Why the Small Business Should Consider the Virtual PBX

Launching an online business takes time to identify the product or services offered, the target market and marketing initiatives. Once these elements have been put in place, you need to decide how you will communicate with customers. If the business itself is online, why not leverage the same technology to support voice?

A recent report highlighted the benefits of implementing the virtual PBX instead of a cumbersome, analog-based system. Making use of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) technology helps turn voice signals into digital data, transmitting it over the Internet connection for a seamless and cost-effective way to communicate. 

VoIP, by way of the virtual PBX, can deliver a number of benefits to your business, including the elimination of long distance changes. Unlimited calling within the U.S. is generally a standard option. For those international connections, rates are lower than the standard PBX, especially to major hubs like Tokyo, London and Hong Kong. Hardware costs are minimal and you can have the system deployed and ready to complete calls in just a day. 

The typical VoIP provider will extend virtual numbers to the customer base. These numbers can be purchased with an additional monthly fee. A virtual number can have any area code you select so you can provide a “local” fee in multiple markets. In other words, if you have an office in New York and want to do business with a customer in L.A., promote an L.A.-based number to this segment of your market. Plus, customers won’t have to incur long distance charges to call you.

The virtual PBX is offered on a cloud-based platform, delivering all the functionality of the PBX without needing to purchase any of the equipment. The only thing you really need is a computer and a phone. The deployment is inexpensive, the solution is scalable, all upkeep and upgrades are the responsibility of the provider, and extensive technology and policies go into making sure the solution is secure and reliable. 

The real proof is in the pudding – or at least the candy. This virtual-pbx piece highlighted the virtual PBX success of Apparel Candy, a Web-based wholesale clothing, accessories and perfume company for women. To streamline communications with customers, the company selected the virtual PBX from Nextiva. The aim was to drive efficiency and profitability through a new communications platform, while also improving customer service. 

One of the key benefits experienced by Apparel Candy is the ability to connect with employees on-the-go. These individuals have access to pushed-out information, telling them who is calling and who is leaving voicemails. This ensures they can get back to the customer right away. Because the store uses its phones for support and taking orders, a top of the line connection was critical. 

Delivering on this expectation is essential for the virtual PBX provider wanting to stake its claim in the growing market. According to Insight Research, the demand for additional business lines is expected to grow 25 percent from now until 2015, with a dollar value of $1.2 billion in growth. The opportunity for providers is extensive, but functionality, support and cost will dictate who rules the market. 

This is great news for the small business owner as companies compete for your business, the features and price will only continue to improve.



Edited by Jamie Epstein