What is Cloud PBX?
Modern SMBs and large corporations are moving to network communications because they are more active and versatile when it comes to working together and finding new business. These solutions can generally be integrated with other cloud-based tools for a very low-maintenance and high-end experience.
Cloud PBX for Business is a VoIP service that provides services that integrated communication equipment without the need for hardware communication. These systems are low cost and have the flexibility to match many other VoIP and traditional information solutions.
What are the types of PBX systems?
You know all kinds of PBX systems and their different names. So let’s discuss the main two types:
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Cloud PBX:
Also known as hosted PBX, Cloud PBX is not physically onsite of the business. Cloud-based phone systems are hosted offsite over the Internet and do not need any extra devices.
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Onsite / On-Premise:
Onsite PBX refers to the PBX system, where all the hardware runs through the server of the business.
What is Cloud PBX?
Cloud PBX is a telephone exchange system that constructed completely on the Internet and uses the cloud configuration to provide server access.
Hosted PBX companies are a great way to save money and space as traditional servers for private branch exchanges are expensive and will take a lot of space.
On-Premise PBX has a reputation for being complex and intriguing, which is why cloud-based systems are ahead in popularity than On-Premise PBX. Modern virtual PBX solutions are dependable and offer a consistent business phone system through the Internet.
How to use call flow?
A Call flow helps you manage how your calls are routed, which is especially helpful if you use the same mobile phone for personal and business calls. The Call Flow structure permits you to control when, where, and how calls come via your cloud number.
This means you can set certain working hours to receive a call, view the caller’s location, or control the caller. The call flow varies by interface provider, but most offer the same customization choices for your hosted PBX solution.
How does Cloud PBX work?
Cloud PBX functions by connecting all of your devices to your phone system as an internet connection. You need a VoIP system to use your cloud PBX, that’s why most VoIP providers use their virtual PBX with a subscription to their services.
Cloud PBX servers are distributed worldwide. With such geographical disasters cause less trouble, and when one server space is reduced, there are others to support the load. Most providers give assurance 99.999% uptime for their services. Reliability is important for companies that utilize the Cloud PBX phone system from a traditional telephone system, but are afraid of disruptions.
This type of system is very suitable when integrating the communication of the global enterprise. With a cloud phone system, all offices can use a similar communication system even if they are hundreds of miles away.
Here are some of the standard features for cloud PBX providers:
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Call Queuing:
As you know from our published piece on the call queue, users prefer to pay direct attention. Cloud PBX Solutions can queue up phone calls from customers in a queue so that your agents can easily make calls.
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IVR:
Some providers offer IVR functionality, which uses software to support users through the system. Some Cloud-based PBX providers who offer AI-based solutions that incorporate with their PBX system to provide to inbound callers.
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Call Conference:
By using software solutions that use cloud-based PBX, web conferencing is going to be easier. Typically, by clicking on a button, you are able to add calls, creating a more team-oriented environment. With some modern software, you can even convert individual calls to full video conference.
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In-Call Management:
Some cloud PBX providers offer in-call management functionality, which improves the flexibility of their services. Here are some features for in-call management include:
- Call Barging:
This allows superiors to enter the Conference Bridge, and agents talking to leads. This additional support helps the forward leads through the funnel to result in a conversion. - Call Recording:
Call recording is great for keeping records and can also be used for call centers who want to review calls for agent training. This enables agents to be self-coaches and work on pitches or helping the agent to get better at handle queries from callers. - Call Monitoring:
Some virtual PBX solutions permit for call monitoring, which can be used in conjunction with call barging to make sure quality and power conversion. Call monitoring is also a great way for managers to verify that agent’s performance.
Advantages of Cloud PBX:
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It’s Flexible:
With Virtual PBX, it’s straightforward to add, delete users, and incorporate present traditional phone system hardware into a virtual PBX system.
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It’s Upgradeable:
When new software launches for the cloud PBX system, it can easily be released without the need for a subscriber to make server changes. This is because the provider maintains the servers, so if the upgrade takes place, the updates done by providers.
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It’s Scalable:
If you are going upwards with an on-premise PBX system, you will be adding servers. Most businesses will give the handsets and cables for any new employee that they take on.
Disadvantages of Cloud PBX:
Cloud PBX cannot be said to be the right solution. There are a few pitfalls you should consider before buying,
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It may have low security:
For those who need communication systems, it is important to find a company that has strong security features. Even when a virtual PBX provider offers encryption for your calls, it can decrease the level of security when recording data.
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It is Internet-based:
If a company is experiencing problems on the Internet, there is no redundancy to prevent calls from a drop in quality completely. If the network falls, it will result in a missed call.
9 Reasons to Upgrade Cloud PBX:
Cloud PBX is a great way to ensure your unified communication experience is comprehensive and flexible, despite some minor pitfalls.
