What is a PBX system
Business telephone systems are ones that require multiple lines and multiple telephones. They are used for communicating throughout the business in addition to communicating with customers. A PBX, or private branch exchange, telephone system is one of three main types of system available for businesses. PBX's may also be known as EPABX, electronic private automatic branch exchange. PBX systems serves a particular company and they connect to the public telephone system through trunk lines. They are different from Key Systems as PBX's automatically select outgoing lines for the business. Within PBX there are VOIP PBX systems and hosted systems. In a hosted PBX system the PBX is located and maintained by the telecom's service provider. VOIP PBX is known as IPBX. PBX can offer many features including, but not limited to; auto attendant, call forwarding, call transfer, conference call and interactive voice response.
Costs
The cost of a PBX system can vary hugely as they can vary from a couple up to several hundred extensions with various specifications. The smallest PBX system can cost from a few hundred pounds up to several thousand for the largest and most complicated PBX systems. The cost to your business can only be accurately ascertained when a telecom's company has assessed the business needs. The cost will typically include installation, as a PBX must be installed by professionals, and hardware. In addition the cost for the maintenance contract must be budgeted for, and this can vary depending on the agreed services and the size of the system. Shopping around will help your business secure the most suitable deal for your company.
Alternatives
Other than PBX Systems there are two other business telephone systems available. These are Key Systems and KSU-Less Systems. KSU-Less systems are self purchase and install and are only suitable for systems with less than ten extensions. KSU-Less systems will not be maintained by telecom's companies and will have to be self maintained. Key Systems are more sophisticated than KSU-Less systems. Key Systems differ from PBX systems as users select their own line rather than it being done automatically. Key Systems are suitable for systems of up to about forty extensions. Key Systems are becoming less popular as hybrid systems develop. Hybrid systems are a cross between PBX and Key Systems. To decide what system is most suited to your business it is important to discuss your requirements with a telecom's engineer.
