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PBX (Private Branch Exchanges) are used by companies to route telephone calls within their own premises. Depending on the type of PBX used people in your organization can have their own extensions, place calls and even send SMS messages and faxes.
Setting up your own PBX has traditionally been time consuming and costly. These days however, there are a number of companies offering phone systems in the cloud.
In this guide, youāll discover some of the top cloud-based companies offering this service today. All of these providers will save you the trouble and expense of installing your own hardware, although some are compatible with existing PBX systems too. As their systems are based online, many of these providers also support video and VoIP calling as well as regular telephone calls.
[ul]
[li]Weāve also highlighted the best business computers[/li][/ul]
[ul]
[li]Want your company or services to be added to this buyerās guide? Please email your request to desire.athow@futurenet.com with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line. [/li][/ul]
8x8 Phone Connects Teams Globally | 8x8ā]
[IMG alt=ā8x8 - Comprehensive cross platform cloud-calling for those who can afford itā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oSN...5u5YwqjiMV.jpg
Image Credit: 8x8
8x8[/URL] Inc. is a provider of cloud communications and customer engagement solutions. Services available include cloud ābased voice, contact centre, video, mobile and unified communications for small, medium and enterprise businesses.
The platform offers a unified communications system which is easy to use. It has many features including calling, collaboration, mobile apps and tools. 8x8 is a cloud-hosted VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system. No complicated PBX hardware is needed.
Phones can be purchased directly from 8x8. If you choose to do this, the will come preconfigured and ready to use upon arrival. However, if you purchased from an outside vendor, an 8x8 representative will help you during initial setup.
The entire 8x8 system is setup and managed via online portal. From where users have access to billing, call logs and support. Administrators can also create and setup extensions and call groups.
8x8 offers three price plans. In order to subscribe, users will need to contact the sales team directly. All plans include unlimited calling, mobile apps, auto attendant, online call management and business SMS.
Users have complained that the cost is high compared to other providers.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for 8x8 here[/li][/ul]
RingCentral - Trusted AI Cloud Communications Solutionā]
[IMG alt=āRingCentral - Unlimited telephone and video calls, RingCentral ticks all the boxesā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kJi...jCX3jcAYqY.jpg
Image Credit: ingCentral
RingCentral[/URL] is a provider of cloud-based communications and collaboration solutions. It was founded in 1999.
The solution includes all PBX administration functions, Android and iOS apps and unlimited calling.
Upon registration, users will be assigned an āimplementation specialistā to help determine the number of phones you need. They also help to either transfer over or create new numbers for you. Any phones you purchase directly from RingCentral are preconfigured and ready to use upon receipt.
RingCentral offer several pricing tiers for small businesses. These range from $19.99 for the āEssentialsā package to $49.99 for the āUltimateā package. All plans include unlimited phone calls, unlimited business SMS and mobile apps. They also offer unlimited video and audio meetings with screen sharing on both the desktop and mobile apps. However, the number of screen-sharing users is limited by the package you choose.
For enterprise business, subscribers can request a demo and a quote by filling out a form on the website.
Online commentators have noticed that it takes some time to get used to the interface.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for RingCentral here[/li][/ul]
https://www.vonage.com/business/what-we-do/unified-communications/business-phone-system-features/?icmp=BMM_D_products_unifiedcommunic_businessphone syā]
[IMG alt=āVonage Business - Keep your switchboard in the cloud without breaking the bankā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8VX...UtcwMfCtDf.jpg
Image Credit: Vonage
[/URL]
Vonage is an internet telephony service which provides business and residential telecommunication services. They were founded in 2001.
Vonage Business provides users with video conferencing and online collaboration. The solution offers businesses access to a web-based console. Users can view extension numbers, the number porting tool and setup guide.
Subscribers have access to a variety of plug-ins as well as services. Some plug-ins are free such as integration with Clio, ConnectWise, Google G Suite and Microsoft Dynamics.
Vonage claim to have an easy to use service with no need to install complicated PBX hardware as everything is cloud-based.
The āMobileā package starts at $19.99 which includes unlimited calling and messages, mobile app, desktop app and Vonage Flow Team messaging.
The āPremiumā plan starts at $29.99 per month per user and comes with extras such as CRM integrations, multi-level auto attendant, conference calling, online meetings and video conferencing.
