Cloud PBX: A Full Guide To Cloud PBX Solutions
Today, businesses need cost-effective communication with no unnecessary obstacles and challenges. As South Africa continues down its path of digital transformation, cloud PBX solutions have become the method of choice for businesses looking to modernise telecommunications without the high costs of traditional phone systems.
TRUENAV’s cloud PBX solutions provide businesses with a reliable, advanced, and feature-rich communication system that makes life easier as a whole. These solutions support remote teams, integrate easily with existing tools and deliver enterprise-grade performance.
TRUENAV is a leading TechCo in South Africa with the ultimate goal of delivering digital communication to all. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about cloud PBX systems and answer all of the most frequently asked questions surrounding this topic.
Cloud PBX FAQ: Everything You Need To Know
What Is A Cloud PBX?
A cloud PBX is a business telecommunications system that operates via the internet through a service provider, replacing the need for on-premise hardware. Cloud PBX uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for calls, and offers features including call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, and more.
Is A Cloud Phone Cheaper Than A Landline?
Yes. In general, you can expect a cloud PBX system to be cheaper than using traditional landlines for your business. The cost savings come from lower upfront installation fees, less maintenance expenses, and cheaper call rates.
What Does PBX Stand For?
PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange. This refers to a private telephone network for an organisation that handles both internal and external calls, allowing several employees to share a smaller number of external phone lines. PBX systems also include features for call routing, call transfers, and voicemail.
Do People Still Use PBX?
Yes. People still use PBX systems. While PBX systems were the telecommunications system of choice for many businesses, more organisations are considering alternatives such as cloud PBX or VoIP systems.
Can I Use My Existing Number With A Cloud Phone?
Yes. Via a process called number porting, you can move your existing business phone number to a cloud telephony provider without any interruption to customer service.
Are Cloud Phones Any Good?
Yes. There are multiple advantages to cloud phone systems in comparison to landline telephones and on-site PBX systems. These include cost-savings and flexible pricing, mobility, advanced call management, team collaboration features and third-party integrations.
Which PBX Is The Best?
The best PBX systems can be found on TRUENAV’s website, who offer a range of personalised solutions for businesses in need. PBX solutions offered by TRUENAV include 3CX, Mitel, Yeastar and Yeastar Cloud, ScopTel, Alcatel-Lucent and NEC.
Is PBX A Router?
No. PBX is not a router, but works as a specialised type of “voice router” within a private telephone network. Unlike a standard router, which connects devices to a network and the internet, a PBX is a phone system that switches and routes calls between internal extensions.
How Does A Cloud Phone Work?
A cloud PBX phone works differently from traditional phone lines. Cloud phones work by using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to send calls over the internet, converting your voice into digital data packets for transmission and back at the destination. A cloud phone’s system is managed by a third-party provider off-site, which eliminates the need for expensive hardware and physical phone lines.
How Much Does A Cloud Phone System Cost?
The prices for a cloud phone system vary, and can range from anywhere between R65 to R370+ per user per month, depending on factors such as the number of users, the provider, which features are included, and call volume.
What Is The Difference Between Cloud PBX And PABX?
The primary difference between a cloud PBX and a PABX system is that a cloud PBX is a hosted service using the internet to provide phone system functionality from the provider’s cloud, while an on-site PBX is a system with physical hardware located at the company’s office.
Does PBX Need Internet?
Yes, most modern PBX systems require a reliable internet connection. While on-site PBX systems can handle internal calls without the internet, they will likely need a trusted connection to use features such as remote extensions, call routing to the public network, licensing and updates.
What Are Some Examples Of Cloud-Based Services?
There are several examples of cloud-based services. These include Software-as-a-Service platforms such as Google Docs, Office 365 and Microsoft Teams, CRM platforms like Salesforce, email and communication platforms such as Gmail, Outlook and WhatsApp, and streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and Showmax. Other examples include file storage services, gaming platforms, smart assistants, and more.
How Much Does Cloud PBX Cost?
The price of a cloud PBX system will vary, depending on factors such as the number of users, the provider and the features included. Businesses like TRUENAV offer personalised solutions so you only pay for exactly what you need.
Can I Just Plug A VoIP Phone Into My Router?
Yes, there are many consumer routers that allow you to plug in a VoIP phone to use it. There are, however, some that need to be configured first in order to properly work with a VoIP phone.
Can I Set Up My Own Cloud Server?
Yes, it’s possible to build your own cloud server. Building your own storage server allows for greater storage capacity at a lower price point and a personalised plan. A personal cloud storage file server supports more secure data control and privacy compared to public cloud storage options.
What Are The 4 Main Cloud Services?
The four main cloud services are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and Serverless Computing.
Can I Set Up My Own VoIP System?
Yes. In order to set up a VoIP phone system at home, you would need a high-speed and reliable internet connection, a VoIP phone or regular phone with the right VoIP adapter, and a VoIP service subscription. Many setups will also require a configured router or modem.
Can I Use A VoIP Phone Without A Provider?
Yes, but you would need to be well-versed on the technicalities and equipment, as you will need to create your own SIP server to use VoIP without a provider.
What Is The Best Cloud-Based Phone System?
The best cloud-based phone solutions are offered by TRUENAV, a leading telecommunications company in Cape Town. TRUENAV’s cloud PBX solutions include 3CX and TRUEPBX.
Is VoIP Cheaper Than A Landline?
Yes, in general, you can expect VoIP to be cheaper than a landline due to the lower setup and maintenance costs, more affordable calling rates and flexible pricing models. In contrast, landlines generally need expensive physical infrastructure, while VoIP only needs your existing internet connection (provided it is reliable).
Does A PBX System Require Special Phones?
No, not necessarily. While traditional analogue PBX systems often require special phones, modern IP-PBX and cloud-hosted systems are much more flexible. Cloud PBX systems use VoIP technology and run over an existing IP data network. These systems allow for a variety of compatible devices.
Is Cloud PBX The Same As VoIP?
No, cloud PBX and VoIP are not the same, but they are related. VoIP is the foundational technology for voice calls over the internet, and cloud PBX is a business phone system that uses VoIP to provide features like call routing and voicemail-to-email. Consider VoIP the method for making the call, and cloud PBX as the phone system that uses that method.
What Is The Difference Between Cloud PBX And VoIP?
VoIP refers to the underlying technology that allows for voice calls to be sent over the internet, while cloud PBX is a cloud-based service that uses VoIP to provide a complete phone system, including features such as voicemail, auto attendants, video conferencing, call routing, and more.
Is 3CX A Cloud PBX?
Yes. 3CX is among the few PBX solutions that offer full on-premise deployment with options for self-hosting in the cloud (cloud PBX) or installing on-site (on-site PBX).
What Are The Disadvantages Of Cloud Telephony?
Among the primary disadvantages of using cloud phone systems is dependency on the provider. If a provider has operational or financial issues, it can impact the reliability and availability of the cloud phone system. Another disadvantage is the dependence on internet connectivity, which can lead to poor call quality or outages with an unreliable internet connection.
Is PBX Obsolete?
No. While traditional PBX systems are increasingly considered outdated due to the high cost, complexity, security vulnerabilities and maintenance challenges, cloud-based VoIP systems come with additional features, flexibility and cost-savings.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A PBX System?
The primary disadvantages of on-site PBX systems include high initial costs, limited scalability and the need for specialised in-house IT staff for maintenance and troubleshooting. Modern PBX systems have addressed these issues by offering lower upfront costs, seamless scalability and third-party support systems that keep everything operational.
Why Is Everyone Switching To A VoIP Phone?
Many organisations are switching to VoIP phones due to cost savings, more flexibility and advanced features that are not included with traditional phone systems. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows users to make calls over the internet, which means much lower costs for long-distance and international calls.
Why Use Cloud PBX?
There are many reasons to consider using cloud PBX. The advantages include cost savings, scalability and flexibility. Cloud PBX also eliminates the need for expensive on-site hardware, and businesses can add or remove users with ease. Advanced features often include auto attendants, call recording, call routing, and more.
How Much Does A PBX Cost?
A PBX system in South Africa can cost anywhere from around R350 per month for a small hosted system to over R680,000 for an enterprise on-premise purchase, depending on the size, type and features included. Hosted or cloud PBX systems are usually billed per user/extension on a monthly basis and have a lower upfront cost, while on-site systems require a purchase of hardware.
What Is The Difference Between Cloud PBX And Hosted PBX?
Cloud PBX and hosted PBX are the same thing. Both terms refer to a PBX system that is hosted off-site by a service provider and delivered over the internet.
What Are The Three Types Of PBX?
The three main types of PBX systems are traditional PBX systems, cloud-based PBX systems and IP PBX systems. Traditional PBX systems are physical, on-site systems that use traditional phone lines. Cloud-based PBX is a hosted service where a third party hosts the PBX system on their servers. IP PBX uses VoIP to make and receive calls and can be deployed on-site or hosted.
Is PBX Still Relevant Today?
Yes. While many traditional PBX systems are becoming outdated, there are modern cloud-based and on-site PBX systems that come with a range of powerful features, cost savings, and scalability.
Do You Need A PBX For VoIP?
No. You do not need a physical PBX for VoIP, as this technology can be used without one, particularly in the case of modern-day cloud-based solutions.
Is PBX The Same As PABX?
Yes. PBX and PABX are used interchangeably. PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange, and PABX stands for Private Automatic Branch Exchange. As manual PBX systems are no longer in use, the two terms essentially mean the same thing.
