Unified Communications: Virtual Phone System vs On-Premises PBX

As a company goes through the decision making process for how best to conduct business, they must determine the best way to communicate - both internally and externally. What features are most important to them and what delivery system best suits their needs. Should they invest in a hardware-heavy on-premises solution or would a virtual phone system, i.e. cloud-based solution, with unified communications features give them more freedom and flexibility. 

There are two major branches of UC currently in place and they are startlingly similar in many respects and extraordinarily different in others. Both offer most of the same tools: VoIP cloud phone service, audio and video conferencing, and instant messaging on the basic (cost‐effective and utilitarian) level, with integrated inboxes, telepresence, and Follow-Me/Find-Me for improving productivity and enhancing revenue.

 

The first branch of Unified Communications is on‐premises UC. On‐premises UC is exactly what it sounds like ‐‐ a system of hardware and software elements that exists within the physical space of your office. On‐premises UC involves physical installation, ongoing maintenance, and repair of devices and programs that must be integrated into your existing network.

 

The second branch of UC is cloud‐based UC. Cloud‐based UC exists 'out there' in the form of Web‐based Software‐as‐a‐Service (SaaS) applications that take up no physical space within your office. In contrast to on‐ premises UC, cloud‐based UC requires no physical installation and are maintained and repaired by the vendor at the server end. Because the service is web‐based, it can easily be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection.

 

PanTerra Networks’ cloud‐based Unified Communications platform, offers a profoundly different UC experience from traditional on‐premises systems. By delivering our virtual PBX solutions via the cloud over a simple Internet connection, we eliminate the need for on‐premises hardware or costly analog phone lines. Because we upgrade and maintain our system on our side of the cloud, there will never be any concern about obsolescence or equipment breakdowns. Any SIP phone or Internet browser can access your entire UC platform online, eliminating even the basic need to install and update client software. With almost no capital costs and reduced ongoing costs, PanTerra Networks' Unified Communications platform reduces communications costs in all stages of use.