Why Do You Need an IP PBX System For Your Business Communication?
Every business evolves, grows and expands over time and never stands still so do your customer expectations. Effective internal and external communication is paramount to keep your business on the fast pace of progress, which is possible with the fusion of advanced technology, operational excellence and futuristic charm. Enter the IP PBX System as a game-changing technology that has come a long way from traditional PBX systems in terms of better connectivity and functionality due to integration with artificial intelligence. Let’s dive deep into the benefits and importance of IP solutions for remote teams and how they can future-proof your business.
A Journey to the Evolution of Business Phone Systems
1. Landlines as Foundation of Business Communication: Earlier, landline phone systems were used for business communication that provided limited features and functionality. They were considered reliable means for incoming and outgoing voice communication within a fixed location to connect with customers and partners.
2. The Advent of PBX Systems: As technology continues to evolve, traditional PBX systems come into the market as a better alternative to landlines. Companies can manage multiple lines and incorporate extensions easily with these systems. Your agents get the potential to forward calls or send/receive voicemails. It was the first step towards customised and flexible business tools.
3. Smartphone, Internet & VoIP Revolution: The arrival of the internet and mobile technology proved a game changer with business communication no longer constrained to desk phones. Your teams can collaborate virtually from whenever, wherever required through internet access leading to increased productivity and efficiency. Moreover, smartphones revolutionise business interactions by bringing email and other apps to the palm of your hand.
4. AI & IoT Integration: The future of communication is promising with the integration of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. IoT-based communication devices and AI-enabled virtual assistants will make business interactions more efficient and intuitive.
Understanding The Basics of IP PBX System
For years, PBX (private branch exchanged systems have served as internal business telephone systems to manage incoming and outgoing business calls. The latest IP (Internet protocol) telephony has replaced the traditional systems that allow establishing calls over the Internet connection. The main aim of IP systems is the management of the incoming and outgoing call traffic of a business. Meanwhile, VoIP solutions have made communication easier and streamlined. Moreover, businesses using IP technology can manage voice calls and other VoIP communication channels through a single network supporting better flexibility, scalability and agility.
Which Type of IP IPX is Suitable for a Business?
Making the right choice while moving from traditional legacy systems can be challenging for businesses. On-premises and cloud IP PBX are two common systems in practice that are descendants of legacy systems.
1. Analog PBX: Traditional or legacy PBX are the oldest known PBX systems that need physical equipment and are housed on-premises. They operate through copper-based telephone lines connected with a PBX box and kept in the office building. Analog systems are considered outdated today because they offer fewer features and integrations than the latest VoIP and cloud-based systems. Moreover, the PBX box contains a telephone switchboard that allows your team to communicate by connecting phones and interface between PSTN lines and private networks.
2. On-premises IP PBX: This IP system is placed in your office premises and can utilise an existing internal network and internet connection. It contains more advanced features than legacy PBX systems like call routing, IVR, conferencing, video calling and more. Meanwhile, the on-premises system works best when integrated with SIP trucks offering better resilience and more stable sound quality.
3. Cloud PBX: Virtual PBX is a digital system managed by a service provider and hosted in the cloud. A hosted or cloud PBX runs over an internet connection and benefits from PBX system functionality. This system offers more scalability and flexibility for businesses. Thus, they can integrate their phone systems with business CRM to make processes more efficient. In addition, it serves as a unified communication platform to streamline business communication processes.
Why Switch to Cloud-Based IP Systems? Top Reasons
Moving to a VoIP PBX system is wise for businesses looking to reduce their communication costs. These latest systems offer better reliability and allow you to go global or scale considering your business needs. Let’s learn about some important reasons that might convince you to switch.
1. An Easy-to-Use & Manageable System
Whether choosing an on-premises or cloud-based IP PBX, the system is managed through a web-based dashboard. It also means that you should not need to worry about maintenance, customisation and upgradation because the service provider is responsible for all this. This saves significant costs and time for your teams.
2. Quick to Deploy & Install
The IP system runs as software so you can install it more quickly and use it instantly. Your teams with initial IT knowledge can install the system and save time spent on hiring IT professionals. As this system works through the Internet, the cost of long-distance and international calls also lowers.
3. Allow Scaling Up & Down
Scaling is difficult in legacy systems while easier in cloud-based VoIP systems. Small businesses and established enterprises can invest in the system to stay dynamic. They can add extensions and phones according to their business needs and provide a friction-free experience to their customers.
4. Support Remote Working
The latest VoIP systems make your sales and marketing agents more efficient and productive. They can deliver a more seamless customer service experience through this unified communication system. Many service providers offer softphones and applications for mobile devices that enable your remote workforce to stay connected with customers and team members from anywhere. This also fosters a collaborative environment and keeps all your teams on the same page.
Final Thoughts: Make the Move
Indeed, a cloud-based IP PBX System has become a solution of choice for businesses today to manage incoming and outgoing calls. These systems have come a long way from legacy and wired systems as the evolution of the internet and the integration of AI has increased their efficiency. Businesses can keep their teams together, manage internal and external communication beyond office boundaries and improve business connectivity. In addition, these secure, flexible, futuristic and scalable solutions have made relocation easy as nothing needs to move during the process. Are you looking to switch from a legacy system to the latest cloud PBX? Contact CherryBerry UCM right away for expert assistance to grow and expand easily.