A PBX FOR SMALL OFFICE USE
A PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a private customer equipment which terminates a phone line (or lines, or data circuit carrying voice traffic) for use on conventional, VoIP, or computer-based software voice and video conferencing.

In the late 1990s, Lucent Technologies produced large carrier-class PBX systems priced at over $500,000 USD. Smaller office units could cost $5000 to $10,000 well equipped, with many features sold on a per-user or per machine license model. It cost a great deal to have extensions and call waiting, hold music, and voice recording response to user input.

Modern PBX systems are based on Linux and Opensource platforms, using conventional PC hardware with specialized adaptor cards to facilitate real-time high quality interface with analog (PTSN) and digital (VoIP) voice sources - usually provided by your phone carrier or broadband channel. The nice thing about VoIP is that you don't have to buy from your regional ISP (Internet Service Provider) at their fixed rates. You can instead get Internet broadband, and then buy from anyone worldwide without long-distance fees in most countries ¹.

VoIP quality is as effective as conventional analog lines. In fact, all phone lines are converted to VoIP at the carrier level, so even with PTSN (analog) phones, you are using VoIP right now.

Our engineers have run 600 seat and 3000 agent call center operations. Call us. We can help you find the perfect choice for your needs. System prices start at $895 USD (phones not included).

1.866.678.0177

PRODUCT TYPES
A PBX system for consumer use, like our products, includes a software layer that can be programmed to use a variety of features. They come in two flavors: Consumer Grade and Technical Expert.

The Consumer device is an appliance, with user interface command and control panels. If you do not like troubleshooting or fear making a mistake, these appliances make management of your services very simple.

The "Technical Expert" class is a very open-ended installed-in-shipment package, which can be modified and expanded, but it is potentially difficult to operate and requires some system administration experience in a Linux Environment to administer. Depending on your technical level, either will serve your needs.

We enjoy training our customers to use the more powerful "Technical Expert" systems, because they are inevitably more willing to use advanced feature sets in their product sooner. however, because not everyone wants to deal with configuration files, security, or the risks, older interface models are equally useful IF you can define exactly what you want prior order.

Phone systems for-purpose-built use still cost up to $50,000 on market. In large scale applications, having the integrated half-million-dollar enterprise standard of quality and reliability may make a difference. Many ISPs and Telecom carriers also offer "virtual" PBX systems in "the cloud" (their network level), and bill per diem for extensions, services, etc. Finding the right choice for a small to medium (600 employee) business, depends completely on your application and use.

¹ Check your local laws, regulations, and listings for potential charges. Experience based on Oklahoma and United States users.