When to go with IP PBX

By Jim Vassallo
Updated: February 10, 2011

Businesses across the world are changing their business phone systems to increase productivity, save money, and utilize the most recent technology offered. It can be difficult for a company’s information technology director to determine when a company should change to an IP PBX phone system from their current phone system. This article will outline the top ten reasons why a company should switch to an IP PBX phone system.

Hybrid System Mixes Features

An IP PBX phone system requires hardware to install but it is a phone system that is a hybrid, or mix, between a VoIP system and a PBX system. The new features of VoIP are offered in these systems combined with the traditional features and reliability of a PBX system.

Web-Based Configuration

A phone system that runs with IP PBX has a web-based configuration that still operates in the office. The phone system is not 100 percent virtual, which means that there will still be a section of the office dedicated to the physical system.

VoIP Money Saver

Setting up a VoIP account with an IP PBX phone system can save a company a ton of money. If the company has various branch offices, the phones can be hooked up to allow employees to call from branch to branch for free.

No Phone Wiring…For the Most Part

Even though this reason lands on the list at number four, it is one of the more popular reasons to switch to an IP PBX phone system. The phones in this system can connect directly into the company’s network, which eliminates phone wires and phone ports in each office. This makes for an easy move from office to office when the company remodels. Not all companies will use this feature though, still installing the phones in the traditional manner.

No Vender Locks

The open SIP standard is what an IP PBX phone system operates on, which means the phone system does not have to use advanced features from vendors. An IP PBX phone system can operate with various features and phone combinations offered by vendors but chosen by the company per their needs.

Easy to Expand

An IP PBX phone system is incredibly easy to expand should the company go on a hiring spree. Most companies, when needing to expand their phone lines and phones, have to purchase a new system altogether, which can get extremely costly. Not all IP PBX phone systems operate by being installed on a computer and some have a limit as to the number of users. If a new user needs to be added, a computer interface will be able to add the user, making the addition of the phone very easy.

Excellent Customer Service

Companies considering a switch to an IP PBX phone system will see that these phones provide for better customer service since they can integrate with databases and computers. Employees can research client information while being on the phone simply by entering their phone number into the computer.

Twice the Goods for the Same Price

An IP PBX phone system can come with twice the features of a regular phone system for roughly the same price. If cost is a major player in a phone system switch, reason number eight might be the only reason for a company.

No Patching Required

If an employee needs to move his or her office to another section of the building, a new port does not need to be installed in the new office. Instead, the employee can just pick up the phone and carry it to the new office.

Ease of Use

An IP PBX phone system is incredibly easy to use compared to a regular phone system. Employees can see all lines in use, conference calls, and other features on a web interface.
 

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