From Traditional PBX to VoIP PBX: A Comprehensive Transition Guide
Why Switch to Advanced VoIP PBX?
Today, companies have adopted remote and hybrid approaches besides in-office work to manage communication challenges. There is a need to ensure a smooth flow of internal and external communication and solve issues efficiently. This feat seems impossible with the conventional phone system, but you can manage your communication just like your business needs with an advanced VoIP PBX system. Being costly and less flexible, traditional PBX has phased out and is being replaced by the latest VoIP to provide seamless communication inside and outside your business. If you are considering upgrading to an advanced phone system, this blog is to address your concerns.
What is a VoIP PBX System?
This advanced technology is a great solution for connecting multiple phone lines of a business. It enables your employees to speak to each other and outside clients on the Internet without using a public telephone network. Traditional PBX contains hardware and uses a public telephone network for incoming and outbound calls, was quite expensive and limited in functionality. However, advanced VoIP-based PBX use the internet and are more flexible, affordable and feature-rich. These systems send and receive data over IP networks by converting analogue signals into digital data to transmit over the internet. They are also cheap to maintain and implement making them the best choice for small and medium-sized companies.
Evolution Journey of VoIP-Based PBX Systems
Analogue Era: Traditional PBX
The earlier legacy systems operated on analogue technology comprised copper wiring and physical switchboards. The analogue PBX has limitations in terms of functionality, features and scalability. Companies had to depend on manual operators to manage extensions and connections which increased operational costs and led to inefficiencies.
Transition to Digital: IP PBX System
Later, the Internet reshaped the communication infrastructure. With the advent of IP technology, the PBX system underwent a huge transformation. These systems use the power of the Internet to transmit voice data and offer seamless integration with other tools and services. This transition offers unified communication solutions to businesses, enabling them to access voice, video, and messaging from a single place.
More Advancement: VoIP-Powered PBX
Advanced VoIP phone systems manage and route business calls using the internet connection. This flexible and cost-effective solution for all-sized enterprises allows you to make and receive calls on VoIP phones or softphones. Companies can also get advanced features like voicemail, conference calling, and integration to improve productivity and enhance communication efficiency. These are even the best options for companies that employ remote teams. They can access the system and benefit from all features your internal teams use.
Step to Migrating from Legacy Systems to VoIP Technology
Before upgrading to advanced VoIP-based PBX, consider these key points to ensure a smoother transition.
Evaluate Your Existing Infrastructure
First, review your existing communication infrastructure to determine which PBX system you are using. This also includes information about its capacity and the condition of cables and equipment. This analysis will provide detailed insights about where to start and what you need for the transition.
Setup Interdepartmental Team
Your entire business relies on a communication system so you should efficiently address the communication concerns in different departments. You can pick representatives from teams such as IT, customer service, HR and operations to help them understand potential challenges and technical aspects. Consider technical and non-technical departments to establish a foolproof VoIP migration strategy and optimise business communication.
Choose a Reliable VoIP Service Provider
The next step is to search for the right partner to start your VoIP journey. Do research on different service providers and compare their price plans and offerings as well as your budget. Collect information about the features they offer, the reputation they have and the level of support they provide. Don’t make the quick decision but choose the service provider that suits your business needs.
Train Your Employees
After selecting the service provider, concentrate on training your team. Although upgrading to a VoIP system can be a huge change for your employees, getting them ready for the transition is important. You can provide them with training about using the new system, familiarise them with new features and address their concerns through videos or tutorials. Trained and well-informed employees will make the migration smoother and easier.
Develop Network Infrastructure
Proper connectivity infrastructure is also important for a seamless transition. These advanced communication systems depend on internet connectivity. Thus, you should know that an unstable and weak connection can lead to a call dropping due to poor call quality. Import your existing phone numbers to the new service, backup voicemails, and other configurations from the previous provider. Ask your service provider to check the existing numbers to ensure everyone reaches you easily.
Strategise Your Migration Plan
To ensure a successful migration, companies must create a business plan that breaks down resources, expenses and deadlines. A robust disaster recovery plan can further reduce the risks of data loss as a result of data breaches and system failure. Following the guidelines can ensure a seamless and smooth transition from PBX to advanced VoIP systems.
