Open Source Phone System For Small Business

If you own a workplace with some employees or are in the service business, you must have come across the terms phone system, PBX or open source PBX. And if you have not, then you are truly missing out on something very essential.

With new and emerging technology, how businesses communicate with their clients, customer, suppliers and other stakeholders are rapidly changing. Businesses are always on the hunt for better, a more efficient and faster medium of communication to save time and money.

One such evolution in the communication industry leads to the introduction of PBX phone systems. Let us begin by knowing the basics of a PBX phone system.

A Little Bit of Business Phone System?

In simpler words, this is a telephone network using in firms in order to keep people connect to each other. This includes employers, employees, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. To keep them all interconnect, different communication channels such as Voice over IP, PSTN or emails are using in the businesses.

This also lets you have more phones than physical phones. Some other noteworthy features include transfer calls, voicemail, call recording, interactive voice menus (IVR), automated voice calls and call queues.

If you still have not installed a PBX phone systems, you are missing some great advantages. These will help your firm run even smoother. To prove ourselves right, we will give you ten reasons to get PBX phone systems install at your office!

What Is An Open Source Phone System?

Initially, people and companies used the traditional PBX phone system, and their features and functionalities were very limited. Now there are more evolving and better versions of the traditional phone system.

One such common and emerging phone system is the open source phone system. An open source phone system is a PBX where the main operating system and PBX software is given to the people for free to use. There are mainly two types of open source phone system. They are:

• Pure open source PBX: This is a PBX system where the PBX software and the underlying operating system is given to the public for free under the GNU General Public License.
• Open source based: This one has an open source at the core, but there are complications of proprietary codes along with it.

Now that you are familiar with the concept of open source phone systems, let us get back to the looming question; should you opt for it or not for your organization? Is it a suitable means of communication for your organization? These questions will be answered if we dig deeper into the advantages of an open source phone system.

Advantages Of An Open Source Phone System

Low Cost

No matter how big an organization is, who would not want a whole communication system that is free? Open source PBX is not technically free but the costs associated are very meager. The software will not cost much, and there are downloadable options. It also provides certain support services free of cost.

Flexibility

Open source PBX phone systems offer a great source of flexibility for intercommunication. It is using with many VoIP endpoints such as IP phones, ATAs, and gateways. This will give you the ultimate mode of communication for your firm.

Works with SIP

The open source PBX system works in collaboration with SIP. The entire system base on a SIP protocol and a SIP standard. As a result, you are not limited to only one phone model or manufacturer. You have the freedom to mix and match the hardware you want to choose.

Support Services

Over the years, PBX phone systems have garnered a lot of attention. Now there exists an entire community on open source PBX phone systems. From its inception, communication geeks from all over the world submit their additions of functions to make the system even better. If you have any query, they will be readily available to help.

Customizable

The open source PBX software is IP-based. Thus, you can combine it with other internet services such as your email, CRM Solutions, click to dial or any other database. Just connect, customize and start using the best communication service for your office!

Easy management

Using an open source phone system, you can attain easy management in two ways. Firstly, your license. As it is free, you will not face problems with license management. You can also download the software as many times as you want. You will also benefit from integrate management. With the use of technology such as WBEM and CRM, you can integrate server, application, and workstation.

Scalability

Open source phone systems provide you with the opportunity of scalability. You can customize features, usage, and applications as your organization grow. Choose something that fits your needs. When you need things on a bigger scale, opt for that and vice versa.

Longevity

Since its initiation, open source phone systems have only developed and got better with time. Since it is an open source and information is free, technology geeks from all over the world have been generous in contributing their ideas for its development and betterment. Therefore, you can rest assured that it will get even better within the following years to come.

Fast Speed

By using an open source phone system, you can boast about its high speed and performance. Your business communication will be faster than ever, and this will add value. The customers are happy, and you can start to deliver quality right away.

Flexible Call Routing

Open source PBX phone system gives you the freedom of call routing. This means that you will never miss a call. In case your phone keeps ringing, and you were unable to receive it, it will move on to the next person or go to voicemail after a certain number of rings.

Centralized Control

Using an open source PBX phone system, you will have a better controllability of your firm’s communication channels. You can place only one number of the company in your company brochures and advertisements rather than providing different numbers for different departments. One an automated receiver answers, the caller will direct towards their required department.

Above All

This is the list of the general benefits of using an open source phone system. If you install one, with time and usage, you will come across many more advantages. However, before taking any decision, you must evaluate both sides, especially if it is a major one for your business. Further discussion below are the cons of using an open source phone system.

Disadvantages Of An Open Source Phone System

Related Knowledge

Yes, open source phone system is a good choice, but you should also have some basic knowledge regarding it. We suggest that before your purchase, you do thorough research on how the entire system works. You must have the basic knowledge regarding script programming, legacy telephony, and Linux operating system. Really consider in this situation, if you are running into a phone problem, and you don’t know what the root cause is. How long do could you get the support people to fix it for you. Because nowadays, the internet and phone are like air and water… If the time consumption is acceptable, then an open source phone system is defiantly a good choice for the business. Otherwise, you are losing money during the downtime.

Test Drive

Before buying a car, it is always better to have a “test drive.” Similarly, before purchasing a car, it is advisable to do the same. First, test it with a small group of people inside the organization and see how it works.

In this way, you can identify if you have made a suitable decision that caters to the communication needs of your firm. You can also learn about the ease of use, problems, and limitations associat with the open source phone system.

Catering To Your Needs

Sure thing that open source phone systems are continually developing and getting better with time. However, the question lingers; is this betterment actually catering to your needs? As many users all over the world provide suggestions, a general solution is sought. Not all times that general solution will solve your personal problem with open source phone system.

Hidden Costs

Even though open source phone systems are technically free, there are some costs incurred that cannot be avoided. These costs include purchasing of hardware, setup, and external support. At times, you may also need to provide for some maintenance costs.

Conclusion:

To sum it all up, whether or not you should get open source phone systems installed in your office depends upon your needs. We have presenting you with all aspects, but it is for you to decide whether to get it. Your business goals, plans, and scope for scalability are factors to consider too. Always remember, an open source phone system is good, but it really requires knowledge to play with it. I hope this has been informed for you and good luck in your phone system selection.