Table of Contents
Different Types of PBX Systems
Looking for the right PBX for you? Here’s a rundown on all the different types.
When it comes to different PBX systems, we are overwhelmed with choice. Although there are four main types of PBX systems, there are multiple subtypes. This can complicate things for those who don’t necessarily understand their telephone systems. Never fear, we have put together this article exploring the several types of PBX systems to help you make an informed choice for your company.
Defining PBX and why we need it?
PBX is a workplace telephone system. It lets you organize calls and re-direct then between departments or to external phone lines. PBX itself stands for private branch exchange. The type of PBX system you need will depend on the scale of your operation.
Businesses use PBX systems to reduce the costs of their calls. It gives a professional first impression of your company and comes with scalability options, depending on how big your operation is. It is limited maintenance, doesn’t come with many attached costs, and gives a good quality of vocal interaction to your clients.
Let’s examine the four main types.
The 4 Main Types of PBX System
Virtual PBX systems give companies of any size the flexibility and accessibility they need to do business anywhere, anytime.
1 – Traditional PBX Systems
Also known as analogue PBX system, this is the original method of private branch exchange lines. It uses a landline and allows you to create extensions, leave a voicemail message, and even mute or forward calls[i].
Analogue PBX is best used by traditional businesses. If you’re not the type of business who doesn’t feel the need to have an online store, then you probably use traditional PBX. It’s going out of fashion, and we would recommend updating to something more digital if possible.
2 – Cloud Based PBX/Virtual PBX
Cloud based PBX and Virtual PBX are almost identical to one another. Virtual PBX costs a little less because it doesn’t necessarily need to be online, it just has to be virtual. Cleared based services are growing in popularity at the moment. Either of these two allows off-site storage for your telephone systems. Someone else, in another location, provides the servers to host your lines and can direct the calls for you.
Virtual PBX Is getting increasingly accurate as time goes on. It’s flexible, versatile, cost effective. You can use recorded messages. You don’t have to pay someone to sit at the phone all day. Since the servers are off site, it frees up space in your own office, thereby saving you an overhead.
3 – On site VOIP PBX
Alternatively, you can keep that PBX exchange on site using A VoIP, or voice IP. This gives you all of the advantages over traditional PBX. It uses a combination of the traditional wire landline with internet connections.
And on-Site PBX gives you full control over every aspect of your system. Installation costs can be high, but it will save you money overtime. You will have to maintain it.
4 – A hybrid PBX
The hybrid PBX system uses a mixture of traditional and Internet based PBX lines to help your business thrive. Once you have it setup, it is easy enough to update it to virtual or cloud-based PBX. It gives you all the benefits of online attendance, such as virtual conference rooms and even online hold. Use this when you need a mix of both.
Which Type of PBX System is Right For You?
Still can’t decide which system will work best for you? Try looking at the reliability of your internet connection and phone lines for clues. We always suggest new businesses go virtual, hybrid, or cloud-based, but if you are in a remote office, then traditional is better than nothing.
