Thursday, May 28, 2009

PBX Systems - Strengths - Weakness

PBX Systems - Strengths - Weakness

A PBX, which is also known as a switch or telephone switching device in the phone, is responsible in the connection of office telephones in a business with the public telephone network. The only stronger competitor in a PBX 'would be a voice over Internet Protocol. There are many interesting points with regard to both, and you must ultimately decide which system best meet your needs phone system.

Features System of IP/Pbx

Today, it is expected that PBX systems handling a very wide variety of duties beyond just simple connection to a public telephone system. The initial functions of a PBX are to route incoming calls to the appropriate extension in an office and the telephone lines between extensions. Over time, many new features have been added, such as automated greetings for callers using recorded messages that, marking menus, links to voice mail, automated call distribution, teleconferencing, and more. The range of features offered by a PBX will vary, generally in proportion to the price of the system chosen. Some of the most popular answer calls that may include a custom business greeting, and the supply of a single business number that gives access to all employees and company departments. The system can offer a menu of options for conducting a call, such as connecting to a specific department or an extension and providing a directory of employee extensions accessible by entering the digits corresponding to employee's name. A PBX system can also evenly distribute calls to a department among available employees at that time, it allows transfers or calls between extensions, calls multiple extensions of the conference with the employee, provide detailed call records and management system in real time, place callers on hold while waiting for the jobs available in the department of music and messages of the game or custom whenever callers are waiting on hold. Although this is an impressive list of features, remember that not all are available at each of the PBX system. The most difficult is to provide automated call distribution (ACD), and generally, the merchants charged a premium for products that include this feature. If a feature is not included in the PBX system of the database, you can most likely be purchased as additional add on.

Strengths of the IP/Pbx

Hardware PBX (PBX phones) is a mature technology that offers many advantages for the right type of use. At a minimum, multiple extensions in one office can share the cost of telephone calls. No need to pay a separate line for each extension. Capital costs for equipment and can be amortized over time despise. Although management and system maintenance costs continue adding after installation, the systems of today are more robust and easier to handle than had been in the past. Incoming calls are typically free or cost very low. In more expensive systems, a certain level of the extension system allows for the better. Businesses that can reliably predict their needs can usually find a profitable system. As the features and functionality continue to be added, a PBX can add productivity to an office environment. Almost any feature you can imagine for telecommunications can usually find somewhere among the many vendors and offerings in this space - as long as customers are willing to pay the price associated.

Weaknesses of the Pbx

The biggest problems with the standard PBX systems revolve around the issues of flexibility, cost, and adaptability. Costs are a big problem in two separate areas. First, get one of these systems, PBX phone service can be extremely high. If you decide to buy a system that is at the lower end of the price scale, the team will have a few features, extensive options such as no voice mail or automated call distribution offers. Many smaller companies find they can not afford the cost of a PBX system, so we continue to call on individual lines, never developed a unique business identity. Another issue involves the cost of PBX systems maintenance and support system. As the team continues to add new functionality PBX, there will be a need for highly trained people to help maintain the hardware, software and roll out of improvements to the system and management system. This, in all likelihood, end up it is absolutely expensive. As with so many devices based on the infrastructure of hardware and software, the other problem with the PBX phone systems to be flexible. Most PBX hardware is limited in its flexibility to add more lines for internal and external support more users. The low end systems are extremely difficult in this respect. Small businesses may need to purchase a new PBX system every two years to accommodate its business growth. Flexibility also end up being an issue when it comes to features. While almost any feature can be purchased at the end, many times, the important features you can not add to an existing system, which would end up forcing businesses to buy brand new systems to get the features they need or want.

VoIP Pbx against

Many businesses and individual business owners are considering the PBX to VoIP. There are some similarities between the two systems, but there are differences, too. Your responsibility as a business owner is to weigh the pros and cons and ultimately decide what would be the best option to meet your needs. Some things you need to consider include ease of use of the system and its employees, the costs incurred with the new system compared to your current phone system, the installation cost, and past, the quality of the system is reliable and whether your company's needs. If you understand the importance of these concerns, then you will see how important it is to make a comparison against PBX VoIP. This, unfortunately, will not be easy, and hopefully you've done some research online to get an idea of what may be the options. The fund, though, is that each company is selling the service will advise you that your service is in fact the best. This will discourage this. Be in your best interest and interest of your company better than your first one is clear what is VoIP.

