What Is PBX Software?

Compact discs

A PBX, or Private Branch Exchange, connects telephone lines via a switch system. The PBX's original purpose was intended to help organizations with multiple phone users reduce the need for, and the cost of, additional external phone lines by providing an internal system. PBX software accomplishes this same task but does it through a computer. In addition to routing and connecting calls, PBX software offers users a wide variety of other telephony services.

History

Switchboard

In the past, operators manually connected calls by plugging wires into ports on a switchboard. When the automatic PBX was introduced in the 1960s, it eliminated the need for manual switching. These early PBX machines were large, expensive and proprietary. Over time, manufacturers modified the machines, making them smaller, easier to use and less expensive. With the advancement of technology and the availability of open source code, voice communication was handled through data network applications that allowed for countless programming options. Today’s PBX software can be tailored to meet an organization’s specific needs, it is easy to manage and costs significantly less than older equipment.

Function

Telephone

PBX software is multifunctional. Its primary function is to connect, route and disconnect phone calls between users through a private server. Typically, PBX software gives users access to a wide variety of value-added functions like auto attendant, voicemail, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), fax, conference calling and call waiting.

Benefits

Money

In comparison with older PBX systems, PBX software is relatively inexpensive. It also saves money by reducing the total number of external phone lines an organization needs. PBX software doesn’t usually require any special equipment other than a server and an operating system. Some of the highest quality PBX software is built on open source code and is free to users. Most PBX software is easy to manage on-site, is highly customizable and can accomplish a wide variety of telecommunications tasks in addition to routing and connecting calls.

Requirements

Server Towers

To avoid problems like distortion and dropped calls, careful attention should be paid to the performance requirements of any PBX software. Most software requires priority access to the computer it’s running on, making having a dedicated server available important. The configuration of your server will depend on the type of software you are using.

Developments

Cell Phone

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, is a rapidly growing service that can work seamlessly with PBX software. The combined service is often called IP PBX. Users get all of the telephony functions of PBX software delivered over a data network, like the internet, rather than a standard Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). PBX services can be hosted online for a fee and services can even be routed through cell phones.

References

• Asterisk
• Digium
• Telephone Tribute

Resources

• Asterisk