Types Of Phone System Australian Businesses Use

As a business owner, you know that having a reliable phone system is essential for maintaining communication within your company and with your clients. With so many different types of phone systems on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is right for your business. In this article, we'll look at the different types of phone systems so that you can make an informed decision about which is best suitable for your company.

Most Common Types of Phone Systems

Telecommunications have come a long way since only having two-point connections. Today, we have Private Branch Exchange (PBX) that allows multiple phone lines on the same phone number. It can route your calls based on the dialled extension, which is beneficial for many businesses to cater to their internal requirements and external (client) needs.

Two types of PBX

Analog PBX has a centralised switch box that routes the calls to the extensions. An older technology, analog PBX, uses copper telephone wires and is becoming outdated as technological advancements continue.

Digital PBX or Internet Protocol PBX uses digital phone signals to route calls. This type uses Ethernet cables.

 

Here are the most common types of phone systems used by Australian businesses.

On-Premises PBX Phone Systems

On-premises phone systems are the most traditional type of business phone system. With this type, the hardware and software are stored onsite at your business location. You'll need someone in-house to maintain and troubleshoot the system when problems arise.

Whilst many also consider hosted phone systems (managed by the telephone service provider), some still prefer a physical box in their office, perhaps for familiarity and peace of mind knowing that they can resolve issues if they occur. On-premises systems require significant up-front investment and ongoing maintenance costs.

Cloud-Based Phone Systems/Cloud PBX

Cloud based phones have become increasingly popular among Australian businesses due to their flexibility and scalability. This system stores all of the hardware and software offsite in the Cloud. You will have access to your system and be able to manage it from anywhere with an internet connection. Cloud based systems are also typically less expensive than on-premises systems and don't require a significant up-front investment.

Virtual Phone Systems/Virtual PBX

Virtual phone systems use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to route calls over the internet instead of traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) landlines. Virtual Phone Systems/Virtual PBX is similar to Cloud based phone systems as both use the internet for calls. Whilst they are often interchanged because they basically have the same functionality, the key difference is that the Cloud is the data centre where businesses pull up information and services from a VoIP server. Like the Cloud based phones, virtual phone systems are typically less expensive than on-premises.

Comvirt Can Help You Choose The Right Type Of Phone System For Your Business

There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing a business phone system. The type of system you choose will depend on your budget, your company's size and needs, and your preference for features. If you would like to check on your options, call our Australian based experts, who will be able to do the research and present the most suitable system for you.