They’ve released versions allowing companies to use the Cloud-based VoIP or a dedicated PBX server, Linux, and even Windows to host 3CX software. However, each version comes with its bugs and problems. Therefore, knowing that you’re well prepared to tackle them in certain situations or avoid the issue overall by having the right OS is essential.

Everything’s in the Cloud These Days

3CX offers secure Cloud-based solutions for businesses of all sizes.

In recent years, your software solutions, customer support, and even your VoIP are not strangers to “the Cloud.” Of course, there’s no such thing as one dedicated cloud for everything,  but 3CX knows that many users want to have this option to use valuable tools and save hardware and software space in their place of business.

There are good and bad things about having cloud hosting in any shape or form, though – and most of it comes with data security. You don’t have control of a cloud-based server’s data – they do. However, if you’re not worried about it (since most of these servers are super secure), you can go for it and have your VoIP provider set you up.

Dedicated PBX Servers

Some businesses run their 3CX software on a dedicated VoIP server to achieve maximum performance.

These servers may have Windows Server or even Linux as their base kernel, but they’re more or less running the dedicated 3CX software as a micro-operating system of its own in many cases. These are a trendy choice among numerous companies because the VoIP servers and software are hosted on a dedicated machine that shares and are usually throttled up to get the best of the network’s bandwidth. Separate devices can often be put onto their network if you’re worried about sharing bandwidth, so your local internal networks don’t suffer in terms of speed.

Windows

3CX software in itself has world-class security features to keep you safe. But if you’re running it on Windows, you may encounter a hiccup now and then.

The 3CX software for Windows is made differently than that in a PBX system. You get a program that uses your system’s hardware and then, ultimately, through a router. The most significant benefit is that it can be run on a Windows system, one of the most popular operating systems in the world. Even more remarkable is that 3CX software can be run on a virtual server, which means additional security.

This call center uses 3CX software to route all their calls in a slick and easy-to-use interface.

However, the biggest downside is that Windows has a ton of security issues itself. Sometimes, Windows Updates installed frequently can restart your system and naturally can cause problems with entire computers. You get a free version for small businesses or slightly more substantial companies. You can get the Small business version of the Pro version, a paid edition that can be upgradeable and have many features. You can handle multiple calls at once, utilize Microsoft Exchange for your company, and even have automatic handset customization. You also get a web portal that allows individual users to set their Yealink phone settings for themselves.

Linux Versions

One thing Linux has going for it when it comes to 3CX software is it’s free.

One of the most significant benefits is the higher security that many people are comfortable with hosting 3CX on a Linux server. For starters, upgrading your system to a server with Linux is extremely easy (all you have to do is install “<Linux BUILD NAME>-server,” and your system upgrades to the server edition for free) compared to Windows. While Windows has server capabilities, to get the most professional services, you have to pay for them. Who doesn’t love free stuff? We certainly know that we like free software and open operating systems!

The Verdict

It all depends on your entire company’s needs regarding what kind of system you want to use your 3CX software on. If you look into it, every single version has its benefits, and your external managed service technician will be able to install it and set it up for you. With 3CX being one of the nation’s leaders of VoIP, it’s no wonder they would release it for availability on literally any machine!

VoIP phone systems have been around for more than 15 years. Like most technologies, it had a few wrinkles to smooth out in the early years. Consumers took full advantage of VoIP systems through companies like Vonage, but only businesses that preferred cutting-edge technology switched to VoIP systems early on. VoIP technologies have become so good that they are the de facto standard for phone system deployments.

In the early days, Many VoIP phone systems were not HIPAA compliant. That’s not the case nowadays.

But why is that? What makes a VoIP system so good that businesses would rip their old phone system out and implement an entirely new thing? Let’s find out.

VoIP Phone Systems Streamlined Costs

Due to how VoIP works, it is much cheaper to operate than a traditional phone system. The hardware required to make a VoIP system work is affordable. It tends to be a single router that handles voice calls. That router is then plugged into the existing network within a business.

Who doesn’t like to save money? With a VoIP phone system, you’ll be able to save buckets of cash to reinvest in your business!

VoIP phone systems don’t require new cabling to be run or re-configuring an existing PBX system. Likewise, they don’t need a lot of documentation.

Because of this, both the implementation and operating costs of a VoIP phone system are far cheaper than other phone solutions. Typically, most businesses can save as much as 70% on their phone solutions using a VoIP option. The exact savings depend on each business’s current implementation or network solution.

Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP systems tend to retain fixed costs. Because call information is routed through the internet, many VoIP providers can offer static prices for long-distance and global calls. In a day where many businesses operate worldwide, this could be a godsend for financial departments.

