The Ultimate Guide to IP PBX: Understanding IP Phone Systems and VoIP System
Why are IP Phone Systems Becoming a Popular Choice?
What if you can save more than 60% investment on your existing landline setup? Or if you have a reliable business phone system that facilitates remote teams and streamlines communication within and beyond the organization? Thankfully, turning this idea into reality is possible by moving from PSTN networks to the latest IP Phone Systems. With technological advancements, the latest internet-based VoIP PBX solutions have become the go-to option for all businesses. These phone systems offer cost savings or reliability allowing companies to operate from anywhere to stay ahead of the competitive curve.
What are IP Phone Systems?
In the traditional setup, desk phones and servers were necessary to accept incoming calls, creating a mess of cables in the office. The latest IP PBX phone systems have solved this problem, as you can continue business communication without a server or copper wire mess. Meanwhile, the system allows you to receive and place calls using VoIP technology. You may wonder what these IP-based phones look like; any handset with internet access and a compatible IP telephony app can be your VoIP phone. This popular alternative to the landline system dominates the market with its enhanced features and functionalities. These flexible solutions are a preferred choice for companies looking to improve voice-based communication.
How Are IP Phones Different From Traditional Phone Systems?
Although it seems like VoIP systems are only accessible to large businesses or established companies. That was once true, but now these advanced systems are economical for all sizes of companies. You can save money on initial setup as these advanced IP phones are easy to install. Moreover, advanced IP PBX VoIP Systems have more features than traditional phone lines. For instance, you can make phone calls, send text messages, or have video conferences in one convenient place. This unified communication experience will improve internal and external business communication and enhance team efficiency. You just need to choose the right service provider that ensures security and offers good call quality.
How Does VoIP Technology Work?
This system converts analog signals into digital signals. Later, it transfers these digital signals as data over a broadband line. When the VoIP system receives digital data from other systems or devices, it separates the data into information packets with each assigned an address. After the data packet is received in its final place, the phone user listens to this data as speech data. What you all need to have is an active internet connection. Even your remote teams can use the VoIP system regardless of physical location and collaborate with in-house teams to achieve common business goals.
Are VoIP Systems and IP Telephony the Same?
You may have heard about IP telephony or VoIP terminologies, which are sometimes considered the same. Some VoIP services also use them to explain how the phone system runs on the local area network to make calls using a router or modem. Still, they are different terms. Internet protocol (IP) telephony systems facilitate internet-based telecommunications. However, VoIP, or voice-over-Internet-protocol, is a more specific terminology. It is a technology that lets users make and receive voice calls through internet connections.
What are the Different Modes of IP Telephony Systems?
On-premises and cloud or virtual phone systems are two common types that function using a PBX. Let’s learn how they are different and which one is worth investing in:
- On-Premises System: In this setup, all the equipment, including hardware to place VoIP calls, is kept in the office. Meanwhile, the server and desk phone connection is managed in the office location. The system connects with PBX through LAN, allowing you to easily add advanced features or backup telephones. Interestingly, this setup gives you more control over your business phone system, and you can easily change connections and lines. However, you should have dedicated in-house IT support to manage and maintain the system. This can be quite expensive, or you must pay additional costs to facilitate external support.
- Cloud-Based/Virtual PBX: Sometimes, people use cloud PBX or hosted PBX interchangeably. In this setup, a third-party service provider manages everything related to your IP phone system. For instance, they handle setup or maintenance virtually, so you don’t have to hire an engineer or IT expert to install the system in your office. You just need an active internet connection and a device to install the IP software. The latest cloud systems are the best alternatives to traditional systems, allowing you to receive or make high-quality calls without the headaches of maintenance and facilitating remote work
Top Advantages of IP Telephony For Businesses
1. Easy to Setup & Maintain
Budget is an important thing to consider, especially for small business owners. IP-based systems are cheaper to install and set up because they can run on existing systems. You can keep your business calls flowing without expert IT staff on internet-connected softphones or handsets. Any person from your team can manage it. It also means your IP phones require less maintenance, like wire breaking or servers overheating in a traditional setup.
2. A More Reliable & Remote-Friendly Solution
You may be familiar with unreliable wired phone networks or annoyed with dodgy wires that only work in a particular position. IP PBX systems are reliable because you just need an active internet connection. You can even enable call forwarding mode to continue business communication in case of internet disruptions, which means no more downtime. VoIP-based systems are a great choice for remote workers. They also promote collaboration through video conferencing among your teams.
3. Facilitate Easy Scaling
When you make conference calls on landline phones or employ a new staff member, you must pay additional costs or need an expert to add a new phone line. There is no such hassle with IP phones. You just have to call the VoIP provider to add the person and install the software on the new device. This facility is effective for call centers. It allows you to develop a unified communication platform for your business, increasing customer satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Today is the best time to upgrade to a Cloud-hosted VoIP solution to help your business thrive and outshine competitors. Investing in VoIP solutions gives you more than a business phone system; you get video conferencing, voice calling, and more call management features in one place. Level up your business operations and communicate globally by accessing CherryBerry UCM‘s cloud-based business phone system.