As your business is growing fast, you are probably examining different options for company telephone systems. Not only to save on operation costs but to add a range of features that will help you to keep in touch with your clients, offer clear and easy communication between your employees, and add a range of handy marketing tools. A hosted PBX or Cloud Private Branch Exchange (PBX) phone system has become a go-to solution and is valued for its versatility and low cost. Moreover, it is constantly adding new solutions that you will have access to as your company is expanding or scaling down.
What is a Hosted PBX?
A PBX (private branch exchange) is a business phone system that allows businesses to efficiently use and share phone lines including Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), ISDN PRI, or Analog Landlines. A PBX also provides a business with features such as an extension to extension calling, voicemail, auto attendants, ring groups, and customizable music on hold.
These days, businesses are opting to move their hardware PBX or business phone system into the cloud in order to eliminate the need for expensive on-site hardware, maintenance, security, and redundancy. There are many cloud communication providers in the market offering a variety of Cloud Phone System solutions to suit businesses of all sizes.
Essential Benefits of Hosted PBX
The benefits of using a managed PBX or cloud phone system over using an on-premise phone system installed in your office include:
- No server hardware, appliance, or spares to purchase
- No system maintenance responsibilities or costs
- No need to worry about redundant backup power or Internet for your phone system
- The cloud PBX phone system can withstand any and all outages at your office location
- Easy and reliable access for mobile users and teleworkers
- Easy to move your business – simply pick up phones and go!
Features of a Hosted PBX Phone System
Let’s look at least at some useful features that Hosted PBX or cloud phone systems have to offer which most traditional on-premise phone systems or analog PBXs don’t do.
Voicemail to Email
With this feature, users can receive voicemail messages as audio files in their email inboxes. This makes it easy to keep track of messages and respond to them quickly.
Mobile Apps
Many hosted PBX systems offer mobile apps that allow users to make and receive calls from their business numbers on their smartphones. This feature is especially useful for remote workers and employees who need to stay connected while on the go.
Cell phone integration
Many hosted PBX systems offer mobile apps that allow users to make and receive calls from their business numbers on their smartphones. This feature is especially useful for remote workers and employees who need to stay connected while on the go.
Caller ID control
Hosted PBX phone systems often allow users to control how their caller ID is displayed to recipients. This can be especially useful for employees who work remotely or who need to make calls on behalf of different departments within the organization.
Hot desking
Hot desking enables employees to use any available desk phone within the organization’s network. This is useful for businesses with a mobile or remote workforce, as it allows employees to use any phone to make and receive calls.
Multiple devices per user
Many hosted PBX phone systems allow users to connect multiple devices to their business number. This means that employees can use their desk phone, mobile phone, and computer to make and receive calls using the same number.
Integrated messaging
Many hosted PBX phone systems allow users to connect multiple devices to their business number. This means that employees can use their desk phone, mobile phone, and computer to make and receive calls using the same number.
Call recording
Call recording is a valuable feature for businesses that need to keep track of customer interactions or comply with legal requirements. Many hosted PBX phone systems include call recording as a standard feature.
Dial by name
Dial by name allows callers to reach employees by entering their names into the system. This is a convenient feature for businesses with a large number of employees or those with complex phone systems.
Find me/ follow me
Dial by name allows callers to reach employees by entering their names into the system. This is a convenient feature for businesses with a large number of employees or those with complex phone systems.
Among the leading cloud PBX providers in the North American market are:
- Vonage
- Ringcentral
- Jive
- 8×8
- Dialpad
- Panterra
Although they all are quite competitive in their pricing, quality of connection, features, and quality of service, it will require a better assessment of your needs to choose the right provider for your specific team’s needs.
Advantages of Hosted PBX
Low cost – Since it is a cloud-based system available virtually to anyone in the world the cost of hosting is very attractive, especially when you consider that phone lines are often included with the service instead of having to pay a separate phone bill.
Flexibility & Scalability – It is just perfect for businesses that change quickly – adding on teams and opening new offices, or experiencing just seasonal growth and ready to scale back when it’s over.
Easy to upgrade with features – the new features can be easily added to your managed PBX system without any added licensing and additional equipment expenses.
No vendor lock-in – You do not have to invest in proprietary phones, modules, and accessories that only work with a specific software or hardware platform and require on-site service and support. Cloud-based PBX typically uses standards-based hardware and is quite versatile so changes and upgrades can be easily pushed to the device from the cloud.
Well adapted to teams working from different locations. Are most of your employees telecommuting, or do you have international branches? Hosted PBX system will allow them all to be productive and communicate as easily as if they are working from the next cubicle.
Now that you know more about cloud-hosted PBX systems and how they can help you grow your business, you will consider it for your next office upgrade.