How To Choose The Right PBX Telephone System for Your Business?

PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a phone system that allows multiple lines to connect to a central location, in a ratio of about 6:1 which allows efficient and economical use of lines. The PBX system provides features like call forwarding, voicemail, and caller ID. Along with this you can also have various call management software to monitor your business telephone calls. All Plessie’s systems can be tailored and configured to suit an organization of any size. We have a team of professionals on hand to assist you with determining your needs. For a quote click here….

Some things to keep in mind are;

1. How many incoming lines you will need.
2. Do you want to have VOIP options? – Voice over IP is a technology that allows you to make calls using a broadband internet connection instead of regular/analog phone lines.
3. How many extensions you are needing?
4. Do you require a call management system?

Call management refers to the process and systems businesses use to handle incoming calls.
The phone system is key to successful communication within your business. The System can be set up according to your business needs. So, let’s explore our options:

Determine which features are most important to you.

On-premise IP PBX System

An on-premise PBX system refers to hardware such as desk sets and computer equipment which resides at your office and IP PBX is routing with updated technology, however all hardware remains on-premise. Traditional phone lines are used to route calls (ISDN and SIP trunking).

The IP-PBX server using LAN signals your IP phone. Calls can either go through a traditional call plan provided by Plessie or VOIP.

Also known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This system takes full advantage of existing internet connections that are readily available. Since the explosion of VoIP phone service and unified communications, the IP platform used to be regarded as the most commonly seen type of PBX system. On-site IP phone systems utilise your business’s internal networks. By using the internet, on-site IP systems can deliver call stability, better sound quality, and more advanced applications of a PBX system.  The switchboard element of your private phone system is the PBX. Some IP features include interfacing with other facets of your business’s affiliated communications, like voicemail-to email, mobility integration, and video calling.

For an on-premise VoIP system to reach its full potential, you will likely need to use SIP Trunks; this connects your existing on-premise equipment to the internet. This allows features such as disaster recovery, call accounting, advanced call routing, and can even save up to 70% on your calling costs in comparison to a digital PBX system.

Although the initial outlay on PBX equipment can be costly, an on-premise system has a lower cost in the long run as it can potentially reduce costs in the long run. But not to worry, Plessie offers monthly payment plans on all systems, giving you the freedom to pay outright or monthly.

Hybrid PBX System

A hybrid phone system uses both digital or existing analogue phone networks PBX and VoIP technology to create a blended system one that uses a digital phone system in-house and VoIP solutions to connect to the external phone numbers. Although analog PABX systems are no longer readily available on the market, to accommodate analog extensions you will require a PBX with analog ports built in or to convert digital to analog using converters

Hybrid systems are considered a middle ground between your traditional and VOIP systems. A hybrid system installed by Plessie will give you the best of both worlds, by incorporating the flexibility of a Cloud-hosted system with the features of external ISDN & SIP line connections.

This type of PBX can be easier to administrate as it is placed on site while being hosted on-line.  It gives you the ability to connect to remote offices or connect additional employees to the phone system. Most Hybrid PBX systems support SIP trunking and have excellent voice quality. This phone will ensure a smoother transition to a comprehensive VoIP system in the future.

This option is perfectly suited for your business if you do not want to or cannot fully rely on the internet for your phone service or if your staff is primarily stationary. This is an option if you prefer your phone system be on-site, you require secure lines, your facility has dated wiring and you want to try out or use some VoIP technology, with the option of full integration in the future.

Cloud-based PBX System

A cloud-based PBX system, also known as a hosted PBX, is a VoIP system which is delivered over the internet and managed completely off site.  It provides all PBX system features, applications, and calling services in the cloud whilst offering cost savings by reducing the amount of upfront equipment expenditure.
This is the most cost-effective option, the easiest to manage, flexible, scalable and comes with all the advanced calling features, including advanced disaster recovery, multi-office networking, and budget-friendly pricing. With this service, you no longer need to worry about providing maintenance repairs to the back-end equipment.

Do you think it’s the right time to upgrade your business phone systems? Start a free assessment with Plessie and learn more about how we can help your business grow.

At Plessie Durban we stock all the trusted brands in the industry like Yealink, NEC, Ubiquiti and more so your communication needs will be met and in good hands.