What is Virtual PBX VOIP?

Virtual PBX VOIP typically refers to a hosted PBXyour company then get centralized so that the client
software solution that uses the Internet as the meansonly needs to remember one number.
to deliver voice communications. VOIP in fact standsIn this example, the phone can be answered by a
for Voice Over Internet Protocol. Of course, this is justdedicated "live attendant" or an automated greeting.
a fancy way of saying that you can make a phoneThe client then has the option to be forwarded to the
call using the Internet connection that is already comingright party's extension. In this way, customers get the
into your home or your office.sense that they are calling a "real" office, even though
Today, Internet connections are as stable, reliable andthe operator may be in New York, one employee in
cheap as the plain old telephone systems that weTampa and another in the Philippines. All the calls are
grew up with. In fact, in my home office, I don't evenrouted appropriately.
have a traditional phone line that used to run overHow much does a virtual PBX VOIP costs? A fraction
copper wiring. You all remember those days? Myof the cost of a dedicated hardware solution. In fact,
"landline" phone is running over the same cable line asthe solution that I use costs only $49.99 per month for
my Internet connection.10 extensions. My team is literally spread out all over
That said, then, I am using VOIP. A virtual PBX VOIPthe world, from Northern to Southern CA to the
solution gives you all of the benefits of the oldPhilippines, Malaysia and beyond.
hardware based systems at a fraction of the cost ofWhat is an extension? An extension is any number
installation, maintenance and support. In fact, the beautythat can be dialed. The number can be a cell phone, a
of these types of solutions is that the maintenancelandline or even just a voice mail box. The number can
and support becomes someone else's problem, notalso be local or international. Think about the possibilities.
yours. This frees you up to be in the business ofYou can have one extension that goes to "tech
running your business, not putting in the hardware.support", one that goes to "sales" and another that
One of the biggest benefits of a virtual PBX VOIP isgoes to "administration." Now, each one of these can
that it can make a small company look really BIG. Howbe a real department or... not.
does it do that? Let's take an example. You areThe possibilities of a virtual PBX VOIP are endless,
generally assigned either an 800 or local number,including things such as music on hold, customized
sometimes both. This is the number that you give outgreetings, hunting and call forwarding. A customer
to your clients, instead of the multitude of office #, cellliterally doesn't have to know that they're not calling a
phone #, voice mail boxes, etc. Depending on thephysical location.
number of employees you have all of the calls into