Virtual pbx how does it work

A virtual PBX is in essence, an advanced phone system that is affordable, easy to use and accessible from anywhere. You can forward calls, set up conference calls, create greetings and more. When you switch your office to virtual telecommunications you keep communications professional without compromising reliability.

For example, when a customer dials your local company number or your number, they will be greeted by an auto-attendant. The customized greeting will typically state your business name and include commonly dialed extensions and departments, routing callers to the correct extension.

They can also exchange text messages with customers from the same platform as their business phone service. Landlines work much differently. You're confined to wherever the telephone company installs it. Connectivity can only be established over wired connections.

You also can't ignore the increasing tolls and monthly fees. VoIP lets you place calls anywhere you have internet access — it works well with a strong Wi-Fi signal. Virtual phone systems let you and your team take advantage of increased reliability, better call quality, and a wealth of advanced features to work better. It's not fancy, but it works. Below is a breakdown of the key differences between a virtual phone system and a PBX.

Not all business phone systems are made equal. You need more than standard phone service. Traditional phone systems are difficult to configure. You need to wait for an installer to run wires and cut holes all around the office. During this time, your team won't be able to make or receive phone calls. Can you afford to halt business?

A virtual phone system works wherever you have a high-speed internet connection. Since phone hardware is optional, you can get started right away. And when you get your VoIP phones, all you need to do is plug them in. Nextiva's VoIP phone service is ideal for remote employees and in the office. You can set it up yourself without the need for IT — it's that easy.

This results in a lot of waste. A virtual phone system lets you select the right combination of features and lines that work for you. Whether you need a complete office phone system or a small business phone plan , you get the most value by going virtual.

Nextiva's virtual phone system provides a direct replacement for several business apps from day one. Built-in features save you even more. You will lower your costs with these premium features included:.

All of these features make a virtual phone system a superb option for every business. Plus, it contains every calling feature that enterprises have enjoyed for years.

If you have a remote team, it's likely their phone numbers all have different area codes and inconsistent prefixes, making communication a hurdle. If it's a challenge for you, just imagine how it is for your customers. Virtual phone systems give your team a professional identity to level up their conversations.

You have the option of using a toll-free number, picking out a local number, or even no direct-dial numbers altogether. It's all up to you. If you need to set up regionally focused phone numbers, you can. It's a great way to make your calling campaigns more successful. No matter the use-case, your team can always use the preferred phone number. The advanced call routing can direct calls to their mobile device, voicemail, or another person if desired.

Privacy is central to a virtual phone system. Your employees can conceal their caller ID to make and receive business calls without revealing cell phone numbers. Plus, it encrypts phone calls for maximum VoIP security. Wired phone systems require your team to take calls through a desk phone. That's it. With Voice over IP, your team can communicate from a variety of devices. Virtual phone systems adopt open, universal standards.

This interoperability means you can take calls from any IP-based device, rather than only a desk phone. Example devices include:.

These standards let you mix and match the right hardware for your individual. An executive has different needs than a support rep.

The best part? It works with the communications devices you already use. Handle incoming phone calls with ease and direct them to the right people. If your team is only accessible by cell phone, you already know how frustrating it is to transfer calls. Virtual phone service providers eliminate this hassle. First, you can direct business phone calls to your main number through an auto attendant. This function lets callers choose the department or person they wish to reach.

Every business should have this set up. Second, you can set up automatic call forwarding based on business hours. If you have an answering service, you can adjust this on your schedule from a friendly and straightforward interface. Third, your team is in control of their availability. Users can adjust their forwarding or send callers to voicemail.

The system is entirely dependent on the internet and will not function properly without a strong connection, so if your internet service provider is unreliable or frequently drops your internet service, hosted PBX is not a fit for you.

Additionally, because they are internet-based, cloud PBX solutions are more susceptible to security breaches than digital systems are. When speaking to vendors, be sure to ask about their security measures and how they protect your data. You should make sure they have both physical and network security, SIP trunk endpoint security, toll fraud monitoring and detection, and a dedicated monitoring system that alerts you to any suspicious activity.

Key takeaway: With cloud-hosted PBX systems, call quality depends on the internet connection, so if it's poor, your calls will be, too. This system is also more vulnerable to security breaches. Finding the right cloud PBX system for your business is key to giving your clients and employees exactly what they need. Here are some popular options and what they offer:. Before you get started, RingCentral provides you with an implementation specialist, who helps you choose new numbers, transfer over current numbers and decide how many phones you will need.

The company's calling features include call forwarding, call recording, call screening, call logs, message alerts and answering rules. Other popular tools are auto-receptionists, presence tools, multilevel interactive voice response systems, hold music, voicemail, voicemail to email, and visual voicemail. Conference calls can hold up to 1, participants. RingCentral also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

However, if you want to use analog phones, you will need to install some of Ooma's on-premises equipment. This PBX system also offers dial-by-name calling, a virtual receptionist and virtual phone numbers for employees who work outside the office.

The service has an uptime of It also has integrations with popular programs such as G Suite, Office and Salesforce. This system provides advanced ring strategies, pre-call announcements, unlimited call queues, wait time announcements, video conferencing, personal meeting rooms and screen sharing. Simone Johnson. Need a new phone system for your business?

Here's a breakdown of cloud PBX. A cloud-hosted PBX system is a cost-effective business phone system option. Cloud-hosted systems offer a wide selection of valuable features and consistent service. If you do not have a reliable internet connection, a cloud PBX system might not be right for your business.

This article is for business owners who are considering changing their phone system to a cloud PBX option and are looking to learn more about this kind of system. What is cloud PBX? Digital vs. How does cloud PBX work? How to use a call flow A call flow helps you manage how your calls are routed. What are the benefits of cloud PBX? Low cost The greatest benefit of a hosted cloud PBX system is its low cost. Features and flexibility Cloud-based PBX systems offer significant benefits in terms of features and flexibility.

Employees can log in to the portal to check their voicemail, see the company directory and set up call-forwarding routes. Ring groups: A ring group is used to organize your employees into groups by what they do or their department.

For example, the sales team may have its own ring group so that when a client calls to speak with a representative, everyone in that ring group is notified. Voicemail-to-email: This feature lets you send audio files or transcriptions of voicemail messages to an employee's inbox. Call queue: Call queues help manage your influx of calls by placing callers in a line or on hold until an employee is available to take the call.

Unlimited calling: This allows employees to make as many domestic calls as they need for no additional cost. Although call capacity varies among providers, some allow you to have up to 1, people on a call. Instant messaging: This feature allows users to send online messages to co-workers.