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| VoIP can reduce the cost of calls |
In a
household environment the most common form of VoIP is Skype, but for a business
you need a more robust and expandable solution.
Broadly
speaking, there are two methods of installing VoIP for businesses – PBX and
iPBX. The main difference is that a PBX means getting your own equipment
whereas an iPBX can be delivered as a cloud computing solution.
The
provider of an iPBX system will normally supply and maintain all the equipment
you need, such as handsets. In return for this, the cost of calls – the tariff
– is more expensive.
With a
PBX you own the equipment and are usually responsible for its maintenance, but
in return for this the cost of calls is much less. We installed a PBX system
for South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce in June 2010 and within 18 months the
cost of buying the equipment had been recovered in savings from the cost of
calls.
But with
a PBX system the business does have to be able to buy the equipment, which can
be a large initial capital outlay.
So an
iPBX has less initial capital outlay but more expensive on-going call charges.
Another disadvantage of an iPBX is that because it uses the cloud, it needs a
solid, robust, stable internet connection. If the connection went down, the
ability to make calls would go with it. Alternatives can be set up more easily
with a PBX system to ensure continuity in the event of a disaster, but with an
iPBX a leased line might be needed, which might offset any call
savings.
As
ever, talk to a reputable IT Support company if you are interested in a VoIP
system for your business.
