Virtual PBX.

PBX stands for public branch exchange. It is a machine that handles your telephones calls for you. Its main functions are to transfer calls to different individual phones; play music when somebody is put on hold; to play automated voice responses when a call is received; to provide an options menu for the caller etc. A traditional PBX machine and integrated system is very expensive to buy, install and run. Typical costs for a package can range from £5,000 to £15,000, depending on the size of the network required, plus a yearly maintenance contract range from £500 to £1,500 per year.

But all these expenses can be cut down to virtually nothing by using a virtual PBX. It has all the functions of a PBX and more but remove the need of installed hardware. This cuts down the cost of engineer call out fees if you ever need to do some changes to your system, increase the flexibility of expanding functions, and extra installation fee if you ever move premises.

• Q1. Why would you choose to use a virtual PBX rather than a physical call management system (traditional PBX)?
• Q2. What can a virtual PBX do for you?
• Q3. What is the difference between a virtual PBX and an traditional PBX system?
• Q4. What are the standard features of Entacall’s virtual PBX system?

Q1. Why would you choose to use a virtual PBX rather than a physical call management system (traditional PBX)?

It is much cheaper to set up and in most cases, probably cheaper to run and maintain. It also takes much less time for a virtual PBX system to be set up because it is “virtual” (usually within 48 hours depends on the size of the project). It has all the benefits of a PBX system but removes the problems of PBX hardware. And it works just like any traditional PBX and more.

Q2. What can a virtual PBX do for you?

There is an endless list of the benefits that a virtual PBX can bring to you.

Although Entacall can provide a Virtual PBX solution for up to 5000 employees, we find virtual PBX is most popular for small to medium sized companies who do not want to (or find it risky to) invest thousands of pounds on a one-off fee for a PBX at the start of their business.

Virtual PBX has all the functions that a traditional PBX has - and more!! It allows your firm to have auto attendance function (e.g. Welcome to ABC Ltd.! For Sales please press 1, for Accounts please press 2, for Support please press 3) which presents a professional image to your customer. – It allows your firm to seem larger than it is!!

It also gives you a professional answering service. Your customer no longer needs to hear a busy tone when you are on the phone. You can choose to have music to be played, or a count down voice (e.g. you are the 3rd in the queue, thank you for waiting and we’ll be with you very shortly…etc.), or even a third party receptionist to take a message for you!

Productivity can even increase as a result of the use of a virtual PBX system. This is because you no longer have to run around to pick up calls on nearby desks that were meant for you but were dialed to a colleague by mistake.

Q3. What is the difference between a virtual PBX and an traditional PBX system?

The most obvious difference is the absence of the bulky equipment lying in an air-conditioned room as with a traditional PBX. Another difference is that customers can change aspects of the virtual service to practically instantly as there is no equipment to deal with.

Q4. What are the standard features of Entacall’s virtual PBX system?

• Integrated voice response; a voice response when a call is received and a menu option for the caller to choose from.
• Queuing
• Changeable greetings
• Call transfer
• Music on hold
• Information on hold

Plus all the other features you will find with a traditional PBX system.