Whether you are a newcomer in the business world or an established business owner that is struggling to maintain efficiency, low operation costs, and a strong phone system, switching your traditional phone system to a virtual PBX may be the best solution.
Virtual PBX, which stands for Private Branch Exchange, is an advanced budget-friendly, easy-to-use phone system that is accessible from anywhere. The system transmits calls via the Internet and usually only handles inbound calls. It also enables businesses to route and forward their incoming calls, create automated greetings and more.
In the past PBX used the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) technology for the operation. Nowadays, it uses the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology that is owned and maintained offsite by a VoIP service provider. Virtual PBX is an ideal solution for small business with up to 10 employees and which typically have low-volume telephone traffic.
Advantages of Virtual PBX systems:
- Low-cost yet efficient services: installing and maintaining a premise-based PBX phone system in your office can cost hundreds of dollars for each user. On the other hand, Virtual PBX systems are hosted and managed by the VoIP provider, and therefore offer a much lower service and maintenance cost, and your involvement is limited to paying the monthly fee.
- Growth and mobility: as your business grows, Virtual PBX allows you to add functionalities and adjust your monthly package to include more minutes and more broad services when needed. Also, if your business moves to or adds offices in another county or city, your Virtual PBX system will not be affected, and implementation is simple.
- Smarter Call Routing and Automated Options: virtual PBX allows your company to forward incoming calls to a colleague or an assistant when your lines are busy and enables calls to be routed to your personal mobile phone. It also offers voicemail and auto-attendant features. The auto attendant ensures that all callers are properly greeted and directed towards appropriate departments in a timely manner, along with handling numerous calls simultaneously. No more unanswered calls or busy signals that annoy customers, and more office efficiency.
Limitations of Virtual PBX systems:
- Outbound calls are not possible: the system doesn’t allow your business to make outbound calls. It only handles inbound calls.
- The number of users is limited: the system operates with a maximum of 10 users. A fixed amount of free minutes: the monthly package that you choose typically includes a set amount of free minutes.
- It excludes some services: may not include fax over IP services, international calling, voicemail-to-email, and conference calling may cost extra.
What kind of companies gets the most out of Virtual PBX systems?
Besides benefiting businesses that generally receives more calls and don’t have to make outgoing calls, Virtual PBX systems also help small businesses, start-ups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to present a more professional image to the outside world and appear larger than what they really are.
Companies that have their employees in another city or country can also greatly benefit from this system since it allows remote employees to answer calls from anywhere at anytime. Virtual PBX also offers brand new companies another phone system solution rather than their personal mobile phone.
Among the VoIP telephone systems, Virtual PBX has become business owners’ favorite option. The cost and features offered depend on the VoIP provider. Always compare plans and prices before choosing the best option for your business.
