Best PBX Phone Systems

Guide to PBX Phone Systems

A private branch exchange (PBX) phone system is a type of telephone communication system used within businesses and organizations. It allows multiple users to share a limited number of physical phone lines, while allowing them to provide personalized services within their own organization. 

The PBX acts as an intermediary between the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and the internal phone network (IPN). The PBX handles incoming calls from external callers, routing them to the appropriate internal lines. It also routes outgoing calls from internal lines out to the PSTN. This eliminates the need for each user or department to have individual access to the outside line, reducing the total cost of ownership for a business or organization. 

PBX systems can be installed on-premise or hosted in the cloud. On-premise solutions are typically more expensive upfront but offer more control over features and maintenance costs.Cloud-hosted solutions on the other hand, offer greater scalability and flexibility but require an ongoing subscription fee.

Through its digital switchboard, PBX systems are configured with various features such as automatic call routing, caller ID detection and blocking, voicemail boxes, IVR menus and conference calling capabilities that give users greater flexibility and control over how they manage their calls. In addition, PBX systems can be integrated with other unified communication tools such as video conferencing platforms and instant messaging apps in order to facilitate remote communication among employees across different locations. 
 
One of the most attractive benefits of having a modern PBX system is its ability to connect multiple offices together into one virtual office building by way of direct inward dialing (DID) numbers. DID numbers allow businesses with multiple locations to assign each branch its own individual number which can then be used by either an internal or external caller for direct contact with that specific branch without needing to use any additional routing codes or extensions. Through these DID numbers it's possible for customers located anywhere in the world to directly access any regional office for sales inquiries or help requests without relying on costly international calling rates from traditional landline phones providers.

 Finally, some advanced VoIP-based PBX systems offer special voice recognition capabilities that enable seamless customer service experiences such as automated navigation menus where customers do not need to wait on hold - they simply state their request clearly into their handset’s microphone so that it can be interpreted correctly by AI-driven software

What Features Does PBX Phone Systems Provide?

• Voicemail: PBX phone systems provide voicemail service to store and manage incoming messages. This allows users to access and respond to voice messages quickly when they are not available for immediate contact.
• Auto-Attendants: Automated attendants provide a menu of options for callers, such as selecting the department they want to speak with, or pressing certain numbers on their keypad for more options.
• Call Transferring/Forwarding: With this feature, calls can be transferred from one extension to another without having the caller hang up and redial the new number. It also allows users to forward calls directly to an external number(s). 
• Conference Calling: Most PBX systems offer conference calling capabilities so multiple parties can participate in a single call. 
• Music On Hold: This feature plays recorded music while callers are waiting on hold or being transferred between extensions and departments. This can give your business a more professional image by keeping customers engaged while they wait. 
• Voice Over IP (VoIP): Most modern PBX phone systems allow you to use traditional telephone lines and VoIP technology, which opens up various cost-saving opportunities for businesses looking for cost-effective communication solutions. 
• Extension Dialing: Extension dialing allows a user to dial an internal extension without having to first dial an access code or switchboard number - this makes it easy for staff members within your office to connect with each other quickly and easily. 
• Unified Messaging: Unified messaging services combine voice mail, email, faxes and text messages into one inbox allowing users quick access in one central location

What Are the Different Types of PBX Phone Systems?

• IP PBX: An Internet Protocol (IP) private branch exchange (PBX) is a phone system that runs on an IP network, allowing users to make and receive calls over the internet. It also offers features such as voicemail, call forwarding, auto-attendant, unified messaging and conferencing. 
• Virtual PBX: A virtual PBX is a cloud-based business phone system that routes calls through a data center hosted by a third-party provider. This type of system is ideal for small business owners who don't want to purchase and maintain their own hardware or software.  
• Hybrid PBX: A hybrid PBX combines both physical and virtual technology into one comprehensive solution. It allows companies to take advantage of both traditional analog telephone lines and VoIP services while still having the ability to use their existing analog phone equipment. 
• Hosted/Cloud PBX: A hosted or cloud PBX is a service offered by third-party providers where all the hardware and software required for running the phone system are hosted in the cloud. This eliminates the need for companies to have their own servers, freeing up resources that can be used elsewhere.
• Traditional Onsite PBX: Traditional onsite private branch exchanges (PBX) are physical systems that are installed at each company's premises, usually with IT infrastructure already in place. This type of system requires maintenance from technicians and support staff on site. 