Ensure Proper Security Measures
Your business phone system should not be vulnerable to security threats. Don’t let cybercriminals access sensitive business information and affect your business communication. Establish strong security protocols like encryption and firewalls and regularly update your system. Implementing multi-factor authentication, proper encryption and authorised user access can ensure data security over the network.
PBX to VoIP Migration Testing
In this step, it is checked whether everything is going according to plan. Your service provider conducts a practical evaluation before configuring the new system and tests every app, software and integration to avoid networking issues and finalise last-minute adjustments. After successful migration, you can implement tests to check the quality and clarity of audio calls, business tool integrations, call routing and forwarding and conduct performance tests to ensure everything functions correctly and efficiently.
What are the Three Phases in the Transitional Approach for IP PBX?
- Phase 1: Adding IP PBX: In the first stage, the service provider adds an IP PBX and IP/SIP phones to the existing network to create a telephonic connection between PSTN, PBX, and IP/LAN. The IP PBX uses the current PRI trunk and offers a three-legged solution and smart way to connect teleworkers, remote offices, features, and providers.
- Phase 2: Addition of Ports & Trunks-Natural Expansion: It lets companies add more telephony ports to facilitate the natural expansion of the network. They can also benefit from a USB-based channel bank to expand extensions.
- Phase 3: Remove Legacy System: Finally, when your system is ready to replace the traditional PBX, eliminate the legacy PBX. Now, you must rely completely on your IP system to meet their business telephony needs.
Top Advantages of Transitioning from PBX Setup to VoIP Systems
Companies always ask about the benefits of migrating to VoIP and why it is better than a legacy system. Advanced VoIP-based PBX offers countless benefits, such as you can transfer countless multimedia files or doing video calls with your device. Moreover, they are cheaper and provide better call quality than legacy systems. Let’s learn in detail why advanced VoIP technology is a better option.
VoIP are Scalable & Flexible
Unlike legacy systems tied to a single location, VoIP systems are more flexible allowing users to access the system and make or receive calls on any device, any time, anywhere. These systems are highly adaptive to the changing business needs and allow users to remove or add lines or scale up or down considering business needs through software. Furthermore, you did not need expensive hardware upgrades or physical installations as required in the legacy system.
Cost-efficiency is Another Plus Point
Traditional systems require high initial costs for developing and maintaining infrastructure. Thankfully, VoIP systems facilitate communication over the Internet so you do not need to invest in infrastructure and maintenance, it is also your vendor’s responsibility. You can make long-distance calls to multiple countries easily without paying a huge long-distance calling fee. Businesses can manage high-volume calls efficiently and integrate the system with existing tools and apps to increase efficiency.
They are Easier to Operate
Moving from a traditional to a VoIP system means accessing features that are not available in the legacy system. Additionally, upgrading in PBX is time-consuming and requires source parts but VoIP systems can be upgraded in a few clicks. You can use the system anywhere making it the best solution to continue your business even on the go.
Comprises Advanced Features
Unified communication channels such as email, messaging, and voice calls, all available in one application, can streamline business communication. Team members can easily switch between different platforms or apps to get the information they need. Incoming calls are automatically routed to the most suitable agent or extension depending on the caller’s needs. This ensures the call always connects with the right person/ department/extension to keep the customer satisfied.
Support Mobility & Remote Work
Many businesses have staff who work remotely or travel regularly. VoIP solutions give your business access to their internet-connected devices wherever and whenever. For instance, they can make and receive calls through softphone mobile apps, talk to customers and collaborate internally without wasting their time. Indeed, VoIP systems are suitable for companies that employ remote professionals to improve service quality.
Offer Ease of Integration
VoIP systems offer countless integrations, especially integrating customer relationship management systems to provide real-time access to customer information. Companies can analyse customers’ activities and interactions, highlight pain points and offer efficient and personalised service. They can integrate countless tools to improve service quality better.
Future-Proof Solution
Legacy systems are outdated now, and enterprises still use them face limited support and compatibility issues. Conversely, VoIP systems are simple to update and more future-proof, allowing companies to continue benefiting from the latest technology. These systems are more compatible with chatbots and AI, ensuring more personalised and automated conversations.
