Benefits of an IP PBX

IP PBX

A conventional Private Branch Exchange (PBX) needs one network for data and another for voice. An IP PBX system runs on an IP data network and transmitted as series of data packets. It is cost-efficient and minimizes network management, and IP PBX technology features advanced communication capabilities (such as auto-attendant, call forwarding, call conferencing), excellent scalability and sturdiness.

IP PBX is also interoperable with the traditional public switched telephone network (PSTN) over a gateway device, and both IP phones and soft phones can also be used on an IP PBX phone system. Hence, upgrade of existing communication systems to IP PBX is simple. With an IP PBX system in place, regular telephone numbers of the organization can be retained and all users are allowed to share the same external phone lines.

IP PBX systems are easy to install and configure compared to a legacy phone systems. An IP PBX is essentially a piece of software, and can be maintained by anyone with basic proficiency in computers. On the other hand, proprietary phone systems require highly skilled personnel for installation.

Since IP PBX is configured and managed through a web-based interface, it enables easy maintenance. Legacy phone systems do not have friendly user interfaces and can be managed only by specific technicians.

One of the greatest advantages is the cost savings that can be achieved for long distance, and especially international calling, and this is particularly beneficial for companies with multiple offices in far-off locations.

IP PBX eliminates the need for cumbersome phone wiring. It enables phone equipment to be directly connected to a network port and software phones to be installed directly on the computer. There are multiple elements to an IP PBX; in addition to the IP PBX server, companies deploying the IP PBX will need SIP phones and a VoIP gateway, which is used to connect to the PSTN. Generally speaking, SIP hardware and soft phones can work with any IP PBX. Expansion of proprietary systems is based on availability of expensive hardware modules. Scalability of IP PBX systems is software-based and is simple. It is easy to add and upgrade features.

Using IP PBX, phone functionality can be combined with a wide variety of value-added business functions, to provide a better customer experience. For instance, calls can be initiated from Outlook, instead of typing complete phone numbers.

IP PBX systems enable seamless roaming to new locations. With legacy PBX systems, it is an uphill task to move offices and physically re-patch extensions to the new site. With IP PBX, patching is not necessary. Using a SIP software phone, it is possible for employees to work from home or anywhere in the world. Calls can continue to be answered at their extension, similar to that in office.

SIP phones are easy to use due to the friendly user interface that provides a clear indication of the status of various extensions and calls in the network. IP PBX is a complete telephony system and worth the investment for every business.

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