The Best on-premise PBX Business Phone Systems
Many of the best business phone systems remain to be an
on-premise PBX. The most appropriate choice depends just as much about
cost and needs
as it does about the way you get your current phone service. And the
facilities' infrastructure where the
system will be installed. If you receive your Internet and dial tone with
a PRI circuit then you'll need a PBX capable of handling a T1/PRI. If you have
four business lines, you want to keep, then the phone system needs to
include four FXO ports. If you need to replace an older, outdated PBX and
require the use of existing older phone wiring, then a hybrid digital IP-PBX would
represent
a leading choice.
Top Ten on-premise IP-PBX Phone Systems
It's accurate the last few years have prompted many companies to determine that hosted cloud-based voice (UCaaS) services possessed distinct advantages. Most notably for small new businesses and office environments employing at-home and remote workers. Many sales associates and on-the-go employees need to connect as though they're in the office, and hosted services make that exceptionally easy. This trend continues presently into 2023.
Statistics established that more small businesses with less than 300 employees who acquired a phone system, bought a premise-based PBX.1
However, many companies continue to prefer an on-premise phone system,
either a new one or as a replacement system. The
one-time expense mitigates the open-ended monthly costs that come with
hosted solutions. Many of these on-premise
PBX phone systems are equally capable of supporting remote workers and
incorporate advanced Omni-channel communication features. However, many
business owners routinely merely call for an affordable basic phone system
adequate for their situation.
Over time costs for an on-premise based PBX
remain consistently lower than most hosted
systems. Plus, the greater the number of phones in a deployment, the less
time it is to recoup the initial outlay and curtail monthly
expenses. Business have identified how easy it is to employ SIP trunking
for their phone service resulting in significantly lower calling costs. Furthermore, there exists a significant range of diverse PBX
systems that vary in price, features, and capacities, which favors business
owners in obtaining an appropriate cost-effective solution.
These ten on-premise PBX Business Phone Systems represent outstanding Value.
Mitel
offers exceptional communications solutions, both cloud based and
on-premise. The MiVoice Connect system replaced ShoreTel after its
acquisition and remains one of the top on premise IP-PBX solutions
available. At its core is ShoreTel technology. It's a scalable full-featured, flexible on site UC solution designed for an intuitive user
experience with easy management. The Connect client allows users to
access voicemail, directory, conferencing, transfer and other features
from inside the office or on their mobile app.
- High-end IP-PBX phone system. $$$ to $$$$
- Found in small to large organizations (hospitals, education, engineering, medical offices, government agencies, etc.).
PBXact,
Sangoma's IP-PBXs are based on FreePBX. They deliver a robust IP-PBX appliance with lots of
components and flexibility for just about any type
of small to mid-sized company. Although most SIP compliant phones can
be used, using Sangoma's S-series phones, which are designed
exclusively for PBXact, delivers a complete package with Zero Touch
installation. PBXact appliances range from small (25 users) all the
way to enterprise models and offer the means to connect to traditional
phone lines and a T1/PRI, in addition to using SIP trunks.
Complimenting these solutions, Sangoma offers support making this
UC appliance an excellent choice for those that want to use in-house
personnel for its administration.
- IP-PBX phone system from small to mid-size. $$ to $$$
- Found in small to mid-size companies (contact centers, real-estate offices, healthcare, retail, manufacturing facilities, engineering companies, etc.).
- Good choice for companies that want in-house administration.
Cisco, known for their enterprise Unified Communications (UC) solutions, includes the Business Edition 6000 for companies with 25 to 1000 employees. Coming with a suite of preloaded, ready to activate UC solutions the BE6000 offers easy expansion with apps that can be enabled including contact center, video conferencing, and Cisco Webex® Hybrid Services among others.
- High-end IP phone system. $$$$
- Found in large organizations (schools, hospitals, government agencies, contact centers, education, etc.).
- On site qualified technical staff a plus.
Fortinet
offers Unified Communication PBX solutions under FortiVoice with
appliances sized for both small offices and enterprise-sized
companies. Their IP-PBX servers offer various TDM connections, including a T/1 in the FVE-300E-T model. FortiVoice
offers complete enterprise-class communication systems without
requiring additional license fees or telephony cards. Some of the
integrated
features include auto attendants, auto-provisioning,
line/extension appearance, ring groups, user privileges, call
queue, call barge, and multi-location integration.
- IP-PBX appliance phone system. $$
- Found in small to mid-sized companies (medical, law agencies, offices, engineering, contact centers, etc.).
- On site technical staff a plus.
Zultys
MX IP-PBXs are based on Open Standards and if needed can be
used with a broad range of 3rd party SIP-based IP phones. Server
configuration can accommodate various TDM connections, including
ISDN T1/PRI. The MX integrates voice, video, integrated Fax, Voice Mail,
Contact Center, Presence, Instant Messaging, Zultys Mobile
Communicator™, integrated MXconference™ and audio conferencing. Zultys,
a pioneer in IP communications for twenty years, continues to receive
industry recognition. The MX IP phone system earned a 2020 and 2023 Internet
Telephony Product of the Year Award. Zultys Advanced Communicator
(ZAC), a 2022 Unified Communications Product of the Year Award, brings
together voice, chat, web conferences, file sharing, drag, and-drop call
operations, and task management in one easy-to-use workspace.
- Feature rich VoIP ready phone system. $$
- Found in small to medium sized businesses. (office environments, retail, law offices, medical, etc.)
