Still Using An On-Premise PBX? 5 Signs It’s Time To Go Hosted

If your business still relies on an on-site private branch exchange (PBX) for your phone system, you may be facing rising technology limitations and costs. Modern cloud-based systems can deliver lower total expenses, easier scalability, built-in mobility, innovative capabilities, and fewer headaches.

Here are five telling indicators it’s time to consider migrating to a hosted VoIP phone system:

1. You Keep Needing to Purchase New PBX Hardware
   As your business grows or components start failing, maintaining an on-premise system demands regular investments in fresh PBX equipment, backup systems, and compatibility updates. This capital expenditure adds up rapidly. Hosted VoIP platforms are centrally hosted in secure tier 3 data centers, avoiding this recurring cost cycle for new hardware.
2. Management is Increasingly Complex
   Even routine administrative changes like adding extensions or configuring call routing become time-consuming and risky with limited IT resources. Cloud-based phone systems in Canada include intuitive web interfaces and self-service portals so end users can make their own changes on the fly. This prevents bottlenecks and empowers staff.
3. Scaling Limitations Abound
   When your business needs more capacity for seasonal call volumes or is opening new locations, an aging PBX restricts rapid adjustments. Leading hosted phone systems for small business offerings scale seamlessly since new users simply require software licensing without infrastructure disruptions. This facilitates growth.
4. Innovations Pass You By
   While leading hosted platforms continually add advancements like mobile apps, AI-enabled call center features, CRM integrations, call analytics, and more, sticking with a legacy solution makes it impossible to leverage today’s top innovations to enhance operations or competitiveness. You risk falling behind.
5. Costs Are Out of Control
   The hardest truth is that maintaining an on-premise phone system only gets more expensive over time between surging licensing fees, required maintenance, inadequate disaster recovery, and patches to keep outdated systems functioning. Hosted VoIP systems significantly lower the total cost of ownership by up to 60% in many cases.

Bonus Signs You Need an Upgrade

• Security vulnerabilities arise with no patching or encryption
• Call quality & reliability declines as infrastructure ages
• Remote work options are missing to offer staff flexibility
• Unified communications capabilities like video meetings/chat are unavailable

Final Words:

Clearly identifying when your current phone system is holding back capabilities and budget is the first step. By migrating to a modern hosted platform, your business can gain flexibility, built-in resiliency, and user-friendly tools while saving money long-term.

Consult with a certified expert like Tel-Systems Inc. to explore suitable Canadian VoIP solutions for your workflows. The transition to “going hosted” is easier than ever while delivering daily productivity and TCO advantages your business needs.