Virtual PBX Featured Article
For Best Virtual PBX Results, SMBs Must Plan Ahead
Virtual PBX and VoIP services have become a staple for many businesses. These technologies allow even small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) to gain access to sophisticated telephony tools and other business features that would otherwise seem out of reach, such as international connectivity and unified communications. These hosted, IP-based services come with greater flexibility and lower costs, so that SMBs can get all those bells and whistles on even the tightest budget.
But sometimes even the best technologies have their hiccups. As Marlin Marketing recently pointed out, there are a number of practical considerations to take into account when transitioning to a virtual PBX or VoIP service. These include factors like security, bandwidth requirements, sound quality and other IT side effects. While these kinds of issues can lead to major complications down the line if ignored—even damaging relationships with customers and clients—managers can stop these small problems from becoming giant headaches if they remain mindful of them.
The solutions to some problems may be easier than others. Some businesses that switch to VoIP may initially have issues with latency, jitter or packet loss. All of these result from transmission delays and limitations on bandwidth. The simplest way to fix such issues is to increase the company’s available bandwidth, by purchasing a higher service or by finding new ways to balance the bandwidth needs of other internal systems.
Like any other service that relies solely on its Internet connection, VoIP services face certain security risks such as call interception, denial of service (DoS) attacks and voice phishing. Hackers have discovered ways to tap into Internet-based communications as they have become more common in the workplace, but other technologies are rising to the occasion. Businesses can—and should—invest in powerful firewalls, data encryption services, and implement added security measures like disabling unused protocols. These steps can go a long way in preventing attacks.
With their multitude of benefits, it’s no wonder that so many SMBs are making the switch to virtual PBX and VoIP services, but before taking the leap, every business should consider the risks and lay out a plan to see optimal results.
Edited by Maurice Nagle
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