What is a PBX and How does a Virtual PBX work?

What is a PBX ?rnPBX is a switch station for phone systems. It is a private branch exchange where all the phone lines are linked and routed. With the help of PBX, a company or organization can use multiple phones connected to a single external line and each of the phone having a unique number - an extension to dial for free within the company. These multiple phones can also be reached from outside the network as an administrator routes the calls to the desired person. Traditionally, a PBX system at a premises need a person/receptionist to receive each of the calls and route them to the desired person by manually connecting both the parties by dialing the extension. But technology and the advancements in VoIP, made it possible for the arrival of Virtual PBX systems. Virtual PBX:rnA virtual PBX is similar to a PBX in working, but doesn’t even require a single real phone line to set it up and running. A Virtual PBX system runs on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology and on autopilot without the need for a receptionist to handle the extensions and routing the calls. Some of the features of Virtual PBX systems are: 1. Call ForwardingrnMost virtual PBX system providers offer call forwarding to other extensions, land line or mobile. PBXplus is a new provider, which even provides the feature to forward calls to Skype, Gtalk besides forwarding to landline or mobiles anywhere in the world! 2. Call RecordingrnUsing this technology, calls received and dialed can be recorded for internal scrutiny in the organization. If your office or company is connected using normal PBX system, then it is near impossible to record calls for free. 3. Extensions NumbersrnVirtually unlimited extensions can be created using a virtual PBX system. You need to never run for external telephone lines or permissions from your regular telephone line provider to get access to extensions. Most providers give It is estimated that by 2015 most small and medium business would completely move to virtual PBX system for their business telephony needs as the setup cost is almost zero, the service is more reliable and the number of extensions can be added on the fly. With advanced features like call forwarding, call recording, auto attending, voice mail boxes, reverse caller lookup and dialer history, there is no reason why any business would not opt for this system.