The top tier plan available, weighs in at $39.99 per month with all the first two tiers have to offer plus on-demand call recording and Vonage Visual Voicemail.
Vonage offer a 14-day free trial for all packages.
Some users have claimed that calls can disconnect at times.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for Vonage Business here[/li][/ul]
Sign Up for Grasshopper - Pricing Starting at $14 Per Monthā]
[IMG alt=āGrasshopperā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PY9...FQ4gWTjd2Z.jpg
Image Credit: Grasshopper
Grasshopper[/URL] is a company that sells call forwarding and answering services to small businesses.
The solution is attractive for small businesses as it needs no hardware and is easy to setup. It is a virtual phone system. All calls are answered by an automated phone assistant, which then forwards them to the relevant person or department.
Users can create a unique vanity 800 number upon registration. Grasshopper integrates with Skype, LiveChat, Google Voice, Zapier and Bitium.
Grasshopper has an app for both Android and iOS. Users will be able to receive calls through their business line from the app.
The āSoloā plan is $26 per month and includes 1 number and 3 extensions. The āPartnerā package is $44 monthly and includes 3 numbers and 6 extensions. The āSmall Businessā plan is $80 per month. This includes 5 numbers with unlimited extensions. The āSmall Businessā plan is $89 per month. This includes 5 numbers with unlimited extensions.
All plans offer business texting, inbound fax, call forwarding, custom greetings, Wi-Fi calls, desktop, mobile apps and unlimited minutes.
Some users have requested an outgoing fax feature.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for Grasshopper here[/li][/ul]
https://www.megapath.com/promos/uc-trial/ā]
[IMG alt=āMegaPath - Combine your communications with MegaPathās platformā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Cxq...qfosViKRDA.jpg
Image Credit: MegaPath
[/URL]
MegaPath is a business telecommunications provider. It was founded in 1996. The solution offers businesses internet connectivity, unified communications, security services and managed networking.
Through their āUnified Communicationsā product, MegaPath offers users combined phone, video calling, chat and online collaboration. Users can host voice and video conferences, share their desktops or start group IMās. This can all be done using your business number from any device. For more information and customized quote, subscribers need to contact the sales team directly.
Users can manage all features, such as conference calls and call routing, via the online portal. Support can also be accessed here.
Voicemails are transcribed and accessed through email and faxes in PDF format.
Hosted Cloud PBX package starts at $19.99 (Ā£15.56) per month. This includes an automated attendant, audio conferencing, instant messaging, desktop, tablet and mobile apps.
MegaPath offer a 15-day free trial for both PBX and Unified Communications.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for MegaPath here[/li][/ul]
Other cloud phone systems and PBX options to consider
Weāve only scratched the surface in terms of cloud-hosted phone and PBX providers with considering for your business. Hereās weāll look at some additional options which are well worth a look:
aircall is one of the more innovative cloud-based phone providers for business. Not only is it entirely cloud-based, making it an excellent choice for those with mobile devices, it also comes with a ton of standard features. Even better, it comes not just with analytics, but with a huge number of integrations, such as SalesForce, Zendesk, Zoho, Freshdesk, and Shopify.
Jive is another company that offers a hosted cloud VoIP system which combines both voice and video, making it ideal for use on mobile devices such as cell phones. It also comes with a lot of standard features, including analytics, and of course video conferencing. Although it starts from $29.95 per user for up to 4 users, the cost-per-user decreases the more users you sign up.
Dialpad is another big cloud-hosted PBX worth looking at. Dialpad runs using Googleās Cloud, and as above includes both voice and video conferencing as standard. It also offers AI to work through your logs to offer actionable insights to help improve business efficiency, customer retention, and profitability. Itās also cheap at $20 per user, though costs more to unlock more features.
Microsoft Phone System is part of the Microsoft Teams stable, which not only offers cloud-hosting calling, conferencing, and chat, but also promises full integration with the Office 365 office software suite. However, if you donāt want to move to the cloud you can use your existing PBX hardware.
MiCloud Connect is the hosted PBX solution by one of the worldās biggest specialist VoIP providers. Although it looks geared more to enterprise, itās also accessible to smaller business, with a range of scales available according to need. It also comes with CRM options and a host of other features to improve business operations.
