10 reasons to switch to an IP PBX

What is the IP PBX?

IP PBX is such a telephony system that provides phone calls via computer network. Every conversation is forwarded as a data packet through the network.

The technology has advanced communicational features, and it provides computability and reliability that every company needs. The IP PBX is able to connect traditional PSTN lines via a VoIP gateway, so it is worth changing the business telecommunicational system to this most advanced voice and data network.

Companies do not need to disrupt their current communicational infrastructure. By installing an IP PBX, any company can keep its own regular phone numbers. The IP PBX allows their users to use the same external lines when they make a call into a traditional phone system, or when they receive calls from PSTN networks in case of the previously used corporate phone numbers.

An IP PBX or IP telephone system consist of one or more SIP phones, an IP PBX server and a VoIP gateway that is connected to the PSTN lines that have already been there. The IP PBX server functions similar to a proxy server. SIP clients-that can be either softphones or hardware-based phones-register for the IP PBX server and when they want to initiate a call, they query the IP PBX to create the connection. The IP PBX has a database that contains every phone or user and the SIP address that belongs to them. With this, it is able to create internal and external calls on the local network through a VoIP gateway or a VoIP provider. Further information and frequently asked questions can be found here:

Reasons to switch to IP PBX:

Reason 1: Much easier to install and configure than a traditional phone system:

The IP PBX runs as a software on the computer, and it is able to use the means of the computer and the user surface of its operating system such as any function of Windows. Anybody, who is familiar with the Information Technology and the computer networks, is able to install and configure the IP PBX. In contrast with this, traditional phone systems often need a qualified person who knows the traditional system well.

Reason 2: Easier to handle because of the Web/GUI-based configuration surface:

An IP PBX can be handled through a web or GUI-based configuration surface. It allows you to handle your telephone system easily and to configure it in a simple way. Traditional phone systems has a surface that is difficult to handle, and it is common that it can only be configured by a qualified engineer.

Reason 3: Significant cuts on expenses with the use of VoIP providers:

You can easily use a VoIP provider to make long distance and international calls. Monthly saves can be significant, as if there are separated offices in the branch, it is able to connect their phone systems easily between each branch, so free calls can be initiated between them.

Reason 4: Eliminate the wiring of the traditional, old phone system!

An IP phone system makes it possible to connect hardware IP phones directly to a standard network connector (that can share it with the computer next to it). Software phones can be eliminated and it is much easier to add and move extensions. In new offices, the ports used by the old, traditional office phone system can totally be eliminated, and the built computer network can be used for connecting phone extensions.

Reason 5: Eliminate the vendor lock!

The IP PBX is based on the open SIP standard. Now, you can mix and connect any hardware or software phone with any SIP-based IP PBX, PSTN gateway or VoIP provider. In contrast with this, producers of traditional phone systems often needs their own phones and other devices into their phone network.

Reason 6: Scalable!

Traditional systems can easily be outgrown. Adding more phone lines and extensions can result in the need for expensive hardware modules and wiring. In some cases there is a need for a completely new phone system. However, several phone lines and extensions can easily be handled by the IP PBX with an average computer. As an enlargement, more hardware and software phones can be added to the network!

Reason 7: Better customer support and productivity!

You can maintain more efficient customer support and reach better productivity with the IP PBX. Since the IP phone systems are based on computers, functions of the phone systems can be connected with the business applications. For example, it is possible to record the inbound and outbound calls automatically, and to initiate calls directly from the own CRM system with just a click, so time can be saved on typing the phone numbers.

Reason 8: Double the service of your phone system at half price!

Since the IP PBX is software based, the process became really popular among developers to add and develop own services to it. Most VoIP phone system come with rich service set that contains auto attedant, voice mail, ring groups, advanced reporting etc. But these features are often very expensive, or unavailable in the traditional systems.

Reason 9: Allow mobile office and roaming!

Mobile office is such a new and popular solution that makes it possible to move offices/desks easily. Unfortunately, for the traditional PBXes such extensions are needed that are fixed to the new setting. However, with the IP PBX, the user can easily move his phone to his new desk, it is not fixed to the setting!

Reason 10: Easier phone usage: easier usage of SIP phones!

Employees often have difficulties during the use of complicated phone services, for example when they ave to organize a conference or transfer a call. On an old PBX each needs a detailed guidance in order to execute them.

But with the IP PBX, every service can be easily executed from a user-friendly Windows-GUI. Furthermore, users can get a clear view about the state of other extensions and inbound calls, call queues through the Windows client of the IP PBX. Expensive system phones are often needed in the traditional systems in order to get clarify what is happening in our phone system, and even, the information referring to the state is cryptic in most cases.

Conclusion

It is worth-purchasing a software-based IP PBX, not just for those companies that would like to purchase a new phone system, but for those that have already had a PBX, too. An IP PBX means such significant saving in the cost of handling, maintaining and ongoing calls that an upgrade to an IP PBX is obviously a good choice for any company.

If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact us at info@ozekiphone.com

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