With a Hosted VoIP PBX system, the service provider houses the PBX device and handles the technological needs and resources that the PBX system requires to function. A Hosted PBX phone system processes calls at a data centre before forwarding them to a direct extension at your office or other location. The VoIP PBX system’s IP phones are plugged into a router at the user’s location, and the VoIP PBX server handled by the service provider processes the calls and features.
Placing Calls
When a caller dials your number, it first rings through to the data centre. An auto-attendant at the centre answers the incoming call with a custom message that you pre-record. Users can record messages, direct dial, and select extensions from a user directory. Outside calls will only reach your office when your direct extension is dialed. And in most cases, you’ll be able to keep any existing phone numbers and extensions.
Features
With VoIP there’s a plethora of features designed to cater specifically to your business. In fact, there are many VoIP providers that offer features that are not available with a traditional phone system. For example, besides routing your calls, handling holds and transfers, and allowing multiple system users to be reached from a single business number, a Hosted VoIP PBX system can also provide voicemail, touchtone menus, conferences, and call records.
Set Up & Operation
A Hosted VoIP PBX system is actually easy to set up and operate. Your IP phones usually arrive preconfigured by the provider, ready to operate when connected to an Internet connection. Most of these types of services also provide you with a web-based control panel, which also allows users to access the system remotely and telecommute. In addition to accessible support, VoIP services are known to provide the latest features, system upgrades, and firmware updates quickly and efficiently, saving you and your IT group the hassle.
Scalability
Another aspect of Hosted VoIP PBX systems to consider are their scalability. As your business grows and evolves, so will its needs. A “POTS” telephone system necessitates that businesses purchase their phone equipment before they actually need them, often wasting money on telephones, extensions, and service plans. VoIP business phone service empowers you to only but what you need when you need it.
Saving Money
Finally, Hosted VoIP PBX systems are well known for helping businesses save money. For example, migrating to a these types of systems will often reduce costs, simply due to the fact that VoIP users do not have to pay for traditional telephone lines. The system also allows you to save money on long distance calls for the countries you call the most, and skip buying a fax machine, since these systems allow you handle faxes as PDFs. These services often also provide their users with the ability to listen to recorded calls at any time from any location with an Internet connection, which will allow you to save money on your mobile calls.