Continue readingā¦[/IMG]
Setting up your own PBX has traditionally been time consuming and costly. These days however, there are a number of companies offering phone systems in the cloud.
In this guide, youāll discover some of the top cloud-based companies offering this service today. All of these providers will save you the trouble and expense of installing your own hardware, although some are compatible with existing PBX systems too. As their systems are based online, many of these providers also support video and VoIP calling as well as regular telephone calls.
[ul]
[li]Weāve also highlighted the best business computers[/li][/ul]
[ul]
[li]Want your company or services to be added to this buyerās guide? Please email your request to desire.athow@futurenet.com with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line. [/li][/ul]
8x8 Phone Connects Teams Globally | 8x8ā]
[IMG alt=ā8x8 - Comprehensive cross platform cloud-calling for those who can afford itā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oSN...5u5YwqjiMV.jpg
Image Credit: 8x8
8x8[/URL] Inc. is a provider of cloud communications and customer engagement solutions. Services available include cloud ābased voice, contact centre, video, mobile and unified communications for small, medium and enterprise businesses.
The platform offers a unified communications system which is easy to use. It has many features including calling, collaboration, mobile apps and tools. 8x8 is a cloud-hosted VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system. No complicated PBX hardware is needed.
Phones can be purchased directly from 8x8. If you choose to do this, the will come preconfigured and ready to use upon arrival. However, if you purchased from an outside vendor, an 8x8 representative will help you during initial setup.
The entire 8x8 system is setup and managed via online portal. From where users have access to billing, call logs and support. Administrators can also create and setup extensions and call groups.
8x8 offers three price plans. In order to subscribe, users will need to contact the sales team directly. All plans include unlimited calling, mobile apps, auto attendant, online call management and business SMS.
Users have complained that the cost is high compared to other providers.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for 8x8 here[/li][/ul]
RingCentral - Trusted AI Cloud Communications Solutionā]
[IMG alt=āRingCentral - Unlimited telephone and video calls, RingCentral ticks all the boxesā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kJi...jCX3jcAYqY.jpg
Image Credit: ingCentral
RingCentral[/URL] is a provider of cloud-based communications and collaboration solutions. It was founded in 1999.
The solution includes all PBX administration functions, Android and iOS apps and unlimited calling.
Upon registration, users will be assigned an āimplementation specialistā to help determine the number of phones you need. They also help to either transfer over or create new numbers for you. Any phones you purchase directly from RingCentral are preconfigured and ready to use upon receipt.
RingCentral offer several pricing tiers for small businesses. These range from $19.99 for the āEssentialsā package to $49.99 for the āUltimateā package. All plans include unlimited phone calls, unlimited business SMS and mobile apps. They also offer unlimited video and audio meetings with screen sharing on both the desktop and mobile apps. However, the number of screen-sharing users is limited by the package you choose.
For enterprise business, subscribers can request a demo and a quote by filling out a form on the website.
Online commentators have noticed that it takes some time to get used to the interface.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for RingCentral here[/li][/ul]
https://www.vonage.com/business/what-we-do/unified-communications/business-phone-system-features/?icmp=BMM_D_products_unifiedcommunic_businessphone syā]
[IMG alt=āVonage Business - Keep your switchboard in the cloud without breaking the bankā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8VX...UtcwMfCtDf.jpg
Image Credit: Vonage
[/URL]
Vonage is an internet telephony service which provides business and residential telecommunication services. They were founded in 2001.
Vonage Business provides users with video conferencing and online collaboration. The solution offers businesses access to a web-based console. Users can view extension numbers, the number porting tool and setup guide.
Subscribers have access to a variety of plug-ins as well as services. Some plug-ins are free such as integration with Clio, ConnectWise, Google G Suite and Microsoft Dynamics.
Vonage claim to have an easy to use service with no need to install complicated PBX hardware as everything is cloud-based.
The āMobileā package starts at $19.99 which includes unlimited calling and messages, mobile app, desktop app and Vonage Flow Team messaging.
The āPremiumā plan starts at $29.99 per month per user and comes with extras such as CRM integrations, multi-level auto attendant, conference calling, online meetings and video conferencing.
