| As electronic communications have continued to | | | | require an internal switching network that is |
| advance, older forms of technology have been refined | | | | programmed for routing to extensions, as well as |
| in a lot of new ways. Hosted PBX phone systems are | | | | voice mail boxes for each user. A central processing |
| a very good example. As a phone system that can | | | | unit handles the inbound and outbound traffic for each |
| function from a remote location, the virtual PBX has | | | | authorized node on the PBX phone system. Several |
| made a big difference in the way many companies do | | | | different cards process the various functions, such as |
| business. Here is some background on hosted PBX | | | | logic progression, internal switching and power flow. |
| phone systems, and how they benefit a number of | | | | Internal trunks or lines allow the switching to be |
| small and large businesses. | | | | accomplished, and also provide the link to external |
| The main purpose of all telephony functions is to allow | | | | trunks provided by a common carrier. There is usually |
| for clear and efficient communications. Over the years, | | | | a control console that allows a central person, such as |
| telecommunications devices for businesses expanded | | | | a receptionist, to control the system and handle |
| from individual desk phones to a central switchboards | | | | processing of calls if desired. Backup power supplies |
| within businesses that routed calls manually to the PBX | | | | allow hosted PBX phone systems to operate even |
| phone systems that had the capacity to route calls | | | | when the power fails. |
| coming into the business. While for many years this | | | | Remote hosted PBX phone systems are one of the |
| meant the establishment of a large amount of | | | | newest innovations. Companies with a number of |
| equipment on the company premises, the hosted PBX | | | | employees working from home can allow personnel to |
| phone systems of today require minimal equipment, a | | | | receive and make calls through the PBX. This can help |
| connection to the World Wide Web via a wireless or | | | | callers feel as if they are connecting with the company |
| wired service provider, and some simple programming. | | | | at a central location, even though the recipient of the |
| One particular form of hosted PBX phone systems is | | | | call may be working from home. This form of |
| the Private Branch eXchange. Sometimes referred to | | | | telephony support has made it possible for large |
| as an Electronic private Automatic Branch Exchange, | | | | companies to conduct sales, ordering, and customer |
| this system does not rely on switching equipment that | | | | care functions without the need for building a huge call |
| is provided or operated by a common | | | | center. |
| telecommunications carrier. Instead, the system is | | | | Smaller companies can also benefit from the use of |
| self-contained and is devoted specifically to one | | | | these remote systems, since they will have less |
| subscriber. This form of the hosted PBX can be | | | | resources tied up in equipment, buildings and other |
| maintained on the company site or operated by | | | | factors that often drain resources for larger |
| independent IT firms that supply the dedicated service | | | | corporations. All the while, the functions of the business |
| to the company. | | | | can still continue as if everyone were gathered at a |
| In general, hosted PBX phone systems of all types | | | | central location. |