Different Type of Small Business Telephone Systems Small businesses these days have a few options when it comes to choosing small business telephone systems. Each system has different characteristics, features, advantages and disadvantages, and different cost. There mostly two commonly used systems; one is the PBX (Private Branch Exchange) and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). We shall be discussing each of them in a little details: PBX (Private Branch Exchange) Private Branch Exchange, or PBX systems is the traditionally used system. It has the capacity to route calls to various extensions within or outside the organization. It not only enhances your communication within the organization but also provide you with features which will help you handle your calls more effectively. VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) VOIP is becoming favorable these days, especially among the businesses that have business links spread far apart. This option is good for businesses that make long distance calls. VOIP removes long distance charges as calls are routed over high speed internet instead of copper wires. One trouble with VOIP maybe that, when internet goes down, so does your network. Another added advantage of VoIP is that it’s easily scalable. Hybrid PBX Systems Hybrid PBX systems uses both, the company’s copper wires as well as the VOIP. It uses the system that is available and cheaper. It comes in handy when either one of the system is down. Virtual PBX Virtual PBX can be an effective solution for small, single offices, which do not make or receive to many calls. It essentially combines an auto-attendant PBX system with VOIP telephone lines. Virtual PBX providers will charge per minute for the VOIP connection. This makes this system way expensive than any other small business phone systems that is available. When going for the right kind of system for your business it’s good to select a system which is versatile, is filled with options, saves time, increases productivity and is scalable. You can even use non geographic numbers (0800 numbers, 0844 numbers) with the above options.