systems and virtual PBX. 

Easy integration of all mobile devices

Though a singular app, all mobile devices registered with the PBX server gain access to all of the pertinent business phone features including voice, text, fax, conference calls, online meetings, corporate directory access, and more. 

What are the Disadvantages of PBX?

Hosted PBX is now the universally accepted standard for businesses. However, there are dozens of companies offering PBX, and the company you choose will make all the difference as to whether or not this service is effective for you. Depending on which company you select, you may experience some of these problems:

Virtual Office PBX

Virtual office PBX is a cloud-based telecom system that allows you to use your internet connection to manage your phone calls and other business communications. Before the introduction of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, business phone calls were tied to the office by physical wires and hardware. Installation of a new PBX system required a heavy capital expenditure and the cost and manpower to maintain it. 

With virtual office PBX, there’s no need for physical hardware or traditional phone lines, nor do you need to hire someone to manage the system. The virtual office PBX provider manages features and functions, which saves you both time and money. 

A virtual PBX system comes with a number of features, such as call routing, call forwarding, IVR/auto-attendant, conferencing, voicemail-to-email, and more. These advanced features come at a fraction of the cost of traditional PBX. Plus, with virtual PBX, you aren’t tied to the office. Employees working from home or on the go can access all the features of the PBX system remotely, as long as they have an internet connection. 

Some of the advantages of virtual office PBX include:

• Scalability: Adding lines with virtual PBX is easy, allowing you to scale up or down as your business changes. 
• Flexibility: Virtual PBX is incredibly flexible. All you need is an internet connection and an internet capable device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to start making phone calls.
• Cost savings: With virtual PBX, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars upfront to install your PBX system. This makes the powerful features of PBX accessible to small-to-medium businesses and startups. Plus, without the need to manage your equipment, you save on maintenance costs.

Is Virtual PBX Worth It? 

If you’re wondering whether a virtual PBX is worth it for your business, you’ll need to look at a number of factors. Here are some things to consider when determining if a virtual PBX system is the right choice for you: