How To Choose The Best Ip Pbx Software For Small Business

Often it is said, when you own a small business you are running a marathon.  The needs of small businesses are constantly evolving, and you need to keep pace with them. Using the right communication platform is important for small businesses to reach out to the stakeholders and customers, at the right time and in the right way. However, as a small business, you may find it tough to replace the copper wired PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and pick up suitable business communication software. An IP PBX is one of the most widely used phone systems but how do you ascertain that it is good for a small business too. 

Like all other businesses, small businesses also need to adapt to the changes brought in by digitization. A study by IDC and Cisco found that the Covid-19 pandemic  led over 70% of the small businesses to accelerate their digitalization. The IDC study revealed that those small businesses successfully transforming themselves generate more sales, while the small business digital natives reap 8 times higher growth. It is clear that a small business in today’s time needs to adopt a hybrid communication tool, which facilitates remote, on-premise and scalability. Due to its versatile use that combines a traditional PBX (Private Branch Exchange) and IP  (Internet Protocol),  IP PBX offers one of the best PBX phone software for 

Small business. 

As per Gartner’s Software Advice, the adoption rate for cloud PBX and on-premise IP PBX systems is 29%, which shows that small businesses are making the switch to VoIP. As per the research firm, small businesses are replacing their existing phone system instead of evaluating VoIP systems for the first time. If you are still wondering how IP PBX can be beneficial for you, have a look below.

Benefits of IP PBX software for small business

• Cost-effective

This is perhaps the most significant reason why a small business owner should move to IP PBX software for business communication. In today’s hyper-connected world, you may have geographically dispersed customers and teams. Your PBX software will help to lower international phone bills while making remote and hybrid team work collaboration effortless.

• Access advanced communication channels

Another reason to switch to IP PBX for small business is opening of a host of communication mediums. It is more than a business phone system, you can use features such as video calls in real time, view voice log, voice mail, call forwarding, use your computer to make calls (Softphone eliminates the need for a separate device),. 

• Direct communication with customers 

Never miss a customer call with a direct IP link for communication, which lets you reach directly to your customers without delay. 

• Increase productivity

Business phone lets you increase employee efficiency with in-built automation tools like IVR, Phone book, click to call, auto provisioning, real time call analytics. It also provides an overall picture of your business communication that allows you to evaluate and make strategic decisions. 

• Reduces IT costs and scalability

With most VoIP service providers offering cloud deployment of PBX services, it takes away the additional costs for IT service personnel. The maintenance and lower set-up costs offer cost advantages and the option to scale as your small business grows. 

Once you understand the advantages and make up your mind, finding the best PBX phone software could be next on your list. Here’s a list of must-have IP PBX solutions to give you the best value for your investment. 

Checklist for choosing the best IP PBX software for small business

• Accurate Cost Accounting for Usage and Ownership

It is true that IP PBX offers many useful features as a VoIP-based business phone system. However, you should account accurately for the cost of set-up and recurring costs. 

Some IP PBX service providers also offer it as a SaaS product, giving you some certainty as per your chosen pricing plan. 

• Strength of your internet connection

Cloud-based IP PBX and hosted solution, both require consistent and secure fast internet connection to work well. If you experience intermittent outages then it could lead to call drop in and drop out. So make sure you have a reliable internet connection that can bear the load of a business phone system.  

• Customization 

It is best to get a customized software that helps to automate certain tasks as per your business needs. A hosted PBX software system may require changes from your end, while a cloud-based IP PBX software customization may be borne by a service provider.

1. Technical support

The other aspect is being mindful of a qualified technical team. The service provider of your choice should be able to support you throughout the tenure of use, rather than a one-time set up guidance.  It is likely that you may face some issues during the usage of the business phone system. User interface and 

• Scalability

Whatever you choose, the important consideration should be an adaptable solution which can be scaled as your small business grows. 

As a small business, you should be confident of the value that your VoIP service provider brings. Getting a PBX software means you are ready to scale your business. 

We can help you make the right decision with our years of experience working with small businesses in 34 countries. To know more about IP PBX software, both on-premise and cloud reach out to HoduSoft. As a CategoryLeader and FrontRunner by Gartner in the call recording category. We believe in partnering our customers in their growth journey.  Call us at +1 707-708-4638 or write to sales@hodusoft.com for a one-on-one discussion.