Virtual PBX (a.k.a. Private Branch Exchange) is a type of virtual phone system. In other words it does not explicitly exist at a given location or site. Instead, it is created and carried out through a computer. In other words, the phone system, which is a system that has all of the functions and features that businesses need, exists on a computer. Simply put, a virtual phone system is nothing more than a business phone system that doesn’t physically exist in a closet. This phone system is “hosted” at the service provider’s physical location instead. So, all of the hardware and software (except the web interface that you use to mange your account) is located at the service provider’s location instead.
How Virtual PBX Works
Whenever a caller attempts to reach you via your toll free business telephone number the call is actually sent to, and received by, the service provider that you have selected. The auto-attendant will answer with a greeting that you have set up before routing your call. How this call is routed is based upon how you have decided to configure the system. Usually these systems also have integrated fax capabilities too. This means that the system is able to automatically detect whether the call is coming from a human or a fax machine before routing it in the appropriate fashion. Some of the other great features within this system include:
- Custom routing
- Call preview
- Real-Time system monitoring
- Built-In conferencing
- Supervised call transferring
- Advanced call queuing
- Business class features
- Customized greetings that can be created from your own sound files
- 120+ music files to choose from
- The ability to ring to location
How Virtual PBX Is Different Than A Land Based phone System
With a land based phone system each extension has to be assigned to a desk phone that is located somewhere within the office. On the other hand, whenever you use a virtual phone system you will be able to assign that extension to any phone number anywhere in the world. This means that you will be able to associate phone numbers with individual employees or with branch offices. You will even be able to assign an extension to a set of numbers so that any phone calls will cascade through these phone numbers until it gets answered. If the phone goes unanswered, it will eventually make it to a voice mailbox. Plus you can also easily transfer calls between extensions regardless of where they are located. Whenever a voice mail is left, it can be converted to email so that you will be able to easily manage all of your communications from that one location. This is great for a small business or for a business that has offices that are not all in one location because your clients will be able to reach you easily. Of course, it is also great for you since it easy to set up and very affordably priced.
Benefits Of Virtual PBX
The benefits of using virtual PBX cannot be underestimated. To begin with you should know that the cost of both the hardware and the software is extremely expensive. Most of the time this makes it prohibitive for small businesses. Plus these systems usually require you to have a staff member that knows what they are doing so that you can make changes (i.e. add or change something in the system) or fix things whenever they go wrong. However, whenever you have a virtual phone system, you do not have to pay for the hardware, software or staff member.