If you are looking to learn more about what a hosted PBX is, then search no further. A private branch exchange, or a PBX, is a telephone switching system that is accessible over a network. This system is cloud-based and because of this, gives access to all the internet has to offer.

A device such as this one is managed off-site, eliminating expensive infrastructure, software, and training. This cloud-based platform can be installed quickly without much configuration and future maintenance. Instead of your business being responsible for the software, training, and maintenance to keep up with this system, the host of each PBX provider will take care of it all. A hosted PBX system also provides businesses with the ability to manage their system and business via a user-friendly control panel. For these reasons and more, hosted PBX systems are becoming more popular resolutions for today’s business owners.

How Does a Hosted PBX Work?

Each hosted PBX will shift your phone and communication infrastructure to a trusted VoIP provider network and instead of individual phone extensions, each phone is replaced with a VoIP desk phone. All your voice communications and existing data networks will easily support your entire business and office. You can call route, call recording, and join conferencing if you choose to utilize a VoIP service.

There are two types of hosted PBX platforms to consider, and while they both can help you meet your business needs, there are some differences that will make it or break it.

1. A Cloud-based PBX: This is the most common phone system because all phones connect to an outside VoIP data center. The phones are then configured with a separate login which is programmed beforehand to register with a SIP server. This type of PBX provides all the essential features that employees would need, including voicemail to email delivery, auto attendants, and video conferencing. If you are looking at this from a management perspective, this is the easiest PBX platform to manage.
2. PBX SIP Trunking: If you already have an IP PBX, it will be beneficial to get SIP trunking, because of its lower costs and rapid scalability. You will be able to keep your existing PBX, but all your calls will be completed through a VoIP-based trunk from outside lines. In the event of a PBX issue, you can route calls to any brick-and-mortar or virtual office, making it easy to fix. A SIP trunk is a good option if you have a larger office because it is less feature-packed than a full cloud PBX system and much easier to use.

You can see that both hosted PBX systems offer enhanced adaptability and gives you the control you need to manage costs. The advantage with the cloud-based PBX is that you can adjust every VoIP feature and call flow the way that you need, such as phone numbers, hunt groups, and automatic call recording.

The Many Benefits of a Hosted PBX

1. You can maximize uptime and safeguard your data- Since a PBX system is physically controlled by a specialized IT team or service business vendors, they do offer some measure of security. Most providers will keep your valuable company data and communications protected by their enterprise-grade security to ensure your business continuity during emergencies or disruptions.
2. A PBX will enable you to lower overall costs and increase ROI- By eliminating hardware, you can also reduce the hidden costs of maintenance and expansion in the future. You’re spared the expense of specialized IT staff or outside vendors because all that is needed can be done by your service provider. By choosing a single provider for all your business communications, you will receive one bill for all users, locations, and features. Depending on the package you purchase, the VoIP system, number of calls, text, voicemail, conferencing, online meetings, and desktop and mobile apps can be included.
3. Your business will be able to connect multiple locations and support remote workers- Employees can make and receive phone calls using their main business number from their direct line, regardless of which device they use. From using a desk phone, a personal or corporate smartphone, desktop, their home telephone, or even a hotel phone, calls can all be made with the same number through their business line. Employees can make and receive phone calls or texts using their extensions or direct numbers no matter where they are.
4. By installing a hosted PBX system, you will be choosing a solution that can flexibly accommodate and scale to business needs- With this system, your business is in control of accommodating staff who are always on the go, staff who work at client sites, or from home offices. Unlike the traditional PBX systems, this upgraded system provides employees with the independence and the flexibility to work more efficiently, no matter where they are. You will soon find out that when your employees are empowered to work where they choose and how they choose, their productivity increases, which also increases your company’s business and customer service.

Choosing the Right Hosted PBX Provider

When making the decision to switch to a hosted provider, you must choose the right one. Not all providers are the same, and selecting which provider will make or break your business. Before adding this system to your company, you need to decide which features are the most important to you.

Before getting started, your business needs to go over its requirements, what features it wants, how security needs to work, its protocols, and the different support offered by each provider. A company’s hosted PBX selection criteria should include some of the following factors.

1. Initial and recurring phone service costs
2. Capabilities of the business phone system
3. Price, availability, and quality of support from your selected provider
4. Security best practices and certifications like PCI, SOC, and HIPAA
5. Accessibility and ease of use of the selected communications platform

When you look more into what is important for your business, the service providers that offer what you are looking for will stand out. You want a provider that constantly ranks best in service, that can provide your business with the tools it needs to be successful.

The Future of the Hosted PBX In the Business World

It’s no secret that the average workplace has changed immensely in the last 20 years. The way that people work has shifted, and flexibility is welcome. With all the improvements made it’s safe to say that the traditional phone system has become outdated.

Business owners want devices that improve sales and bring about ease for employees. There is no time to mess around with telephones or communication devices that don’t bring success, which is why making an investment into a PBX system is key. This system can shift with the modern office, and provide lasting benefits for all who utilize it. The time to upgrade your business’s phone system is now because you need a system that will keep up with your goals.