Transform your business communication with a cloud based (Virtual) PBX!

Effective communication is an essential element in today’s competitive business landscape. Relying solely on a fixed-line telephone system can result in unnecessary high costs. The Internet has enabled a host of alternative communication methods, including Cloud- based or virtual phone systems, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and mobile technology. Technological advancements such as Cloud communication platforms have made more effective customer engagement possible. Business phone systems are not as expensive and inaccessible as you may assume. In this article, we discuss how a virtual or hosted PBX system will revolutionise your business communication.

What is a Virtual or Hosted PBX?

A virtual or hosted PBX is a multipurpose phone system that utilises an Internet connection as opposed to standard telephone service. Where a standard IP PBX is used to transfer calls from the internet (IP) to the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a virtual private branch exchange is Cloud-based and hosted by a service provider without any hardware involved. The terms ‘Cloud PBX’, ‘Hosted PBX’ and ‘Virtual PBX’ are terms used to describe the same phone system.

What is VoIP?

A Private Branch Exchange (PBX) is a private telephone network used within an organisation which allows both internal and external communication using different communication channels like Voice over IP (VoIP). Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is essentially a digital vehicle for transmitting phone calls through the transmission of data packets over the Internet.

Benefits of a Virtual or Hosted PBX

A Virtual PBX is more cost effective in comparison to an on-premise PBX phone system. It is also more user-friendly and automatically operates without the need for an on-site IT team. A virtual PBX or telephony via the Internet, allows you to work effectively with call redirecting, recording conversations, and keeping statistics. Virtual PBX systems is a great investment because it also features integration, automation and customisation.

•   Virtual PBXs will allow businesses to customise their phone system, even if they are not that literate in technology use.
•   Virtual PBXs features can easily be turned on and off r via online management portals
•   Costs are lowered significantly by eliminating the need hardware, wiring the offices, and an IT team.
•   The potential for up-scaling is practically limitless because the usual hardware installation process to add on new lines is eliminated and businesses can update the platform quickly and easily.
•   Virtual telephone services are flexible in terms of the choice of wide range phone numbers from local numbers, toll-free numbers, UIFN numbers and more. Companies can choose their own phone number for making and receiving calls.
•   Virtual PBX features offers calls recording, auto-dialling and call management services which could transform your organisation.
•   Virtual PBX Virtual phone services are more secure because it uses private data centres to enable calling over existing land or cell phone lines. Cloud-based phone systems route incoming calls through third-party data centres to any existing phone.

·   In a country plagued by load shedding, a virtual phone system is an ideal choice data centres are usually safeguarded with backup power sources and plans for re-routing calls in the event of an outage.

Communication features

Cloud technology has changed the world of communication and provides businesses with additional tools for development, cost savings and profit. Features include:

Voicemail-to-Email

Voicemails are automatically sent to your phone or other mobile devices while you are on the go.

Phone Menus

You can direct anyone who calls right where they need to be with simplified menus available.

Auto Attendants

Auto attendants can direct customers/clients to answering calls or provide them with the necessary information to either call back or handle specific problems on their own.

Call Queuing, Forwarding, Recording

Call queuing allows users to stay on the line while you’re busy and call forwarding allows you to direct customers/clients to another phone number, remaining in constant contact. With call recording, calls can be stored as digital files and used in conjunction with CRM software, you could develop a more comprehensive customer/client database.

Conference Bridging

A conference bridge will allow your teams to participate in phone calls with more people which is a more practical conferencing option.

Conclusion

Modern, progressive businesses need the capabilities of virtual PBX telephony with communication features tailored to your company’s requirements. With Internet access, you can create an effective connection and solve many communication problems. Pricing and features will vary based on which type of business you’re operating.