Choosing a Communication System Can Be Difficult

The choice of communication systems today can be overwhelming. It seems like every day somebody comes out with the next best thing, and it can be difficult to decide which systems should get your attention. One of the mainstays of business communications for many years has been the PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system. Today, these systems are no longer the phones of the past but have been upgraded to make them compatible with the Internet and other more modern technology. These new systems are known as hosted PBX systems. You may find yourself wondering, ‘what is hosted PBX?’ This article will explain not only what hosted PBX is, but also what to look for in a hosted PBX system and where to start looking for your business’ solution.

What is Hosted PBX?

Hosted PBX is, quite simply, a PBX phone system which is hosted by a separate company – usually via the Internet. Using a hosted PBX phone system has become popular as businesses realise they save a great deal of money and time by not having to install and maintain their own system. Therefore a number of PBX hosts have started to appear, with each one offering its own range of services and features. While hosted systems were originally reserved for larger businesses, they have since opened their doors to smaller businesses and start-ups who benefit from reduced setup costs.

What is Hosted PBX Used For?

Traditionally PBX phone systems are used to manage internal calls, customer call management, hold queues, automated menus, caller ID and extensions. Hosted PBX is simply an extension of this, offering all these features and more, depending on your business requirements. Typically these solutions include features like enhanced conference calls, call controls and even features such as  voicemail and sending that arrives via email. Essentially, by making use of modern advances in communication systems, hosted PBX software and the Internet, hosted PBX has become a one-stop-shop for business communication needs.

What are Some of the Advantages of Hosted PBX?

The cost and time involved in setting up a PBX system is transferred off the end user (you) to the host provider. For example, itro’s hosted PBX solutions are fully managed – all setup costs and ongoing maintenance is paid for by itro. Also itro’s hosted PBX includes a range of features you can choose from. You get the advantage of selecting features that best suit your business, the flexibility of being able to add or remove features as your business needs change, and you only pay for what you use.

Moving to the Cloud

PBX systems hosted in the Cloud are easily accessed through a web browser. This removes the need to have employees trained in the use of specialised programs to be able to customise your phone system. Your employees can check on and control the setup of your system simply by logging on to it via the Internet. Also, you don’t need to be at your office to check on or make changes to your PBX system. Changes can be made at any time, from any location, by using an Internet-enabled device.

Moving your PBX system to the Cloud frees you from the confines of a physically located system. You can move office, open new offices and expand or contract your team without interruption to your communications. As your system is hosted in the Cloud, all you need to keep your phones running is an Internet connection. By subscribing to itro’s hosted PBX system you get all the advantages of a Cloud-based system and a team of engineers who give you the support to ensure your people and offices are always connected to the Internet.

What is Hosted PBX Going to do for Your Business?

Hosted PBX is a great solution particularly for smaller businesses who may not have the time or money to set up their own communications. Because of its compatibility with existing hardware and low maintenance and call costs, hosted PBX systems can help your small business run smoothly and grow. These systems make communication easier and more efficient, which benefits your business, employees and your customers. The more efficiently customer requests are dealt with, the more satisfied they will be and the more likely they will be to repeat their custom with your business.

Hosted PBX solutions are the modern solution for a modern business world, and one which you should consider for your small business. It’s cheap, fast, easy to expand, portable and efficient.

As with any investment, it is essential to properly research the different options available to your business. Be fully aware of exactly what your business communication requirements are and, by extension, exactly which features it will and will not make use of.

Once you know what your business needs are, and what features you want or would like, you need to check that any hosted PBX software you are considering is compatible with the IT systems you already have. Avoid the costly mistake of purchasing incompatible systems by asking an itro engineer to sit down with you and work out exactly what will work with your existing equipment. itro – IT support for Melbourne businesses.