This is a brilliant system for companies that require virtual office experience. Also for those who want to save the costs on hardware solutions for managing by IT staff.
Let’s discuss the 9 reasons to upgrade your existing system to a virtual phone solution.
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Quick and inexpensive Setup:
If you are going with an on-premise solution, you can expect a higher price because you are paying for expensive hardware installation and maintenance. With the Cloud PBX solution, complete hardware is hosted by the provider, so combining the headsets with the service.
Many companies, say to install their cloud PBX services it takes, one business day which means your team will be ready and working quickly.
With an on-premise PBX provider, you pay the upfront charges of renting and managing hardware and desktop phones. With the cloud service, you spend approximately $15 per user per month, which is more economical. Cloud PBX saves you up to 60% compared to on-premise PBX, particularly if your provider gives packages in international calls.
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Cloud PBX Scalable:
When organizations consider cloud PBX as a solution, scalability is an important reason for switching to the cloud. Providers charge their customers the amount of bandwidth they use. This is ideal for companies in flux because adding or removing customers is an easy process that ensures that you pay only for that use.
Your cost will increase as a result of a larger number of phone lines, but you will never pay for more than you use.
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Integration with Cloud PBX is easy:
Marketing automation and CRM software like Hubspot and Salesforce offer value when talking about marketing automation and CRM software. As Cloud PBX provides an Internet-based communication solution, it is easy to add data from in-platform dashboards to third party solutions. astTECS Cloud PBX Solution can also be integrated easily with different communication platforms like WhatsApp, SMS & Email. Integration with these popular business communication platforms makes it easy for brands to communicate in a much better way with consumers and even makes interaction more personalized.
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Call Center features with Cloud PBX:
Unified communication is great when your provider offers added value, and some additional features, such as call queuing, IVR, reporting and in-call management features can give a good experience for organizations.
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Hosted PBX is Mobile Friendly:
Hosted PBX comes with different benefits for companies such as voicemail, faxing, automated greeting, conferences, etc.
As everything is moving to the cloud and workforces are moving remote the need for mobile communication and management is increasing and Hosted PBX provides such features that make remote working easy.
Many mobile apps allow attendees to access the full range of features from their mobile devices. This is the perfect way for in-transit participants to feel completely prepared, even when they don’t have their own computers. Since it is based on the internet, attendees can opt-out of calling fees using the local Internet to attend meetings and calls. Missed call solution allows agents to receive call from anywhere.
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Unified Communications with Cloud PBX:
Providers deliver an all-in-one experience, which allows PBX users to convert from a call on a company network to a video conference or send files via voice call.
These desktop applications are fully functional in one place, adding comfort and productivity to teams.
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Reliable Time with Cloud PBX Services:
With many global servers hosting communications for different organizations, the downtime time is significantly reduced. This ensures that any downtime that occurs as a result of hardware failure should be corrected immediately in the managed data center.
This is especially useful when natural disasters or other types of events occur in the server place. Software from the provider automatically calls to another server so that users do not experience timeliness or problem.
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HIPAA / HITECH Compliance:
Some companies, especially health services, require a high level of compliance so that the hardware does not work or lose the caller data needed to hack it. A large number of cloud-based companies provide this compliance to their customers, and these companies must protect data when it’s in transit.
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No Physical Hardware required:
If you go with a standard PBX, then you’ll need to buy or rent PBX cabinets that have a server architecture that makes Internet-based calls. Cloud PBX rejects its need by having the server systems be dispersed across multiple geographical locations which maintain by service providers.
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How to Switch to Cloud PBX:
Although changing to Cloud PBX is an inexpensive process. For example, if you have a previous PBX system, you must cancel your service so that the provider can return its box.
This is also necessary because you need to pay, so when it comes time to port your phone number to your new cloud-based system, there will be no billing issues to interrupt the process.
If you are switching from a standard phone system, the last thing you want is to install a cloud PBX system and slow internet speeds.
The quality of the service does not matter, if your internet is not up to par, there will be more artifacts during your call and they may not be as clear. Therefore, when switching to Cloud PBX, review your internet quality, and make changes if required.
When you leave the PBX box, it does not mean that you do not need any hardware. This is a vital phase of the switchover procedure, so consider the requirements of your business first. Finally, decide if you want a wireless or wired phone. It varies depending on your office setup.
In this modern technology, Cloud PBX offers businesses with the flexibility and scalability they need while managing lower costs. Cloud PBX systems are going upwards in the telecommunications sector, and it is this system is very important for helping different business.
Yes There are so many benefits of using Cloud PBX .Yes it makes things quick and it is inexpensive too.
But you have to be careful while choosing the right PBX
Excellent article , very well written Manjunath @ Asstechs team