7 Benefits of a Hosted PBX

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In today’s competitive business environment, communication is key. Companies are constantly searching for efficient, cost-effective, and scalable phone systems to keep their teams connected. Hosted PBX solutions have emerged as a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, providing a wide range of benefits that make them an attractive alternative to traditional on-premises systems. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top seven advantages of using a hosted PBX, focusing on the features that make it an ideal choice for your organisation.

1. Affordable Initial Investment

One of the primary reasons businesses choose a hosted PBX over an on-premises system is the lower initial cost. With the increased competition in the cloud-based phone system market, setup fees have become more affordable than ever. A hosted PBX can be set up for just a few hundred euros, compared to the thousands of euros required for a complete on-premises system purchase.

It’s important to remember that the lowest setup fee might not always be the best deal for your organisation. Hosted PBX solutions are typically charged as a monthly fee per registered user, and the cost will depend on the features you choose. Make sure to compare different providers and plans to find the best fit for your business.

2. IP phones and VoIP calls

IP phones operate more like computers than traditional analogue phones. They connect to the internet, making it easy to sync with your business phone system and update contacts, settings, and history without manual input. This simplifies management for both users and administrators.

While analogue phones can offer a variety of features, IP phone systems generally provide a broader range without needing additional hardware. By utilising IP handsets, your business can take advantage of the advanced features and capabilities offered by a hosted PBX solution.

3. Hassle-Free Upgrades and Installations

With a hosted PBX, the provider is responsible for keeping your system up-to-date, including feature updates, security patches, and other essential maintenance tasks. This means you don’t have to worry about managing these updates yourself, reducing the likelihood of technical errors and saving valuable time and resources.

4. Unparalleled Flexibility and Scalability

One of the standout advantages of a hosted PBX is its flexibility and scalability. Provisioning analogue phones can be time-consuming and cumbersome, often requiring rewiring to move the location of a phone. IP handsets, on the other hand, come with preprogrammed provisioning, allowing you to connect them to a router anywhere in the world and have them instantly usable. The handset will remember the user’s settings and history, making it incredibly easy to manage.

Modern IP phone systems also come with desktop and mobile applications, enabling employees to connect to the phone system via any IP-enabled device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. This flexibility supports remote work and work-from-home policies, making it easy for your team to stay connected no matter where they are.

5. Comprehensive PBX Support

Support for a PBX system can encompass user assistance, technical issue resolution, and guidance for upgrades and installations. With an on-premises system, support is often an additional cost that must be purchased separately from the system price. Hosted PBX providers, however, typically offer a range of support packages, with some level of support included in the price.

This can be particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses that may not have the in-house technical expertise to manage their phone system. By outsourcing support to a hosted PBX provider, you can save time and resources while ensuring your system remains operational.

6. Enhanced Collaboration Capabilities

As remote work and work-from-home policies become more prevalent, the need for effective collaboration tools has grown exponentially. Hosted PBX providers have recognised this demand and have upgraded their systems to integrate with popular office platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and CRM systems. This integration allows your team to seamlessly collaborate and communicate, increasing productivity and efficiency.

While these upgrades may not always be free for all customers, they often enable a smooth transition to the enhanced package or system without disruption to users or the business.

7. Robust Fraud Protection

Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses in today’s digital landscape, and phone systems are no exception. Both on-site and cloud-based PBXs use VoIP technology, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks if connected to the internet. A single instance of fraud can have devastating consequences for an organization, making it crucial to have the necessary protection in place.

By choosing a hosted PBX, you’re adding an extra layer of security with a third party managing your phone system. Providers can monitor inbound and outbound calls, watching for unusual activity and blocking it before it becomes an issue. Call and spending limits can also be implemented to prevent excessive monthly bills or unauthorised calls to premium numbers.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in exploring a hosted PBX solution for your organization, take the time to research different providers and plans to ensure you find the perfect fit for your unique needs. By doing so, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a reliable, efficient, and scalable phone system that’s ready to grow with your business.

About in2tel

in2tel is a telecoms carrier and solution provider that’s been operating in Ireland and the UK for 17 years. It provides organisations with an affordable, bespoke design that is often found in large-scale enterprises. in2tel’s services provide communication channels for contact centres, sales and marketing teams and internal departments for a large variety of small businesses and SMEs.