It’s essential that people make the best decisions when selecting their communications equipment, especially in the modern era of remote working and with the ever-growing reliance on technology to keep businesses connected and efficient.
However, these decisions can be tricky since so many brands, providers, and styles are available to choose from. How is a business supposed to know what’s best for their performance?
The trusted industry professionals here at G12 Communications are here to help you answer that question. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of VoIP PABX systems.
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What is a VoIP PABX System? And What Is It Used For?
To effectively understand a VoIP PABX system, you’ll first want to understand the terms VoIP and PBX.
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, a specialized technology that allows users to make voice calls through broadband internet connections rather than traditional (or analog) phone lines.
On the other hand, PBX is an acronym that stands for Private Branch Exchange. PBX is a type of private telephone system within a company or organization that allows for internal and external communications using an array of different communication channels, including VoIP.
In short, you can think of a VoIP PABX system—also known as a Private Automatic Branch Exchange—as an upgraded version of a PBX phone system, and the terms are commonly considered synonymous within the communications industry.
These systems are significant because they provide growing businesses with a cost-effective alternative to installing and maintaining extra phone lines to manage their increasing levels of internal and outgoing calls.
How Do PABX Systems Operate?
Generally speaking, PABX systems operate like mini versions of public telephone exchanges, with a typical system utilizing an array of both software and hardware depending on the needs of the business using it. Hardware often includes telephone units, fax machines, routers, modems, switches, adaptors, and hubs.
Companies can use PABX systems to run an internal phone network using local extension numbers that correspond to specific phones and other devices within a building. This simplifies internal communication processes while helping cut overall communication costs.
PABX systems are typically designed to greet incoming callers with a recorded message via an Interactive Voice Response (IVR). They usually request a specific code or extension number from callers to connect them with the correct department. Additionally, these systems can connect with public telephone exchanges for outgoing calls.
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Understanding VoIP-Based PABX Systems
PABX and PBX systems that are VoIP-based are considered much better than non-VoIP-based systems since they can provide a limitless number of lines and extensions to businesses.
While there are several ways for companies to construct an effective VoIP-based PABX system, the two most commonly used methods involve:
- Upgrading any existing traditional (analog) telephone systems while also integrating existing hardware and phone numbers via a SIP trunk provider
- Constructing the system from the ground up. The more affordable option for this method is for businesses to go through a hosted IP-based PBX or PABX system
Both of the above methods utilize an internet connection to improve business communications and an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) for various types of data processing. Both can be treated as a type of data network rather than a mere voice service.
Does your business need an innovative solution to improve its communication services and productivity while cutting costs and providing your employees with the flexibility to work effectively? Reach out to the trusted industry experts at G12 Communications today!
Standard PABX Features Business Should Understand
A PABX system allows businesses and organizations to utilize more phone units than their physical phone lines would otherwise allow, making it a perfect solution for rapidly-growing companies looking to expand their internal and external communication abilities. All these businesses need to do is assign specific extension numbers to each telephone unit. Additionally, PABX systems provide the extra benefit of allowing users to make internal calls for free.
The following is a list of both the basic functions and advanced features that the majority of PABX systems provide users:
- Voicemail
- Auto-attendant (digital receptionist) features
- Speed dialing
- Automatic ring back
- Ring group extension numbers
- Call forwarding
- Interactive voice response (IVR)
- Call parking between different communication devices
- Direct dial-in
- Do not disturb (DND)
- Call pick-up
- Conference calls
- Call queuing
- Call transfers
- Call recording
- Call waiting
Before selecting their desired VoIP-based PABX service, businesses and organizations should take the time to explore the basic and advanced features that each service provides to ensure they contain all of the above capabilities. Not all business entities will require every feature for effective internal and external communications. Still, they must have access to all of the services they’ll need to function once the transition occurs.
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The Bottom Line: What G12 Communications Can do For Your Business
Suppose your business or organization is growing rapidly. In that case, you’ll need to ensure that you’re utilizing the most effective communications systems and technology to handle the influx of incoming and outgoing calls you’ll likely encounter, especially if you’re working to create an effective remote-ready workforce. If you’re looking for a way to find the best communications services to meet your needs while unifying your telecom infrastructure and cutting costs, please consider reaching out to the industry experts at G12 Communications. They can provide you with a wide range of highly-effective, fully customizable solutions to meet the needs of your growing business that can be easily scaled going forward. Check out their range of quality services today, and be sure to check out their selection of helpful communications resources.
Are you looking for a way to cut costs, reduce IT workloads, and enhance communication while developing a remote-ready workforce for your business this year? Please consider contacting the trusted industry experts at G12 Communications to learn about their range of top-quality services and what they can do for your business.
