Hosted PBX vs. Hardware PBX
PBX System : What to Choose
The choice between a hosted PBX service and premise-based PBX system depends on the needs of the company. There are times when the choice is extremely easy. For example, it always makes sense for a company with employees that work outside the main office to choose a hosted service. But each type of PBX has its own advantages. What should you choose?
When a standard PBX system makes sense
- All employees are physically located in the same office
- High up-front costs are acceptable if the monthly cost is the lowest possible
- The company wants the cheapest solution available regardless of capability
- There is no need for toll-free service for callers
- Larger companies
- There is little likelihood of change in company size
When a hosted service like Virtual PBX is the better choice
- Some employees telecommute or work away from the main office
- There is no main office - the company uses a "virtual" office
- High up-front costs are not acceptable
- The company wants to offer toll-free calls to its customers
- Small companies
- Companies that expect their needs to change
- Incoming call capacity needs to be high
- Fault tolerance and system reliability are important
- There is no desire to dedicate employees or contract outside for PBX support
- The PBX system needs to offer a complete set of features like true ACD queuing
Of course, not all hosted PBX services are created equal. These choices may be different for another service.