What is a Cloud PBX? Cloud PBX and hosted VoIP defined.

What is a Cloud PBX aka Hosted VoIP?

Hosted VoIP, hosted PBX, also known as a cloud-based phone service (Cloud PBX) is one in which the IP-PBX is located with the provider in their data center who then provides the technology and connections to establish communication. Phones within the customer's business network connect to the hosted IP-PBX which handles all the signaling, calls and features. Maintenance of the IP-PBX server is completely performed by the provider.

Cloud PBX diagram showing internet cloud and phones. Typically charging a monthly fee that is dependent on the number of users (phones or seats), most providers offer plans that may include a number of call minutes, as well as a packaged list of included features. Some advanced features may incur an additional cost increasing the monthly fee. Services can be added or deleted using the customer's web-based account and accounts can be created instantly. Phone numbers, including toll-free numbers can be purchased and then assigned to the customer.

Cloud PBX systems are easy to mange and use. Hosted VoIP providers routinely offer a service which includes many business phone system features and future development of new features is totally dependent on the provider. Implementation by the customer is quick and relatively easy and would require fewer in-house resources than an on-premise IP-PBX system. Additionally, cloud PBX providers have designed the user interface for easy self-management of their services and configurations.

Pros of a Cloud PBX Solution:

Lower setup and installation costs. No server maintenance costs.
Increasing or adding services is quick and easy.
The user control panel interface is carefully designed for intuitive configuration changes.
Software patches and updates are done by the provider.
No need for an IT professional to take care of the phone system.
Provider assistance and customer support. Businesses can manage the phone system themselves.
The provider maintains technology ensuring the latest up-to-date advancements.

Choosing the Right Cloud PBX Provider

Not all hosted VoIP providers offer the same business phone services. Even though you will find numerous examples of similar sets of standard plan features, each provider may offer something unique. Some offer International calling as part of the package with rates that are significantly lower than the competition. Some providers have packages that include all of their features for one monthly cost, while others have plans that include only a specific group of features. Some may require extra fees for particular features and might also require a yearly commitment to get the lowest pricing. A little research can go a long way in determining which provider is best for a particular business.

What you will find with all cloud PBX providers is great value for companies that want to spend IT dollars elsewhere and be able to handle their business phone system themselves. More companies of all types are placing their phone services in the cloud. Not only does it make a lot of sense, it's easy. Small startup companies will do well choosing a hosted VoIP service and for the on-the-go entrepreneur it's absolutely the best choice.

Could UniTel Voice be the best virtual phone service? First, virtual phone services are unique in that the provider uses virtual numbers that then forward to an existing fixed phone number, usually the customer's existing cell number. These affordable services are tailored for entrepreneurs and micro-businesses to separate business calls from personnel. With many of the features of a big corporate PBX, business owners instantly acquire a more professional way of handling their customers.

UniTel Voice Virtual Phone Service

Unified Communications

Unified communications put more than just voice under one system. For a company to incorporate faxing services, utility access management, CRM apps, conferencing and video goes a long way in saving costs and reducing management costs.

Integrating multi-channel communications into one app has become the objective of many hosted VoIP providers. Details about Best Integrated Hosted VoIP App

To see how much a company can save on a 20 phone system by choosing a cloud PBX vs. an on-premise PBX.

Cost Comparison: Cloud PBX vs premise PBX

Cloud PBX Defined

What is a Cloud PBX aka Hosted VoIP?

Pros of a Cloud PBX Solution: