Manage Calls From Anywhere

To understand what cloud PBX is you first may need a refresher on PBX. A PBX (private branch exchange) is essentially an automated private telephone network. It links multiple devices across an organization, ensuring smooth and connected communication. 

Traditional PBX was based on physical phone lines and lots of on-premises hardware. Cloud PBX software, meanwhile, requires no physical hardware and allows businesses to make, take, and manage calls via an internet connection.  

As well as enabling internal communication, a PBX connects to the public telephone network—and the internet, in the case of cloud-based PBX.

The terms are often used interchangeably and, in fact, cloud and virtual PBX systems are the same. They’re both private telephone networks which are hosted in the cloud. 

There are, though, some small differences between a cloud/virtual PBX and a hosted PBX:  

– Cloud/Virtual PBX – Calls are transferred via an internet connection and all infrastructure is hosted in the cloud. 
– Hosted PBX – Infrastructure is hosted via a service provider and users connect through an IP. That provider, however, may use servers and other hardware on their premises for hosting, as well or instead of the cloud.

When exploring how PBX works via the cloud there are two key technologies to consider: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). 

Together VoIP and SIP are used to interface with the public phone network. The network translates these instructions by sending digital calls to the correct lines. 

Of course, a cloud PBX also powers an organization’s internal communications. Think of it like a private telephone exchange. It connects each device in your organization via an internal network. When someone needs to call a device on the network, they simply enter the correct extension.

Although the principles behind cloud and on-premises PBXs are the same, the two offer different functionalities. There are also differences in hardware and operational capabilities:

An on-premises PBX: 

– Requires you to purchase and operate hardware on-site. 
– Places operational responsibility in your hands. This includes overseeing maintenance and updates.  
– Uses copper cabling to transfer calls. 
– Is only accessible to on-site employees. 

A cloud PBX: 

– Doesn’t require the purchase of hardware. The system is operated on the cloud, you only pay a subscription fee. 
– Sees operational responsibility fall to the provider. They’ll oversee and maintain systems.
– Transfers calls via an internet connection. 
– Is accessible to any employees who are online. 

Therefore, a cloud PBX is a much more cost-effective and scalable solution.

If you have the right provider, switching to a cloud PBX solution is simple. To set up with CloudTalk, all you need to do is create an account. From there, you can start using our services from anywhere. And don’t worry if you already have existing infrastructure. Our Cloud PBX can be easily integrated into it.

CloudTalk’s cloud PBX can be set up in a few simple steps: 

1. Download the installation file for Windows, Mac, or Linux. 
2. Double-click the downloaded file, and the program should launch.
a) Mac users may need to navigate to “System Preferences” > “Security & Privacy”. Now, highlight the option to allow apps downloaded from Mac App Store and identified developers. 
b) Linux users may need to set their file as executable. To do this, right-click the file, and choose “Properties”. Then from the permissions tab, tick the “Allow executing file as program” checkbox. 
2.5  (Mac only) Drag the CloudTalk file into the Applications folder for easy access. 
3. Launch the app (this will be done automatically on Linux and Windows) and log into your account.  

For more detailed information about the setup process, head to our onboarding portal.  

All cloud PBX providers should be held to high standards. CloudTalk prides itself on delivering: 

– Reliability – Our software is built with user experience as a top priority. This means delivering crystal-clear calls every time. Our application has a simple and accessible user interface so that users can jump straight in. 
– Functionality – Get easy access to your global customer base. We provide access to over 160 international numbers. CloudTalk also comes with various useful features including call recording, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), and easy access to call statistics. 
– Security – We secure all our data and VoIP voice services in secured data centers, which are monitored 24/7. To put you at ease, we also offer a service level agreement for our PBX. 
– Support – With CloudTalk, you’re never barred from accessing the support you need. Our agents are available 24/7 to answer your queries. We have an average response time of less than a minute.

Business phone system costs vary depending on your chosen provider. CloudTalk has worked hard to deliver a solution that is both cost-effective and highly advanced. Our cloud PBX pricing ranges from €25 to €50 monthly. We also provide a free trial that allows you to test our solution yourself.