In a rapidly changing business communication landscape, companies are always on the lookout for the most efficient, affordable, and scalable solutions. One such technology that has changed the business communication experience over the years is an IP PBX system. With the rise of cloud telephony, many are now asking if the IPPBX still has a place in business or if it’s simply an old, outdated, irrelevant technology.
So, let’s consider that question.
What is an IPPBX?
An IPPBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange) is a telephony solution that allows a business to manage internal and external communications over an internet protocol (IP) network. While traditional PBX systems utilize analog phone lines and rely heavily on physical phone lines in various works, IPPBX reroutes calls and various forms of communications through the internet, providing flexibility as well as cost savings. It enables businesses to communicate through voice, video, and data which boosts overall connectivity.
Advantages of the IP PBX System
- Cost efficiency: Implementing VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows businesses to save money on call costs, especially for international calls.
- Scalability: As businesses grow, an IPPBX approach allows for easy expansion without having to worry about hardware upgrades.
- Feature-rich communication: IP PBX systems encompass all possible features for your business such as voicemail to email, call forwarding, auto attendants, and conference calling wherever an internet connection exists.
- Integration capabilities: Systems can easily integrate into your CRM or other help desk software, enhancing the efficiency.
- Remote accessibility: Employees can log in from anywhere, allowing for a flexible remote or hybrid workspace.
The Rise of Cloud Tele While the IPPBX approach has successfully broken ground, telephony is quickly becoming the better option for businesses looking for even more flexibility and innovation. Cloud tele gets rid of the on-premise infrastructure allowing businesses to have a fully hosted communication solution.
Cloud Telephony vs. IPPBX System
Cloud telephony and IP PBX systems come with their own separate benefits.
- The IP PBX system can only be set up on-site and it allows businesses to have better control over their own infrastructure; telephony is entirely located in the cloud, so a business does not have to worry about maintenance and installing hardware.
- When it comes to pricing, IP PBX systems can help a business decrease costs on calling, but it does require ongoing maintenance regardless. Alternatively, cloud telephony operates on a subscription model with little maintenance.
- Scalability is a key differentiator to look for–while an IP PBX system can be expanded to accommodate additional hardware, a cloud system can scale immediately and on the fly without requiring any physical things to be completed.
- Reliability varies as well; an IPPBX is dependent on an internal routed network, while cloud tele can guarantee they are operational with server systems the provider is responsible for having high uptime.
- Cloud tele has the flexibility of allowing a user to access the system if it is connected to the internet, while an IPPBX System can have additional hurdles to access a remote or VPN.
Is IPPBX Still Relevant?
The relevance of an IP PBX system is contingent on the needs of any organization. For organizations that want control over their telephony infrastructure and require premises security, the IP PBX system is still a viable option.
On the other hand, businesses that want a more worry-free, managed service, highly scalable solution may prefer cloud telephony.
Conclusion
The IPPBX system has been a huge player in the modernization of business communication, but the emergence of cloud tele is a solid alternative. Organizations must first evaluate their needs, budget, and long term plans before making a decision. Whether it be the dependability of the IP PBX system or the agility of a Cloud Telephony solution, either technology will continue to evolve the telecommunications-as-a-service model. What is your use case? Is the IP PBX system still a game changer, or has cloud tele taken the leads? Let us know in the comments below!