Secure Calling & Versatility
VoIP systems provide secure calling to keep information protected from hacking. Meanwhile, authentication features ensure that only authorised persons can access the system to ensure security. Thus, this functionality makes VoIP solutions more secure than traditional legacy systems vulnerable to hacking and other security issues. They offer advanced features such as video conferencing allowing your employees to communicate face-to-face. Moreover, you can mark your local presence in multiple locations to enable customers to trust your services.
Provide Clearer Call Quality & Increase Productivity
Another advantage of VoIP is clearer voice quality due to advanced codecs. These codecs compress or decompress voice signals to provide more natural-sounding calls. They also contain noise reduction features that further reduce background noise to make the voice easy to understand. Your teams can understand the issue and provide faster solutions. Furthermore, collaboration becomes easier among your employees and efficient communication further increases productivity.
Easier Employee Management & Wireless Communication
Administration can easily add agents or employees and manage them through apps. They just need to log on to the admin app and add users by filling out their basic details. Moreover, admin staff can also delete or modify the user whenever required. Additionally, removing and deploying phone numbers is also not necessary but your teams can communicate through their devices. This also saves money by eliminating the need for separate desk phones or landlines for each agent. They can manage internal and external communication through softphone apps on their devices allowing them to connect from anywhere.
Final Thoughts: A Way Forward
Do you think your legacy system holding your business back? Today, it has become more challenging than ever to keep everyone connected. However, VoIP PBX can enable you to communicate easily, no matter where your team is. Another plus point is that you can save your hard-earned money by switching from an old-fashioned phone system. Are you considering migrating from a legacy system to the latest VoIP and searching for a reliable vendor? Look no further and contact CherryBerry UCM experts to get the communication system that skyrockets your business communication to new heights!
Benefits of IP PBX Solutions Improving Business Communication
Significance of IP PBX Solutions for Your Business
Today, big and small enterprises seek a unified and budget-friendly communication system that offers advanced and robust features to manage internal and external communication increasing productivity as efficient communication is key to success. Reliance on outdated telecommunication systems hinders your business growth and leaves a negative impression on clients and customers. Enter the latest IP PBX Solutions, an advanced communication solution revolutionising how companies connect internally and externally and operate. The latest systems scale seamlessly as you grow and also integrate with other systems for unmatched efficiency. Let’s learn about the important benefits of this system for your business.
Understanding the Latest IP PBX Systems
This business telephone system is designed to establish internal and external calls within and outside the world by connecting telephone extensions to PSTN. Latest IP systems transfer voice and audio data through the internet, making VoIP solutions more cost-effective than traditional phone lines. The latest VoIP PBX systems contain servers, IP phones, softphones, and endpoints (mobile apps, web clients, or fixed phones) including VoIP Gateway. Moreover, the system offers many unified communication tools like instant messaging, screen sharing, video conferencing, and much more to promote collaboration among your teams and promote efficiency.
Top Reasons Why Invest in VoIP PBX Systems
1. Saves Costs & Boost Savings
The latest IP PBX systems can work using your existing internet connections for making calls. This availability reduces the need for phone lines and immense long-distance charges. As many service providers offer flexible subscription plans, companies can easily predict and control their communication expenses. Just think about the savings you can make by reducing charges on international calls, especially when you also connect with your clients abroad.
2. Seamlessly Scale As You Grow
Scaling is challenging in hardware-based rigid traditional systems, but the latest IP PBX systems grow with your business needs. You can easily add new extensions and users as your team expands, reducing the costs of complex upgrades and costly rewiring. Moreover, your remote teams can easily connect with softphones to ensure uninterrupted business communication. It allows your communication system to grow with your business’s evolving needs.
3. Contains Many Beneficial Features
Latest IP PBX solutions come with features that enhance the efficiency of your teams and increase customer interactions. For instance, an auto-attendant feature professionally greets callers and routes them to the most relevant department or a call forwarding feature also ensures each call reaches the most relevant person. Meanwhile, video conferencing tools promote collaboration among teams across different geographical boundaries and also contribute to developing long-lasting connections and increasing productivity.
