7 Benefits of Switching to Hosted PBX Systems

Australia’s cloud computing market was valued at USD $11.07 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow by 13.10% annually, reaching a projected value of USD $23.38 billion by 2029.

Cloud computing includes services that provide on-demand access to networking, analytics, databases, servers, and storage services over the Internet. One such service is hosted PBX (private branch exchange), which allows organisations to move their telephone communication systems to the cloud.

However, if you have an existing phone system that effectively meets your business’s needs, you may be wondering whether it’s worth making the upgrade. From enhancing customer service to offering considerable cost and time savings, here are the advantages that your business or client can experience when switching to a hosted PBX system.

What is a Hosted PBX System?

A hosted PBX system is a cloud-based telecommunications solution that delivers secure phone call navigation for businesses and managed services providers.

Operated by a remote service provider like CloudLine, these systems work as alternatives to a privately managed call controller or a business’s internally operated server. This allows your business’s communication to be hosted via a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) network, which offers more advanced features than traditional phone lines.

Virtual PBX also supports call forwarding and recording for voicemail, as well as video and audio conferencing, call queuing, and auto receptionists. Making and receiving calls works through the following simple process:

1.   The business connects to a hosted PBX system via a remote service provider, which remains active at all times to maintain reliable communication.

2.  Make a call from a VoIP device, such as an existing IP phone, software extension, or mobile application, and your analog voice will be converted into digital packets.

3.  Using the cloud-based phone system, the hosted PBX remote provider will route calls via the internet to match the destination format.

4.  Your call will then be instantly delivered to the recipient.

What Are the Benefits of Hosted PBX Solutions?

Hosted PBX solutions offer a simple way to streamline your business’s communications process, engaging with customers through their preferred channel to ensure a smoother, more effective experience.

Let’s take a closer look at 7 reasons why you should consider switching to a hosted system today:

1.  Cost-Effective

One of the biggest benefits of using cloud-based services to manage your communication systems is that they need little to no hardware.

Switching to a hosted PBX system therefore requires minimal investment in sophisticated, often expensive communication technologies. With the only necessary expenditure being your VoIP service subscription, no prior technical knowledge is needed to set up the system either.

Depending on the size of your business, this expenditure will also be shared between thousands of customers, therefore drastically reducing the per-unit subscription cost in comparison to traditional fixed phone lines.

Another thing that’s great about hosted PBX in Australia is that the services can be used to communicate with customers all over the world – no longer will you have to pay hefty fees to call individual customers over long distances. You can also employ remote workers or specialised experts based in different geographical locations, which reduces the costs associated with running a physical workspace.

2.  Saves Time

As well as being significantly cheaper, installing a cloud-based hosted PBX solution is much quicker than setting up a traditional phone system. The latter requires manual connection to your network, which may need a professional call-flow analysis and site inspection.

While this takes weeks or even months, the setup of a hosted PBX system can be performed in a matter of minutes, with a graphical user interface installing several new phone lines simultaneously via cloud-based software.

Cloud-based PBXs also need only minimal maintenance and equipment upgrades. A good PBX provider will offer round-the-clock support for your business from a team of dedicated technicians on hand to prevent downtime where possible.

3.  More Advanced Functionality

Traditional desk phones offer basic features such as do not disturb, 2-way speaker and voicemail, call log history, and programmable feature buttons.

However, investing in a hosted PBX solution adds even more features to this basic piece of equipment, as well as upgrading your system’s existing ones. Depending on the provider and package you choose, this could include:

• Customs greetings and holiday messages
• Automatic voicemail to email
• Integrated mobile apps
• Fully-featured call recording and rerouting
• Wallboards
• Ring groups and queues

Good PBX systems also deliver higher-quality calls through improved Quality of Service (QOS) schemes. Your provider will complete tests before upgrading the system, such as checking the quality of your internet connection, and use dedicated 4G or fibre broadband networks to apply these schemes to your equipment.

4.  Integrates with Existing Systems

If you want to experience the benefits of a cloud-based communication solution, but don’t want to disrupt the flow of your current system, hosted PBX is the perfect choice.

All it takes is a few simple clicks to integrate the PBX system with any existing equipment to allow services such as effective call rerouting. Plus, for existing systems that already support VoIP or SIP (session initial protocol) trunking, you won’t even need to invest in any additional hardware!

5.  Enhanced Security

Compared to manual PBX systems, those hosted over the cloud offer much greater benefits in terms of security. These services are handled entirely by the VoIP provider, who will maintain firewalls and security patch levels, as well as make any necessary software upgrades.

While accommodating call recording that allows businesses to keep all necessary customer communication, the VoIP provider will also ensure that all calls remain confidential without third-party data sharing.

And, in the rare event that your business’s local network becomes compromised, the PBX provider will have a team of experts ready to jump in and keep the service protected from unauthorised calls.

6.  Flexibility

Along with employing remote workers, another huge benefit of hosted PBX systems is that you can work from home while maintaining the same call quality as being in the office.

Whether you’re at an overseas conference or commuting between offices, these solutions allow you to answer calls in transit. This accommodates more flexible working conditions, which offers a whole host of benefits such as lower absenteeism and turnover rates, less workplace stress, and therefore greater productivity levels.

Effective PBX solutions also make your services more accessible to customers, allowing them to contact you through virtual or toll-free 1300 numbers wherever you’re currently based.

7.  Easy Scalability

Planning on opening more offices or employing more staff in the future? Or maybe you’re simply thinking about scaling the business down.

Either way, hosted PBX systems make adding capacity to your communication systems simple and affordable, without having to invest in even more expensive hardware or advanced technical support.

Rather than paying for a large number of lines that remain unused, these cloud systems allow you to quickly scale up or down as the demand for your services shifts, which is particularly beneficial for seasonal businesses.

Enjoy Communication without Barriers Today

At CloudLine, we take pride in offering direct support to businesses of all sizes seeking a transition to cloud-based communication systems. Our hosted PBX solutions therefore bring all your voice, video, chat, and data-sharing tools into one convenient platform that’s compatible with all leading IP phones, including Avaya, Fanvil, Yealink, and more.

Driven by a commitment to reliability and personalised services, we offer flexible call management options at a straightforward annual fee, with no per-user costs.

Call us at 1800 256 830 or visit the CloudLine website to learn more on how we ensure a seamless integration of secure communication technology with hosted PBX in Australia today.