Voice of Internet Protocol

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, can turn a regular connection, an Internet standard way to make free phone calls actually. The positive aspect of this is that using voice over Internet Protocol software that is available to make Internet phone calls, you are bypassing the phone company and their cargoes. VoIP is the revolutionary technology has the potential to reinvent the world's phone systems. VoIP providers have now been around for a while and are growing steadily. Important telephone systems are already in the process of creating the voice over Internet Protocol calling plans in several markets, and the FCC is investigating the ramifications of VoIP services. The overuse of the Internet Protocol voice has been a subject of interest almost from the first computer network. For 70 years, the voice was transmitted over the Internet. Technology for voice conversations transmitted over the Internet that has been available to end users since at least the nineties. In 1996, the first came with the VoIP Caller ID and voice mail as additional features, but it was only possible to talk to others having the same software. Has been steadily progressing ever since. Something that is extremely interesting and different systems over Internet Protocol is the voice that more than one way to make a real phone call.

Three different systems of VoIP Services

There are three different systems of VoIP services in use today. The first is the simplest and most common. Is through a device called an ATA (analog telephone adapter), which allows you to connect a standard phone line on your computer or internet connection for use with VoIP. The ATA is an analogue to digital converter. It takes the analog signal from your traditional phone and converts it into digital data passed through the Internet. You just remove the ATA from the box that came inside, fold the cable from your phone that would normally plug in the wall ATA, and you are ready to make calls. As follows to make a VoIP call is through an Internet phone protocol (IP), and these phones seem just like regular phones with a handset, fork, and buttons. Instead of having standard phone connectors, IP phones using an Ethernet connection. IP phones connect directly to a router and have all necessary right hardware and software onboard to handle the IP call.

Last, and probably the easiest way to use a VoIP phone, it is computer to computer. You do not even have to pay calls. There are actually several companies out there now who are offering the software free or extremely low cost that can be used with this type of VoIP. All you need is the software, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and an Internet connection. Preferably, the Internet connection must be fast as a DSL modem or cable. With the exception of its normal monthly fee for the ISP, there is usually no charge for calls from computer to computer, no matter what the distance may be.

Pros and cons of voice Internet Protocol (VoIP) service over home

Okay, so what about the service for the home? Although the best option for the landlord service is VoIP, there are pros and cons with respect to this measure at home. Home VoIP services have several traditional telephone services over the benefits. One of the main advantages of using VoIP in the home would be the low cost of operation. For the same services that VoIP provides, such as calls or calls in the country, the VoIP phone providers usually charge a fee lower than normal telephone charges. Another advantage of the popular VoIP service for home would be its flexibility. While normal telephones are permanently linked to their phone lines, an ATA may be taken anywhere in the world with you. One can tie it with a normal telephone and an Internet connection and make VoIP calls to any other ATA in the same network and not incur any additional costs. Honest, there are not many disadvantages of VoIP at home. The biggest disadvantage of home VoIP service is that it is dependent on a direct energy source, like a cordless phone. If power is lost, the current VoIP is also lost. Another connection with the home VoIP sound quality is contrary. The sound quality can be fickle, and some calls may be delayed and even echoes, too. This will lead ultimately to the calls that will not be as clear or as smooth as the telephone call.

Understanding Your Options

As you continue shopping for the best for your business, a PBX phone system or VoIP, you will want to consider both options before coming to a final decision. The biggest advantage of a system over Internet Protocol or VoIP is the voice the way you ultimately bear to say aloud the state or country. Because the rates are much lower with VoIP, many businesses consider when deciding extreme value to take this route instead of the PBX phone system. When it comes down to cost factor, VoIP wins hands swallowing. Fund, the more you end up saving on phone calls, more business and you can get more profit can be made. Another positive point is that VoIP allows for a less costly installation. VoIP services usually just connect to Ethernet, simply and easily. Most computers, systems and telephone, and fax machines already have this feature built inside. Realistically, everything you need to do is plug in everything and you're ready to go. But in the ongoing battle between the PBX and VoIP phone systems, when it comes to the desire to have extensions and the latest phone system features and uses of the PBX, you may not be able to achieve this through providers of VoIP service. Instead, you should stick with the PBX or other phone systems look possible.

