In today’s world, effective communication is essential for any business to thrive and foster growth. There is lots of advanced technology to make your business communication more effective, one of which is Hosted PBX software. 

So, what exactly is Hosted PBX?

PBX software is a modern communication solution that handles business phone systems and enhances interaction. 

In this blog, we will discuss what Hosted PBX is, how it works, the best feature of Hosted PBX, and Top 5 Hosted PBX Providers for Businesses. 

Why choose it for your business? Things to consider before selecting the best Hosted PBX provider and top 5 best softwares. 

So let’s get into it. 

🔑 Key Highlight
  • A hosted PBX is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system that operates on the cloud and offers cost-effective and reliable service. 
  • Calls in a Hosted PBX system travel over the Internet instead of through a phone line. 
  • Hosted PBX reduces the need for costly on-premise hardware that requires regular service, resulting in significant cost savings.
  • Hosted PBX software includes advanced features such as call forwarding, auto-attendants, and call routing, which offers better customer service.
  • With Hosted PBX software, your business can experience enhanced flexibility and scalability. 

What is Hosted PBX?

What is Hosted PBX?

A hosted PBX is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system that operates on the cloud and offers cost-effective, reliable, and secure phone service to businesses. It is also known as a Virtual PBX or a Cloud PBX. 

Hosted PBX is an extremely flexible IP-based communication solution that routes calls over the Internet. It facilitates multi-location business communication, and VoIP number providers use hosted PBX systems to manage everything remotely. 

The PBX provider manages the worldwide network of data centers. Businesses of all sizes mostly utilize this PBX solution due to its affordability and user-friendly phone system. It offers access to capabilities like IVR menus, call forwarding and unified communications.

How does Hosted PBX work?

A hosted PBX shifts your phone and business communications system to a trusted VoIP provider. In place of separate phone extensions, every phone is replaced with a VoIP desk phone. 

There is no need for on-site PBX hardware because the system is fully hosted and maintained in the cloud by a service provider. 

Calls in a Hosted PBX system travel over the Internet instead of through a phone line. They use VoIP desk phones, softphones, or even mobile apps to place and receive calls. These link to the business’s data network and send voice data to the servers of the hosted PBX provider. 

Calls can then be routed through a cloud-based PBX to be forwarded to other VoIP providers or the PSTN, enabling connection with landlines and other phone numbers. A hosted PBX can be used for call routing, voicemail, conferencing, and recording. 

An internet portal can manage all of the features listed above. It’s an ideal solution for businesses of any size, offering flexibility, remote work capability, and scalability without complexity.

Best Features of Hosted PBX

Some of the best features of Hosted PBX software are listed below. 

Call Recording: Never miss important details from a business call. Every call is automatically recorded and kept for future use on a secure cloud.

Call Transfer: Provide your callers with the best possible solutions. The call transfers tool allows you to quickly move an ongoing call to another department or agent.

Virtual Receptionist: There’s no need for a full-time receptionist anymore. With the virtual receptionist function, you can create a consistent automated voice for your brand and never miss a lead.

Call Forwarding: Acquire a useful tool to handle business calls easily. Forwarding calls to a personal mobile business extension increases client loyalty.

Call Routing: Use intelligent call routing to multiply revenues quickly. You can alter routing patterns based on several factors to ensure every call gets to the appropriate place.

Unified Communication: For smooth cooperation, integrate many modes of communication (phone, video, instant messaging, and email) into one platform.

Call Conferencing: Find a quick, flexible, safe, and high-quality way to put any number of team members on the same phone call at any time, anywhere.

CRM Integration: Link your phone system to your customer relationship management (CRM) software to enhance customer service, automatically log calls, and access customer information during calls.

Advanced Call Center Analytics: Learn about call volumes, durations, peak call times, and other information to find opportunities for training, manage personnel numbers, and boost the overall effectiveness of call handling.

Why Choose Hosted PBX for Your Business?

Implementing Hosted PBX has several advantages for your business. It is cost-effective since it eliminates on-site hardware and provides a reasonably consistent monthly price that is determined by your usage. Here are some of the reasons why you choose Hosted PBX for your business. 

I. Lower operation cost

Hosted PBX reduces the need for costly on-premise hardware that requires regular service, resulting in significant cost savings. In addition, the business pays only for those services in use, which makes the monthly expenses much easier to predict. 

With its low operating costs and cost-effective solution, hosted PBX is ideal for small and medium-sized organizations that need to maintain cutting-edge communication solutions while maintaining limited budgets.

II. Better customer service 

Hosted PBX software includes advanced features such as call forwarding, auto-attendants, and call routing, which offers better customer service. Features like phone queuing and voicemail-to-email allow your company to answer clients’ inquiries in a timely and professional method. 

By improving client happiness, relationships are improved, which in turn enhances brand reputation and customer retention.

III. Easy to set and use

With Hosted PBX, installing a business phone system is simple and quick. No costly installations or specialized technical assistance are needed. 

