Running a traditional phone system usually requires you to install hardware equipment on-premises, pay licensing fees for certain features, and have dedicated technicians to manage and maintain the system. In comparison, cloud PBX is a more cost-effective business phone system option.

Cloud PBX greatly reduces the initial and upkeep cost of hardware equipment. What’s more, having a cloud-based phone system up and running doesn’t require cumbersome hardware and wiring, and it is easier to add new users and connect to new locations. In terms of usability, cloud-based PBX enables greater mobility and makes unified communications an option for businesses, which an analog phone system is incapable of.

Both on-premises and cloud PBX are effective and reliable business phone systems with different advantages, whereas each could be a better match for particular communication needs.

• Large enterprises tend to purchase their own appliances up front, while small and medium-sized firms may prefer cloud PBX solutions to pay on a subscription basis.
• Companies that have complex and dynamic communication needs tend to reside their PBX systems on-site while a relatively small business with fewer resources may prefer to rely on cloud PBX service providers.
• In terms of system expansion, Cloud PBX phone systems are typically more scalable than on-premises ones, suitable for businesses with staff growth or reduction over the system’s lifespan.

• Besides standard phone system functionalites, do you require certain advanced features?
• Do they support BYOD mobility and remote working?
• Do they allow you to integrate the system with 3-rd party platforms?
• Do they provide cloud PBX service as a part of a unified communications solution so that you can take the service to the next level?
• How is their customer support? Do they manage all maintenance and system updates?
• Do they house servers in geographically dispersed data centers for redundancy purposes?
• If you want to keep the existing landline phone numbers, make sure to check if they provide the number porting service.
• What do their customers say about their services? Any testimonial or review?

Cloud PBX turns capital expenditure into an operational expense. Except for additional phone end-point purchase, only the minimum initial investment is required to get started and you only pay for ongoing subscription fees monthly or annually. You will have greater flexibility in choosing a cheaper business phone line option with SIP trunking.

Besides, you don’t need to pay additional fees for maintenance and software assurance. For small businesses lacking resources, Cloud PBX eliminates the need for additional dedicated IT staff to manage and maintain the system.