Getting to Know the Different Components of PBX
As your company begins to grow and expand from a startup to a thriving small medium enterprise (SME) in Singapore, you will want to provide your staff with an efficient phone office system. Hence, you might find yourself researching on Private Branch Exchange(PBX) systems.
In a world where mobility, social, as well as mobile apps are increasingly becoming the preferred way to do business and market your brand, many companies forget the importance of traditional telephone systems when it comes to communication. One of the main benefits of having an effective telephone system in place is that: it provides your customers with ease of access to contact your business directly.
With a suitable telephone system in place, your customers will be able to contact your business directly and get answers to their queries often quicker than if communications are handled through email or online platforms.
In this simple guide, we will break down all the essentials you need to know about modern PBX solutions that can help your business grow. Read on for more!
What is PBX?
For decades, PBX has been an integral part of business communication. A PBX is a telephone system within an enterprise that allows uses to share common resources such as phone lines, instead of having to install a separate line for each employee or desk.
But why use PBX systems?
Using a PBX phone system, businesses can save the cost of requiring a line for each user. Efficiency is also improved since the box enables employees to call colleagues simply by dialing a three- or four-digit extension number. PBX business phone systems are a core technology for communications - they provide scalability and enterprise-grade features such as business-hours routing.
When should you consider upgrading your current phone system?
If your company is still using a traditional phone system, it may very well be time to switch over to PBX. Move your business towards fewer phone lines, additional features, and lesser limitations. Today's PBX systems also use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, establishing connectivity for a fraction of the cost of analog lines. When you believe it is time for your organisation to save money while boosting profits due to increased customer loyalty and satisfaction, it is time to look for a VoIP cloud phone system.
If you are still unsure about making the switch to a cloud phone system, then it is best to seek the professional expertise of a VoIP provider in Singapore, like Velox.
So, what are the components that make up a PBX?
- Exchange
It is a large switching station that connects and routes calls, whether internally or externally. This unit can be as small as a cabinet or as large as a closet or room depending on the size of the network and the number of lines involved. This is where the bulk of the equipment, software, and expense are concentrated.
Earlier PBX systems used switchboards that required a human operator. Outside calls would be answered by operators who would then connect them to the department of person they were looking for. Over time, they were replaced by electromagnetic, then electronic, then IP solutions.
- Gateway
This is the component of a PBX system that connects the internal network to the outside world. It is responsible for connecting the internal extension to the outside line in order to complete the call.
- Handsets
Telephone handsets used with PBX systems are generally specialized units that are designed with the increased set of functions that come with most PBX systems in mind. These functions include enabling users to dial inside extensions, connect to outside lines, utilise paging and intercom features, and to access other feature sets that are available within a given system.
Differences Between an On-Premises and Hosted PBX System
Modern IP PBX boxes are much more flexible and adaptable in areas such as installation, maintenance, and the features it offers. As opposed to copper lines connecting the PSTN with the PBX, hosted systems are designed to use SIP trunks for IP calling.
While on-premises PBX will have upfront costs with occasional maintenance fees, a hosted PBX system can function under the same data network that the organization is already using for other purposes such as document sharing and file uploads to make voice calls. You can also reduce the burden on your IT staff since all the devices are under your control. Moves, additions and deletions can be done in a few hours without waiting for a technician. This control also gives you the freedom to fly through online setup in minutes.
Moving towards a cloud-based PBX system in Singapore would mean forgetting about additional hardware costs and instead having an office phone system that will meet the dynamic needs of modern businesses. Contact us to find out how you can upgrade to cloud VoIP phone systems today.
