Most companies have already decided to upgrade their legacy PBX phone to a modern PBX system to avoid system outages, high telecommunication costs, and costly hardware maintenance. With the right PBX system, you can provide your company with cutting-edge features that boost efficiency and effectiveness. However, this is a time-consuming task.
When looking for a PBX system for your company, keep in mind that key factors such as hardware and software requirements differ from vendor to vendor. You could end up locked into a year-long service agreement with a vendor who isn’t the best fit for your company if you don’t do your homework. As a result, you must conduct extensive research before selecting a PBX system from a vendor.
Examining the various types of PBX phone systems available on the market before deciding which one is the best fit for your business is the best way to choose the best PBX phone system for your small business.
This is where this blog comes in very handy. We’ve already done extensive research. This blog will teach you everything you need to know about the PBX phone system.
Before we recommend our preferred PBX system, let us first discuss the most common types of PBX systems.
Learn more about how a cloud contact center will benefit you from this webtecs site
Best PBX Phone System For Small Business
There are 3 main PBX types for businesses to choose from:
- Traditional PBX System
- IP PBX System
- Hosted PBX System
The first two PBX phone systems must be implemented and maintained on-site at your business, whereas the hosted PBX phone system is located off-site or “in cloud.” A hosted PBX phone system, also known as a cloud PBX phone system, is installed and operated by a third party using VoIP. Let’s take a closer look at the different kinds of PBX systems.
Traditional PBX system
The conventional PBX system, as the name implies, employs conventional landlines hardwired to analog or PRI copper circuits. Most businesses believe that a traditional PBX phone system is the most dependable and provides the best voice quality. This PBX phone system type, on the other hand, makes adding extension lines difficult because it necessitates physical wiring, which is a time-consuming task.
Even with physical hard wiring already in place, the traditional PBX phone system comes with its business costs, including on-site maintenance and a specialized IT team to ensure smooth operation.
IP PBX System
An IP PBX system enables you to function using VoIP technology which means that all your communication happens over the internet. Using IP PBX implies that each call is significantly cheaper than the routed calls using a traditional PBX. An IP PBX phone system is more cost-effective per call if high call volumes are placed, especially if each has a long duration.
Since the IP PBX system is an on-premises PBX, all hardware and software must be installed and configured on-site, which can be pricey for small businesses. If the internet speed isn’t sufficient for a VoIP PBX system, the ability to make and receive calls is lost, which has a significant influence on the functioning businesses. So, if you are considering an IP PBX phone system, it is critical to have some analog line circuits in place as a backup in the event of a WAN outage.
Hosted PBX System
A hosted PBX is an IP PBX phone system that an off-site VoIP provider provides, and because the provider is hosting your PBX system, a monthly subscription fee is required. Most small and large businesses use hosted PBX phone systems because these monthly fees are affordable, especially with advanced PBX features.
Hosted PBX systems include advanced features such as unlimited free calls to specific locations in the world. Apart from an on-site PBX phone system, a hosted PBX phone process does not involve an initial investment in equipment or software installation.
Choosing a provider that offers a data connection is the best way to optimize your PBX phone service quality with a hosted PBX system. This allows your PBX phone system to reside within your data network, creating a walled garden that reduces common VoIP issues like delay and jitters.
Our Recommendation On Choosing The Best PBX System
With so many variables at play, selecting the best PBX phone system that is both effective and affordable for your company takes considerable time and effort. You must also consider the service provider, the customer service team they provide, and the price.
So, which type of PBX phone system do we recommend for a small business?
For a small business, we definitely recommend a cloud-based PBX phone system. Switching to the cloud improves all aspects of communication for businesses of all sizes and industries. A hosted PBX phone system allows customers, employees, and potential partners to communicate and collaborate without geographical constraints.
If you are still unsure, here are a few questions you will want to ask to help you make the best business decision:
Flexibility & Scalability
- Will your business be able to easily and quickly add and remove lines and functionality depending on your business growth?
- Can you easily change your business PBX plans?
Internet Bandwidth
- Does your PBX provider offer the option for a direct connection, or is phone service over the public internet?
Price
- What is the pricing structure?
- What is the length of the contract?
- Do you need to purchase extra equipment like handsets?
- Are there additional fees for customer service?
The Vendor
- How experienced is the vendor?
- What kind o customer support do they offer?
Feature & Usability
- Does this PBX system have the features your business needs?
- How is the deployment?
Customization Services
- Are there customization options available?
- Will they meet not only your current but future business needs as well?
Conclusion
With a plethora of options available in the market, a competitive market is always great for a buyer. A low-cost option might appear more appealing for a small business, but downtime, poor customer service, jitter, and latency are not worth the risk for your small business.
If you need a cloud-based business PBX phone system provider that checks all your checklists, contact Aaavaz FreePBX. At Aavaz, they will ask you guided questions before making a recommendation based on your current and future business needs that fits your budgets instead of what they have.
Enjoy a smooth transition to a cloud-based PBX phone system with customized call center solutions to boost your small business while saving significantly on your business communication costs.
Contact Aavaz FreePBX today, the one-stop-shop for all your telephony needs!
