A Hosted PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a cloud-based phone system that enables businesses to manage their communications without the need to install and maintain physical phone hardware on-premises.
Traditionally, PBX systems were located at the company’s physical office and required extensive wiring and equipment to route internal and external calls.
With a hosted PBX, the phone system is hosted and managed by a service provider, allowing businesses to access it via the internet.
Call Routing and Switching: Handles call transfers, routing, and switching to different extensions or departments within the organization.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Most hosted PBX systems use VoIP technology, allowing voice communication to be transmitted over the internet, reducing the need for traditional phone lines.
Automated Attendant (IVR): Provides an automated menu that helps direct calls to the appropriate department or person without needing a human receptionist.
Scalability: It can easily scale up or down depending on the business needs, allowing companies to add or remove lines and extensions without new hardware.
Unified Communications: Many hosted PBX systems integrate various communication channels (like voice, video, and messaging) into a single platform.
Call Features: Includes call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, conference calling, and call recording, all accessible via the cloud.
Mobility: Employees can make and receive calls from anywhere as long as they have an internet connection, making it ideal for remote or distributed teams.