DCS Telecom Tips on Choosing The Right Telephone Systems For Y | Page 14

PBX vs. VoIP
 Cost
 VoIP can be entirely hosted in the cloud, requiring none of the expensive,
physical hardware of PBX. VoIP also doesn't require the ongoing maintenance
costs of PBX and the monthly costs of a leased-line. However, VoIP does require
a pre-installed LAN network and computer infrastructure.
 Reliability
 PBX is often more reliable than VoIP as it doesn't require a permanent, fast
Internet connection. In the event of a power outage, PBX can continue
operation, whereas a VoIP system will entirely lose connectivity. A VoIP system
will, however, forward calls to a message centre and store voicemails until the
system comes back up. Most companies using VoIP will also have at least one
backup PBX line so they can continue some business in the event of an outage.
Traditional PBX lines are also useful in the event of an emergency as they more
readily support emergency numbers like ‘911’.
 Quality
 PBX systems can offer a higher and more consistent voice quality, as opposed to
VoIP call quality which can suffer from low internet speed. To have a truly
functional, quality VoIP system you would usually need to be in a city with a
relatively fast, advanced Internet service. Companies in small, rural areas might
find VoIP struggles to maintain quality audio over a slow connection.