Switchvox
E-series on-premise appliances matched with their
D-series IP phones deliver a comprehensive UC solution for small
to mid-sized companies. Currently owned and sold under Sangoma, Switchvox was
developed by Digium, the creator and developer of Asterisk. With
consistent reliable performance these Sangoma VoIP appliances,
like the E525 and E510,
integrate phone, fax, chat and web conferencing over SIP for a
full featured communication solution.
Switchboard, an intuitive web
based app, solves and integrates communications for customer
service agents so they possess the efficient means to complete more
functions improving service.
- IP-PBX phone system from small to mid-size. $$$
- Found in small to midsize companies (contact centers, offices, manufacturing facilities, engineering companies, medical, etc.).
Avaya's
IP Office is one of the most popular unified communication (UC)
on site PBXs in the world. Providing flexible solutions, their on premise
IP Office 500 PBX solves hybrid deployments (digital and IP) with the
ability to migrate from one to the other when the time is appropriate.
Moving from digital to IP to cloud-based, Avaya's IP Office includes an
easy path. With the capacity to connect to any phone service (FXO, T1/PRI,
SIP) it's a PBX that works for just about any environment, especially in
mixed use facilities that require the use of existing phone cabling.
- Hybrid PBX phone system. $$ to $$$
- Found in small to large companies (offices, call centers, manufacturing facilities, engineering companies, medical, etc.).
- Good choice for companies that need to use older cabling.
Allworx
Connect is a third generation, feature-rich VoIP communication
platform that offers
IP connectivity. Servers range from the 320 for a small office up
to the 731 capable of handling 250 users. The 324 and 320, for up to
20 users, can come with four FXO ports for those that want to keep
some traditional phone lines. The 731 includes a T1 port
for those using a PRI
circuit. An all-inclusive PBX system, the Allworx Connect remains a
top choice for an on-premise PBX that has most of the features any
business would want.
- IP-PBX phone system from small to mid-size. $$
- Found in small to mid-size companies (offices, manufacturing facilities, engineering companies, medical, etc.).
NEC
is a major worldwide manufacturer of communications equipment that
offers both affordable small systems and enterprise solutions. Their
SL2100 remains an extremely practical full featured PBX phone system
with VoIP capabilities that would compliment a broad range of
businesses. Choosing the NEC SL2100 is a cost-effective solution that
can be installed in just about any environment (Analog, PRI, IP) and
ensures your company will remain ahead of the technology curve. NEC
recently announced an end to their on-premise business phone systems
outside of Japan, including the SL2100 and SV9100.
- Hybrid PBX phone system for small to large. $ to $$
- Found in small to mid-sized companies (small hotels, healthcare, business offices, retail, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, etc.).
Grandstream's
UCM IP-PBXs can connect to your existing traditional phone lines or your Internet
connection using VoIP (or both). Based upon open source Asterisk and
SIP IP phones, the UCM offers a robust Unified Communication system
without license fees. The impressive servers come with a carefully
designed interface that can integrate voice, video, facility access
and mobility communications. When matched with Grandstream endpoints
configuration and administration becomes relatively straightforward.
Support is included from Grandstream.
- Feature rich VoIP ready phone system. $$
- Found in small to mid-sized companies (offices, manufacturing facilities, hospitality, contact centers, etc.).
- Good choice for those that want to self-manage.
These are the top Ten phone system choices
Conclusion: each of these on-premise phone systems are excellent choices.
It's easy to become overwhelmed with all the information obtainable. A preferable option might be to respond to a few straightforward questions and then compare best-price quotes.
Each of our on-premise PBX business phone system choices
sustains high customer reviews and receives notable industry awards.
Additionally, each of these systems have numerous installations and are
consistent
and durable performers. Companies have likewise recognized that investing
in an on-premise PBX does not limit them from employing VoIP. It's
straightforward to gain all the advantages that come with low cost
SIP trunking.
Both the Mitel MiVoice
Connect (formerly ShoreTel) and the Cisco Business Edition 6000 remain excellent choices
where cost is not the decided limiting factor. Switchvox (formally Digium) offers another
high-end option for companies that retain a capable IT staff. Avaya through
innovation remains a prominent solutions provider. Their hybrid IP-Office
continues as a consistent option that can accommodate a broad range of varied
installation requirements.
NEC has for years developed a reputation for reliable, robust affordable
solutions which have been favorably received by companies worldwide. And for
businesses that desire an affordable VoIP appliance with innovative technology, Zultys
delivers an award-winning system. Likewise, Sangoma's PBXact and Grandstream's UCM
serve
as impressive
communications solutions, especially for those that want to self-manage
their
systems in house.
FortiVoice, part of Fortinet, represents an
attractive choice for many companies.
Specifically those that at present use their
first-rate security devices. And Allworx delivers an advanced IP system
that has seen numerous small business deployments. Each of the chosen PBX companies, some of which
also offer
cloud-based services, should continue to deliver outstanding communication
solutions into the future, ensuring product certainty.
1More companies selected a new on-premise PBX than UCaaS services. PbxMechanic News & Commentary
Brochures
Cisco BE6000 Brochure Switchvox Brochure Mitel MiVoice Connect Brochure Avaya IP Office 500 Brochure Grandstream UCM Brochure
PBXact Brochure NEC SL2100 Brochure FortiVoice Brochure Allworx Brochure Zultys MX Brochure
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