IP PBX : Understanding IP PBX and its Benefits

If you are looking to set up a new business phone sytem or to upgrade your exisiting communication infrastructure, You must have come across the terms IP PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange) and VoIP Phone System, which you need to understand before implementing for your organisation.

Let us understand exactly what is IP PBX and its advantages and why it requires for your business.

What is IP PBX?

An IP PBX is a communication device that uses VoIP to establish connectivity to public telephone networks. IP PBX supervises calls across it’s private network. The IP PBX System can connect and receive calls while maintaining analog phone Network.

IP PBX can be on premise based, Cloud based or a hybrid of cloud and on Premise pbx system.

On premise IP PBX are deployed in your office location, where all the phone system’s features are installed into the PBX hardware. To set up an On Premise IP PBX, you have to purchase all the fundamental equipment. This ordinarily incorporates workers, machines and interface hardware. The whole framework is worked out in your physical area.

Cloud PBX or Hosted PBX is not physically onsite of the business. Cloud-based phone systems are hosted offsite over the Internet and does not require any hardware. It uses the cloud configuration to provide server access.

How does an IP PBX Work?

An IP PBX phone systems place and receive calls over VoIP , it converts analog signals to digital signals. At the core, an IP PBX system uses a Session Initiation Protocol(SIP). Every client on the network is allocated a SIP address, which is unique.

On the outside, the call routings and intercommunication are similar to a normal PBX, with every user able to connect to the other. While on the inside, every dialled call is mapped to a SIP address. Since, in this case, both of the users are utilizing VoIP, the call doesn’t need to be routed to an external telephone line.

On unavailability of a SIP address, labels it as an outside call and the PBX sends your call to the VoIP passage or VoIP specialist to route to the external telephone line.

Benefits of IP PBX System

Adapting to IP PBX in your organization can add tremendous value to your business and team productivity. Listing down some reasons why it’s a decision worth making.

Reduces Telecom Expenses

Using VoIP PBX can help organisation to reduce telecom cost drastically due to the SIP trunking that the VoIP technology offers.

Easy to Install

IP PBX runs on software and so does not need any high priced PBX equipment. As an enterprise, a lot of setup cost is saved easily. VoIP phones are internet-based phone systems, so their set-up or installation is more comfortable since they use the same network for both data and voice (connected via LAN) only.

Simpler Maintenance and Config Management

IP-PBX systems are moderately easy to oversee. Most IP-based telephone frameworks accompany a simple Web Configuration interface that makes it simple for clients to oversee, arrange, or calibrate the telephone framework.

An IP-PBX can easily monitor and make changes anywhere; it can also be set up remotely. The updates and releases can be installed by the admin remotely, too. It’s an entirely self-adjusting and readily accessible infrastructure.

Scalability

You wouldn’t want to pay for additional lines and extensions if you are a growing business. IP-PBX was designed to scale. It readily allows enterprises to seamlessly add and remove several users or extensions at minimum or no cost.

Resiliency

IP-PBX comes with fault tolerance; one can set up backup servers, as a single point of failure in infrastructure may lead to significant downtime in case of unforeseen circumstances. In case of downtime, the server switched to another available server to minimize downtime and maximize uptime in businesses.

Enhanced team productivity

IP-PBX connects team within the organization effortlessly. It ensures that all workers are well connected for business communication resulting in better work productivity. At the same time, it also improve a company’s services as well as promote better collaboration among employees.

IP PBX Features:

Smart Phone Extension with Wi-fi client

With IP PBX, you can configured with your Smart phone as an PBX extension. You can make calls or receive calls using the same phone number and extension as your desk phone. This feature enables to communicate with your customers, clients, or internal office team even when you are not at your desk or in the office.

Video calling/conferencing:

Video calling /conferencing features help the organisation to connect with remote workers efficiently. *astTECS IP PBX provides built-in video conferencing with features such as screen sharing, document upload, whiteboard with text tools, mute and chat options.

Web- based receptionist Console:

With web based receptionist console features, *astTECS IP PBX enables the operator to view the detail information about PBX activities in real time. It helps the operator to operate efficiently and perform quality call monitoring .

Distributed Office Setup:

You don’t need to set up a different telephone system for every office location. You can connect all the office locations with a central phone system which will eliminate your site-to-site calling cost.

IVR (Interactive Voice Response)

IVR is a technology that allows businesses to connect with customers using pre-recorded voice messages and DTMF / voice input through a keypad to automate inbound calls. It interacts with callers, takes general details, and routes calls to appropriate agents thus helps the organisation to enhance customer service while reducing the operational cost

Call Recording or Voice Logger

With in-built call recording software, IP PBX enables you to record both incoming & outgoing calls for quality monitoring and disputes resolution. It also generate the call detail reports with source,destination, time and duration. The optional speech analysis helps you to increase the workforce efficiencies tremendously.

VoiceMail to Email

When the call is not connected, Users can send voicemail as an attachment with the message and agents can easily reply to it using their mobile. It increases productivity and doesn’t affect work continuity.

Integration with Existing EPABX

*astTECS IP PBX can be integrated with your old traditional PBX system or EPABX seamlessly and provides advanced features such as voicemail to email, IVR, distributed office setup, unlimited voice recording.

Integration with Third Party Software

*astTECS IP PBX is developed on Open Source Technology and can be easily integrated with all the major third party software such as CRM (Zoho, Salesforce, leadsquare, Vtiger etc), SMS, Email, WhatsApp, Chatbot etc. No vendor lock-in or limitations to integrate with other systems or devices.

Fig : Architecture

Conclusion:

Well, IP PBX is here to stay and spending on it, is sensible, even if you are a recently founded company or an established enterprise already using a PBX. IP- PBX will give you significant savings in maintenance, management, and call costs, and switching to it is an obvious next without any further undo.

From the cost incurred in the establishment and calling rates, versatility to simpler management, IP PBX frameworks offer many favourable circumstances to organizations. IP PBX gives you a variety of options to choose from such as on-site system, cloud PBX or hybrid PBX. So if you haven’t changed to an IP PBX, then it’s time to consider making a move.

*astTECS IP PBX is a phone system that unifies multiple communication methods within a business such as phone calls, video conferencing, messaging, Email, SMS , Fax, Whatsapp and the list goes on . It helps to streamline communications and enhances team collaboration.

To know more on *astTECS IP PBX solution Contact us.