Understanding Services

Something that is also extremely important to understand is the service that each of them has to offer. While the PBX is a system that lets you have multiple lines connected to an online service, you must also understand that VoIP is strictly through the Internet. Due to the large difference between the systems, allows a product and a totally different result. You also will want to remember and observe the importance that services tend to change all the time, too. An example of these changes is that with the ongoing development of new services and products, is becoming much less expensive PBX systems now installed. In the past, the cost of installing a PBX phone system was so high that forced many small businesses and even larger majority to look elsewhere for their needs. Now, because of new developments, they can fill those needs more options than ever before. The PBX is becoming much more affordable for these companies, thanks to new, improved technologies. One can expect the battle between the PBX telephone systems and technology excessive Internet voice (VoIP) is turned on for quite a long time. You will be sure to have different reasons for the desire to choose a product over another, across the range of reasons for the cost to voicemail. The best suggestion is the simplest. Do the research for each company, and do your research on the web to see just how well your decision will fit your needs. The answer to the question about which to choose, the PBX or VoIP, only you can decide ultimately by the business and the individual.

When trying to decide between the PBX telephone systems and VoIP systems, many factors must be taken into careful consideration. It's something you can not tackle or do quickly. The time must be taken, the investigation must be made, and the cost and flexibility should be taken into consideration. Then and only then will you be prepared to take the right decision for your employees and your business.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

EasyPabx - A host of IP-PBX

EasyPabx - A host of IP-PBX

It is a hosted IP-PBX (virtual) charge, which can be configured from a control panel. It come from the testing a few weeks ago and it really works very well. However the tech support leaves much to be desired (no answer and it shows that they are overworked).

Easypabx is physically based in Denmark and is an Asterisk application. It allows you to set....

Several lines
  • Extensions with voicemail configurable
  • IVR - "press 1 if you want potatoes, bananas, press 2 if you want ... ..."
  • Hunt Groups - list of extensions that are called in sequential order
  • Ring Groups - exensiones sounding simultaneously
  • Queues (queue of incoming calls)
  • Dial Plan - outgoing calls to route
  • ICR - incoming call routing - routing according to IDC's call
  • Opening Hours - routing calls according to a configurable schedule
  • Voice contextual menus in several languages

And much more!

Settings description of PBX and IP PBX

Settings description of PBX and IP PBX

It is increasingly more common for organizations to acquire, install and maintain hardware components, such as the central switch (PBX) or IP PBX, which are required to admit their own telephone systems. Many organizations purchase their own telephone equipment and train its staff to reduce costs associated with maintenance of its telephone systems and because they want greater control of telephony features offered.

For an organization to possess and maintain a telephone network, you must purchase the hardware needed. It should also take into account the daily maintenance of telephone equipment and training necessary for your staff to manage the telephony system. This topic discusses the different types of telephone systems and business or organizational components of telephony hardware required. It also provides examples of different types of telephony configurations.

A PBX is a legacy PBX telephony device that switches calls in a telephone network or circuit switched. A legacy PBX is a PBX that does not have a network adapter and can not transmit packets. Not being able to transmit IP packets, some companies and organizations have replaced legacy PBX to IP PBX. For a list of supported PBX for Exchange 2007 Unified Messaging, see Telephony Advisor for Exchange Server 2007.

Most companies use medium and large PBX. PBX enables users or subscribers to share a number of external lines for making telephone calls are considered as external to the PBX. A PBX is a much less expensive to provide each user with a telephone company outsourcing. A PBX can be connected telephones, fax machines, modems and other communication devices.
Typically, the PBX equipment is installed in the organization itself and connects calls between phones in the organization and the telephone company. Normally, there are a limited number of external lines, called trunk lines, to make and receive calls outside the company from an external source such as the PSTN.

To enable a legacy PBX for use with Exchange 2007 Unified Messaging, you must implement a gateway IP compatible. For a list of IP gateways, see Telephony Advisor for Exchange Server 2007.

IP PBX An IP PBX is a PBX that has a network adapter compatible with the IP protocol. It is a piece of telephone switching equipment that normally resides in an organization or company rather than being located in the offices of a telephone company. There are two types of IP PBX: IP PBX and IP PBX traditional hybrid. Both traditional and IP PBX, IP PBX hybrid are consistent with the IP protocol for sending voice conversations in packets based VoIP phones. However, hybrid IP PBX also connects traditional analog and digital phones.