The top tier plan available, weighs in at $39.99 per month with all the first two tiers have to offer plus on-demand call recording and Vonage Visual Voicemail.
Vonage offer a 14-day free trial for all packages.
Some users have claimed that calls can disconnect at times.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for Vonage Business here[/li][/ul]
Sign Up for Grasshopper - Pricing Starting at $14 Per Monthā]
[IMG alt=āGrasshopperā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PY9...FQ4gWTjd2Z.jpg
Image Credit: Grasshopper
Grasshopper[/URL] is a company that sells call forwarding and answering services to small businesses.
The solution is attractive for small businesses as it needs no hardware and is easy to setup. It is a virtual phone system. All calls are answered by an automated phone assistant, which then forwards them to the relevant person or department.
Users can create a unique vanity 800 number upon registration. Grasshopper integrates with Skype, LiveChat, Google Voice, Zapier and Bitium.
Grasshopper has an app for both Android and iOS. Users will be able to receive calls through their business line from the app.
The āSoloā plan is $26 per month and includes 1 number and 3 extensions. The āPartnerā package is $44 monthly and includes 3 numbers and 6 extensions. The āSmall Businessā plan is $80 per month. This includes 5 numbers with unlimited extensions. The āSmall Businessā plan is $89 per month. This includes 5 numbers with unlimited extensions.
All plans offer business texting, inbound fax, call forwarding, custom greetings, Wi-Fi calls, desktop, mobile apps and unlimited minutes.
Some users have requested an outgoing fax feature.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for Grasshopper here[/li][/ul]
https://www.megapath.com/promos/uc-trial/ā]
[IMG alt=āMegaPath - Combine your communications with MegaPathās platformā]http://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Cxq...qfosViKRDA.jpg
Image Credit: MegaPath
[/URL]
MegaPath is a business telecommunications provider. It was founded in 1996. The solution offers businesses internet connectivity, unified communications, security services and managed networking.
Through their āUnified Communicationsā product, MegaPath offers users combined phone, video calling, chat and online collaboration. Users can host voice and video conferences, share their desktops or start group IMās. This can all be done using your business number from any device. For more information and customized quote, subscribers need to contact the sales team directly.
Users can manage all features, such as conference calls and call routing, via the online portal. Support can also be accessed here.
Voicemails are transcribed and accessed through email and faxes in PDF format.
Hosted Cloud PBX package starts at $19.99 (Ā£15.56) per month. This includes an automated attendant, audio conferencing, instant messaging, desktop, tablet and mobile apps.
MegaPath offer a 15-day free trial for both PBX and Unified Communications.
[ul]
[li]You can sign up for MegaPath here[/li][/ul]
Other cloud phone systems and PBX options to consider
Weāve only scratched the surface in terms of cloud-hosted phone and PBX providers with considering for your business. Hereās weāll look at some additional options which are well worth a look:
aircall is one of the more innovative cloud-based phone providers for business. Not only is it entirely cloud-based, making it an excellent choice for those with mobile devices, it also comes with a ton of standard features. Even better, it comes not just with analytics, but with a huge number of integrations, such as SalesForce, Zendesk, Zoho, Freshdesk, and Shopify.
Jive is another company that offers a hosted cloud VoIP system which combines both voice and video, making it ideal for use on mobile devices such as cell phones. It also comes with a lot of standard features, including analytics, and of course video conferencing. Although it starts from $29.95 per user for up to 4 users, the cost-per-user decreases the more users you sign up.
Dialpad is another big cloud-hosted PBX worth looking at. Dialpad runs using Googleās Cloud, and as above includes both voice and video conferencing as standard. It also offers AI to work through your logs to offer actionable insights to help improve business efficiency, customer retention, and profitability. Itās also cheap at $20 per user, though costs more to unlock more features.
Microsoft Phone System is part of the Microsoft Teams stable, which not only offers cloud-hosting calling, conferencing, and chat, but also promises full integration with the Office 365 office software suite. However, if you donāt want to move to the cloud you can use your existing PBX hardware.
MiCloud Connect is the hosted PBX solution by one of the worldās biggest specialist VoIP providers. Although it looks geared more to enterprise, itās also accessible to smaller business, with a range of scales available according to need. It also comes with CRM options and a host of other features to improve business operations.
Continue readingā¦[/IMG]