The Difference Between VoIP and PBX
July 3, 2018
Category: VoIP
Have you been searching for VoIP services in Maryland? It’s understandable to want to switch to the newest, fastest way to conduct business communications. But, VoIP is very different from PBX, which is the traditional channel for communication.
PBX is decades old, and while it did serve us well during its prime, it isn’t nearly as effective as it once was. Perhaps you’re wondering about the similarities and differences between PBX and VoIP. Well, look no further! We’re here to help differentiate the two, so here’s an easy guide to compare and contrast VoIP and PBX.
What is PBX?
An easy way to understand PBX is to think of traditional phone lines. Remember when you had to pay for long distance calls? That was because of PBX, and how expensive their cables were to run. For businesses who needed to be connected at all times, on an independent network, PBX was used to keep everything in check. Most old office phones run off PBX.
What is VoIP?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, uses the internet to transmit the same information as PBX. But, because it’s using the internet, it moves much faster and with more efficiency. VoIP is quickly becoming the communication conduit of choice for businesses, due to its overwhelming number of helpful features that can benefit a business in a wide variety of ways.
User Interface and Friendliness
PBX can get complicated. To add and remove lines from the network, a professional must be called, and the whole thing can become more expensive than its worth. Not to mention, the interface is clunky and restrictive. With VoIP, you’ll find that it is an incredibly user-friendly experience. You can program a custom VoIP system with a computer, making it easy to tweak and change. There are so many special features, such as digital voicemail, that make VoIP far superior in this aspect.
Connection Equipment
In order to set up a PBX system, you’ll need a professional and complicated equipment, such as computer servers and a manual control board. A PBX system is essentially an independently-running phone network, and requires all the same expertise and knowledge to maintain.
With VoIP, interaction is simple. All you need is a working internet connection and a computer. You don’t need a professional to help you add or remove lines, and you can make changes directly without dealing with complicated equipment.
Mobility
VoIP is incredibly mobile, and can move your business communications out of your office. Whether you’re on the other side of the globe, or down the street, you can access your VoIP system from your smartphone at any time. PBX is restricted to one building, and isn’t very flexible in this regard.
It’s easy to see why VoIP is the clear choice to facilitate your business communications. If you’ve been searching for VoIP services in Maryland, look no further! DataStream Communications is here to help propel your business into the future of communication with a VoIP phone system.
