With the growing number of alternative channels available for customers and in-house operations, some establishments and businesses think that they can go without a professional phone system. However, the telephone is still an important communication channel, and it’s crucial to choose the right IP PBX system for your organization. Here’s what you need to look for when looking into integrating an IP PBX system to your business infrastructure.
1. Sizing
One advantage of IP PBX systems is flexibility, but it’s important to ensure that your package has enough calling capacity to support your needs. Most of today’s PBX systems start with support for 20 call stations, while some offer support for unlimited number of stations.
2. Supported Locations
Years back, telephones were restricted to their locations. But with the advent of IP PBX, companies can now operate from multiple virtual locations, while maintaining one physical location. Even overseas calls are supported with VoIP technology. This lets you maintain your presence in the market you serve by providing a local number or a toll-free hotline where callers can call.
3. Hosted or On-Premise
Your choice of whether to go for a hosted or an on-premise IP PBX system depends on the type of business you run. Many tech businesses have large network budget and are able to apply their technological expertise by purchasing and operating their own IP PBX. For businesses that only require an operational and reliable system, the better option would be hosted PBX. With its flexibility and guaranteed availability, the hosted choice is definitely worth considering for any business and organization.
4. Features
The features available for a PBX system can be overwhelming, but making your own list of priority features will help narrow down your choices. All systems come with basic set of features, which include call forwarding, call waiting and voice messaging. Additional features like voice to e-mail or voice to SMS are also becoming standard PBX features. You should also identify whether your highest volume is incoming or outgoing calls. The features needed for a PBX package for a business that make or receive large volumes of calls are very different from a regular office that has balance call activity.
5. Security
Business-related communications are always confidential, especially when it’s about operations. Therefore, security should be a priority when looking for an IP PBX system. If the premise is secured, an on-premise PBX is your most ideal option. But if your office is in a shared building or room, where you have no total control of the telephone system, it would be safer to go for a hosted PBX.
6. Customization
Customization is easily attainable with on-premise PBX, since the company’s IT professional supervises the system instalment and management. With hosted PBX, customization is likely handled by your provider. While providers can offer customization, they are often unable to make extreme changes for every client.
Choosing a PBX system is no easy task; you have to understand and consider your company’s needs. However, if you work with a reliable provider, you will be educated and advised of the right IP PBX package to pick. Call Crystal Voice now to help you choose the right IP PBX system for your business.