Choosing between PABX or PBX Systems

 


Before the PABX came along, businesses had to use human operators to connect calls by hand. The process was time-consuming and efficiency was lacking. PABX systems made this whole process automatic.

PABX was originally designed to connect to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). This meant that all outgoing calls were routed through traditional telephone lines, which were managed by telecom companies. In time, as technology evolved, many PABX systems started transitioning to Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).

PBX telephone systems were manually operated, requiring human operators to connect calls. When technology evolve, PABX systems emerged, automating the call routing process and adding more sophisticated features. In modern day, many PABX systems have transitioned to IP-PBX, which uses internet protocols for communication, offering even more flexibility and cost savings.

Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) was made possible by the arrival of the capability to electronically switch between calls without the need for manual operators. This advancement was the key to developing a phone system that would completely do away with the need for hiring people to do the minimal task of answering and transferring incoming calls.

A PABX is more or less synonymous with an upgrade of the corresponding private branch exchange (PBX).

PABX offers a business solution for companies that need many lines for in-house and outside calls. It lets companies use a single access number with several extensions, which is cheaper than using many separate direct landlines linked to the public network.

A company that uses PBX or PABX acts like a telephone exchange within its facilities. PABX automates the switching tasks needed to connect calls between extensions.

That’s the “A” in the acronym — it means automatic. In contrast, traditional PBX systems need human switchboard operators to manually connect phone users.

A PABX system is often owned and administered by the company hosting it on its premises. Many call centers and large enterprises use PABX to handle high call volumes efficiently. Common features include auto attendant, call conferencing, call holding, call forwarding, voicemail, and call transfer.

Modern PABX systems use VoIP technology, which is lower cost and has better scalability than legacy landline systems. Cloud-based PABX solutions are also now available.

The key difference is that PABX systems automate the call-switching process, while PBX originally referred to manually operated switchboards, but it can also be automated.

PABX emerged later as an automated system using computerized switching equipment instead of manual switchboard operators. This automated the call routing within the private phone network.

Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) systems have fixed that by removing the middlemen (operators), Phone extension numbers remained, allowing any employee to carry out internal phone calls without waiting in line for what sometimes felt like forever. Modern PABX systems make use of IP-based phones, and companies providing these services often base their entire functionality around internet connection, removing the need for installing phone lines altogether.

In our increasingly hungry for interconnection world, the need for fast, reliable connectivity should be prioritized above anything else. This is especially important in business environments, where minutes (or even seconds) of hesitation or lengthy session initiation can end up costing thousands of money.

How To Choose the Right PABX Systems

When selecting a Private Automatic Branch Exchange system, there several key considerations that must be taken into account to ensure it meets your business needs effectively. Here are the primary factors to consider:

Business Requirements

This involves understanding your current size, the number of employees, and anticipated growth, ensuring the system you choose can scale accordingly. Additionally, estimating the average daily call volume will help determine the necessary capacity.

Features and Functionality

Essential features include call forwarding, voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID. Advanced features such as auto-attendant, call recording, conferencing, and CRM integration can significantly enhance business operations. Ensure the system supports remote and mobile workers and is scalable to accommodate future growth.

Budget and Cost

Evaluate the initial costs, including hardware, installation, and setup fees, as well as ongoing costs such as maintenance, upgrades, and monthly service charges. And conduct a cost-benefit analysis to ensure the investment is justified by the anticipated benefits and efficiencies.

Reliability and Support

Research the reputation of potential vendors for reliability and customer service. Ensure that 24/7 technical support is available with quick response times, and understand the warranty and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure comprehensive coverage for repairs and maintenance.

Security

Ensure the PABX system has robust data protection measures to guard against breaches. Additionally, check for disaster recovery options and data backup solutions to safeguard your business communications in case of emergencies.

User-friendliness

The system should have an intuitive interface that is easy for both administrators and employees to use. Ensure that training materials and resources are readily available to help users get up to speed quickly and efficiently.

DragonsDean Enterprise had the solutions for Your Unified Communication Needs

Private automatic branch exchange (PABX) systems, just like any other product or service, come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Not all of them will perfectly align with your business needs.

DragonsDean Enterprise solutions are incredibly versatile, making our PABX offer one of the broadest ones in the industry. You can choose between an on-premises VoIP PBX system, granting you the ultimate and complete control over the unified communications at your office. If you want an easy option, our cloud-based PBX system is great for businesses of any size. 

 DragonsDean Enterprise | Talk to an Engineer

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