Virtual PBX with phone, mobile or laptop?

Level: Beginner

One of the most powerful advantages of purchasing a virtual switchboard is that we can integrate any device that has an Internet connection, although the most common ones are: landline phones, smartphones and, of course, computers.

When we say integrate, we mean that all the calls received or made by an office can be made through these devices, without losing any functionality (call transfer, hold, recording, etc.) and that, furthermore, all the activity is recorded in the switchboard’s control panel so that we can analyse our performance.

After this brief interlude, we ask you: which combination works best for your business model? Today, we’ve made a list of pros and cons to test these three combinations:

1. VIRTUAL PBX WITH FIXED PHONES

To connect a fixed or portable terminal to a switchboard, it must first be a device that can connect to the Internet, i.e. an IP phone.

Advantages

• They are easy to use for employees who are not used to working with computers.
• You don’t have to worry about running out of battery power. They are always connected to the power supply.

Disadvantages

• They require hardware investment and maintenance. Standard IP phones cost between €45 and €90.
• If we want to facilitate hybrid working, we are limited unless we include other devices.
• It is usually difficult to add contacts to the phonebook.

2. VIRTUAL PBX WITH MOBILE PHONES

Contrary to what many people think, we can ensure that the quality of our calls does not suffer when we travel. Leading virtual switchboards allow us to integrate mobile phones with a SIM card if we prefer not to install applications on third party phones.

Advantages

• They are easy to carry, and we can use them to manage switchboard calls when we are away from the office.
• If your technical or sales team is out of the office, or if they travel a lot, they’re the ideal solution to ensure they don’t miss a call.
• During or after a call, it is very easy to save a contact.

Disadvantages

• They require investment and maintenance of hardware, as there are different ranges and models, the investment depends on these factors.
• Intensive use can drain the battery quickly, although using a SIM card does not consume as much as using an application.
• Call quality can deteriorate when there is no signal, such as when driving through a tunnel or in an underground car park.

3. VIRTUAL PBX WITH LAPTOPS

Both desktop and laptop computers can be part of your switchboard. Known in the business world as softphones, they allow us to manage calls from a web page or desktop application.

Advantages

• Facilitate hybrid and remote
• We can be much more agile in answering and making calls because it is a device we use for work.
• The screen size allows us to switch between calls, making it easier to manage simultaneous conversations.
• They can be integrated with other programs, usually CRMs, so that when a customer calls, the customer’s file is automatically loaded onto the computer, streamlining administrative processes.
• We can easily share our contact list with other colleagues.
• They usually display the status of internal contacts so you can see at a glance whether the person you want to talk to is free, on the phone or disconnected.
• Some virtual PBX programs include free video calling and chatting for employees to communicate.

Disadvantages

• They require hardware investment and maintenance, but they are essential tools for employees.
• You will need to buy a headset with a microphone to keep conversations private.
• Although laptops offer a little more mobility than desktop computers, it is a little difficult to answer calls when we are on the move.

FINAL VERDICT

We have already seen that each device has its advantages and disadvantages, so our recommendation is to take advantage of the combination of laptops and smartphones.

On the one hand, laptops are an essential work tool, so if we can use them to answer calls, we can avoid buying and maintaining unnecessary additional equipment. On the other hand, smartphones meet the need to be able to answer calls on the move.

What about fixed telephony? The duplication of telephone systems should be a thing of the past. The improvement of 5G speed and the evolution of smartphone features allows us to use any device in the same way.

If you want to be able to connect different devices to your switchboard, contact our team of experts to discover our virtual PBX. As well as all the advanced features you could wish for, it also has an integrated collaboration interface for making video calls, receiving chats and sharing files.

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