What is a Cloud PBX?

A cloud PBX or virtual PBX provides a secure and reliable office phone system through an internet connection. It provides businesses with flexibility and scalability while also maintaining low costs.

A PBX system (Private Branch Exchange) is a private phone system used within a company or organization. Modern business phone systems have moved away from legacy systems to IP (Internet Protocol) PBX systems that work over an internet connection. They connect IP phones to a PBX server. This option tends to provide more advanced phone features as well as significant cost savings.

How does a cloud PBX work?

A cloud PBX system functions in the same way, but is hosted on a cloud server rather than on-premise. All you need is an Internet connection, and you can access your cloud PBX from anywhere, on any device. This can be a DIY hosting service or hosted by the PBX service provider. Most small businesses now have reliable network connections, making this an attractive option. The cloud option is also becoming the preferred solution for many hotel PBX systems that would benefit from not having to provide for space, cooling, security, and maintenance of the phone system.

Traditional PBX Cloud PBX
Expensive onsite hardware required No onsite hardware. All in the cloud
Additional fees for service and hardware upgrades Updates are rolled out for free
Requires costly technical support Easy management requiring no specialized skills
Difficult to scale Add or remove extensions as needed
Hard to migrate office Built for remote working

What are the benefits of a cloud PBX?

benefits of a cloud PBX

As with IP phone systems, a cloud PBX provides the advantage of using an internet connection. Here are some of the benefits a cloud solution provides over a traditional PBX.

  • Remote business phone calls - In addition to VoIP desk phones, users can connect to business telephone numbers from different locations via a web phone or mobile app. Outgoing and incoming calls, voicemail, call transfers, and more are all accessible remotely, meaning more flexibility and - often - better customer service.

  • No server maintenance - Especially for small businesses, it can be difficult to maintain on-premise servers. A cloud PBX solution means easier server management via web interfaces while a phone system hosted by the provider means no server management whatsoever.

  • Lower costs - Apart from the savings on maintenance, hosting providers often only charge according to usage. The initial investment is also minimal. There is no need for costly servers and other phone hardware. And there is no need to hire anyone in-house or to involve external parties to handle maintenance. Plus you save on valuable space since everything is in the cloud!

  • Easier setup - Most cloud phone systems use installation wizards meaning less server-side technical knowledge is required. Configuring call features like call routing, office hours, caller ID and voicemail are also easy for employees to configure. There’s no need for any specialized skills so you can start using your new phone system right away with no downtime.

  • Scalability - You can add or remove lines and extensions at the click of a button and depending on the provider, with little to no additional costs.

  • Office relocations are made easy - As your PBX is not a physical appliance in your office, if you ever need to relocate, it’s easy as there is nothing that needs to be moved. What’s more, multiple offices can be connected easily through the same system, making costly inter-office call charges a thing of the past.

  • Security – Eliminate problems with wiring and downed telephone lines. A cloud solution is reliable and secure. Cloud PBX providers usually offer multiple data centers, so even if one server goes down or a particular connection is lost, your voice services will work regardless. What’s more, PBX updates and new features are included without delay and disaster recovery is fast and seamless.

  • Not just calls – A cloud PBX as opposed to a traditional phone system offers so much more in terms of communication features. Easily make use of advanced call features such as auto attendants, advanced call routing and call recording. Collaborate with customers and colleagues with instant messaging, live chat, video conferencing, WhatsApp integration and SMS.

Why use 3CX as your cloud PBX?

In addition, to all the benefits of a hosted PBX solution 3CX offers many additional features.

  • Competitive pricing - Cloud-native solution 3CX FREE is free forever including hosting for up to 10 users!

  • SIP trunk and IP phone options - 3CX integrates easily with common hardware and service providers. This means easier setup and more savings.

  • Full business communications system - 3CX integrates video conferencing, live chat, WhatsApp, Facebook and instant messaging for business, as well as integrating with CRM.
  • Advanced features - Some advanced cloud contact center features include call routing, auto-attendant, call recording, and call flow management.

If you are a reseller looking to resell a cloud PBX like 3CX visit our partner page to see how you could benefit.

Further reading