Tag: voip solutions

What is VoIP PBX – and how does it benefit you?

Posted on by admin_getcrisp

There seems to be some confusion, especially for the uninitiated, about PBX and VoIP phone systems and whether there is any purpose in combining the two. Well, let’s examine each system individually and then look at answering this question – ‘’What is VoIP PBX – and how does it benefit you?” 

What is PBX?

A good definition of a Private Branch Exchange, or PBX, is a phone system used by businesses that connect the desk phones in the office within the same network. Employees can make calls to each other sharing fewer lines. This is possible because instead of the use of physical phone lines, phone calls are redirected via extensions.

Nowadays, with the introduction of IP telephony and ISDN & PSTN switch-off, analogue phone systems, or traditional PBX where physical phone lines are connected through dedicated hardware devices, are becoming pretty much obsolete.

What is VoIP?

We have spoken about this in many of our articles, but essentially VoIP Voice-over-Internet Protocol is used to transmit voice data via an internet connection. A VoIP phone system, therefore, turns your voice into file data, then compresses and converts those files into packets of data. Instantaneously, the packets are sent in real-time over the internet to a VoIP provider who reconverts them and sends them to the other phone.

Good VoIP providers now offer many protocols and codecs to ensure excellent HD audio quality and VoIP solutions work for businesses regardless of size. They are also available as cloud-based systems and for some of the benefits of cloud-based VoIP systems check this out – https://www.ucall.org.uk/services/cloud-telephone-system/

What is VoIP PBX? 

So what happens when these two systems are run in tandem to complement each other? Similar to a standard PBX system, VoIP PBX makes use of a wider area (or local area) network instead of the traditional switched networks or PSTN systems. It is also known as IP PBX.

Set up using hardware, or consisting entirely of installed software, VoIP PBX uses VoIP to switch phone calls between a VoIP user and a landline user, or between two traditional telephone users on local lines. Also available is cloud-based Hosted PBX, which has the benefit of not requiring complex on-site installation and equipment.

What are the benefits of VoIP?

The benefits of using VoIP with a PBX system are numerous…

  • Lower installation and operational costs – Unlike landline setup costs, SIP trunking used in VoIP solutions requires little or none – and because calls are transmitted over an IP network, monthly service fees and call rates are much lower for IP PBX users.
  • Mobile support – Good VoIP PBX service providers offer mobile, web-based, or desktop softphones, so your mobile and P.C become an office extension just like a desktop phone. This is great for multi-location offices and a remote workforce.
  • Enhanced features and unified communication – IP PBX offers a wide range of advanced features like IVR, queue, voicemail, call recording, etc. VoIP solutions also make it possible for you to embrace unified communications. This way, you will be able to enjoy more communication channels and functions.
  • Web-based management and phone compatibility – IP PBX providers usually provide an intuitive web-based management interface allowing easy configuration of the VoIP system and its many features. Furthermore, IP PBX offers a highly compatible PBX phone system that allows you to plug and play most mainstream IP phones as well as use analogue phones via VoIP gateways. 

Consult the experts

If VoIP PBX seems like a good solution for your business, talk to one of the premier providers of VoIP solutions in the UK – uCall telecom. A no-obligation consultation will ascertain exactly what is the best and most cost-effective system for your business regardless of size or requirements.

We love our business and we never forget that your business makes our business! Stay safe – and stay connected!

Cloud-based VoIP and CCTV integration is a perfect match

Posted on by admin_getcrisp

We live in a world where integration is constantly being pursued. Apple became famous for integrating all of its products so whatever Apple device you use is seamlessly integrated with any other Apple device. This is seen as a great advantage to the products, as we all want things to work together wherever possible.

Smart TVs and smart systems that integrate every computerised device in the home or workplace are no longer pipe dreams but are being deployed by millions today. Another very good example of this is the integration of CCTV cameras with other points of security access as security is a typical area where devices aligned in synchrony can lead to a safer security solution.

As one CCTV expert puts it “Many companies previously used to have numerous different systems to cover different purposes. This included separate systems for CCTV, access control, barriers and gates along with signing in & out. However, it’s now a much more frequent occurrence to make everything more open and interoperable.’’

The result is that systems have been devised that when integrated with access control systems means that CCTV footage can easily be viewed synonymously with the user access data derived from door entry systems. The huge advantage to this is that security employees only need to know a single interface to view multiple systems and they can more expediently gather information. Staff costs are reduced too, as a result of less time spent reviewing footage.

Cloud-based VoIP and CCTV integration

Similarly, because the systems are both computer-based, the entire telecoms system of a company or institution utilising CCTV cameras can be synchronised and integrated with VoIP, so that their intercom phones and mobiles can view the footage of the CCTV cameras simultaneously and remotely.

Schools could greatly benefit 

UCall telecom is very proud of the extensive work we have done for schools and educational institutions and many have experienced simple and seamless migration from an older phone system to VoIP, whether cloud-based or on-premises. As a result, they now enjoy the benefits of using mobile softphones, advanced conferencing capabilities, robust remote location connectivity, and other VoIP and UC features that boost school communications.

This is a typical example of where CCTV integration could be of great benefit too and if door phones, telephone systems and CCTV were all controlled by one system it would be yet another step toward the desired result of total integration of all systems and devices.

One system – one supplier

uCall CCTV installs CCTV for all Business & Residential clients across the UK and uCall telecom gives our customers the benefit of having one supplier who provides pro-active account management and support for all your telephone, IT and mobile services, just like an extension of your own business.

We are here to listen advise and deploy the best solution for you, and we do believe that Cloud-based VoIP and CCTV integration is a perfect match – and one step closer to a single perfectly synchronised system! Contact us for a no-obligation consultation for all your telecommunications needs, and remember your business makes our business, and we love our business!