IP PBXs are frequently easier to manage than the legacy PBXs, because administrators can easily configure the IP PBX through an Internet browser or another IP-based tool. Furthermore, it is not necessary to install cables, wiring, patch panels or additional. With an IP PBX, to move an IP phone based simply unplug it and plug it back elsewhere. This avoids the costly services needed to move a phone from a legacy PBX provider. Likewise, organizations that own an IP PBX do not have to bear the additional costs of infrastructure needed to maintain and manage two separate networks for circuit switched and packet switched. For a list of supported IP PBX for Exchange 2007 Unified Messaging, see Telephony Advisor for Exchange Server 2007.

IP PBX Configurations

An IP PBX is a PBX that supports IP phones to connect through an Ethernet LAN or packet switching. Send IM conversations into data packets or IP. An IP PBX can have multiple interfaces. These include interfaces to a data network and other interfaces that allow connection to a telephone network or circuit switched.

The development of Internet protocols in real time has been correctly can send voice messages and faxes by a data network. Among these protocols of the Internet in real time including VoIP protocols that are used with Exchange 2007 Unified Messaging: Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) over Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) for voice and T.38 messages to faxes. These protocols have been successfully able to send voice messages and faxes by a data network. VoIP protocols in real time are necessary to maintain order and control the delivery and synchronization of data packets to send voice messages through a data network or circuit switched. Failure to use these protocols to maintain and control the delivery order and synchronization of data packets, the voice of the people would decompose and the sound would be inconsistent or images could be confusing. For more information about the VoIP protocols that are used in Exchange 2007 Unified Messaging, consulteDescripción protocols, ports, and unified messaging services. For a list of authorized IP PBX in the Exchange 2007 Unified Messaging, see Telephony Advisor for Exchange Server 2007.

IP PBX Solution for Open Businesses and Service Providers

IP PBX Solution for Open Businesses and Service Providers

Thirdlane PBX is a complete software that combines Asterisk with a manager Thirdlane PBX (PBX Manager) and other components to form a powerful system that is easy to install, manage and adapt to the customer. Customers can choose their own hardware, phones and install the PBX in minutes. Advanced features include generation of user extensions in batches, automatic provisioning model based on existing formats, extensible library of "scripts, performance analysis tools and integration with Outlook.

Asterisk is an extremely versatile and powerful platform, the goal of the designers was not to limit these strengths. Extended capabilities of the system were included from the outset and have been integrated into the GUI. They made the software as open as possible, plan in terms of speed and visibility of configuration files and development environment.

The Thirdlane PBX Manager is a very friendly and intuitive product that lets you configure your PBX pretty fast and makes the maintenance of everyday accessible to less technically capable managers, while maintaining the functionality of Asterisk, and the ability to extend the system code using the facilities and scripts.

Can be implemented in different OSS (various types of Linux and FreeBSD) are supported different versions of Asterisk (1.2.x and 1.4.X), as well as autoprovisionamiento allows a variety of phones (Aastra, SNOMED, Cisco, Polycom, Linksys). Obviously, this opens up the market and gives the ability to Resellers, Integrators and Consultants, to add real value to the basic configuration of a PBX, through adaptation to customer needs

The Thirdlane PBX Manager is available in single-user version of "Single-tenant or multi-user Multi-Tenant." Multi-Tenant version lets you create multiple virtual PBXs on a single Asterisk box. These PBXs are completely independent and have their own administrators, users, extensions, routes, queues calls, media files, etc.. Additionally, another product of Thirdlane Outlook Dialer is included for free on all editions of Thirdlane PBX.

The solution is a PBX Thirdlane full of professional features at a fraction of the cost of a traditional PBX, while providing a level of features that go beyond those available in several of the more expensive systems.

Some of the highlights of version 6.0 of PBX Manager are:
  • Management type cluster, enabling service providers and system administrators to manage multiple servers from a single management console with a single entry of a password.
  • Enhanced Auto provisioning, support more phones, extending the ability of resellers to bring the customer provisioning process.
  • Configuration and management of the conference improved, obtaining full conference facilities with real-time control through a rich web interface.
  • CRM Integration with pre-configured connections to popular CRM solutions and search engines, plus the ability to adapt to the customer "pops" the screen from any web-based CRM.
  • Version 6.0 of PBX Thirdlane ladder is now.

