16Jul2020

Author SSR System Categories Uncategorised

If you’re looking for a phone solution for your business, a cloud PBX system might be the one for you. Cloud PBX has become one of the most popular telephony systems on the market thanks to its ease of use and low costs, but it’s not right for everyone. Read on to see if a cloud PBX system suits your business.

What is cloud PBX?

A cloud PBX is a business phone system that is hosted entirely on servers in off-site data centers and powered over the internet. A cloud PBX can provide even more features than a traditional PBX phone system, while enabling a non-technical administrator to easily set everything up.

Cloud PBX, also known as hosted PBX or virtual PBX, is an IP-based PBX solution provided and accessed completely through the internet. Instead of hosting software on a server, the way digital systems do, cloud PBX hosts all software and data in the cloud.

Digital vs. cloud PBX

Cloud systems have evolved from digital – or on-premise – PBX systems, which are housed in large hardware units that have to be stored onsite and operated by hand. On-premise systems can be very costly for companies because of their size and requirements for a special storage facility and manual operation. Companies are also on the hook for expensive regular maintenance, since the machines are complex and require professional attention.

Cloud PBX takes all the functionality of a digital system and moves it into a virtual space, eliminating the need for hardware and other equipment, which saves you money on installation and maintenance. Hosted PBX systems have become popular largely because they provide all the functions of digital PBX and more without clunky, costly equipment and are easier to use.

How does cloud PBX work?

Hosted PBX is a cloud solution. If you’re familiar with cloud technology, then you will probably already perceive of and understand the convenience and power that Hosted PBX will provide.

A Hosted PBX system is not a physical system that has to be installed (and therefore confined) on a user’s site. Instead, the phone system is made available over a network — i.e. the cloud. What this essentially means is that the PBX is now accessed via the internet, so that no matter where an employee is in the world, provided there is an internet connection, he/she can dial into and be reached via the office network.

No hardware needs to be installed on the customer’s premises, and yet the customer still retains the ability to utilize all of the characteristic features of a traditional telephone system — call queues, call transfers, automated answering attendants, etc.

What are the benefits of cloud PBX?

Low cost

The greatest benefit of a hosted cloud PBX system is its low cost. Because hosted PBX is provided as a service, you are not required to purchase any physical equipment whatsoever – you can purchase VoIP-enabled desktop phones if you would like, or have your system go through mobile phones. The lack of equipment also helps you save on installation and maintenance costs. All of your services and features are hosted fully in the cloud and maintained by your provider, which means that the cost of your phone service covers regular updates and maintenance. Most providers offer online portals through which you can manage your phone lines, updates and maintenance needs.

A hosted PBX solution also gives you significant control over how much you pay, since you will only pay for the features and number of phone lines that you need.

Features and flexibility

Cloud-based PBX systems offer significant benefits in terms of features and flexibility. As the world moves increasingly to flexible and nontraditional working environments, it has become a large business priority to be reachable anywhere, anytime. Hosted PBX systems allow you to conduct business calls via your smartphone or computer as long as you have an internet connection, and your employees can customize their phone settings to whatever works best for them, such as having all their calls routed to both their phone and computer or to their desk and mobile phones.

Cloud PBX also provides features for modern business, such as texting, voicemail with transcription, call recording and integration with vendor services. Each system varies in its offering of features, so you should explore what features you think your business will need and shop around to see what features each vendor includes and which you must purchase as add-ons.

Reliable service

For many businesses, phone communication is the backbone of their day-to-day activities, so reliable service is a must. Cloud PBX systems provide superior service to that of traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN) lines due to their being hosted on the internet and the several backup methods they have in place.

Traditional phone services use copper cabling to transfer phone calls, which are vulnerable to natural disasters, vandalism, and general wear and tear, all of which can mean extended outages of your phone service. Cloud PBX systems use the internet, which means your phone service is as strong as your internet connection. Because all of your information is in the cloud, your system should experience little to no downtime in the event of an issue. Geographic redundancy is one of the most common reliability measures: This is when the provider has several servers in different physical locations. Each server contains identical information, so if one fails, another can take its place almost instantly.

What are the cons of hosted PBX?

Although hosted systems seem to be the most popular option in the current market, a cloud PBX system may not be the right option for your business.

If you have a poor internet connection or cannot properly secure your connection, cloud PBX may bring you more frustration than it’s worth. The system is entirely dependent on the internet and will not function properly without a strong connection, so if your internet service provider (ISP) is unreliable or frequently drops your internet service, hosted PBX may not work for you.

Additionally, due to their internet-based nature, cloud PBX systems are more susceptible to security breaches than digital systems. When speaking to vendors, be sure to ask about their security measures and how they protect your data. You should make sure they have both physical and network security, SIP endpoint security, toll fraud monitoring and detection, and a dedicated monitoring system that alerts you to any suspicious activity.