What is a virtual PBX and how it differs from a traditional phone system?
A Virtual PBX, also known as hosted PBX system, is a cost-efficient alternative to traditional PBX phone system. Virtual PBX phone systems are fully automatic call answering and routing communication system used in small and large businesses worldwide. It is provided through advanced VOIP technology which is managed by a communication service provider.
The type of installation is what differentiates virtual PBX systems from traditional PBX phone systems. Virtual PBX systems, unlike the traditional PBX phone systems, are not installed at the customer's location. The virtual PBX service providers keep them at their sites. Since these phone systems are implemented in a virtual environment, they are also referred to as hosted PBX systems.
Hosted PBX or virtual PBX systems are more beneficial compared to traditional ones and the benefits include:
- Ease of installation
- No expensive switching equipments required
- Cost of operation is low
- Facilitates easy management
- Greater scalability
Virtual PBX Features:
Virtual PBX system features include auto attendant, virtual receptionist, find me follow me call forwarding, voicemail, fax mail, and so on that are found in a modern phone system. The auto attendant greets the callers with a professional sounding greeting message and then routes the calls to the right person according to the extension selected by the caller.
With a hosted or Virtual PBX systems, it is possible to have a single telephone number for the entire company even if it has many branches spread over different geographical locations. On the other hand, even if you have no company location for your small business, you can still receive the same features of a conglomerate phone system through a virtual IP phone system.
In a virtual PBX system, the extensions are associated with individuals and not any phone. Thus the user can receive calls from anywhere irrespective of his present location. The user can program a list of phone numbers including his cell phone number and residence number, where he will be available, in the virtual PBX systems. The hosted system associates these numbers with the user's office extension number. Any call to this extension number will be automatically redirected to the alternate phone numbers utilizing the call forwarding facility. In this way the hosted VoIP PBX systems empower business personnel to operate their business from anywhere.
Since these systems are scalable to a large extent, additional phone lines and extensions can be added as required at a later period. As the hosted phone service is shared among a number of users, the expense involved is also low.
Virtual PBX Toll Free Numbers Service
A Virtual PBX system can also be connected to local numbers and toll free numbers. If the business already has a number, it can be connected to the virtual phone system. It can be activated almost instantly. Various communication service providers offer virtual PBX system with a wide array of service packages. You can choose the best option that suits your business requirements.
