A PBX (Private Branch Exchange) telephone system benefits companies large and small.
PBX systems are expandable and can grow when and as your company grow.
PBX Prices
PBX (Private Branch Exchange) telephone systems prices can cost as little as £130 for a small business to £1600 for a large business requiring more extensions. Small PBX systems can support up to 4 extensions and can be expanded to accommodate more extensions. A large PBX system can support up to 400 extensions.
It is important for all businesses (whatever their size) to have a PBX telephone system that will satisfy their communication needs in a reliable and cost-effective way.
Choosing the right PBX system
Choosing the right PBX telephone system for your company will depend on several important factors but mainly, the size of your company and its communication needs. It is important for all businesses to have a PBX telephone system that meets its communications needs in terms of options and features.
Different PBX telephone systems options
There are different options which are:
- PBX
- Hosted/Virtual PBX
- IP PBX
- Hosted/Virtual IP PBX
A virtual PBX system can incorporate auto attendant, voicemail and complete PBX fax solutions. With a hosted or virtual PBX system you can have a large number of PBX extensions for your phone staff allowing for greater internal and external communication.
The IP PBX uses the Internet Protocol to transmit calls and is also known as VoIP PBX and has all the features and functions of the PBX with many additional internet compatible functions. The IP PBX telephone system is designed to deliver voice or video communication over a data network and links with the normal PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network.
Hosted PBX phone systems offers businesses communication links with remote office workers without the high costs associated with purchase costs of on-premise PBX communications system. These have calling functions that are customisable which will meet your company’s growing needs as well as simplifying the entire communication process using features applicable.
A Virtual Hosted PBX telephone system has functions that allow communication at any time, and from any location. As there is no long distance charge involved in virtual communication, clients can contact you more often. The calls to your main phone number will be answered automatically in a timely, professional manner. As with all PBX telephone systems this communications technology is upgradeable and expandable.
Features of PBX telephone systems
PBX telephone systems expandable from 4 extensions to 50 extensions to 400 extensions have a wide range of features.
With a small business PBX telephone system, all incoming calls are answered automatically with auto attendant. Calls that are not answered are transferred automatically to voice mail. Callers have the choice to dial the extension directly or use the feature – dial by name directory. Calls can be transferred easily between the various extensions. All incoming calls to the main local or toll free number can be routed to other extensions including home or office land lines or cell phones.
A small PBX system will most probably have the following features:
- 2 Exchange Lines.
- Up to 6 Extensions 1 – 6.
- Auto Attendant with 12 second OGM (Out Going Message).
- Music on Hold.
- Call Forwarding.
- Call Transfer.
- Conference Call.
- Call Pick Up.
- Direct Dial Extensions.
- Programmable Call Restrictions (6 Levels).
- Caller ID compatible (FSK & DTMF) FSK – Frequency-shift Keying. DTMF – Dual Tone Multi Frequency – generic term for touch tone phone.
- Flexible Ringing Assignment.
Larger PBX systems offer upwards of 50 extensions and additional features and functions such as:
- Central telephone switchboard.
- Direct dialing to each extension.
- Inbound call distribution.
- Call diversion to other external numbers, such as a mobile.
- Call center applications
- Call management and call logging software.
- Fully integrated DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) cordless phone solution.
- Advanced Voicemail system so that you do not miss those important calls, and email notification.
- Full range of digital, soft phone or analogue telephone handsets to help you make the most of all the system benefits.
- Choice of digital or IP (Internet Protocol) telephone handsets.
- Dial direct using PC
Features of other PBX systems include:
- Screen based console.
- Integrates with Microsoft Exchange Server for increased productivity.
- Dial straight from Microsoft Outlook Contacts or other packages.
- Voice over IP for remote workers.
- Voicemail Boxes.
- Voicemail Call Back.
- Voicemail to Email.
- Voicemail Bypass.
- Extension Call Recording.
- Caller ID – Customable.
- Remote Phones.
- Find me/Follow Me.
- Fax to email.
- Mini call centre application.
- Call Conference.
- Networking between sites.
- Digital lines or SIP Trunks (Session Initiated Protocol) that offer cost reduction.
Other points to consider
To ensure that you purchase a PBX system that meets your company’s needs now and in the future it is important to consider the following points:
- Decide on the budget for your new communications system.
- Arrange to view a system already installed.
- Look at the estimated growth of your company and at the number of lines and extensions that you have at the moment to determine how many you may need in the next five years.
- Consider the features and functions of the system – will they meet your company’s requirements?
- System training and costs involved.
- Range of Service Level agreements.
- How and when the system and cabling will be installed.
- Any guarantees and warranties on offer or that you may wish to have.
- Maintenance contracts/Service Level Agreements
As with most business purchases it is always wise to factor in the costs of installation, maintenance and service of the PBX system. Many businesses pay a fixed monthly cost for a service agreement. These are usually priced by the level of cover they offer, the value of your system and the communication traffic your system receives.