There are lots of options now available for businesses with regard to phone systems. Your local Boston managed service providers can help you find IT solutions for business that are right for you. It is important to assess your needs, options, and budget when it comes to choosing between hosted virtual phone systems and on-premise virtual phone systems. The more you can learn about the pros and cons of each, the easier it will be to make an informed choice and get the option that is best suited for you and your requirements.
What is an On-Premise Virtual Phone System?
This term may sound long and complicated, but it merely refers to a phone system that utilizes a physical device that is either owned or leased by your business. Sometimes referred to as a PBX, these systems can either be digitally-based or VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. If you use VoIP on-premise virtual phone systems, you will get a dial tone to make connections through your traditional telecommunications providers, such as a cable company or other type of internet service provider (ISP).
The dial tone is what connects you to the phone system. A server, which can be located on-site or at a data center, is what is used to facilitate the connections for your on-premise-virtual phone systems. The responsibility for upgrades to hardware and software, as well as ongoing maintenance and expansion of the system, as it is needed, is your responsibility. In many cases, businesses will partner with a professional service provider for ongoing server support or will manage these services via their own in-house IT (information technology) department.
What is a Hosted Virtual Phone System?
Sometimes simply referred to as a virtual phone system, hosted virtual phone systems are cloud-based. What that means is that the only on-site hardware related to this system will include the phones that your business uses to make calls and a simple network PoE switch. Compared to other options, hosted systems are often part of a much larger phone system that is facilitated through a data center. The services are securely segmented into smaller systems that are delivered to the subscribers. Connection to the virtual phone system is made over the Internet as part of IT solutions for business through Greater Boston managed service providers.
In this type of situation, the dial tone itself is provided by the hosting company, which is then directed over the Internet as well. To many hosted virtual phone systems are a new concept, but the truth is that the technology has been around for many years. There are lots of advantages to choosing a hosted phone system, such as lower costs and less labor, maintenance, and responsibility on your part. Your trusted service provider can install it for you to get you started, assisting you with choosing the best options for hosted virtual phone systems. Once that is done, you will only need to pay the ongoing monthly expense, just as you would for a traditional phone dial tone and connection, but at a much more affordable cost.
Which System is Best?
Companies that have a significant IT department and on-site server may do well with on-premise virtual phone systems, but for everyone else, hosted virtual phone systems are best. With the on-premises system, you will need to purchase, install, maintain, and provide everything related to the service. Issues with voice quality, call management, voicemail, and dialing features are your responsibility. For large companies who have all of these tools and employees at their disposal, this can be a good option. However, small businesses and companies without an extensive IT department should rely on hosted IT solutions for business through reliable Boston managed service providers.
If you would like to learn more about on-premise and hosted virtual phone systems or would like to speak with one of our consultants about your options, give us a call at 617-517-0704. Synivate specializes in matching clients with the best solutions based on their unique needs and requirements. We will work with you to ensure that the phone system you choose for your business will provide you with the best advantage. In addition, we offer a wide variety of management tools and services that you can use as you grow and build your business. Small and mid-size businesses can become even more competitive with the management and monitoring services available through Synivate. Call today for a FREE estimate or to speak with one of our consultants.