For starters, PBX stands for private branch exchange. A private branch exchange is a telephone system used by an organization that allows all users to share a set number of external phone lines while transferring calls between users on local lines. Modern small business PBX phone systems are becoming more complex. Let’s review the best small business PBX system.
A small business PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is traditionally a telephone switching system that controls incoming and outgoing calls for a business’s internal users. The public phone system connects to a PBX. When a call comes in, the PBX automatically sends it to a certain extension.
Additionally, it shares and controls several lines. External and internal phone lines, a computer server that controls call switching and routing, and a panel for administrative management are all components of a typical small business PBX system.
Small Business PBX based on IP
An IP PBX can do everything a conventional small business PBX can do, and even more. It can switch and connect both Voice over IP and landline calls. Two networks are needed for a traditional PBX: one for voice and one for data. An IP PBX system utilizes an IP data network, which reduces expenses and network administration.
You can utilize IP phones, softphones (which don’t need any special phone equipment other than a computer and a microphone headset), and many IP PBXs even include apps for mobile smartphones.
IP PBX and Other Aspects of Unified Communications
Specialized features are needed by small organizations to support their unique workflows. Cisco Systems Unified Communications Manager Express is made specifically for small enterprises. It combines an IP PBX with powerful telephony functionalities that cannot be provided by conventional phone systems.
Best PBX System for Small Business
#1. RingCentral MVP
The RingCentral MVP solution, formerly known as RingCentral Office, is intended for all businesses. It is a whole set of programs and resources that help people inside and outside of a company communicate well.
A simple-to-use and easy-to-maintain cloud phone system is RingCentral MVP. This virtual PBX includes audio and video conferencing options, as you may anticipate. Furthermore, it is compatible with desktop and mobile devices and facilitates online meetings.
#2. FreeSWITCH
FreeSWITCH is one of the best free PBX options for business. Even though it is open-source and free, it nonetheless incorporates a number of crucial features for real-time communication. FreeSWITCH additionally provides Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication options.
The FreeSWITCH platform is compatible with Linux, macOS, Windows, and FreeBSD, among other operating systems. The FreeSWITCH platform is also incredibly adaptable and scalable; it is supplied in modules from which you can select the ones that pertain to your business needs.
#3. Freshcaller
This well-known cloud-based PBX telephone system doesn’t need any extra hardware, downloads, or maintenance expenses. Over 40,000 firms use its highly regarded service globally.
It has some great functions for phone numbers. You can transfer your current phone numbers, buy new local numbers in more than 90 countries, toll-free numbers, international numbers, mask your phone numbers, make vanity phone numbers, use your current carriers, and choose a new carrier.
You can use any of the call monitoring and management solutions offered on this platform to enhance the quality of your company phone calls. In particular, a real-time dashboard will enable you to view call queues, active calls, and available agents.
#4. FusionPBX
FusionPBX is a multi-tenant, single- or domain-based, versatile PBX with a wealth of capabilities. It provides a carrier-grade switch, together with fax, call center, voicemail, VoIP, conference, and many other servers. The platform is extensive and adaptable, making it suited for companies of all sizes.
The FreeSWITCH architecture, on which this PBX service is built, allows for integration with SignalWire. It offers the complex functions required by enterprises to support efficient communication at all levels.
#5. Acefone
Along with contact center services, Acefone provides hosted PBX services. The business has a solid reputation and provides a wealth of features in its PBX solutions, which are designed for all sizes of enterprises. Additionally, the business provides cloud telephony services, including VoIP phone systems, toll-free numbers, and much more.
It’s interesting to note that the Acefone platform supports over 200 service integrations and operates with 256-bit encryption. This PBX solution offers a 99.99% uptime guarantee because it mostly utilizes the cloud.
#6. Elastix 3CX
This PBX solution, called Elastix, is made to function on Linux, Windows, or Raspberry Pi computers. It is a unified communications server program that supports collaboration, IM, email, IP PBX, and faxing. Companies can use the web interface of the program as a call center solution (including predictive dialing).