Is A PBX System Expensive?
The price of a PBX system depends on the type being purchased. On-site PBX systems often come with high upfront costs, but cloud-based PBX systems tend to be much cheaper, as businesses pay per user per month as a subscription instead of one large upfront fee and ongoing maintenance and support fees.
What Is Another Name For PBX?
PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is also often called PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange). The two terms are used interchangeably today as modern systems use automatic electronic switching, which eliminates the need for a manual operator.
The Best Cloud PBX Solutions
At TRUENAV, we’re committed to advancing your business communications with advanced cloud technology and unrivalled customer support. The services available from TRUENAV were designed to provide businesses with scalable, flexible communication solutions that cater to organisations of all sizes throughout the country.
3CX Cloud PBX
These solutions provide voice calling, instant messaging, video conferencing, voicemail, call recording and status monitoring to improve connectivity and communication within your business. 3CX is perfect for those who need a strong, scalable solution that supports onsite communication.
Advantages include unified communications that integrate voice, video conferencing and instant messaging in a single platform, extensive CRM integration to improve customer relationship management, and advanced call routing with sophisticated call handling capabilities.
TRUEPBX
TRUEPBX allows organisations to transform their communication infrastructure with a premier hosted PBX service. This advanced technology shifts your spending to a cloud-hosted solution, decreasing costs and adding features like voicemail to email, auto attendant, call forwarding, call queuing, and much more.
TRUEPBX grows with your business, as it allows you to add lines or scale down with ease. You can also reduce operational costs as a whole, as this solution eliminates the need for expensive on-premise hardware and maintenance fees, so you can allocate resources where they’re most needed.
Additionally, TRUEPBX offers high reliability and uptime, so your communications always remain uninterrupted.
Cloud PBX Providers: Partnering With TRUENAV
TRUENAV exists to help organisations navigate the world of telecommunications. We pride ourselves on helping businesses stay on course while taking communication and connectivity to new heights. Our primary goal is to give you peace of mind, knowing that you’ve found the right telecoms partner.
First beginning in 2006 under the name uThetha Telecoms, the goal was to inject IT skills and principles into the telecommunications industry. In 2021, after over a decade of steady growth, we had to evaluate ourselves and the market in light of an ever-increasing digital transformation, forcing us to pivot.
With new processes in place and a range of state-of-the-art offerings, we rebranded to TRUENAV, a name that aligns with the value we seek to deliver. Today, TRUENAV stands out as a class-leading TechCo delivering digital communication to all. We offer a full range of modern business-communication and infrastructure solutions that go beyond just cloud PBX.
Our solutions include traditional and internet-based VoIP services, on-site PBX systems, cloud-hosted PBX and hybrid PBX setups. Additionally, we provide reliable business internet packages that include high-speed fibre and 5G/LTE solutions. At TRUENAV, we also have security and facility management tools such as CCTV, access control systems and security monitoring, as well as power continuity solutions to protect operations during outages.
Cloud PBX South Africa: A Digital Transformation
In South Africa, the digital transformation is well underway, and more organisations are embracing cloud-based tools and infrastructure to stay flexible, reduce costs and adapt to ever-changing work models. Traditional on-site PBX systems, with heavy hardware and high installation costs, are less suited to the demands of businesses in the modern age.
TRUENAV plays a major role in driving this transformation forward. We provide locally supported, scalable cloud PBX solutions made distinctly for South African businesses.
With our help, businesses can deploy professional telecoms systems quickly and without the need for complicated or expensive on-site installation.
On top of this, local businesses benefit from lower running costs, simplified maintenance and improved mobility as a whole, a key factor in supporting remote and hybrid work models. As anyone in South Africa will know, the constant threat of load-shedding looms large, so TRUENAV has a range of business continuity and power backup solutions, so your day-to-day processes never need to be interrupted or shut down.
TRUENAV, by managing hosting, updates, security, and call infrastructure, relieves businesses of technical burdens. With that, organisations can focus on growth instead of maintenance. As such, TRUENAV empowers local businesses to embrace digital communications and thrive in an increasingly digital world. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small business or a large-scale enterprise; we have a solution to meet your needs.
Final Thoughts: Cloud PBX and South Africa’s Digital Transformation
We can see how cloud PBX goes beyond being just a telephony solution, serving as a key contributing factor to South Africa’s digital transformation. As business communications move to the cloud, more organisations gain some flexibility, scalability and even resilience.
Whether operating in a remote or hybrid environment or having to deal with the challenge of load-shedding, TRUENAV has a solution that makes life easier by boosting efficiency and productivity. Our offerings provide locally supported, reliable and feature-rich systems that reduce costs, simplify management and improve connectivity as a whole.
Get in touch with TRUENAV today and discover how your business can use the power of cloud communications to stay ahead.