Choosing a phone system is an arduous process for anyone. For a business, you need a phone system for the success of your business. Its, therefore, important to discern the different choices available, learn about the benefits that these choices can bring to your business, and end up choosing the best option. The phone system you end up choosing must match the requirements of your organization. Below you get to know whether to choose PBX or VoIP.
Private Branch Exchange
The Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is the traditional telephone system that has been around since the introduction of the phone. It’s the simplest phone system, and it features a box in the establishment to connect with all internal devices and lines within the establishment to connect with external lines. The PBX system is ideal for features like call forwarding and holding. You can purchase the phone system from a PBX reseller online or any other certified dealer.
Pros and Cons of PBX
One advantage of the PBX system is that you obtain better reliability because it only uses a physical connection. The connection only exists between any device that is within the network. Routing of the PBX system is also reliable because all calls made the route through the physical lines and connect to other phones within the office.
The PBX box within the establishment gets to work as the local phone grid. With such a system, you can enjoy quality calls that make it easier to quickly communicate and deliver crucial information.
The PBX systems have one downside, and that is they are rigid. These systems aren’t flexible enough to shrink and grow depending on the needs of your business. If you want to add more phones to your business, you will require the physical addition of the wires, thus requiring more money and time.
Voice over Internet Protocol
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) represents a new technology that offers more flexibility while providing you with value for your money. It’s an affordable option for businesses since it doesn’t need the wiring like that of the PBX systems. The phone system works using the internet protocol, and it converts voice signals to data packets and transmits them over the network to the caller. The system ensures that everyone on the phone call has the correct data transmitted to them.
Pros and Cons of VoIP
The first advantage of getting a VoIP system over the PBX option is the cost. The VoIP system is cost-effective because it negates the need for new infrastructure or lines to your establishment. More so, you never have to purchase additional equipment to facilitate effective communication. With a VoIP system, you get to have everything you need for expansion. More so, they are superior that PBX because they provide more flexibility.
One of the main downsides to using VoIP is that it’s only a delivery method. As the name suggests, the phone system only transmits voice over an internet protocol. If you do not have a network connection within your company, it can be hard for you to take advantage of the VoIP phone system. More so, your phones can wind up being down for a while when you don’t have a stable connection. Such network problems can lead to communication failure and lower voice quality.
PBX vs. VoIP
Both of these options will favor companies depending on the needs. For example, if your company doesn’t deal with many phone calls and you have a small footprint, you can opt to use the PBX system. That is because you won’t need any of the advanced features that VoIP gets to offer. If you don’t foresee any future changes in the communication mode, the PBX option can satiate all your needs.
On the other hand, having a business with seasonal call volume changes, a mobile workforce, the need for advanced features, and multiple locations can require VoIP use. That is because these systems can provide you with added flexibility within the business.
Final Take
Before settling on either option, you should compare these phone systems. Speaking to a consultant can help you narrow down the different phone systems that can satiate your business needs. More so, they can learn from your different operational requirements and know the phone system to recommend.
