If you own or run a business, chances are you’re familiar with a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) phone system. This local phone network allows your workers/employees to access phone calls while sharing some phone lines or external company numbers. In other words, customers who call your business phone number can be quickly redirected to the appropriate agents or branches within your business.

Obviously, having an efficient PBX phone system is crucial to the operation of any business, large or small. Therefore, choosing and implementing any PBX should be taken seriously because your decision can often determine how successful your business will be in the future.

In recent years, many business owners and managers are opting for a virtual PBX system. These are VOIP (voice over IP) phone systems that operate on the web. They are often referred to as “cloud” services because these programs are hosted by remote providers, far removed from one’s home base.

Why do companies opt for this virtual solution? Perhaps the main reason has to do with the main benefits that the use of a virtual telephone exchange brings to any company. These are discussed in some detail below, and if you’re considering a virtual PBX system, they’re probably worth knowing about.

1. Full Integration

Let’s be honest; we’ve become a world totally obsessed with mobile computers, one that is fully connected every second of every day. Fully integrating your business into this mobile connected world is the only way to go. Using a virtual PBX system will fully integrate your business operations into this wireless environment and synchronize all your operations with your computer network.

2. Quick setup or installation

Installation or configuration is almost instant as there are no landlines or hardware to install. The common use of mobile phones, mobile tablets/laptops makes setting up a virtual PBX system quite easy. While many virtual phone providers offer special VOIP phones that your business can use, depending on the size of your operation, your current smartphones and computers may suffice.

3. Cheaper costs with a monthly payment

Virtual phone systems generally cost less than traditional ones, especially when you consider the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance of a landline phone system. There is a low monthly payment and long distance calls will be cheaper with a VOIP system.

4. Fully scalable

A virtual phone system is completely scalable: you can add lines or numbers in seconds. This factor is important if your business is growing rapidly and you want to keep costs to a minimum.

5. Rent Independence

With a web-based phone service, you and your workers have complete access no matter where you are. This location independence means your business is no longer limited to one location. Plus, it means customers can reach your business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

6. Flexible

These virtual phone systems are very flexible when it comes to handling calls. There are plenty of options including voicemail, direct routing, or even a virtual secretary if you’re operating on a small budget.

7. Comfort

Again, having a web-based system will offer much more convenience as you and your workers are no longer restricted to one location. Calls can be accessed from anywhere at any time, so this offers great convenience to your workers.

8. Improve customer interaction

Virtual systems can offer more enhanced customer interaction, especially if set up right, where a customer is quickly directed to the right service or employee who can resolve their problem or issue in minutes.

9.Internet fax

Most of these virtual phone providers also offer internet or online fax as an added feature that can be a great benefit for businesses. Online faxing is portable, convenient, flexible, and much less expensive than traditional faxing methods.

10. Competitiveness

Competitiveness is an important benefit to be considered by any company that opts for a virtual or cloud solution for its telephone network operations. Any owner will need to consider whether having a phone system that is mobile, scalable, flexible, convenient, cost-effective, and fully web-integrated will simply make their business more competitive.

There you have it, top ten reasons or benefits why any business should consider going for a virtual PBX phone service. However, regardless of how attractive some of these benefits may seem, like all business decisions, it is your call.