Cloud-Based Business PBX Services
The Best Phone Service for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
Cloud-Based PBX phone systems can be more cost-effective and easier to manage than traditional landline systems. They provide greater flexibility, scalability, and mobility, making them an attractive option for small businesses with evolving needs. If you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective solution for your small business, you’ve come to the right place. Unitel makes setting up a cloud-based PBX phone system easy and affordable.
The Best Phone Service for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
Cloud-Based PBX phone systems can be more cost-effective and easier to manage than traditional landline systems. They provide greater flexibility, scalability, and mobility, making them an attractive option for small businesses with evolving needs. If you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective solution for your small business, you’ve come to the right place. Unitel makes setting up a cloud-based PBX phone system easy and affordable.
What You Need To Know About Small Business PBX Systems
1. What is a small business PBX phone system?
A small business PBX (Private Branch Exchange) phone system is a telecommunication solution designed specifically for small businesses to manage and route their incoming and outgoing telephone calls. PBX systems provide a range of features that enable businesses to handle multiple phone lines, extensions, and call routing efficiently. These systems can be hardware-based, software-based, or cloud-hosted.
2. What are the key features of a small business PBX phone system?
Call routing: Directing incoming calls to the appropriate extension or department within the organization.
Auto attendant: A virtual receptionist that greets callers and offers menu options to direct them to the right department or person.
Voicemail: Allowing callers to leave messages for employees who are unavailable to take the call.
Call forwarding: Redirecting calls to alternative numbers or devices when the primary line is busy or unattended.
Call waiting: Alerting users of an incoming call when they are already on another call.
Conference calling: Enabling multiple parties to join a single call for collaborative discussions.
Call hold and transfer: Allowing users to place calls on hold or transfer them to another extension or external number.
Caller ID: Displaying the caller’s phone number and, in some cases, their name.
Call logs and reporting: Collecting data on call history and usage for analysis and optimization purposes.
3. What is the difference between a cloud-based virtual PBX and a traditional PBX phone system?
A cloud-based (or “virtual”) PBX and a traditional PBX phone system differ primarily in terms of their infrastructure, setup, and maintenance requirements. Here’s a brief comparison of the two types:
Infrastructure
Traditional PBX: A traditional PBX system is hardware-based, requiring on-premises equipment such as a server, phone lines, and phones. This physical infrastructure can take up space and may need regular maintenance or upgrades.
Cloud-based PBX: In a cloud-based virtual PBX, the system infrastructure is hosted by a service provider, and all the essential components reside on remote servers in data centers. It relies on the internet for connectivity, requiring only compatible IP phones or devices with a VoIP application.
Setup & Installation
Traditional PBX: Setting up a traditional PBX system involves installing and configuring hardware, running phone lines, and connecting phones. This process can be time-consuming and may require the assistance of professionals or specialized IT staff.
Cloud-based PBX: Implementing a cloud-based virtual PBX is typically quicker and easier. There’s no need for extensive hardware installation, and users can access the system using their internet-connected devices, often through a web interface or app.
Maintenance & Updates
Traditional PBX: Ongoing maintenance and updates for a traditional PBX system can be costly and cumbersome, often requiring professional support or in-house IT staff.
Cloud-based PBX: With a cloud-based system, the service provider handles maintenance, updates, and upgrades, often without any downtime or disruptions for users. This ensures that the system remains up-to-date with minimal effort from the business.
Scalability & Flexibility
Traditional PBX: Scaling a traditional PBX system may involve additional hardware, installation, and maintenance costs as the business grows or requirements change.
Cloud-based PBX: Cloud-based systems offer greater scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to easily add or remove lines, extensions, and features as needed.
Costs
Traditional PBX: Initial investment and ongoing costs for traditional PBX systems can be higher due to equipment, installation, maintenance, and update expenses.
Cloud-based PBX: With a cloud-based virtual PBX, businesses generally pay a monthly subscription fee based on the number of users and features, which can be more cost-effective, particularly for smaller businesses.
