VoIP phone systems are taking over the communications world. What started as a trickle some 10+ years ago has now turned into a raging torrent of popular demand. And what’s not to like about them? The stability issues that plagued VoIP phone systems years ago have been eradicated. Now you get reliable IP solutions that require less infrastructure and are incredibly cost effective.
With VoIP phone systems there are basically three types: hosted IP pbx, IP pbx and hybrid pbx. They all work with VoIP phone lines and IP phone handsets but the way each go about it is quite distinct and unique.
1. Hosted IP PBX
This is a phone system when you’re not having a phone system at all. Unlike the other two there is no main box that drives the hosted solution. You simply have IP handsets and a network switch in the office. This network switch then communicates back to a separate location, or “host”. It’s from the host that all the system intelligence is delivered in real time. This type of VoIP phone system is perfect for any size deployment and can scale almost infinitely to 1000’s of users spread across the world. Anywhere you get decent internet you can now be connected to the host. Hosted solutions have come a long way and the feature sets on offer are comparable to most leading solutions. Plus, you also get many features included at no charge that you would pay a hefty premium on for other VoIP phone system types. [Check out more about Hosted VoIP Phone Systems here.]
2. IP PBX
unlike the hosted solutions above you get a system that is physically located within your office. IP Pbx phone systems operate with VoIP phone lines and use IP handsets. Some even allow for minimal PSTN or ISDN redundancy but only in a minor way. This is the biggest difference between an IP Pbx and the hybrid systems below that still cater for all traditional line and handset types on any scale. If you were looking at an IP Pbx VoIP phone system you would probably be better going to a hybrid as you have more flexibility or to a hosted platform if the savings stacked up.
3. Hybrid IP PBX
These are basically modern versions of the telephone systems that customers of all sizes are used to. The difference is they now offer all the latest IP and VoIP technologies as well. They are effectively the Rosetta stone of communications where all modern VoIP and existing technologies can coexist effectively on a single platform. As far as customers moving to a VoIP phone system solution this is often the easiest and safest transition they can make. Many customers start with their current phone lines knowing the system can migrate to VoIP in the future when they’re ready.
No matter what type of VoIP phone system you choose you know that you are no longer a pioneer. The technology is proven, reliable and is definitely the future of communications in Australia. VoIP can be a game changer for small and large businesses alike. Speak to one of our friendly experts and see what savings and productivity improvements VoIP phone systems can achieve for your business.