4. Allow Integration for Matchless Efficiency
Today, isolated systems for communication can affect your productivity and sales. Latest IP PBX systems have excelled in integrations so you can connect them with your email, CRM and other collaboration tools for seamless communication. Just think about the situation when your customer data becomes readily available to your sales teams during calls. In addition, companies can add users effortlessly and manage the system without any prior technical knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the latest IP PBX Solutions is not only about enhancing the efficiency of your teams but also about streamlining business communication and driving growth. Access to advanced and cost-effective solutions, user-friendly interface, and integration capabilities are great ways to take your business to new heights. Thus, whether you are planning to invest in on-premises or cloud-based solutions, you should keep your business communication goals in mind. CherryBerry UCM experts can help you in choosing the right IP PBX system that aligns with your business needs. Reach us now to increase the value of your business communication.
Level Up Your Business with VoIP PBX System
The Business Value of VoIP PBX
What would be the best choice for companies looking for an economical and efficient telecom solution to streamline their internal and external communication? Chances are in the favor of VoIP systems and for good reason. VoIP PBX is an ideal solution for tech-forward companies and other businesses that need to have a reliable phone system. This latest technology has moved from analogue signals to digital ones. Now, you can make calls anytime, anywhere through any internet-connected device across the globe and can stay in touch with your teams. However, when you scratch the surface, things become dubious like you may want to understand how this system can prove to be valuable for your company. Thus, it’s the right time to understand things regarding the significance of this modern phone system for your company.
Why Do You Need Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Technology?
You may have heard terminologies like hosted-VoIP, business-VoIP, or cloud-based phone systems have similar meanings. All these terms refer to the latest VoIP-based PBX phone system that enables companies to manage internal and external communication through the Internet. Being a part of today’s internet-driven society, the demand for this telephony solution is very high in the telecom sector. VoIP systems do not depend on traditional phone lines but are fueled by broadband internet connection. Mostly, VoIP service providers provide services remotely in different data centers and geographic locations. In the past, traditional PBX system upgrades required significant costs but, the latest VoIP systems get automatically upgraded. They also serve as an effective multichannel platform that allows communication across various channels and increases business productivity. If your business expects to go through major growth, this phone system can save hard-earned money and provide you with the required efficiency.
Benefits of VoIP for Businesses
1. Promote Significant Cost Savings
Cloud-based PBX systems use VoIP technology to enable calls over the internet and are collectively called VoIP PBX phone systems. As these systems work through internet connection it reduces operational costs required for installing and maintaining hardware or phone lines. The businesses that have to deal with high call volume in routine, can benefit from call routing features instead of hiring extra staff for the purpose.
2. A More Flexible & Scalable Solution
VoIP systems allow companies to add or remove extensions and phone lines considering their business needs. For instance, in peak call volume times, they can add more phone lines in the system to manage workflow. Similarly, they can reduce extensions and phone lines in case of downsizing. This system is ideal for companies that have dynamic communication needs.
3. Feature-Rich Solution
The availability of a business to communicate across different channels like voice calls, email or instant messaging can enhance efficiency. VoIP systems serve as a unified communication hub where employees can move between their required communication platforms easily using a single interface. The automatic routing feature further enhances customer satisfaction.
4. Streamline Integration
The integration of cloud-based PBX that uses VoIP with customer relationship management systems is icing on the cake. It allows companies to track and monitor their customer interactions with business. This integration further boosts the efficiency of your sales teams as they can provide efficient and more personalized interaction. They can easily understand their customer needs and keep them satisfied.
5. Future Proof Solution
Traditional PBX systems provide limited support and have compatibility issues. VoIP systems not only promote personalized conversations but they are also compatible with the latest technologies like chatbots and AI. Thus, investing in these solutions is an ideal solution to ensure effective communication across organizations.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, VoIP PBX is an efficient and future-proof solution for companies looking for ways to connect efficiently with customers and their staff. The cost-saving solutions, scalability and feature-rich interface enable companies to streamline their internal and external communication to increase productivity. Are you looking for a service provider to upgrade your traditional PBX? If so, CherryBerry UCM experts can help to add value to your business communication. Contact us to stay ahead in the competition.