The organization can simply add users, change settings, and set up features through the system’s user-friendly online interface, which makes day-to-day operations easier.

IV. Integration capabilities

Integration of hosted PBX with additional business productivity tools is simple and can be started with CRM, email, and collaboration platforms. 

This will benefit workflow automation, which makes it possible to integrate communication data across many platforms for increased efficiency. VoIP phone systems facilitate communication, guaranteeing efficient and integrated business operations. 

V. Enhanced Flexibility, Mobility and Scalability 

Leveraging hosted PBX software can enhance your business’s flexibility and scalability. You can increase or decrease your business’s size and plan depending on your needs. This is extremely beneficial for your business if it is seasonal. Also, you can add new agents and extensions without many issues and costs. 

This software allows working remotely, which makes it flexible for the dynamic workplace. With an internet connection, you can easily access your phone system from anywhere. 

VI. Increased productivity

Hosted PBX software offers advanced call features such as call recording, Video conferencing, Voicemail-to-Email, and auto attendants. These advanced communication tools help work better and manage communication and collaboration. 

Businesses can focus on their core work, while simple tasks can be done by automation. Its user-friendly platform minimizes downtime and streamlines communication, which boosts the productivity of your agents. 

Things to consider before selecting the Best Hosted PBX Service Provider

VoIP-based hosted PBX systems have become common in small, medium, and large enterprises. Before deciding on a specific hosted PBX provider, there are a few things that you should consider. Let’s check them in detail to ensure that you choose the software that is best for your business. 

1. Functions and features according to your business’s unique needs and requirements

Select the PBX service provider that meets your business requirements and offers advanced tools for your business communication. Look for the provider that offers the best quality of service in an affordable price range. Also, consider integration capabilities that support your business phone system. Make sure that the software you have chosen meets your unique business requirements. 

2. Check for 24/7 Customer Support

Another important thing to consider is customer support. Check whether the software provider offers 24/7 client support or not. Customers can get guidance and assistance anytime. Thus, if they get quality of service, it increases customer lifecycle with the business. 

3. Consider your Budget 

Before selecting any service provider, check if it is in your budget or not. Many Hosted PBX software offer a great quality of service at in affordable price, whereas some offer limited service and also may charge you high. Look for a provider that offers every advanced feature within your budget. 

4. Bandwidth and Latency

Great performance and network efficiency are other aspects that can attract clients and enhance customer satisfaction. Thus, check the Hosted PBX software Bandwith and Latency. Ensure that your Internet connection can support VoIP traffic.  This minimizes the rate of drop calls and ensures crystal-clear audio and video quality. 

5. Security and Privacy

Look for the security and privacy of the Hosted PBX service provider. Make sure that it prioritizes firewalls, antivirus, and data protection. This enhances your security and maintains the privacy of your business communication and company details. 

6. Look for a Free Trial Period

Before selecting any software, try it in the first place. Look for the free trial before. This makes sure that the service provider is reliable and offers efficiency in business communication. With this, you can try all the features and test their customer service and overall performance. 

The trial period ensures that all the company marketing is true and reliable. 

7. Integration Capabilities into CRM Software

Make sure that the Hosted PBX software is fully linked with CRM software and other customer engagement platforms. 

This software leverages task automation, which boosts business productivity and customer engagement. CRM software comes with advanced real-time analytics and can offer proactive client service. 

8. Reliability and Scalability 

Your hosted PBX software should be reliable and scalable. This helps you to stick with the same provider even if your business grows in the future. This feature enhances customization, and you can change your plan anytime, according to your business size. 

Top 5 Hosted PBX Providers

Top 5 Hosted PBX Providers

1. Nextiva

Nextiva is a popular hosted PBX provider that allows you to manage customer communications, including calls, messaging, and emails, from one place in a unified dashboard. It offers file sharing, meeting recording, and team collaboration. 

Also, its integration capabilities with CRM and customer engagement softwares make it an ideal choice for your business. 

Nextiva Key Features

  • Call recording
  • Integrations with CRM softwares such as Salesforce, HubSpot, etc. 
  • Multi-level auto-attendant
  • Voicemail to SMS 
  • Unlimited voice calling
  • Notes on calls and contact

Pros 

Cons 

  • It is expensive compared to other service provider
  • No voicemail transcription
  • Limited integration options

Price 

  • Essential: $18.95 per month
  • Professional: $22.95 per month 
  • Enterprise: $32.95 per month

2. CallHippo 

The extensive functionalities of CallHippo enable you to manage your business from anywhere in the world. CallHippo also gives you the option to select from a wide variety of numbers, manage business calls with ease, and continue to be reachable for customers after work hours. 

You can also add an unlimited number of users to your virtual phone number, access analytics, and set up automatic call distribution.

