More and more companies are embracing the potential of VoIP technology to transform their office communications. Gone are the days of relying on old phone lines and complex networks that require switchboards to get to the intended recipient. Voice over Internet Protocol integrate your office communications in a streamlined way for maximum efficiency.
The next step in this evolution is a virtual PBX system, or private branch exchange. This is a private telephone network for your organization that allows you to make calls within your organization without having to field outside interruptions. A virtual PBX system is hosted on a digital network, so there is no need for costly cellular data or maintenance on a physical network. Here’s everything you need to know about this innovative communications solution.
What is a Virtual PBX?
Companies have been using PBX systems for decades, initially as a closed landline network that served large office buildings. Remember calling a business and being told to enter the extension you were trying to reach? This served its purpose for the time, but it had limitations, like having to worry about busy signals and full mailboxes.
When they were replaced by closed cellular networks, they became easier for users to navigate, but costlier for the businesses to maintain. Most businesses run on the cloud now, and virtual PBX systems are no exception. Many integrate the entire office communications network on the same server, and are controlled by software that allows people to communicate on multiple platforms. Hosted VoIP systems are ideal for large companies that expect to be in frequent communication inside and outside of the office, and many third-party companies provide this service to interested tech companies.
Benefits of Virtual PBX
Less Hardware
One of the biggest benefits of virtual PBX systems is that there is much less maintenance and technology to keep track of. A closed traditional phone network has many potential points of failure, from a local outage at the phone plant to a stray hamster chewing through some wires. Not only can it be costly to repair, but it may also take time to find the source of the glitch. With no dedicated hardware or infrastructure needed for a cloud-based system, you can rely on someone else for tech support.
Easy to Set Up
Unlike other phone systems, there should be little to no setup needed in the office, particularly if you’re an established business with a dedicated internet network. You should be able to take advantage of your established cloud-based computing and task management software and integrate them into a new communications system. This will not only require fewer people working in your office, but it should be up in a short time with the help of the right provider.
Lower Cost
If you’re looking to save money on your communications setup, virtual PBX might be the right move. For one thing, you won’t be paying a team of workers to set up a physical phone line through your building, and you won’t be installing a whole new computer system. You’ll likely also save money in the long run if you get a system that doesn’t charge per message like many cellular systems do. For a busy company, internal communications can total hundreds or thousands of messages a day—and those costs can add up quickly if you are not on unlimited plans.
Unified Communications
Your VoIP system is just one part of how a virtual PBX system can help you. These systems can integrate your entire communication network under one umbrella, connecting your phone with your email systems, instant messaging, and even your fax machine. It provides voice and video chatting and can integrate advanced features like call recording and automatic assistants to screen calls before they get to a person.
Scalability
If your company rapidly expands, your phone network might become overwhelmed, causing missed messages and long wait times for frustrated customers. Virtual PBX systems aren’t confined by physical space and can expand when needed. Your cloud services provider will offer packages for companies of different sizes, and it’s easy to upgrade when needed.
Upgrade Your Communications Today
Virtual PBX systems are the wave of the future, especially for companies with a growing need for fast in-network communications. The time is right to upgrade your old network and make communicating with your team more accessible than ever. Why not take the leap today?