Simply put, a hosted VoIP PBX system is a phone system that runs over the Internet. The phone system software resides in a data center that has a high speed connection to the Internet. The consumer no longer has to purchase and maintain any hardware or software as was the case with analog phone systems. The only equipment the consumer needs is a VoIP phone plugged into a high speed Internet connection (cable, DSL, T1 etc.) It cannot run on a dial up connection to the Internet.
Since the software for the phone system is located in a data center attached to the Internet (typically called 'Cloud Computing') the consumer can login and update the settings anytime they want to. And since it is based on software, new features are typically added frequently. Some of the standard features seen in most hosted VoIP PBX systems include:
And much more. Typically there are more features available with a VoIP PBX than would be available with an analog phone system.
Before it became a necessity during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had already begun realizing the benefits inherent in embracing remote work. These benefits are substantial and signal that (even when the pandemic is but a memory) remote work will continue to flourish and become a mainstay in the redefined workplace - particularly when it comes to VoIP. This guide will demonstrate how the workforce is changing and leaning toward remote work as a permanent business choice, explain the critical role VoIP will continue to play in supporting remote work, and highlight some of the new trends and innovations coming in 2021 for VoIP. more