This isn’t to say that there may not be hidden costs associated with using a VoIP solution. Phone call clarity wholly depends on how robust the network is. While this may sound frightening, this is a very manageable problem. Businesses only need to ensure that good quality of service rules are in place and that there is a significant enough pipeline (IE., Internet connection) going out of the company. Most businesses should already have a beefy enough internet connection to handle VoIP calls, and quality of service rules are accessible for any network administrator to implement.

Better Call Clarity

With HD-quality phones, you’ll think you’re in the same room as the person you’re talking to.

It was mentioned that call clarity for a VoIP system depends much on the quality of a network. That’s not to say that VoIP solutions can’t offer fantastic call quality. A VoIP system can provide call clarity at parity with a traditional phone system, even with poor connections. In an optimized environment, the call clarity of a VoIP system can’t be beaten. Phone calls can sound so good that it seems like the person is speaking right next to you in person.

Quicker and Cheaper VoIP Phone Systems Implementation

With 3CX software, HD call quality, and the ability to talk to customers anywhere in the world, your VoIP phone system is limitless.

VoIP systems are straightforward to configure and move. Moving an employee from one office to another could be a significant headache with traditional phone systems. VoIP systems are far more manageable, though. Employees only need to move their phones like their computers, and the rest of their desk stuff. Employees don’t have to worry about downtime or losing their business phone number.

That’s because of the way VoIP works. VoIP systems are completely network-based systems. Once a phone is configured to work on the VoIP system, it’ll work anywhere within the network. It’s genuinely a plug-and-play setup.

You might think there might be a catch here, but there isn’t. VoIP phones are straightforward to configure. Most systems include a management dashboard where phones can be added or removed on the fly. These typically require very little information, such as the phone’s MAC address. Once the phone is configured within the management dashboard, it will do the rest of the work.

You can find the MAC address on the underside of your Yealink handset.

If an employee leaves and that phone needs to be transferred to a new employee, that’s not an issue. Updating a phone’s information is as easy as editing the data in that management dashboard. Within minutes the phone number assigned to that phone could be updated for the new employee’s name, and their voicemail box could be reset.

As technology advances, many solutions exist to establish the best communication system other than Landline Phone Services. Still, many businesses are in the dilemma of switching between a landline and a VoIP phone system.

Striking a balance between low-price services and the most compatible for your team is very tricky. Infinity DataTel’s Business Phone System does more than make and receive calls. Our system integrates diverse workforce points like messaging, conferencing, and much more. When choosing the right phone system or Business VoIP Service Provider for your business, there will be many factors to consider.

Smart business owners are choosing phone systems that unify their entire communication system. Sure, they want to make and receive calls, but they also want features like CRM integration and video chat.

Choosing a VoIP provider and system that fits your needs is no simple task. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right phone system for your business:

Phone Connection

The foremost step in choosing the best phone system starts with deciding to go with a traditional landline or a VoIP connection. The landline systems generally work with a telephone company’s copper wiring, and the VoIP system depends on the internet. An increasing number of organizations are switching to a VoIP Phone System because it has more features, is modern, and is cheaper to maintain and install. You can be connected anywhere in the world.

Virtual Systems

This VoIP phone system has 3CX WebMeeting installed that lets you video-conference anywhere you have an internet connection.

Businesses generally consider virtual systems without an office or ones that have many remote employees. The virtual system contains call forwarding solutions that can transfer the calls from the main business number to an employee’s mobile or home place. It includes many valuable tools and automated attendants like call screening, online faxing, and voicemail. The 3CX mobile app, which is included, is brilliant. It downloads to your smartphone, and you can make and receive calls anywhere you have an internet connection. I once received a call on the subway in Taipei, and the reception was clear and crisp.

Costs and Features

Monthly costs are based on your business’s number of users and extensions, not per minute. Gone are the days of the surprise $1000+ phone bill. With Infinity DataTel, your rate is fixed unless your number of extensions changes.

Regarding features, our phone systems provide a wide array of calling options for your small to large business. We offer dozens of features, including auto-attendants, voice mail, voice-to-email, instant messaging, video conferencing, HD calling, the 3CX phone app, and many more.

Scalability

This call center uses 3CX software to route all their calls in an easy-to-use interface. Adding or subtracting extensions with a 3CX VoIP phone system is easy.

Whether your business is growing or downsizing, our 3CX phone systems are entirely scalable. We can add and subtract phones and extensions without any interruptions. Having this type of flexibility at your disposal is just one fantastic benefit we offer.

This makes VoIP phone systems far more straightforward to implement and manage for the end user.

To upgrade your phone system or learn how a 3CX-powered VoIP phone system can benefit your business, send us a message or call 480-493-5999.