VoIP phone systems have opened many doors for business owners. Not wanting to rely on outdated PSTN lines connected through a PBX system for communication needs, fast-moving businesses have switched to VoIP. The use of software called a softphone combined with VoIP has reaped huge returns from a relatively small investment in PBX phone replacement systems.

Businesses have relied on the PBX system for almost half a century. However, with the advent of VoIP it has brought an advancement in business communication and many benefits for those who use the technology.

Firm believers in PBX systems for business communication will be adamant that their device has better call quality and allows more control over their communication. However, with the right VoIP phone systems, business users have more control than any PBX can offer and sound quality equal to that of PSTN lines.

Affordable replacements for traditional PBX systems

A softphone is software that allows a VoIP user to make calls through an Internet-connected system, such as a computer. The softphone uses an icon with buttons for various necessary functions and appears on a computer screen. The user clicks virtual buttons to make VoIP calls or can use hardware such as an IP phone or headset. An IP phone looks almost identical to regular phones, but uses a USB accessory to a computer to allow callers to communicate over a VoIP connection.

Using VoIP phone systems as a replacement system for PBX phones offers considerable benefits to users.

A softphone allows for free calls between branches, multiple calls, and user discretion over who can contact them, what time, and where. The costs incurred through a VoIP phone system amount to much less than traditional PBXs.

Softphones are also fully programmable so VoIP phone systems can be used at any time. Voicemail and fax are sent to a personalized inbox and converted to digital files. Online tools allow personal customization in real time and are very easy to use and do not require any training.

What VoIP and VoIP softphones can do for businesses

Most companies using PBX replacement systems list their most notable benefits as cost reduction, time-saving features, and increased ease of use and control through a more user-friendly interface.

Call costs are dramatically reduced because PSTN call and line rental costs do not add up with VoIP. PBX phone replacement systems use high-speed broadband Internet to carry voice signals as data, so they don’t require phone lines. Previously, VoIP offered lower sound quality than PSTN lines, but with the advancement of Internet speeds, this is no longer a compromised necessity for VoIP users.

The interface is incredibly easy to use, allowing people with softphones to change their settings and controls to their liking without the need for training, saving valuable time. Many VoIP phone systems have system administration tools that allow IT administrators or an administrator to control user features and functions if necessary.

For those businesses that are still hesitant to use a PBX replacement system, the option of a SIP trunking solution is available. A SIP trunking solution involves a PBX system running on a hosted VoIP platform. The system is basically hosted VoIP connected to a PBX.

PBX replacement systems and softphones are a welcome technology for businesses due to the many features and benefits of using hosted VoIP technology. The use of softphones and VoIP is a necessary requirement for any business competing at world-class levels that needs to stay ahead of their game.