Many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are turning to hosted PBX solutions for their communications needs. The growing popularity of hosted PBX solutions has a lot to do with another trend: the establishment of SME branch offices. Many SMEs have at least one remote business site, and a hosted PBX can provide the tools needed to keep all employees in touch with one another and with customers.

It’s true that branch offices usually have fairly robust data networks, but without a hosted BPX solution, voice services tend to be pretty basic. The cost of maintaining multiple data networks often leaves little left over in the budget for a PBX, unless it happens to be a hosted PBX.

Even the smallest businesses can get going with more advanced services using a hosted PBX. Not only does a hosted PBX offer more, but it typically ends up lowering communications bills as well. That’s because the hosted PBX eliminates the need to dial long distance between offices. Achieving these cost savings is possible with a hosted PBX because there is no hardware or software to buy, install maintain or upgrade.

SME employees working at branch offices or out of their homes definitely benefit from a hosted PBX. The hosted PBX gives these workers access to corporate phone system features like voicemail, auto attendant/IVR, find me/follow me and failover support.

Going with a SIP-based hosted PBX solution like Dialexia’s Dial-Centrex offers another advantage: compatibility with the many SIP devices available in the market today. Such a hosted PBX solution also works with VoIP gateways, IP telephony equipment and integrates easily with TDM and IP networks.

Service providers looking for a way to expand their portfolios can also reap the benefits of a hosted PBX by adding it to their offerings. The hosted PBX is located at the operator’s facility, providing the opportunity to bring in additional revenue from customers. The value proposition of a hosted PBX solution for customers includes Web-based administration of system settings.

With a hosted PBX solution, an SME can better compete in a global marketplace without having to spend an arm and a leg. Moving to the subscription-based hosted PBX model frees up time and money better spent on the SME’s core business functions. The time for the hosted PBX’s time in the sun has come!

Mae Kowalke previously wrote for Cleveland Magazine in Ohio and The Burlington Free Press in Vermont. To see more of her articles, please visit Mae Kowalke’s columnist page.

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