In the modern age, call centers always needs to be on the top of the game and we also expect a lot from them do to for us. We are no longer satisfied with businesses that simply call us or we can call to. But also, we are looking for overall service that they can deliver to us.

An IP PBX is a private branch exchange (telephone switching system within an enterprise) that switches calls between VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol or IP) users on local lines while allowing all users to share a certain number of external phone lines – hence increasing productivity and reliability of your service. If you own a call center business, these are the tips that we can share when setting up your system:

1. Plan for the future. You need to have a clear understanding about the features and benefits that it will give you before you research the best service provider. Pick out the most important aspect of your business that will help you boost your sales or productivity.
2. Reliability and stability of the service. Who doesn’t want to have this when we run a call center business? It will definitely give you less downtime and will give you increased performance. We should also take into consideration the technical support that come from the service provider.
3. Flexibility. With a conventional PBX, separate networks are required for voice and data communications. One of the best advantages of an IP PBX is the fact that it employs converged data and voice networks. This means that accessing the internet, as well as VoIP communications and traditional telephone communications, are all achievable using a single line to each user. This will provide flexibility as the business grows, and can also lessen long-term operation and maintenance expenses.
4. Sound quality. Understanding what the person on the other line is saying is paramount in the call center business. It will lessen the handling time of the call, increase productivity and most likely increase the chance of customer satisfaction and willingness to recommend to other potential customers. Make sure to test the sound quality of the IP PBX you’re considering before committing to a system that fails at the basics.
5. Growth sustainment. As your business grows, you might want a system that can also grow with you. Select the service provider that can offer you more in the future.

High-speed Internet is very famed today for filling people with several services associated to various diverse fields. So thus the appeal of IP PBX phone systems is growing in popularity among companies of all sizes.

IP PBX has boost its standing for being more flexible, presenting more features and a actually cost-effective alternate compared to using calls over traditional phone systems make IP PBX even more attractive.

Aside from IP PBX (Private Branch Exchange), there is another VoIP phone sytems that needs to be considered, that is Hosted VoIP.  But which alternative is best for your company? Before you can decide, it’s important to understand the key differences between Hosted VoIP and VoIP PBX phone systems. This article tackles and helps you decide which VoIP phone systems suit your company at its best.

About Hosted VoIP

Using a Hosted VoIP, a third party company manages your entire phone system. At first you consider initial setup and activation costs; you will also need to purchase IP telephones for use with Hosted VoIP. In addition, your company also downloads any essential software to make the system always available, operational and keep it up to date. The phones can also be leased, that depends entirely on your needs. The Hosted VoIP provider then externally manages and provides all other hardware.

Once all of the components are in place and good to go, the Hosted VoIP provider takes over and handles all call management.

About VoIP PBX

In an IP PBX system your company is responsible for purchasing, managing and maintaining all hardware from start and in the long run. Instead of a third party VoIP provider taking care of all call upkeep and system updates that obligation falls on your company.  Thus requires you a dedicated IT person/persons to manage the system.

An IP PBX setup is a more elaborate and robust phone system than a Hosted VoIP service. That is anytime you can also easily add a VoIP PBX setup to an existing phone system with a VoIP gateway.

Key Differences

All features of hosted VoIP system are found in an IP PBX system, stuffs like toll-free numbers, email integration, or faxing software and more. The main difference between the two are the initial cost (installation period) and the ongoing cost.

One ugly aspect of Hosted VoIP is the bandwidth.  Higher bandwidth in Hosted VoIP systems results in higher recurring monthly cost.  As for IP PBX, the phone system is on site making it very customizable. Adding users and changing numbers can be done quickly and efficiently, and no extra cost.  But, if a company moves to another location then all the hardware must also be move together with the company for IP PBX phone system. While in Hosted VoIP setup, moving the phones is as simple as unplugging and plugging it to the new location.

Solution with Voicent’s Flex PBX

In addition to the information above Voicent’s Flez PBX helps you with what your company needs. Flex PBX is an affordable and easy to use auto attendant software system. It offers flexible configuration and limitless scheme capability. It has all the features a traditional PBX plus much more.

Flex PBX includes auto attendant, screened-call forwarding, call queuing, music on hold, personalized greetings, flexible extensions and voice-mail boxes, multi-lingual voice prompts, and much more. It supports VoIP/SIP, Skype, and regular phone lines. It is ideal for businesses that handle many daily incoming calls.

Looking at Skype vs Vonage debate, both are VoIP phone service providers that work on many types of home phones, computer systems, and mobile devices.

Although both services use VoIP, both have many differences. Skype uses a peer-to-peer network with encryption to manage calls, while Vonage uses Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) without encryption to make phone calls.

What is Vonage?

Vonage is one of the largest internet telephone service providers in the United States with approximately 2.4 million subscribers. They provide phone service to its subscribers by way of VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol).  This means that all calls are routed through broadband Internet connections

In recent years the company has earn the title of “the broadband phone company” by many and is a leader in the quickly growing industry. Besides the United States they also provide services in both Canada and the United Kingdom. Vonage first came into popularity for its reasonably economical price in contrast to traditional land line phone service in the areas of local, long distance, and international calling.

Despite being a VoIP service they provide nearly all of the features people are used to getting with regular land line services such as caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, call forwarding, call waiting and so much more. Since the company was established there have been a bunch of new VoIP providers, some of which are now offering even lower prices. Vonage is now considered to be priced very averagely when compared to other providers but it more than makes up for this with its excellent reputation, extra and high quality service.

How Does The Service Work?

A broadband Internet connection is required in order for Vonage to work. Once that is in place it can work in two different ways. The first option is for subscribers to get an analog telephone adapter from the company and use it to connect their regular phone to their computer. This allows subscribers to use their regular phone just as they did with a traditional land line. The other option is to get their PC soft phone application which is a computer program that allows you to make phone calls directly through your computer. Both of these options are fairly easy to use and make for an easy transition from your old school land line.

Voicent software for Vonage

You can use Voicent software with Vonage directly. You do not need voice modem and the Vonage router/ATA box. Calls can be directly routed from Voicent software to the Vonage VOIP (SIP) service. The bad news is that, unlike other VOIP services, you must pay extra (have Vonage Softphone feature for your Vonage service) in order to use its SIP service without the ATA box. Standard Vonage service is locked to the router/ATA they send you. It is not possible to connect to it through SIP.