Can a web-based “virtual PBX” phone system truly replace the old traditional “landline” phone system? That is an important question many businesses, both big and small, are asking themselves. Moreover, the answer to that question can have many ramifications for the future, especially as our communications and the world in general goes completely wireless and mobile.
First, let’s compare and contrast the two different phone systems to see how each can fit your business. An online virtual PBX (Private Branch Exchange) simply means all your phone calls/communications are handled via the web and your smartphones. Although many virtual PBX systems do have their own VOIP phones which you can order – companies can save money by simply using their current smartphones. A web based PBX system is hosted on a third party provider, and your office system can be up and running within a few minutes.
In contrast, a traditional office phone system uses “landlines” or “wired” phones which can take weeks or longer to set up depending on the size of your company. These phone systems are often viewed as “location specific” or strictly confined to the office or company setting/workplace. Maintenance and operating expenses may run higher than those of a virtual system.
Also keep in mind, the primary difference between the two phone systems comes down to mobility. A virtual system, because of its very nature and makeup, is completely mobile and portable. Your office or business can be run from anywhere on the planet and all your workers can be constantly connected, regardless of where they may be located. Obviously, such a system offers much more flexibility than a traditional “landline” office based phone system.
Perhaps, one of the major over-riding concerns when comparing the two methods, has to do with security. Just how secure is an online phone system? Will my company’s information remain private? What about someone hacking these web-based systems? While security is definitely an issue, one has to remember most of our communications are already wireless and/or connected to the web. Most of today’s business is carried out on the web and special security measures, such as encryption, have made things much more secure and less vulnerable to attacks.
Another major different between the two systems concerns costs and operating expenses. Going the mobile virtual route can be much cheaper, especially for smaller companies where funds/resources may be more limited. Using a wireless mobile system can be much cheaper, especially if one’s current smartphones can be used to run your office’s communications. Plus, these online programs are “feature-rich” can include everything from call-forwarding, voicemail, Internet fax… to a virtual secretary to handle your front office. These virtual systems can be custom designed to meet your company’s needs, a system that can be easily scaled up or down depending on the business climate.
In addition, when comparing the two systems, you have to take into consideration the whole “computer” angle. Unless you are still operating in the stone age, you will have realized by now that computers have virtually taken over the whole world – including how business is done. These days, running a business without using computers would be laughable and foolhardy. In the same light, using a web-based, computer-based phone system instantly integrates all your communications/operations into this computer world – making all your company’s data, records, communications… easily accessible to all your workers.
Given all these benefits and advantages, one really has to wonder, can virtual PBX systems replace the traditional ones?
Yes and no! Just as we have seen the situation with email replacing “traditional” mail in much of our communications – the old mail system still remains, but is used much less. A similar scenario could easily play out regarding the use of phones in the business world – with mobile wireless devices replacing the more traditional landline systems. While it takes a big stretch of the imagination to believe wireless or even VOIP phones will replace traditional landlines any time soon, when was the last time you used or even seen a payphone?
