Hosted PBX - What is it?

Hosted PBX

A PBX (Public Branch Exchange) is a hardware device used to route phone calls that are coming in to multiple extensions. When Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is used by a business, the next best thing to do is to move over to an IP PBX, or a hosted PBX. Most businesses use VoIP for its reduced costs and sophisticated technology, however now with hosted PBX, you have a smarter option.

The technology used in a hosted PBX domain involves the service of call routing that is hosted by a third party. Unlike the traditional system, here the hardware need not be on site. It is in the provider?s data center where you will find the actual hardware being handled. Other than routing calls, a traditional PBX performs multiple functions, such as transfers, voicemail, and conferences. Working in a similar fashion, the hosted PBX goes few steps further and provides features that you would not find in a traditional PBX.

Hosted PBX - the right choice for Small Businesses

Installing a traditional PBX means investing a considerable amount of time, as well as money and resources. What would really be ideal for a small business is a hosted PBX that keeps away all the expenses and time consuming activities of installing a new product. A small business requires software that allows it to compete with larger businesses with the same sophisticated technology. This was an impossible scenario few years back, however now with rapid technological developments, small businesses can take advantage of excellent software applications such as hosted PBX and stay connected to the latest developments as well as gain access to cost effective upgrades.

Larger companies have historically enjoyed these high-end benefits, such as auto-attendant and call routing. The good news is that small businesses can very well enjoy the same features, and at reduced costs.

What?s more, compared to the traditional PBX that costs more, a hosted PBX can provide more impressive services and features at minimal costs. You can now avoid the hassles that come with using a traditional PBX, and according to your hosted PBX provider, enjoy exceptional features that include call conferencing and queuing, and incoming fax management.

Hosted PBX - the right fit for multiple extensions

A virtual office can make good use of a hosted PBX that allows multiple extensions. This way a virtual company can have an extension of its main phone number in numerous locations.

Since you won?t have to worry about expensive hardware upgrade, getting a hosted PBX is the perfect way for your small business to grow. If you would ever require a re-installation owing to relocation, installing additional lines is as simple as it could get. Certain hosted PBX services also enable you to carry your phone extension as you move around on a trip.

When you are looking at picking the best type of hosted PBX, make sure that you carefully look into the many features as well as the costs. Choose a service that has a straight forward billing system since there could be hidden costs that you might miss out on. Many times users experience ?double-leg? billing, where they get charged for both the incoming call to their main phone as well the outgoing calls to their extensions. Other factors you will need to look out for are a redundant data center with automatic failover to save time and maximum dependability to increase productivity of your business.

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