Key features

  • Call forwarding
  • Call recording
  • Voicemail 
  • Text messaging
  • Call analytics
  • Call barging
  • On-hold music

Pros

  • Offers local numbers of 50+ countries
  • Setting up is easy and requires less technical knowledge

Cons

  • No free SMS

Price

  • Basic:$0 per month
  • Bronze: $16 per month
  • Silver: $24 per month
  • Platinum: $40 per month

3. Dialpad

Dialpad is one of the popular cloud PBX providers, offering advanced features and voice intelligence features in all its plans.  It offers numerous solutions, including video conferencing, a contact center, sales dialers, and business phone systems. 

This hosted PBX solution also has in-built artificial intelligence with features like speech recognition and natural language processing to help businesses better understand the callers.

Key features

  • Text, audio, and Video calling
  • Speech analytics
  • Caller ID
  • Mobile app and desktop app
  • IVR system
  • Toll-free number
  • Advance call forwarding
  • On-hold music
  • Unlimited extension

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Advance AI
  • Free video meeting
  • Unified dashboard

Cons

  • The extension is available in the enterprise plan only
  • Toll-free numbers require an additional fee
  • Voice-to-text needs improvement

Price

  • Standard: $15 per month
  • Pro: $25 per month
  • Enterprise: contact sales

4. RingCentral

RingCentral is one of the best-hosted PBX software providers in the market. It is a user-friendly global cloud communications and collaboration solution that is compatible with mobile devices and Microsoft Office sites.

It can also be handled remotely and is easy to set up, install, and operate. RingCentral’s strong security and redundant data center provide user safety and high availability.

Key features

  • Business phone numbers
  • Toll-free numbers
  • Unlimited calling within the US and Canada
  • Business SMS
  • IVR
  • Open API platforms

Pros

  • Suitable for large and medium-sized business
  • Advanced features
  • Easy-to-use interface

Cons

  • The basic plan comes with a limitation of 20 users and 100 toll-free minutes.
  • No 24/7 customer support in the basic plan

Price

  • Core: $20 per month
  • Advanced: $25 per month
  • Ultra: $35 per month

5. Vonage 

One of the best-hosted PBX service providers is Vonage. Vonage’s cloud PBX solutions enhance customer experiences and enable team collaboration from anywhere, at any time, on any device. Vonage Vonage-hosted PBX system currently offers three business communication products: 

  • Communication APIs
  • Unified Communication
  • Contact Centers. 

Each function serves a unique purpose and has a special set of features. 

Key features

  • AI Virtual Assistant
  • High-definition call quality
  • Unlimited calling and texting
  • Customized reports and analytics
  • Free video conferencing

Pros

  • Unlimited calling and texts
  • Cell phone integration

Cons

  • Limited video conferencing feature
  • Additional fee for advanced features

Price

  • Mobile: $ 14.99 per month
  • Premium: $24.99 per month
  • Advanced: $34.99 per month

Conclusion

There are many Hosted PBX software service providers in the market at present. Hosted PBX offers a modern, flexible, and cost-effective solution for your business’s communication needs. 

Switching to cloud-based PBX from traditional phones will benefit businesses, including lower costs, easier maintenance, and more scalability. Choosing the best hosted PBX software can also positively impact your organization and grow your sales. 

Business that want to improve their communication, Hosted PBX software is the right choice for you. 

FAQs

How much does a Hosted PBX software cost?

The cost of a Hosted PBX can vary depending on the service provider and service plan. Usually, it starts at $15-$40 per month, but the price can be different depending on the service plan. 

Is Hosted PBX secure?

Yes, most of the Hosted PBX software is secure and reliable. They are entitled to data encryption, firewalls, and antivirus software to safeguard your data and privacy. 

Does Hosted PBX support remote work?

Yes, Hosted PBX software supports remote work. It enables users to access business phone numbers from anywhere with an internet connection and accessible device. 

What types of businesses benefit most from Hosted PBX?

Hosted PBX is beneficial for every kind of business, including startups, small businesses, midsize businesses, and large businesses. 

Can i keep my existing phone number when switching PBX software?

Yes, most Hosted PBX software offers a Number Porting feature that lets you keep your existing phone number when switching PBX software. 

 

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta is the founder and visionary CEO of Dialaxy. He is on a mission to redefine the landscape of SaaS solutions, infusing creativity and ingenuity into every aspect of Dialaxy’s offerings. His fervent dedication to simplifying sales and support processes drives Dialaxy’s forward momentum, delivering unparalleled value to businesses of all sizes. Embark on a transformative journey with Prasanta and Dialaxy as they pave the way for a new era of sales and support excellence.

Prasanta is the founder and visionary CEO of Dialaxy. He is on a mission to redefine the landscape of SaaS solutions, infusing creativity and ingenuity into every aspect of Dialaxy’s offerings. His fervent dedication to simplifying sales and support processes drives Dialaxy’s forward momentum, delivering unparalleled value to businesses of all sizes. Embark on a transformative journey with Prasanta and Dialaxy as they pave the way for a new era of sales and support excellence.