IP Telephony Systems

An IP PBX is a business (or in some cases residential) telephone system designed to deliver voice or video communications over a regular data network and interoperate with the telephony network (PSTN).  Traditional PBX systems deliver the voice (and video) over standard phone-line connections.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) gateways can be combined with traditional PBX systems to enable business to manage, and in the long term reduce outbound call costs either as a migration path to a full IP based system or long term solution to "bolt on" additional services that would otherwise not be available for the existing system.

PBX Function

Standard IP PBX Features

Please note that whilst most IP systems support all features, not all IP systems will

Why Move to IP?

1. Easier Installation & Configuration
   • Most IP PBXs run as software on a PC platform, whilst in contrast legacy systems require professionally trained engineers to install dedicated hardware
2. Easier Management
   • Most IP PBXs have a user friendly Web Interface which can be accessed via a standard Web Browser from any PC
3. Cost savings using IP Providers
   • Utilising various IP Providers call costs can be reduced by passing different destinations via different providers
4. Reduction in infrastructure costs
   • IP Handsets use standard Network Cabling, and as most IP Handsets have a PC port (along with a network port) a single network point can service both an IP Handset and a PC
5. Non Proprietary System
   • Legacy Systems would often require that their own Handsets / Devices / Extras be used, effectively "locking" you into a single-vendor solution.  IP systems are non-proprietary so if you had an Asterisk PBX you could use any IP Phone.
6. Scalable
   • With Legacy systems, adding extra line cards, or extension cards can be costly and time consuming.  Adding extensions or lines on an IP system is a few clicks away.
7. Allow hot-desking & roaming
   • Allow users the freedom to roam the office by taking their extension with them, a simple feature code to "sign on" is all that is required on an IP system.  Legacy systems generally require a re-patch to do the same.