14/02/2022
PBX SYSTEMS
TYPES OF PBX SYSTEMS
If you believe a private branch exchange phone system is your best choice, you still have some decisions to make. Check out each type of PBX telephone service that is available for your company.
Analog PBX Phone System
This is the traditional, intra-office telephone system, and has been around for decades. It is connected via Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines to the PSTN (public switched telephone network). Phone calls, even fax transmissions are handled by the PBX using physical phone lines. The analog PBX phone system allows calls to be made and transferred within the location. They also handle the incoming and outgoing calls using outside lines.
Keep in mind that analog systems came before the Internet, and use traditional copper phone lines. This means they cannot use many of the modern-day features you might see in more advanced telephone systems such as multimedia services, converting voicemail to email, or remote working capabilities. Also, if your business grows, you may need to add new jacks and telephone wires to support additional employees. On the plus side, because traditional PBX systems are self-contained, connectivity is not impacted if the Internet were to go down.
VoIP PBX System
VoIP or IP PBX represents a newer version of private branch exchange. It has the same functions as a traditional PBX, but also provides many additional features. In addition to that, it may be a more cost-effective option. Rather than using traditional phone lines, IP PBX uses the Internet protocol. Voice is converted into data that is transmitted over the Internet, then it is converted back to voice for the receiver.
On-Premises & Cloud PBX Systems
Cloud PBX
Cloud PBX is also known as hosted PBX. It is a subtype of an IP phone system. It is running using an internet connection to a VoIP service provider. No on-site equipment is needed other than the physical phones and an internet connection. That’s because all of that is taken care of by the service provider. All incoming and outgoing calls are routed through the service provider who either transmits the voice to data packets, or hands the call off to a PSTN (public switched telephone network).
To use hosted PBX phone systems, you simply need a broadband connection to the Internet. This option supports multiple telephony devices, including office conference phones and smartphones. It also offers a variety of advanced features.
On-Premises PBX
This is slightly different than hosted PBX telephone systems. It still uses voice-over IP technology to manage the business telephone system. However, the servers to manage outgoing and incoming calls are maintained on-site. Here, the available features are basically the same. It uses internet connectivity, can support mobile devices, and offers perks such as voicemail to email.
The challenge to on-premises PBX is that there is an initial upfront cost of installation and maintenance. Companies that choose this type of PBX phone system will need to have an IT staff that is capable of maintaining it.
However, that cost will go down over time. It protects you from fee raises which results in reduced monthly costs after expenses are covered. On-premises IP PBX also allows users to retain their relationship with an existing phone service provider, and to configure their system internally.