Advantages Provided by PBX Phone Systems

1. Cost Effective: PBX phone systems are cost-effective because they typically require much less capital expenditure than a traditional phone system. PBX systems also allow businesses to scale up and down their voice capacity quickly and easily, resulting in lower operational costs. 
2. Flexibility: With a PBX, businesses can deploy different features and services as needed. This could include voicemail, auto attendant, call forwarding, conferencing capabilities, etc. This flexibility allows businesses to design their system based on specific needs and demands of the organization. Additionally, with hosted solutions becoming more popular, businesses have even greater flexibility when it comes to scaling up or down depending on their current needs.
3. Enhanced Productivity: Because of its advanced features such as automated attendant and VoIP integration, PBX systems enable faster communication that leads to improved productivity levels for any business. It helps employees save time by eliminating busy signals along with automated routing of calls while allowing users to access information quickly from anywhere in the world. 
4. Mobility: With advances in technology such as mobile apps and browser-based softphones, users can now access the PBX system from anywhere at anytime through their mobile devices or computers. This allows them to stay connected no matter where they are located which is beneficial both for customer service purposes as well as improving employee productivity levels by giving them the freedom to work outside a traditional office setting if needed. 
5. Security: The security offered by a PBX system is considerably better than traditional phone systems since all calls within the network are encrypted ensuring that confidential data is never compromised. Additionally, these systems also feature advanced authentication protocols which provide an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access attempts from external sources.

Types of Users that Use PBX Phone Systems

• Business Managers: PBX phone systems allow business managers to manage multiple external and internal phone lines, as well as route incoming calls to the appropriate destination. 
• Call Center Agents: PBX phone systems provide call center agents with the ability to handle customer service inquiries quickly and efficiently. 
• Receptionists: Receptionists can use a PBX system to route incoming calls and direct them to the proper department or person. 
• Executives: Executives can use features like conference calling and voice mail to stay in touch with their employees across multiple locations. 
• Remote Workers: PBX provides remote workers with a secure connection so they can access office resources from anywhere. 
• Home Office Users: A home office user may have a single or multi-site PBX setup that allows them to use enterprise-level features while working from home. 
• IT Professionals: IT professionals are able to monitor and maintain a PBX system, ensuring that it is always up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.

How Much Does PBX Phone Systems Cost?

The cost of a PBX phone system can vary greatly depending on the number and types of features you need. Generally speaking, the cost of a typical PBX system starts at around $900 for a basic on-premise system and can cost up to $5,000 or more for advanced cloud-based systems with additional features. Smaller businesses may be able to get away with buying only necessary hardware and software, but larger companies generally require additional services such as integration with existing systems, maintenance and support packages, custom programming for special needs, or setup/training. The total cost of ownership also depends on whether you choose to purchase from an equipment vendor or opt for a hosted (cloud) solution. Hosted solutions are often less expensive initially because they do not require the upfront capital investment in hardware and software; however, they can add monthly costs over time that could potentially exceed costs associated with an on-premise solution.

What Does PBX Phone Systems Integrate With?

PBX phone systems are able to integrate with a variety of different types of software. These can include customer relationship management (CRM) tools, project management systems, email applications, and teleconferencing solutions. By integrating these services with the PBX system, calls and other communication activities can be tracked in a central location for easy access by any user connected to the system. Additionally, many of these software packages offer advanced features such as automated call routing and recording capabilities which can enhance the productivity and efficiency of any business' communication practices.

Recent Trends Related to PBX Phone Systems

1. Increased Mobility: PBX phone systems are now available for use on mobile devices, allowing users to stay connected no matter where they are. This is especially useful for businesses that need their employees to be reachable at all times or have remote workers who may not be in the office often.
2. Improved Scalability: Traditional PBX systems can only support a certain number of phones and extensions, but modern VoIP-based PBXs can easily scale up as needed with the addition of more lines and features. This makes them ideal for growing organizations. 
3. Enhanced Security: Many companies are switching over to IP-based PBXs because they offer advanced security measures such as encryption and authentication protocols that help protect against data theft and unauthorized access. 
4. Lower Costs: Because VoIP-based PBXs don’t require physical wiring, installation costs are significantly lower than traditional analog systems. Additionally, since these systems run through an Internet connection, long distance charges are eliminated. 
5. Greater Flexibility: IP-based PBXs allow you to add or remove users on the fly without disrupting service and provide easy integration with other applications like CRM software. This allows businesses to quickly respond to changing customer needs and build custom workflows that fit their unique requirements.

How to Select the Best PBX Phone Systems

On this page you will find available tools to compare PBX phone systems prices, features, integrations and more for you to choose the best software.

1. Determine Your Needs: Before shopping for a PBX phone system, assess your business’s specific needs to make sure that you’re getting all of the features required. Are there special functions or applications needed? Is mobility important? Find out so that you don't end up buying something that doesn't meet all of your requirements. 
2. Evaluate Your Options: Once you have identified what features are essential to your business, it is time to start researching options and comparing them to determine which one best fits your budget and needs. Consider factors such as call quality, cost, scalability, customer service and warranties when making your decision. 
3. Choose The Right Vendor: Take the time to speak with vendors and ask questions such as their experience in installing PBX systems, available technical support and any special incentives or discounts they offer. Make sure you find a vendor who offers reliable customer service and post-sale support too. 
4. Test it Out: Don’t forget to test out how well the system works before signing on the dotted line. Have a representative from the vendor come in and demonstrate how everything works so that you can ask questions about features and usage before committing to purchase.