On-Site & Hosted Solutions

At SM Unified Solutions, we pride ourselves on delivering high quality, reliable telecommunications solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we specialise in both onsite and hosted telephony systems, ensuring that businesses can communicate effectively and efficiently. Our dedicated team manages the entire process, from supply and installation to ongoing maintenance, to ensure that your telephony solutions run smoothly. We are proud to be recognised as Grandstream Professionals and NEC Professionals, among other certifications, enabling us to provide a diverse range of reliable telephony solutions.

We believe that both onsite and hosted PBX have an important role in today’s industry, with each offering distinct advantages depending on a company’s needs. For businesses trying to decide between the two, it’s useful to understand the basics of what a PBX is, how it functions, and the differences between onsite and hosted options. Here’s a straightforward explanation to help you make the right choice.

What is a PBX?

A PBX, or Private Branch Exchange, is essentially an internal phone system that companies use to manage their calls. Put simply, a PBX acts as a central hub for all phone communications within a business, handling both internal calls (between employees) and external calls (with clients or partners). With a PBX, employees don’t need separate phone lines to call each other or connect with external contacts; instead, all lines are routed through this system, which enables advanced features such as call routing, voicemail, and conferencing.

Think of a PBX as the traffic controller for all of your company’s calls, making sure each one reaches the right destination quickly and efficiently.

Onsite PBX vs. Hosted PBX: Key Differences

When deciding between an onsite and a hosted PBX, several factors come into play, including control, cost, and maintenance. Here’s how they differ:

Onsite PBX

An onsite PBX is where the company’s PBX hardware is physically located on the company’s premises. Typically installed in a server room or dedicated space, an onsite PBX requires the business to handle setup, maintenance, and repairs directly or through a telecoms maintainer. Companies often choose an onsite PBX if they want a high level of control over their phone systems, or if they have specific requirements that a hosted solution might not easily support.

Advantages of Onsite PBX:
    •    Greater Control: With an onsite PBX, companies have full access to and control over the system’s hardware and settings.
    •    Offline Capability: If the PBX is connected to traditional phone lines, it can continue working even if the internet goes down.
    •    Customisable: Businesses can tailor onsite PBX systems to meet specific needs or integrate with other in-house technology.

Challenges of Onsite PBX:
    •    Higher Upfront Costs: An onsite PBX requires an initial investment in hardware and installation.
    •    Maintenance Responsibility: The business is responsible for regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.
    •    Telecoms Maintainer Needed: Onsite PBX may require dedicated  telecoms maintainer to keep everything running smoothly.

Hosted PBX

A hosted PBX, also called a cloud PBX, is hosted offsite by a third-party provider. In this case, the PBX hardware is located and maintained in the cloud, meaning all phone functions are handled through the internet. This option is ideal for companies that want to avoid managing hardware directly and prefer a low-maintenance solution.

Advantages of Hosted PBX:
    •    Lower Upfront Costs: With no need to purchase or install physical hardware, the initial costs are lower.
    •    Maintenance-Free: The provider handles all maintenance, updates, and repairs, ensuring consistent reliability without added workload for the business.
    •    Easily Scalable: Hosted PBX systems can be easily scaled up or down based on the business’s needs, allowing for flexible growth without needing new equipment.

Challenges of Hosted PBX:
    •    Internet Dependency: Since all calls and features are internet-based, an outage in connectivity means the phone system is also down.
    •    Less Custom Control: Companies have fewer options to customise features and settings, as the setup depends on the provider.
    •    Ongoing Subscription Costs: Hosted PBX systems typically operate on a subscription model, so there are regular fees.

Which PBX is Right for You?

Both onsite and hosted PBX solutions are valuable, and each has its place in the industry. The choice ultimately depends on your company’s specific needs, budget, and resources.
    •    If your company values control and has someone ready to manage and maintain a phone system, an onsite PBX might be the right choice.
    •    If you’re looking for a flexible, low-maintenance solution that can grow with your business, a hosted PBX may be a better fit.

By understanding the differences and considering your company’s goals, you’ll be able to choose the PBX solution that best supports your business needs now and in the future.