PC/ Internet PBX

Short for Private Branch EXchange, PBX is a private telephone network used within an enterprise. Users of the PBX share a certain number of outside lines for making telephone calls external to the PBX. Most medium-sized and larger companies use a PBX because it's much less expensive than connecting an external telephone line to every telephone in the organization. In addition, it's easier to call someone within a PBX because the number you need to dial is typically just 3 or 4 digits. The problem with these traditional PBX systems is the price and the lack of functionality. Average PBX systems can cost anywhere up to $80,000, and need full replacement when a full upgrade is desired.

An even more feature rich system at a much smaller price is the PC/PBX, which is based on standard PC technology. PC/PBXs can completely substitute for any traditional PBX system, and also give many more features to the user. Upgrading is simple and there are many products that can be upgraded on the fly to reduce downtime and improve serviceability. To upgrade a PC/PBX involves simply replacing the software package.

The term PC/PBX has been coined throughout the industry to describe an all inclusive telephone system based solely on PC technology. Server products have been designed as low-cost, high feature replacements for the higher priced traditional PBX systems. The communication server is a stand-alone high reliability machine that in most instances takes all of the individual capabilities of telephony and rolls them into one seamless product.

ACD (automatic call distribution), Auto-attendant, Voice mail, Unified messaging, FAX, Call routing, Networking, etc. are all built into most products on the market. And, since it is based on the open, modular architecture of the PC it is also highly scaleable. Need to double in size and or capacity? Simply add another server to the network. Moves, additions, and changes are also seamlessly integrated into simple to use management interfaces.