The newest iteration of Elastix is known as 3CX, and it enables real-time collaboration while integrating numerous capabilities into a streamlined user interface. 3CX can be self-managed and run as an on-premises solution or over the cloud. These qualities satisfy the complex communication requirements of contemporary businesses.
#7. PBX Free
This is a free, open-source PBX system for companies, as the name suggests. Despite being free, FreePBX is a feature-rich IP PBX solution that is simple to install, easy to use, and maintained by a community of skilled developers.
It’s interesting that you may utilize this PBX software with different modules integrated. It is extensive and accessible on numerous platforms. The user-friendly interface of FreePBX gives you easy access to various tools and modules.
#8. Asterisk
Asterisk must be mentioned whenever open-source or free PBX solutions are discussed. Utilizing contemporary PBX technologies and features, the software aids enterprises in managing productive communication. Sangoma is the sponsor of the user-friendly Asterisk software.
Asterisk’s extensive feature list, which unquestionably matches the demanding communication needs of contemporary enterprises, is one of the reasons for adopting it. Even more interesting is that using this PBX system would never cost you anything.
#9. MiVoice Business
Mitel created MiVoice Business, an on-premises PBX system with a number of capabilities in order to suit organizational needs. it also offers integration with other business solutions. Tools for phone, mobility, messaging, conferencing, and collaboration are provided by the MiVoice Business platform.
This software is perfect for both small and large enterprises because of its extensive PBX features. It offers capabilities for IP desk phones, mobility, and smart call controls. This software can be combined with other Mitel software options.
#10. Ooma Office
Ooma Office is one of the top PBX systems for small, medium, and large organizations since it offers features like unlimited domestic calls to the US, Mexico, Canada, and Puerto Rico, free number transfers, and affordable international call rates. With Ooma Office, you typically receive around 40 different options.
Top 10 PBX Manufacturers
#1. Alcatel-Lucent Business
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise services over 830,000 clients worldwide under the Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise brand. With the help of their partners, they’ll make everything work together, and they’ll tailor their solutions to your company to help it compete in the digital era.
ALE interacts openly with its partners and customers in order to create long-term value for them. They always accomplish this through integrating systems, deploying analytics, and using mobility.
#2. Allworx
Allworx, a wholly owned subsidiary of PAETEC Holding Corp., creates award-winning phone and network systems for businesses, which are marketed through a network of Authorized Partners.
Because they integrate the advanced features of today’s VoIP systems with the key system features on which all businesses have grown to rely, Allworx systems are the ideal alternatives for the millions of antiquated (TDM) PBX and key phone systems now in use.
Allworx’ Consulting Division offers elite software and digital hardware engineering services to both large and small enterprises looking to strengthen and supplement their research and product development capabilities.
#4. 3CX
3CX developed the 3CX Phone System, an open-standard unified communications platform for Windows that works with conventional SIP phones and replaces a proprietary PBX. In addition to increasing productivity, 3CX is simpler to operate and can result in significant cost savings.
#4. Audio Codes
AudioCodes Ltd. designs, manufactures, and sells advanced Voice over IP and converged VoIP and Data networking systems and applications to service providers and companies. AudioCodes’ products are used by IP, mobile, cable, and broadband access networks worldwide, as well as enterprises of all sizes.
In addition to Media Gateways, Multi-Service Business Gateways, Residential Gateways, IP Phones, Media Servers, Session Border Controllers (SBC), Security Gateways, and Value Added Applications, the company provides a wide range of cutting-edge, low-cost products for converged VoIP and data networks.
#5. Avaya
Avaya offers intelligent communications solutions that help businesses change how they do business to get an edge over their competitors.
More than 90% of the FORTUNE 500® use Avaya products in some capacity for IP telephony, Unified Communications, Contact Centers, and Communications-Enabled Business Processes. Businesses of any size may count on Avaya Global Services for full-scale maintenance and assistance.
#6. Cisco
Individuals may interact in meaningful ways thanks to Cisco, whether in business, education, philanthropy, or creative ventures.
