| As mentioned, VOIP telephone systems provide | | | | each phone line. A more extensive network may |
| all the same capabilities of a traditional PSTN | | | | be needed for companies with more than 100 |
| phone systems, yet they do not cost as much to | | | | employees. A general PBX system works by |
| implement and run. Voice mail, caller ID, call | | | | converting circuit switched outputs that originate |
| forwarding, auto attendant, and follow me call | | | | from the PBX system into IP packets. These |
| forwarding are all present. Voice mail and email | | | | data packets are then are sent to the router and |
| may now become synonymous when voice | | | | through T1 or T3 lines. To use this type of |
| recorded emails are transcribed to email for easy | | | | system, most companies must secure business |
| reading. Local phone numbers and toll free | | | | broadband internet to support multiple calls with |
| numbers are provided with most VOIP PBX | | | | no interruptions. |
| system. | | | | Companies seeking to invest in a VOIP PBX |
| Open standards allow for customisation and | | | | system will require minimal investment. Small |
| flexibility of the VOIP PBX system. With Open | | | | companies may spend under $1,000 for the |
| standards, proprietary technology can be | | | | system. Larger organisations will have to spend |
| integrated into the existing system and offer | | | | more. The unique aspect of VOIP PBX is that |
| added protection against security breaches. | | | | each conversation can be easily recorded and |
| Businesses can also take advantage of add-ons | | | | transcribed to text because every conversation is |
| such as technology to operate fax machines, card | | | | digitized. For future use, conversations can be |
| payment systems, and other security features. | | | | recorded and either stored on a hard drive or |
| VoIP is popular with organisations seeing rapid | | | | burnt onto a CD-R or DVD. |
| expansion as the system is highly portable and | | | | Mitel offers businesses several Mitel VOIP PBX |
| easy to install and use. A switch is connected to | | | | systems that can accommodate businesses as |
| the router and Local Area Network (LAN). The | | | | small as 30, as well as, businesses with 60,000 |
| VOIP phone is in then connected to the switch | | | | users. These particular phone systems have |
| and calls can be completed. This installation | | | | multiple features. Most Mitel phones have over |
| process is easy and adding a phone line is simple. | | | | 500 features available to a user including ACD, |
| With this set up, an employee can use their direct | | | | wireless gateway, auto attendant, and unified |
| line in or outside the office. | | | | messaging. Wireless handsets are also available. |
| For small companies of 5 employees or less, 90 | | | | The system is scalable and easy to maintain and |
| kbits per second transmission is necessary for | | | | install. |