These are all equally important questions – so to make your life easier, we have broken down the various systems available on the market into their benefits and drawbacks for your business.
PBX (Private Branch Exchange)
PBX is the traditional option for specialised business phone calls and communication. Compared to a household landline, there are many additional features to allow businesses to communicate both internally and externally – such as the ability to handle incoming and outgoing calls simultaneously, a hold function, music, giving colleagues a unique number extension and auto attendants.
Conference calling, call routing, call queuing – all pioneered by PBX. However, the times have caught up with the original analogue system – clunky, expensive and not as reliable, analogue has given way to hybrid PBX/VoIP systems that use digital signals.
These hybrid systems use a combination of PBX copper wiring to route calls directly into the office, and digital signals to transmit audio.
While analogue systems have a limited number of extensions, going full digital allows for essentially unlimited extensions, and is far more flexible.
Cloud based/VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Internet based phone systems are the choice of the 21st century business – with internet connectivity being an essential part of business operations, the integration of phone systems into online infrastructure makes perfect sense.
The main benefit of cloud based, VoIP solutions is that it removes the need for expensive, unreliable and outdated physical telephone infrastructure – known as a PBX (Private Branch Exchange).
While PBX costs a lot of money to install, and relies on physical wiring to route your calls, all cloud calls are routed through internet servers. This makes it much easier to install a cloud system, as well as make adjustments to it over time as your company grows.
Instead of having to run new wires, which would require external contractors, you can add a new phone to the system and give it its own extension, allowing for easy internal and external communication. Any device logged in and with an internet connection can make calls on this system, meaning your colleagues are always within reach.
The original purpose of VoIP in 1996 was to bypass large fees for international and long-distance phone calls. It still does this, but has long transcended what it was built for.
It is now felt to be far more reliable in terms of call quality, cheaper, and easier to manage. Instead of hosting infrastructure in house, businesses usually rent their cloud/VoIP services from an external provider. With dedicated tech support on hand, this means businesses can focus on their goals, rather than technological hiccups.
Town and Country is your Telecommunications Specialist
If you’re not sure on what phone system to invest in for your business, why not give the friendly team at Town and Country a call? We have extensive experience in recommending and installing VoIP and fixed phone systems for a huge variety of businesses – we understand each business has unique needs, and will strive to understand yours so we can create you the perfect phone system and infrastructure. Get in touch on 01202 514444 today!
