The modern business landscape is constantly changing. Businesses need to remain as flexible as possible to thrive. Smart companies use technology to give them that advantage.
If you’re looking to grow and scale, you need to leverage the benefits of the most innovative products. Cloud computing, AI, and Private Branch Exchange are tools bringing business into the future.
But, what is Private Branch Exchange? And what can a virtual PBX system do for your business?
If you haven’t heard of cloud PBX before, that’s ok. It may not be talked about often, but the odds are good that your business may already be leveraging the power of PBX. If you’re not already leveraging it, we’re going to show you why you need to strongly consider it.
In today’s article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about PBX systems. Then, we’ll highlight some of the best PBX providers we work with here at Cloud Zen. By the time we’re done, you’ll be your team’s resident PBX expert.
Consider this your go-to guide for PBX systems. But, there’s a lot of information to cover.
Let’s get going!
What Is Private Branch Exchange (PBX)?
PBX, or private branch exchange, is a tool modern businesses use to help their teams scale and grow. It allows your company to keep up a professional, corporate appearance while working remotely and with flexibility.
What PBX is, more specifically, is a cloud-based phone system. A virtual PBX system allows you to leverage the power of the cloud to have all of the functionality of a professional business phone system.
Cloud PBX systems offer features like conferencing, call waiting, employee extensions, and touchtone menus. These systems work on a VoIP framework. This means you’ll get all the quality and reliability of internet phone service, and no clumsy hardware needs to be installed in your office.
Extensions for new team members can be added quickly and easily. Most of the time, business owners only have to contact their service provider or add a line through their online dashboard. The result is that new remote workers on your team can hit the ground running.
Reasons To Use Cloud PBX
To allow your company to grow, you need a business phone system. As your operation gets larger, you’re going to add employees. Eventually, smalls groups of employees become divisions or departments.
Using a virtual PBX system allows you to accommodate your team from beginning to end. As your team grows, you have a professional phone system that can grow along with it. PBX also helps because businesses are always changing.
You never know when an employee or department might relocate. With a traditional phone system, adding new lines or giving employees new phone numbers at a new location can be a pain. PBX allows you to seamlessly transition your team wherever they go.
It also gives your employees more freedom. If an employee has to relocate for personal reasons, they can still work for your team remotely, thanks to cloud PBX. But, freedom and flexibility aren’t the only reasons to switch to a PBX system.
Let’s take a look at more advantages of private branch exchange.
Scalability
The growth of your business has no limits with PBX. Employees can be added from anywhere with just a few clicks. No more waiting on the IT team to set up your phone system.
With PBX, you can start dialing in minutes!
No Hardware
Traditional business phone systems require a receiver and other clumsy hardware. PBX works off of something known as a “soft dialer.” Soft dialers are a software platform that allows you to make phone calls directly from your desktop. Some PBX providers even have a mobile app that allows you to work directly from your smartphone.
No phones mean no additional costs. It also means more desk space for your employees to do their work.
No Contracts
Most business phone providers want to lock you into a contract. They expect you to sign up for their service for years at a time. While this might’ve worked several years ago, business moves too fast now. This type of setup would leave most business owners in the dust.
A cloud PBX provider won’t lock you into a contract. You can pay for service monthly and adjust your plan as needed.
If you need more numbers, no problem. If you need to remove a number, that’s no problem either. PBX providers even make canceling their service much easier than traditional phone plans.
Basically, PBX is what happens when a premier phone system meets “white glove” customer service.
Make Your Existing Systems Better
Since PBX systems operate from the cloud, they can integrate easily with other parts of your business system. Different PBX providers allow for different integrations, so you may need to check with your provider. Do your research and make sure the PBX provider you choose integrates with the systems you already use.
That way, you can leverage your PBX system to further your business’ performance.
Secure Connections
One of the best benefits of working with a cloud PBX system is security. Most PBX providers are using the most cutting-edge internet security products. The result is that your information, and your customers’ information, stays safe.
PBX systems use features like end-to-end encryption to keep everyone on the system safe and secure. The result is enterprise-level security for a fraction of the cost.
Cut Costs
A virtual PBX system is a great solution for small business owners. Not only is it adaptable, but it helps keep your bottom line as low as possible, as well.
You’ll only pay for the phone lines and features that you and your team use. Usually, PBX providers have a flat monthly rate that includes a certain number of phone lines and features.
You’ll then have the option to add phone lines and features on a “pay-as-you-go” basis. Each phone line or additional feature will add a small amount to your monthly bill.
Since you’re not paying for features you don’t use, and you’re not paying for expensive in-office hardware, you’ll save more and help your bottom line. The result is the best possible phone service at the best possible price.
Best PBX Providers
So, now that we’ve answered “what is PBX,” you’re probably wondering where to go to sign up for your service. The truth is there are a lot of PBX providers on the market today.
1. RingCentral
RingCentral is one of the premier names in PBX service. They have a longstanding reputation for keeping their clients happy. Those clients include prestigious institutions like Columbia University.
They offer reliable phone service and a robust suite of business features. Users have access to phone service, texting, and team chat on RingCentral’s platform. Teams can also video conference through RingCentral’s free video calling feature, RingCentral Meetings.
Their VoIP service also has an amazing uptime percentage of 99.999%. Teams also have the ability to integrate with big-name platforms like Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, and Zendesk.
RingCentral is a complete business solution for any small business owner.
2. Nextiva
Nextiva is a PBX provider that’s great for integration. They offer commercial-grade service and work with a wide variety of third-party software platforms.
One of their more convenient features is offering users access to a business line on their personal phones. This is done through their easy-to-use mobile app. Users can also send and receive faxes through the mobile app.
This makes it easy to take your business with you wherever you go.
Nextiva also offers remarkable uptime percentages, video, texting, and conferencing. In addition, they are great at integrating with customer relationship management software.
If customer service is the linchpin of your business, Nextiva might be the choice for you.
3. 8×8
8×8 positions itself as the perfect solution for small to midsize businesses. Their cutting-edge Employer Dashboard allows small business owners to bring all of their employees together under one interface.
Users also have access to their choice of three distinct plans. You can start as small as just a phone system that provides a dedicated line to communicate with customers. And, you can go as far as having a formal business phone system complete with analytics and reporting.
You have the freedom to choose whichever is best for you. 8×8 also gives tours of their software that can last upwards of one hour. Their customer service reps stick with you as long as they need to make sure you understand your new phone system.
4. MetTel
MetTel offers users one of the most reliable PBX solutions. They have been in the IT business for over 25 years. Their PBX system offers a wide range of services with exceptional connectivity.
Business owners can choose from a standard PBX system, PBX contact center, and call recording. You can even have the system give you PBX analytics.
MetTel also offers uptime percentages that are competitive with other providers. You’ll also benefit from CRM integration through MetTel.
Your Virtual PBX System Solved
Private branch exchange is one of the most powerful tools you can use in your business. Now that you know the features and providers available, you can start to leverage this amazing technology for your team.
If you have any questions about cloud PBX or your virtual PBX system, contact us today. We are more than happy to help you find a solution that works best for you.