PBX Recommendations: VirtualPBX

VirtualPBX - Remember the days when you could give a simple answer the question, "what's your number?" Not so easy anymore. Whenever I'm asked this question now I run through a mental checklist - when might this person call me, should I use my cell number, VoIP, or land line? Too many numbers! And they change too often. Multiply that by a handful of employees each with multiple numbers and soon a simple employee contact list starts looking like an accountant's ledger. PBX systems (Private Branch Exchange - private voice mail and phone extension management systems) are designed to simplify contact information and allow employees to check messages remotely. Unfortunately most of these systems involve the use of physical hardware connected to physical telephone lines or T-1 lines. Configuring these systems, adding extensions, etc. is usually a pain in the neck. They aren't cheap either. Sometimes they also require specialized (pricy) phones to go along with them.

I ditched ours last year (sadly, still paying for it). We now use VirtualPBX. We have an (800) number but they also provide local numbers. In essence they convert each of our calls into a toll free (800) call and then direct the call to our extensions which we can point to any phone we want. This has been perfect for us because we can log in to our individual extensions and change our main number anytime we want. If I'm going to be in the office, I leave it set to my default land line. If I'm on the road I change it to my cell number. If I'll be using both I can create a follow me rule that rings the office, and if I am not there to pick up my office phone, it rings my cell. VirtualPBX system does charge a per minute usage fee since the toll free call, while free for you, is not for me. But the flexibility, ease of use, and zero equipment cost makes up for it. Another cool feature of this system is all voice mail messages can be assigned to email addresses. If you leave us a message we get it in our email inbox.