IP PBX is short for "Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange". A PBX splits one main office phone number into several extensions. For instance, when someone calls an office and is told “Press 1 for John, press 2 for Monica”, that caller is interacting with the PBX, and that PBX is going to connect his or her call to John or Monica.
An IP PBX simply uses the Internet to connect these calls instead of traditional (and expensive) telephone wires. An office would need some kind of PBX or SIP solution in order to implement cheap VoIP phone service in an office. An IP PBX is located and maintained in-house.
For businesses, IP PBX systems decrease substantial maintenance costs and subsequently increase flexibility for growth and productivity.
An IP PBX phone system decrease costs by pairing more digital and wireless features with less equipment, software and maintenance. In addition, an IP PBX system is scalable and user-friendly for easy configuration.
Specific benefits of an IP PBX phone system:
- Easy install and configuration: Compared to traditional phone systems that need a trained installer, an IP PBX system can be installed by anyone who knows how to install a software program.
- User-friendly web configuration interface: An IP phone system has a web-based interface for easy maintenance and customization.
- Significant cost savings: You can save substantially by using a VoIP service provider for long distance or international calls. Easily connect phone systems between offices/branches and make free phone calls.
- Business-rich features like call forwarding, call conferencing, call queueing, voicemail, and auto attendant.
An IP PBX is a good choice for businesses that have an IT staff and want to maintain their own hardware in-house.