Private Branch Exchange (PBX) phone systems are exclusive to an organization and can use a traditional phone line or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) lines. On-premises hardware for a PBX system allows for many of the benefits of VoIP, but with in-house equipment.
However, if you have an aging PBX system that doesn’t provide all the features and benefits your business needs today, you could be lagging behind. Contemporary cloud-based phone systems allow businesses to quickly deploy solutions without hardware and maintenance, which can be beneficial for moving companies, rapidly-changing business environments, or startups.
So what are the signs that you’ve outgrown your existing business phone system, and what factors should you consider when moving to a new one?
Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Existing System
If you’re ready to move on to an updated business phone system, you may:
- Be overpaying for your current phone service
- Lack the flexibility to transfer calls to mobile devices
- Have a disorganized phone answering system
- Be unable to add or change new users easily
- Not have the features to enhance both user and customer experience
Every business is unique, so the signs that you’ve outgrown your phone system can vary.
Since there are many options for business phone systems today, if you’re experiencing any issues with your phones that aren’t simple fixes, it may be time to consider upgrading to a new infrastructure that better supports your business environment and objectives.
Factors to Consider When Migrating to a Different Phone Setup
When switching to a new business phone system, there’s a lot to consider. Modern phone systems take advantage of the cloud, which allows for maximum performance with simplified maintenance and lower overall costs.
A few things to consider when it’s time to switch to a new phone system include:
CapEX or OpEX
Instead of investing a significant amount of capital into your new business phone system, consider a cloud-based system, which would be OpEX.
Although you’ll have more ongoing costs, your phone system exists in the cloud, and all the upgrades, feature enhancements, and patches are managed for you.
This means new features can become standard in the business world in the time it takes to see a return on your investment from a purchased phone system. Not to mention you’ll spend less time maintaining your system.
Digital or IP
Although a digital phone system is the next step up from traditional lines, it doesn’t offer all the benefits of an internet protocol (IP) system. For example, it lacks the flexibility to rapidly deploy line changes and can generate more expenses than the original cost savings when going digital.
An IP, or VoIP, phone system uses the internet for your phones, which provides enhanced mobility and reduced wiring costs. However, you will need reliable internet with fast speeds to support the connection.
While IP phones have more ongoing expenses, they work on virtually all hosted platforms, and you’ll have your choice of manufacturers to choose from when integrating your phone solutions with your cloud provider.
Mobility
Businesses today need flexibility when it comes to their phone systems, and aging PBX setups often don’t make the cut.
If your existing PBX system doesn’t offer Web Real-Time Connection (WebRTC) so you can make and receive calls from your desktop or a mobile app for your cell phone, you’re missing out on key features and benefits that can support your business mobility.
Instead, consider that cloud-based systems offer the flexibility you need to create seamless phone solutions, including call transferring, so you never miss a call regardless of your location.
What’s the Best Choice for Your Business?
When it’s time to upgrade your company’s phone system, make the best choice for your business. Contact neteffect technologies today to learn more about our flexible phone solutions customized to support your operations.
