For companies large and small, hosted PBX providers offer a wealth of up-and-coming business and technology solutions, including communication accessories which are diverse, precise, and secure. Some of the most notable names in PBX are listed here, followed by their features, and the dos and don’ts of using such providers.
What is Hosted PBX?
Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a communications system whereby telephone services and other components are synced via the cloud, with all applications maintained virtually. The versatility and advancement of the features tend to go far beyond what is allotted within the constraints of hard-wired home phone services, and even beyond traditional VoIP systems. PBX providers allow companies to venture past VoIP with a multi-tiered cloud system.
The central aspect which separates hosted PBX, virtual PBX, cloud PBX, and other hosted VoIP providers from conventional phone lines and other services is their agility: the ability to offer tremendous value per service agreement. Typically, PBX services are controlled from a data center, run virtually, and offered at a high volume to various clienteles worldwide.
What is different about a PBX hosted phone system is not only that its home is the cloud, but also, that the vast amount of features and perks is impressive. When it comes to assets, a truly enormous amount is on offer within a single package, such as auto attendants, digital assistants, intercoms, call recording, a web-based management console, conference calls, fax servers, sync phonebooks, screen sharing, remote control assistance, and more. An exceptional degree of security is offered, along with 24/7 upkeep and reliability.
Not surprisingly, multinationals and fortune 500 companies are gravitating towards using the services of PBXs. In addition to the high quality offered and the variety of applications and support networks, companies and individuals can achieve a great deal of task completion and versatility at a fraction of the cost and without lifting a finger. From automatic business response systems to immense storage capacities, businesses can opt for one company to take care of all their needs at once.
How Do Hosted PBX Solutions Work?
Centralization is the key strategy regarding how hosted VoIP systems run. Often, there are a few key centers from which they operate globally (more than one is used, often across the world, as backup), but the integral point is that companies rely on one single provider to accomplish a huge variety of cloud-based missions. This creates a highly convenient, organized, and reputable source for objectives large and small.
Typically, the best virtual PBX firms hire round-the-clock workers to monitor and manage their system. This allows for exceptional service and strong reliability. Call quality is high, with limited problems. Further, the company or individual using PBX services does not require a high degree of technical experience. Rather, they can access their platforms through an online network, where they are led to take care of their objectives in easy-to-understand and user-friendly formats. Phones, faxes, and so much more can be accessed easily via a direct web portal.
Why Use a Hosted Provider Over Other Solutions?
One of the key advantages to working with a PBX system is its portability. Remote work, or labor that is not tried to one specific location, makes for particular convenience: The system is already set and arranged for an individual or company to work with remotely. Plus, the twenty-four-hour support and system access make it easy to run projects around-the-clock, from anywhere in the world. It is a completely virtually-supported system.
The adaptability – the ability of one single service provider to lend an offer of resources, without any large sums or down payments – is exceptional. Not only can the company or individual feel free to try various applications and make changes as they go, but large-scale changes can be made as companies grow and develop, meeting the news of freshly-anticipated demands.
What are the Benefits of using a Hosted PBX Solution?
There are many benefits to using a hosted PBX. They present an overwhelmingly convincing argument in favor of signing up for a PBX today.
- It’s Cheaper – Aside from avoiding fees commonly associated with installing phone systems, hosted PBX offers users great cost savings in comparison to a standard plan.
- It’s Easy – Setting up a PBX is an extremely smooth process. A service provider handles the initial setup and once your line is up and running you can add or remove features without ever having to wait for a technician.
- It Can Go Anywhere – You and your employees can access your office phone system from anywhere using mobile applications and personal computer systems from home. Because the entire service is cloud based, it doesn’t matter where you are.
- It Grows With You – A hosted PBX grows according to your needs. It can be scaled simply and quickly, making your phone system as dynamic as your company.
- It’s Professional – A PBX will add credibility to your company, with systems that never go down. This, combined with features formerly only available to massive enterprises will remove any doubt about the image of your business.
What to Look For in a Reputable Provider?
Significant scope of security is the first and often the most important feature. Ensuring that a PBX provider has the most recent updates is integral, as is obtaining twenty-four-hour support, in the event that a problem does occur. System backup is also an important feature. What is the quality and range of the provider’s server, and to what extent does that server offer backup up for your labor?
Further, how reliable is the service? Some companies offer a reliability guarantee. This is important in order to ensure that clients are happy and are able to access your own web services 24-hours a day, without delay. Consider seeking hosted PBX reviews, in order to understand what works well for others. It is also a good idea to find a provider who offers multiple locations and service centers.
This provides assurance, since when a problem does come up, they will have the resources available to quickly resolve the conflict.
As with any service one purchases, feeling that you are being well cared for with a high degree of competency in customer service is integral. Watch for the companies who offer twenty-four seven customer service, and always check in what medium this service is delivered. Are customer service representatives or technicians available via email, phone, or chat? What service medium is quickest for you, and is this supported by the PBX provider you are interested in using?
If you have an up-and-coming business, you can expect fervent, perhaps even unpredictable changes to your company’s development. Therefore, look out for a service provider who is in line with this flexibility: One who offers room to expand and grow, to increase storage volume, lines, and other networks, as well as one that allows such changes without charging fees for growing or adapting.
