PBX Versus VoIP
 by: David A. Williams

Many of those out there are considering the best way to go, PBX versus VoIP. While there are some similarities between the two, the differences are large as well. As a business owner, you need to consider more than just which one looks like it’s the right choice. You will need to cover:

• Ease of use of the system with your employees.

• The costs of use of the system compared to that which you are using now.

• The installation cost of the system.

• The quality of the system and whether or not it will be reliable for your company’s needs.

Looking at this, there are many reasons to do a PBX versus VoIP analysis. Yet, this is also quite difficult to do. Supposed you looked throughout the internet for options. The bottom line is that whichever service the company you find is selling is going to tell you that their product is better. That doesn’t seem to help your needs for answers about PBX versus VoIP. So, now what?

Understanding Your Options

In your search for answers about which is the right choice for you, PBX versus VoIP, you will want to consider both choices. Here are some things to help you do just that:

• The largest benefit of VoIP is the way in which you are charged for calling out of state/country. Because the rates are just so much lower, many businesses see the extreme value in the money aspects. Simply, in PBX versus VoIP when it comes to cost, VoIP wins hands down. The more you can save on phone calls, the more business you can get and the more profit doesn’t get flushed.

• Also, VoIP allows for businesses to have a lesser expensive installation process. In most cases, you are already fairly established in what installation needs done. Most of the VoIP services simply connect through an Ethernet. Most computers, phone systems and fax machines already have this feature. It’s a matter of plugging them in.

• But, in the battle of PBX versus VoIP, when it comes to wanting to be able to have extensions and other PBX related applications, you may not be able to find this through the VoIP service providers. Instead, you will need to stick with your PBX or look at other options.

Understanding The Services

It is also important to understand the services that each of these has to offer. While PBX is a system that allows you to have several connected lines through one actual public phone line, VoIP takes it through the internet. This allows for a completely different ability and product.

It is also important to note that services tend to change all the time as well. For example, through the development of new technologies, it is becoming much cheaper to install the PBX systems. While in the past, the cost of installation was so high as it allowed many small business and even some larger ones to simply look elsewhere for their needs, now they are able to fill those needs much better. PBX is becoming more affordable for these companies due to improved technology.

You can expect the battle of PBX versus VoIP to go on for a long time. There are many reasons for wanting to choose one product over the other. The best suggestion that you should take, though, is the simple one that you are able to research each company and offer thoroughly on the web to see just how well it does fit your needs. PBX versus VoIP is a question only you can ultimately answer.

About The Author

David A. Williams writes for the Business Catalyst where you can find information on Small Business Startups in Nashville, TN. For information on VoIP visit http://www.voip-pbx-service.info.