Cisco hardware, software, and service products provide Internet solutions that enable networks and deliver instant access to information everywhere, at any time.
Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer professionals from Stanford University.
Since the company’s inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technology.
#7. Epygi
Epygi Technologies, Ltd., a privately held US company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Plano, Texas, is a global provider of award-winning IP PBXs and Gateways that connect small businesses to enterprise telephony needs.
Consumers who invest in Epygi products reap incomparable advantages and a wealth of features at a bargain price. They’re also reliable, secure, and easy to set up and operate. Customers may now afford the most cutting-edge communications technology while increasing productivity, lowering operational expenses, and improving the company’s image.
#8. ESI
ESI designs and manufactures business communications systems and components (Estech Systems, Inc.). Although they are state-of-the-art in both design and use, ESI systems are surprisingly affordable. The product line includes ESI Communications Servers, which support both digital and IP technologies in any configuration.
ESI was created in 1987 as a privately held company with headquarters in Plano, Texas, and it has since sold its business communications systems through a network of hundreds of Certified Resellers who have received training directly from the company.
#9. Fortinet
Fortinet is a global manufacturer of network security systems and a leading brand in unified threat management (UTM). Their tools and subscription services streamline IT security architecture while providing comprehensive, integrated, and high-performance defense against dynamic security threats. Customers include the majority of the 2009 Fortune Global 100 companies, service providers, and governmental bodies.
The company’s flagship technology, FortiGate, integrates many security layers and provides ASIC-accelerated speed to help guard against application and network threats. Fortinet’s wide product line, in addition to UTM, helps safeguard the entire enterprise, including endpoints, the perimeter, the core, databases, and apps. Fortinet is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has offices throughout the world.
#10. FreePBX
Asterisk, the world’s most popular open-source telephony engine software, is controlled and managed by FreePBX, an easy-to-use graphical user interface (graphical user interface). Thousands of volunteers contributed tens of thousands of man-hours to the development and hardening of FreePBX.
According to FreePBX, there are over 500,000 active phone systems and it has been downloaded over 5,000,000 times. FreePBX is intended for both developers and those looking for a Business Phone System.
Analog PBX System for Small Business
This has been the standard PBX option for many years. It uses the publicly switched telephone network to connect to the Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). The analog system will provide you with all of the essential PBX solution functions.
Analog, which has been around since before the internet, sadly has no uses now.
Emails, voice-to-email, CRM connections, and capabilities for remote work cannot be handled by it. It is, however, a totally autonomous and self-sufficient system. As a result, in the event of an internet outage, this offers increased security and dependability. Keep in mind that businesses will need on-site support and telephone lines constantly created with this system.
The finest PBX phone systems for 2022 do not contain any analog solutions.
How Much Does a PBX System Cost?
On average, an on-site PBX system installation will cost about $800 to $1000 per employee. If a company needs over 50 extensions, the installation can easily cost over $100,000.4 Feb 2022
Which Is the Best PBX System?
Fastcall
Do People Still Use PBX?
Essentially, PBX is a legacy term used to describe a business-grade phone system designed to share lines and route calls. Nowadays we use terms like IP, VoIP, or hosted to describe exactly the same thing, so the PBX tag is no longer needed.
PBX systems are still valid and being used by many companies. PBX solutions keep getting better, integrating more features and supporting more functionality.
What Phone System Solutions Are Available for Small Businesses?
VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service that uses softphones or IP phone systems.
OR
PBX system (private branch exchange) that uses traditional telephone lines.
How Do You Set up a Small Business Phone System?
A huge benefit of today’s business phone systems is how easy they are to set up.
- Activate your service
- Set up IP phones
- Transfer your existing toll-free number
- Customize your phone system
- Add any international numbers as required
PBX Systems for Small Business FAQs
What are the most recognized traditional PBX brands?
Currently, the most prominent brands of traditional PBX servers and phone systems would include Avaya, Samsung, ShoreTel (now Mitel), NEC, Mitel, Zultys, and Cisco.
What is unified communication?
Unified communications are the ability to access all of your communication tools from one platform.
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