Types of phone systems for businesses
With an increase in technology, the complex system that governed the phone systems of a business has also been digitized, and with digitization comes the question of which wireless or multi-line phone systems are apt for a business. In this article, we will cover every aspect of PBX (Private Branch Exchange) and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol or Voice over IP), to see which type of wireless business phone systems best fit where.

What is a PBX system?

• PBX is a centralized telephone network that connects many employees of a company to each other and lets the company send and receive phone calls.
• PBX doesn’t function how standard multi-line systems do (two-line, four-line, etc.).
• With PBX, multiple nodes are connected to a centralized board, which in turn connects the company to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via a wireless business phone systems provider.
• Many medium- to large-sized companies opt for a PBX system over multi-line systems as it provides advanced and customized features.
• Also, many of the modern PBX can be managed offsite as well using a service provider.

What are the advantages of PBX systems?

• PBX is completely capable of handling medium to large sized companies without any effort.
• In certain ways, PBX is considered more reliable than VoIP.
• Being a hard lined system, it is not reliant on the internet.

What are the disadvantages of PBX systems?

• In the long run, it is more expensive than VoIP.
• If there is a power outage, the entire system will stop working.
• Being a rigid system, it is often difficult and expensive to upgrade the system.

Which type of wireless or PBX phone systems should be considered for your business?

• The traditional PBX system, a.k.a. on-premise PBX system, consists of a network of the phone line, handsets, and supporting equipment installed and maintained by the business itself.
• Employees can make interoffice and outbound calls, and customers will be able to reach the company through the PBX system.
• On-premise PBX systems require trained staff and personnel to manage and install the system and troubleshoot problems.
• A PBX system can be managed by your public provider as well, which is known as the host.
• A hosted PBX system frees you and your staff form needing to be highly knowledgeable and trained in the installation and maintenance of the system.
• In the end, details about your business, your staff knowledge, training, and budget will help you decide which PBX system is right for your business.

What is a VoIP system?

• VoIP is a method of making a call through the internet instead of the traditional Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) phone lines.
• VoIP companies make use of the IP technology to deliver advanced communication features to offices.
• With VoIP, you get many of the on-premise PBX systems features at a fraction of the cost.
• VoIP is provided purely through the internet, which means you need high-speed internet.
• You will have a hard time installing a VoIP system on your own.
• However, most VoIP service providers offer installations.

What are the advantages of VoIP systems?

• VoIP systems are highly flexible and adaptable.
• As compared to PBX systems, VoIP systems are more affordable.
• Any kind of update to the system is automatically adapted by the provider.

What are the disadvantages of VoIP systems?

• Since VoIP systems make use of the internet, they are vulnerable to unreliable and slow internet.
• If you do not have technical knowledge about the system, you won’t be able to self-install it.
• The lapse in the internet connection can, in turn, affect the quality of a call.

Which VoIP wireless business phone systems are apt for my business?

• Hosted VoIP : A third-party company hosts all your voice services, including taking and routing calls, voicemail, and auto attendant, freeing you from all the complicated and costly phone equipment, software, and installations.
• On-premise VoIP : If you are unwilling to hand over your voice services to a third party, you can choose to install your own VoIP system.
• SIP Trunking : Using Session Initiation Protocol, SIP trunking allows legacy phone systems to connect to internet networks, such as VoIP.
• Virtual VoIP : Fully virtual systems manage your incoming calls and route them to whichever person or device you desire, including smartphones.