Epygi Shares Advice on Hosted vs On-Premise PBX Solutions
For companies that are looking to replace their traditional Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system with a more cost-efficient and feature-rich phone system, one of the critical decisions they need to make is deciding between a hosted system and an on-premise IP PBX solution. Businesses are initially attracted to hosted IP PBX due to the low upfront costs and minimal maintenance; but for some businesses, an on-premise IP PBX can deliver a set of advantages that businesses can not (and should not) overlook.
Andy White, the Director of Support and Training at Epygi, explains what businesses should consider when deciding between a hosted and on-premise IP PBX, and shares how Epygi helps companies get the most out of an IP PBX solution.
Hosted Vs On-Premise IP PBX
A hosted PBX solution has become a highly attractive offering for some businesses because of benefits like including low initial cost, shorter deployment schedule, flexibility, and minimal maintenance. White says, generally, this can be a good fit for specific types of businesses, such as those who need to set up or scale their operations quickly, who have many locations with very few employees at each location, and for those who want to avoid the hassle of managing a PBX.
But while hosted PBX solutions may be ideal for some organizations, White believes that (in many cases) a premise-based solution would be a better option to provide higher service availability, more flexible customization options, and better long-term economics. The key to deciding which deployment solution can bring the most value to a company, though, is to consider various factors such as:
- Cost - When it comes to cost, hosted services are typically favored by businesses because service plans are usually offered on a pay-as-you-go or monthly basis. On-premise systems, meanwhile, typically require a larger upfront investment. In lieu of this, White says it is important that customers consider the long-term operating costs of their overall cost equation. “You must consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) of these systems, in addition to some other key variables, including the lifetime of the equipment as well as the ease-of-use and flexibility of the solution in question”, White said.
- Quality - Another important factor to consider is the quality. For on-premise IP PBX solutions, providers such as Epygi prioritize voice traffic to ensure voice quality. Hosted solutions, on the other hand, may experience deteriorated voice quality since voice and data packets will often fight for preference, which can be remedied with a Session Border Controller (SBC) device to help enhance data quality. However, this may add to the overall cost and complexity of the hosted solution.
- Customization - For businesses that seek a phone system that can be tailored toward their needs, a hosted solution may not be the best option, says White. “With hosted systems, customization is often handled by the provider. While vendors may offer some customization at an elevated price, they are often unable to make unique adjustments for every customer.” Customization with an on-premise system, on the other hand, is more attainable since a business usually has access to an in-office IT professional staff to oversee deployment and management.
- Control - The best IP PBX solution for a business depends on the level of control they desire. According to White, businesses that prefer to maintain greater control over their communications system will benefit more from an on-premise solution. On the other side, those who want to outsource as much as possible to keep the focus on the core of the business will do well with a hosted solution.
Aside from these factors, it is also vital for companies to consider not just the benefits, but also the limitations of both systems to determine which option matches their needs and requirements. White offers the following as a guide:
PROS | CONS | |
HOSTED IP PBX |
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ON-PREMISE IP PBX |
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Epygi QX Line of IP PBXs and Gateways
One of the first manufacturers of IP PBX for the small to medium-sized business market, Epygi believes that businesses deserve only the most innovative, feature-rich and economically-priced telephony solutions to improve performance and productivity. They offer a range of products customizable to fit every company's size and needs. Epygi's QX line of IP PBX and gateway products help to provide an integrated communication solution for businesses. And recently, the company unveiled two new additions to its line of products at ITEXPO Florida 2017: the QX20 IP PBX and QX500 IP PBX.
Both modular and feature-rich, Epygi’s new products are suited for businesses with various needs. The QX20 IP PBX is designed for small offices up to 12 users and supports up to 6 concurrent calls with the option to grow. The QX500 IP PBX, meanwhile, is ideal for mid-size offices of up to 500 users and supports up to 80 concurrent calls. Both IP PBXs include SIP trunking and support a range of advanced features such as audio and video conferencing, DCC, and call recording.
With the launch of the two new IP PBXs, Epygi’s portfolio of IP PBX appliances now includes six products. Below is a comparison matrix to help companies looking for an on-premise IP PBX system decide which Epygi product best suit their needs:
Product Name | Total Phones | Concurrent Call Volume | Total IP Phones | FXS Ports | FXO Ports | ISDN Ports |
QX20 IP PBX | 32 | 10 | 32 | - | - | - |
QX50 IP PBX | 50 | 16 | 48 | 2 | 2 | - |
QX200 IP PBX | 202 | 64 | 200 | 2 | 4 | - |
QX500 IP PBX | 500 | 80 | 500 | - | - | - |
QX2000 IP PBX | 2000 | 300 | 2000 | - | - | - |
QXISDN4+ IP PBX | 48 | 16 | 48 | - | - | 4 |
In addition to IP PBXs, the Epygi QX line also includes gateways: the QXFX04, QXISDN4, QXET1, and the QXFXS24 gateways. Designed for a more user-friendly experience, Epygi's QX Gateways are SIP-compliant and can be customized to include additional FXO, ISDN, FXS, T1 or E1 ports to any IP PBXs.
Epygi’s IP PBX solutions, however, do not solely benefit office-based employees. According to White, the company understands that people are much more mobile today with the advent of smartphones and tablets. Therefore, Epygi supports the needs of a mobile workforce through remote extensions and a range of phone features. “Not only are remote extensions from the IP PBX available but Epygi also has numerous features within the system to ensure that people are able to receive their calls regardless of their location or device. Many people love the iQall mobile toggling app that allows people to move a call from their iPhone/Android and their desk phone, or vice versa,” White explains.
Epygi is cross-certified with a wide selection of leading IP phones and SIP providers today. For more information about Epygi or to learn more about their offerings, visit their website.
About Epygi
Epygi Technologies is a global provider of award-winning IP PBXs and Gateways for small to medium-sized businesses. Since 2000, Epygi has been at the forefront of the telephony industry, developing and innovating products that help deliver greater efficiency and productivity for businesses. Epygi is headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, and houses their development center in Yerevan, Armenia.