What Type of PBX Phone System is Best For Your Business?
Private branch exchange (PBX) phone systems such as AccessDirect connect internal phone lines to external lines, allowing for phone forwarding, call hold and other features. If you are interested in a PBX phone system for your business, you should consider the three main types of systems.
Traditional PBX
With a traditional PBX phone system, calls are made through the public switched telephone network (PSTN). With a traditional system, you will install a phone box on your company property and all phone lines on site are connected to it.
Traditional PBX systems are highly customizable. You need an engineering team and IT team to install them, so you can ask for any special features you need when designing your system. For some businesses, they also offer additional control because a company owns the phone box and all hardware outright.
Unfortunately, these systems also require a larger up-front investment and the installation of hardware. If anything goes wrong, it can result in downtime until a certified engineer can repair the system. In addition, the system will depreciate over time, especially because technology changes so quickly today.
IP PBX
This type of PBX phone system uses Internet Protocol to transmit phone calls. Essentially, voice is configured into data and sent as packets over a network. IP PBX phone systems can make international and non-domestic calls more affordable. They can also reduce the costs of PBX systems when compared with both hosted and traditional phone systems. In some cases, you may be able to combine IP PBX phone systems with traditional PBX, so you get the best of both.
Hosted PBX
Also known as virtual PBX, a hosted PBX system exchange box is located where your service provider is and is serviced by that company. Unlike traditional PBX, you can add new features very simply. Often, it is a matter of contacting the telecom company and requesting the addition or even just downloading the application.
Hosted PBX systems tend to be feature-rich and flexible. They can also offer considerable cost savings because no phone box or complicated hardware needs to be installed. Your telecom provider manages the exchange box, so their own engineers fix any problems. You save both on installation and repair costs — and your downtime may be shorter because the service provider will generally have IT professionals and engineers on-site.
Which PBX Phone System is Best For Your Business?
If you have a very large company where everyone works on site and you are all located in one big building, a traditional PBX phone system may be best for your business. This is especially the case if you have special needs from your system or you need a high level of control and are willing to invest in the IT and engineering professionals needed.
Hosted PBX phone systems are best for small businesses, where control is not as important as cost savings. If your business is growing, you may enjoy adding features easily.
If you have many long-distance clients, remote team members or need to make a high number of international calls and/or video conferences, IP PBX phone systems may be right for you.
Would you like a feature-rich PBX phone system that works with your existing phones? Trust AccessDirect to set up a phone system designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. AccessDirect virtual phone systems are efficient, cost-effective and designed with business owners in mind. You don’t need to worry about complex repairs, installing new hardware or learning a new phone system.
With AccessDirect, it’s easy to start answering your phones in a professional manner today. Find out more about how AccessDirect can meet your business needs.
