Hosted PBX
Hosted PBX
Hosted PBX is a private branch exchange (PBX) that is “hosted” by a service provider. It’s used by companies to make and receive phone calls via the internet and is a popular alternative to traditional PBX, which uses copper wires and landline phones.
Businesses often choose hosted PBX or switch from traditional PBX to hosted PBX as a way to cut costs, get access to telecommunications features, and unify their workforce.
If you’re exploring telecommunications options for your business and think hosted PBX systems might be the way to go, here’s everything you need to know – what they are, their benefits, and why you might want to invest in one yourself.
How does hosted PBX work?
Hosted PBX uses internet protocol (IP) for communication. Rather than calls being coursed through physical lines, calls are delivered over the IP network. Voice traffic can be transported over the PSTN, over the internet (using VoIP), or a combination of both.
What is a virtual PBX?
Sometimes, “hosted PBX” is used synonymously with “virtual PBX”. This isn’t entirely correct in the technical sense. Virtual PBX systems are a component of hosted PBX. An example of a virtual PBX system might be an auto attendant that provides automated IVR and call routing.
What is the difference between VoIP and hosted PBX?
A hosted PBX is a phone system, whereas VoIP is the method by which you make calls.
Hosted PBX uses VoIP in its operation to make IP calls. VoIP can also be used for other types of telecoms, like video conferencing. Providers of hosted PBX systems are usually VoIP service providers and can offer a range of cloud-based communications for businesses, including what are sometimes known as business VoIP phone systems. Those are holistic systems that combine the functions of PBX with other telephony and communications features.