Communication is of paramount importance for businesses. With hundreds of employees in one location the traditional PBX was a useful way of saving costs within the business. Nowadays, with the advent of internet technology, new, more effective versions of the PBX have evolved – IP PBX has revolutionized communications for businesses.
IP PBX simplifies the phone system. Besides servers that run IP PBX and desk phones, only extra is standard cat 5e/6 Ethernet cable. ‘Cause IP Phones can share cables with computers, we don’t have to run extra cables just for IP Phones!
The following list highlights advantages that an IP PBX provides over the traditional PBX setup:
- Unlike the traditional PBX Systems, changing an extension location within the premises is a simple case of unplugging the phone, and plugging it in elsewhere. The extension number is held on the device, so there is no need to reprogram the PBX itself.
- SIP client, an app, can run on mobile phone. This allows the mobile to connect to the office network. Using an internet connection and user password an employee can log in to the PBX network. If a customer calls using their extension, they can then receive the call, even if they are not in the office.
- VoIP systems have a multitude of additional services which can be categorized under Unified Communications(UC). This is an emergent technology which allows the seamless integration of multiple communication types; voice, video, fax, instant messaging, email, voicemail, etc.
- Call recording – In the old analogue PBX systems this was accomplished by using a separate line connected to a Voice Logger. Now it can be done easily by a user through their IP phone or PC Interface whenever required.
- External applications can interface with the IP PBX. API allows CRM application communicate with the PBX. When a customer calls, the number is recognized by CRM and brings up the customers details before the call is even answered. This saves time, and increases the customer service level within the business.
- As a business grows, it may expand its territory. The IP PBX system is easily scalable at a fraction of the cost of a traditional PBX. Additionally, through the use of VoIP technology, inter-office calls are literally free. International businesses will also benefit from this, by having considerably lower costs than traditional phone lines could provide.
- The old PBX systems tended to use CLI interfaces and use proprietary vendor based coding. The new systems are based on GUI interfaces, which are much simpler to configure and use. Administrators can learn to manage the IP PBX more easily. This, in turn, increases overall efficiency, and reduces down time due to technical issues.
These are just some of the advantages that IP PBX technology has brought to businesses worldwide. The use of this technology can only grow with time. Its flexibility and low cost, together with easier user interface and CRM integration make it an invaluable asset in any business.
Check out this article to help with your network, as it’s critical to the quality of VoIP: