PBX phone systems have always been a tried and true method of communication for businesses. However, now that other technologies are available, is up-keeping your PBX lines worth the cost? In most cases, the answer is no. There are several other options that have more features for a lower price, so if you’re in the process of deciding whether or not to keep your PBX systems, here are some factors to consider.
Upgrades and maintenance costs
PBX systems will need to be upgraded regularly, and this processes can rack up costs quickly. Between new software, installation fees, licensing fees, and the cost of paying or training someone to actually perform the upgrade, PBX maintenance is a lot more expensive than most people expect.
IT costs
Keeping the PBX connection up and running is expensive too. It often requires an IT specialist on staff who can respond to errors when they occur, and when connections are broken, it takes a skilled worker to repair the system. This is due to the unique bonds between T1s, PRIs, and trunk lines that connect to local phone lines. If that sounds complicated to you, it is. As a result, IT costs associated with PBX lines end up being much higher than those of another communications service.
Expensive to connect lines in different locations
Many businesses have multiple offices in different locations, which means you have to connect all of the PBX lines together in order to have a unified communications system. This is done through business exchange lines, which are difficult to set up, and even harder to maintain. If a line goes down in one location it breaks the connection to all other locations, and reconnecting those lines can be a nightmare for the IT department.
Added cost of 3rd party features
Businesses today need so much more than just phones to keep in contact with customers and colleagues. Any business should have several, if not all of the following features in their office: phone, email, video chat, instant messaging, file sharing, screen sharing, calendars, etc. So of these features, what can a PBX system do? Make phone calls. That’s it. In order to receive all these additional features, a business would need to work with a third party to supplement their communications. This is an added cost, and oftentimes it’s difficult to fully integrate the two systems.
Instead, you could use one system that has all the features you need, at a lower cost. Cloud based communications are the frontrunner for most businesses today because it is a fully integrated solution that simplifies and streamlines communications. The cost of switching to the cloud is certainly less expensive over time, as maintenance and upgrade costs are lower than PBX lines, plus you get all the features you need without a third party service. To make switching to the cloud a seamless process, choose a communications provider that will be with you every step of the way. At Altigen, we handle the installation and set-up process, and we’re here for support should any issues or questions arise. To learn more about our unified communications solutions, download our white paper.
