Cloud technology is becoming an integral part of office communications, which is drifting from the standard Private Branch Exchange (PBX) technology. The switch to cloud-based VoIP systems puts more focus on collaboration or Unified Communications technology – a functionalities layer that runs over top the PBX system.
Your PBX system is equipped to sustain a voice calling platform for your office. This technology does not allow for more modern communication methods like e-mail and video call. With collaboration solutions, all these technological breakthroughs in communication can work alongside a traditional PBX system.
How Hosted PBX Systems Work for Office Workplaces
Cloud-based phone systems take standard VoIP protocols and implement PBX functionality. This feature makes it possible for the cloud VoIP to take on
PBX features, all without needing to install any hardware. Hosted PBXs come with more empowering features, such as auto attendant, conference calling, mobile calling, email integration and web-based interface.
The switch to cloud communications will result in real savings. The estimates suggest that a new business will
save as much as 90 percent on international call costs. Likewise, local calling rates will go down by 40 percent as a result of converting from a standard business calling solution. Furthermore, initial installation expenses are not a concern like they are with traditional enterprise phone systems, as the setup process is mostly software-based.
Working Remote With Cloud VoIP Communications Technology
Traditional phone service providers typically fall short when used by staff that is on the road rather than always in the office. The entire team can maintain healthy communications through the flexibility of a cloud VoIP solution. Any type of mobile device on Wi-Fi or with data (laptop, smartphone, tablet, etc.) will be able to run on the hosted telecom system.
Hosted PBX communications technology makes it possible to forward calls from within the office to mobile lines. This function will not modify the customer service experience one bit, as the destination phone number will not be shown to the caller. The remote-working staff member will also be able to call the hosted PBX system first and then make calls from within it, so outgoing calls are also masked.
Cloud-based VoIP vs. Hosted PBX: What’s the Difference?
There’s a little confusion surrounding these two terms. Cloud VoIP refers to any VoIP system that runs through a cloud server. The cloud services are supported by VoIP companies and supplied to many clients, which makes the average cost more affordable for those clients.
The downside of cloud phone services is the lack of predictability determination within the software. These services cannot catch expected usage spikes, and when they happen, it can drag down the sustainability network-wide. The result is the potential for a single user to max out the usage volume or storage capacity for the entire office. If an overage is expected, a hosted PBX solution will prevent network instability.
In short, hosted PBX solutions offer a higher level of efficiency for large-scale businesses due to their “
pay-per-seat” pricing models. But, the cloud PBX solution offers more reliability for smaller businesses trying to scale because of its “pay-for-use” pricing model.
Conclusion
VoIP and hosted solutions are changing the enterprise communications technology game. The result is cheaper telephone customer service, as well as more fluent interoffice and team collaboration. These office telecom products come at varying price points – it all depends on the features you wish to deploy.
If UC communication systems like hosted PBX (
Unite) seem right for your business, reach out for a quote based on your office’s telecom needs.
