Business phone systems in Australia are undergoing somewhat of a revolution of change as a result of advent of cloud technology and the NBN roll-out. Cloud-based business phone systems are referred to as; a Hosted PBX, Cloud PBX, VoIP PBX or Virtual PBX. All of these terms are interchangeable for Business Phone Systems that are cloud-based, and accessed via the Internet. For instance, Smartcom has a range of Hosted PBX for SME’s and in particular a VoIP phone system for small business in Australia, such as; EasyCloud PBX, Smartcom CloudPBX, Webex Calling and Microsoft Teams. (see business phone system plans)
The roll-out of the NBN, and subsequent de-commissioning of the telephone copper network has been the catalyst for change. As a result, the wide spread adoption of cloud-based IP (Internet Protocol) business phone systems.
A traditional phone system had all its components on-premise, and a separate contract was undertaken with a telco to supply telephone lines. In contrast, cloud-based phone systems require just the handsets to be on your premises, which are subsequently connected to the Internet via a modem. Furthermore, a VoIP phone system for SME’s and small business has the VoIP phone lines located in data centres, and therefore considered in ‘the cloud’ ie; a Hosted PBX. (see business phone system plans)
The components of a Hosted PBX phone system and call routing are remotely configured by the service providers.
Above all, a suitable, business-grade internet connection and modem is considered a business imperative – as a conquence of the necessity of business continuity.
Offices with 4+ extensions require a network switch to plug not only the handsets into, but other office equipment, such as printers. On the other hand, a VoIP phone system for a small business with as few as three extensions can plug handsets irectly into the internet modem.
Most importantly, new network switches are typically POE (Power Over Ethernet) enabled, and therefore power to handsets can be carried via copper ethernet cables, as against DC power packs.
Firstly, quality Yealink or Cisco IP Handsets are generally the handset of choice for Hosted PBX vendors. Secondly, handsets simply plug into a network data port and are provisioned by remote technical support staff thereafter.
In addition, Yealink desktop and wireless handsets come standard with our EasyCloud PBX, whereas the more advanced Smartcom Cloud PBX, Microsoft Teams or Webex Calling includes the softphones or Mobile Apps as well.
Cloud PBX adoption can have an immediate impact on the effectiveness of any business. As a result, organisations are better equipped to adapt to an environment of constant change. (see business phone system plans)
In addition to the above, businesses are able to gain a competitive edge due to increased capabilities, such as the following attributes;
Hosted PBX phone systems deliver unprecented capabilities, including;
Cloud services such as; Cisco Webex Calling and Microsoft Teams include functions such as; video conferencing, video 1:1, collaboration; and unified communications. (see business phone system plans)
In addition, Cisco Webex Calling and Microsoft Teams enable users to communicate across multiple channels. For instance; audio, email, instant messaging, presence, document sharing, video 1:1 and video conferencing. Webinars are also a feature of Webex. Most importantly, both cloud services integrate with Microsoft Office 365.
Above all, Hosted PBX software applications deliver unprecedented agility and mobility, as a result of staff having the flexibility to work from any anywhere, and on any device.
For instance, the voicemail-to-email function enables staff to receive messages from any location via laptops or mobile devices. Consequently, the function is widely used to efficiently manage after-hours calls for sectors, such as tradesman. (see business phone system plans)
As a result of continuous softwware upgrades of a cloud-based Hosted PBX, the phone systems will continue to remain as contemporary technology, and therefore doesn’t require the expensive up-grades associated with on-premise systems. (see business phone system plans)
Hosted PBX applications deliver compelling commercial reasons to adopt the technology;
In conclusion, and all things considered, Hosted PBX phone systems improve business performance as a result of increased capabilities; agility and mobility. Moreover, improve your responsiveness to the marketplace, and above all, reduce you costs across many ICT components.
Chief Executive Officer, VaultID
Managing Director, Corium Health
Director, GT Works
Managing Director, Media Travel
