What is PABX?
Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) has been a backbone of inter and intra-organisation voice communication for decades. This is a managed private network within an organisation that consists of many lines and stations. PABX uses a range of different platforms such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and more for communication. In a PABX system or PABX phone system, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)is used for facilitating connections provided by the service provider.
To put emphasis on the significance of PABX, without an automated system, a business might have to install a separate phone line for each desk. And not to mention that in a traditional separate phone-line system, calls from each desk are charged like normal calls. However, things are different with a PABX phone system.A PABX system can facilitate shared phone lines and the businesses don’t need to install separate lines for each desk; so much so that even 20-30 phone lines can facilitate up to 200 virtual phone lines. In addition, it allows employees to call each other by only dealing short extension numbers, and above all, the calls are free of cost.
The system works efficiently as not all employees are supposed to be on calls simultaneously and the system can seamlessly transfer calls between executives. A good examples of this will be a call centre where less physical phone lines are used that a traditional big retail store.PABX systems have proven to be quite useful for small businesses as they work on a limited cash flow.
How Does PABX Work?
PABX constitutes of a few integral components i.e. a housing for internal parts, a switchboard console for operators, computer for processing data, lines for connecting PABX to PSTN, necessary system hardware, endpoints (phone, fax machine, and other terminals), etc.
Talking about how PABX functions, modern systems use VoIP for sending and receiving digital signals. Once the analogue signal is converted into a digital one, the system can manage it the way it wants, similar to any other information that is digital in nature. Some other advanced features that PABX offers include voicemail to email, auto-attendant, conferencing, hold music and/r message, caller ID, call forwarding, speed dial, redial, etc.
Should You Setup Your Own PABX System or Opt for a Hosted One?
Since, PABX has become a necessity for both large and small businesses, one should be quite careful about installing one. Setting up an in-house PABX can result into a hefty investment that will also attract maintenance costs as well. A business will also have to employ high skilled IT professionals for resolving any issues (that occur occasionally) and updating the whole system.
On the other hand, PABX services providers offer this whole setup as a service along with the maintenance and businesses only have to pay fixed monthly charges for it. Therefore, opting for a hosted phone systemis a far better choice than installing the whole system at your workplace, especially for small businesses.
Choosing the Right PABX System for a Small Business
Choosing the right small business PABX phone system is critical for an upcoming business as it might play a crucial role in successfully running thebusiness. Factors such as number of employees, cost of a hosted PABX system and its connectivity to different departments is important. However, there are some factors that hold more significance. These factors are:
- Location of Customers –Businesses often want to achieve and maintain a local presence in geographical areas of their customers even if they are not physically present there. In such a situation, a system that facilitates long distance and/or international calls can be quite beneficial.
- Location of Employees –Businesses that operate on a regional or international level hire employees belonging to specific geographic locations as those employees have a better understanding of the consumer mindset and behaviour. A PABX system can frequently forward calls to specific executives and establish a connect between the company and customers from almost anywhere in the world.
- Future Plans –PABX systemsare not stagnant. In fact, they are quite scalable and these can be upgraded easily as the requirements of a business increase. Therefore, businesses that follow a dynamic style of work and have changing needs don’t have to worry about the scalability of the system.
Why GenesysTel
GenesysTel is one of the top corporate telecommunication services companies in Australia that uses state-of the-art equipment and technology for delivering tailor-made telecom solutions such as PABX. Our hosted PABX services are quite flexible in nature as businesses can opt for a plan and infrastructure that precisely suit their requirements. This is a truly integrated solution that delivers exactly what you need.
Conclusion –Small businesses require little to virtually no investment when opting for a smart and integrated,PABX phone systemas service providers such as GenesysTel offer a range of flexible plans to begin with. PABX systems enable businesses to avail the benefits of feature-rich phone systems without installing any high-end software and/or equipment, and make their business available in the service of their customers from anywhere in the world.