The Best VoIP IP-PBX provider for Business

The Best VoIP IP-PBX provider for Business

Once you have decided to shed its traditional telephone and take advantage of VoIP IP/PBX telephony will realize that one of the biggest benefits is the ability to use a VoIP provider to reduce the cost of telephone calls.

But the number of VoIP IP/PBX providers that have emerged in recent years as a result of the widespread acceptance of phone systems based on voice over IP is great. So what kind of VoIP provider should I choose? A useful tip is to base your choice of VoIP provider solely on the needs of your business.

Here we list a useful guide that can help you choose the VoIP IP/PBX provider that can be best for your business:

1. Check the rates for international calls from the VoIP IP/PBX provider considering their real needs.

While VoIP providers offer lower rates than most of the conventional telephone companies, it is important to choose the voice over internet service best suited to their specific needs and standard calls. Costs vary from one provider to another depending on the destination of the call. Be sure to take into consideration not only their general Ranco as a cheap or expensive, but consider the rates for individual countries. For example, if your business is associated only Sweden, France and Italy, it is not important whether the charges for a VoIP provider is the cheapest in the market for calls to the Far East. Focus on your actual needs!

2. Make sure that the quality of calls is that your company needs.

Many VoIP IP/PBX providers offer tariffs but the quality of calls is terrible. If your business is based on customer service by phone, then you better pay a little more to ensure that the voice quality is good. On the contrary, if the telephone communication in your company is almost exclusively among employees, then it may be that the voice quality is a less important role that the cost savings.

3. Consider the option of SIP trunks.

Some VoIP IP/PBX providers offer the option of hiring a SIP trunk. These SIP trunking allows businesses to the Internet converge local, long distance and broadband in one single duct. The SIP trunk is the modern equivalent of the T1 trunk. Whereas in the past, companies purchased a T1 backbone telecom provider to connect your PBX system owner, today you can buy the core SIP VoIP IP/PBX providers to connect IP PBX telephone. In this case, it is necessary to use a telephone system based on SIP standard and supports SIP trunking, such as the switchboard for Windows 3CX.

4. Hire a reliable VoIP IP/PBX provider.

Not a week passes without the emerging VoIP IP/PBX provider in the market. Most of these promote their services as the cheapest, reliable and with the best voice quality. But with the same ease that these suppliers are also exiting the market. Make a simple market survey to find out what VoIP IP/PBX providers and established a good reputation. The last thing you want for your business is running out to make and receive telephone calls from one day to another.

5. Be sure to use an IP PBX telephone that works with your VoIP IP/PBX provider.

The most important element has taken IP telephony in your enterprise software is the IP PBX. Be sure to choose one that is easy to install, configure and administer, having features and functionality at the enterprise level and works well with most popular VoIP IP/PBX gateways and VoIP IP/PBX providers. The switchboard 3CX PBX for Windows is based on SIP standard and offers everything your business needs in terms of computer telephony. Read more about the product and download the free version and start enjoying the many beneficions of IP telephony today!

Centrex - A host of IP-PBX service

Centrex - A host of IP-PBX service

Centrex, also called "hosted PBX" is a telephone exchange (telephone switch) remotely hosted VoIP service provider (or ITSP) who offers a service for companies.

Centrex service existed as a remote for conventional telephone lines, and was now suitable for VoIP communications. Centrex software is part of the ITSP's SIP server. Asterisk, an open source freeware for IP-PBX allows the partition of the server to host multiple companies / users.

Each company that hires the service receives a partition of the SIP server and is assigned to a group of numbers that serve as extensions. Extensions are communicating with each other as if they were within a company and receive a corresponding numbered typical short extensions. CENTREK with the services offered are identical to those of a telephone / telephone switch, including all services as normal preatendedor, call waiting, ACD, IVR, among others.

A user of a Centrex service might think that using a central / switch convention. The same applies to a person outside the company, which does not notice the difference by calling from abroad.

