Blog

PABX (Private Automated Branch Exchange) is an automatic telephone switching system used by organisations.

It connects the internal phone extension to the PSTN through trunk lines. Telephone, fax machine and modem can be incorporated in the PABX system. This system come in different sizes and can be placed at the subscriber’s site.

The first generation of PABX starts with manual switchboard. From switchboard, it slowly switches to analog version and then to digital version. The latest PABX is known as IP PBX. IP PBX deploys IP phones by connecting to the companies’ data network. IP PBX is able to make outgoing call via data network to another destination and this is known as VoIP calls.

Some of the common features of PABX include Automatic Call Distributor and Interactive Voice Response (IVR). The Interactive Voice Response will process and manage incoming calls and then direct the calls to designated extension. Other capabilities of PABX include outbound dialling protocols which supports autodialing, progressive dialling and predictive dialling.

With PABX system, communications between departments and branches are easy and cost saving compared to having external phone lines connected to every phone in the organisation.

They are different from the key system as for key systems users will select the outgoing lines manually. As for PABX system the phone system will do this automatically.

PABX system is affordable. Companies need only pay a low monthly fee to enjoy this PABX system. The system used to be very expensive back in the days and requires on-site physical equipment and high maintenance. With affordable PABX system nowadays, small companies remain competitive business world as they can enjoy what the huge companies enjoys in communication part, as they don’t require huge investment to use PABX anymore.

Modern PABX, which is the IP PBX, offers more advanced features at lower cost to its users compared to its digital version. The main reason is their better integration with the data communication that improves the business operation and flow.

Although more companies are using PABX system in their company communications, some features such as the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) are sometimes being criticised. Some if this criticism includes that the IVR is not efficient enough as it fails to meet the caller’s need and results in some companies prefer human response rather than the IVR features. Companies will need to see what PABX features that is suitable for their companies and what features are not when it comes to choosing a suitable PABX system.

Companies can maximise the security of their PABX system by changing all default password and pin. Besides this, avoid using weak pass code, and change the password on regular basis.