Makes sense for Centrex:

  • Short-term business projects or
  • Companies that want to migrate to VoIP, but want to experience its benefits and disadvantages
  • Companies that can not afford the investment of an IP-PBX
  • Companies that suffer strong fluctuations in number of users

A list of firms offering Centrex can be found here below:

Centrex provider charges a base rate per month extension. Additional services are charged as options. The customer can configure all your configuration via a web interface. Companies that use Centrex should have a good Internet connection. The ITSP recommended connections for voice and data separate. The hardware you need is a user of Centrex

  • A multi FXS Gateway (if you use conventional phones)
  • A switch (if you use IP phones)

7 Keys to Investing in IP-PBX Telephony for the Economic Crisis

7 Keys to Investing in IP-PBX Telephony for the Economic Crisis

The natural reaction of all the constant news about the global economic crisis is to succumb to panic, while it should be focused on the challenges and pay attention to the revenue stream for our business remain in a reasonable manner. So it is good that a crisis is also opportunity, and this includes the possibility to get more of what you need while investing less in this case IP/PBX Telephony is the perfect partner to create opportunities.

Crisis Image:

An important point to remember is that technology vendors are also facing the same challenges that their company and the tendency may be to submit tenders in order to maintain cash flow, so that you can take the opportunity to do better business taking into account the following key:

1. Be sure to RFPs (Request for Proposal) and detailed request for purchase. In the current environment is a necessity in the battle to tackle the various vendors. Rather than simply choose the vendor who offers the best price or the proceeds from fashion, to select him for better services or value-added benefit to your business even in the medium or long term. Do not believe that RFPs are only for major purchases, if they are useful to buy a communications system for 500 users will also be for a 20.

Do not use any RFP. Using an RFP out for wrong or make a purchase may be worse than not using any. For example, the section of specifications must be clear and concise to avoid ambiguous phrases or signs that leave out one or more sellers then you can not negotiate the best terms.

Note that some sellers who fail to fulfill the offerings send confusing trying to confuse the purchasing staff, so the recommendation is simple: If you is not considered an expert in the field, try to hire a consultant to help you deal with suppliers who send their tenders. If your budget does not allow him to hire a consultant, consider laying at the same table on the same occasion to different proveedoresde way to openly explain their advantages, open competition between them will serve as counsel for purchases.

2. Get a contract of one year or more for the support and maintenance. If you expect your company to continue to grow after the crisis or recession, then think of buying long-term with the best prices today. It is always more effective to achieve volume discounts in the purchase of equipment, software or services if you will require for a year or more. The advantage of this strategy is that you pay less when the crisis ends and your company the momentum back before.

3. Try to get new features and / or additional services with your purchase. If you are buying an IP/PBX, there are things that your provider can offer and that the manufacturer will cost you as little or nothing, and if this is the difference in winning or losing a purchase insurance you will get. Try to negotiate services such as Unified Messaging, Reports, Call Center Management Conference, or that might be of interest for your company and does not come as part of the standard provider.

4. If you are upgrading or updating an existing system, consider a new fund. If you also considered a process or Rent Financial Leasing, could opt for a grace period without payment and also consider the tax benefits that this could lead to your company. This way you move the investment to a longer period during which the crisis could have ended while being smaller payments over time.

5. Ready to buy now. In times of recession, dealers need sales now, not six months or a year, so that sellers are ready to make concessions if you buy them now. Cisco System for example, gave greater discounts in 2008 than in 2007, reflecting that made many more concessions during the difficult days of the recession of 2008 than in 2007, good morning. The important point to remember here is that the offers and concessions are valid and will last until the seller decides, so buying time is an important factor.

6. Be ready to change their suppliers, especially in services. Many providers of communication services are more interested in getting new customers to maintain existing ones, if you are renewing a support contract hardly get additional concessions, but if you negotiate with a new provider of this insurance is willing to give advantages.

The problem here is that switching supplier can be more costly than the benefit you get with a new one, so you must choose correctly to your new provider or even sit down with your current provider and show an analysis of the possible decision to change the supplier of insurance that will attract your attention and you move to take more account of his company during the negotiation.

7. Become a showcase of technology purchases. Although this factor is not as easy as in the early days of VoIP, while sellers may be willing to include some names to its portfolio of clients associated with your brand or product. If your company is ready to open the doors and window displays of the technology you purchase is also possible that the seller is willing to provide additional services or even some discount.