As with most choices we need to make the best decision really relies on what your needs are and how much we’re willing to sacrifice. Whether that sacrifice is monetary, time or internal resources it greatly affects our decision. When it comes to Hardware Vs Software PBXs we need to closely evaluate the PBX vendors for each option, as well as the flexibility and scalability of the system.
What’s a Hardware PBX?
A hardware-based PBX is when hardware (physical appliances and devices) is used to control the phone system. This includes lines, extensions, users etc. Without that specific piece of hardware there’s no PBX and the PBX can only be managed with that hardware.
What’s a Software PBX?
A software-based PBX means that you can manage, maintain and upgrade your phone system from anywhere by logging into a web-based management console. Add extensions, users, integrations etc from a central dashboard accessed from anywhere.
| Hardware PBX | Software PBX |
| Single vendor for PBX, hardware etc. | No vendor lock in. Mix and match IP Phones and devices as you wish. |
| Managed from the hardware’s location only. | Managed from anywhere. |
| Difficult to integrate with other systems. | Easy integration with CRM & ERP systems. |
| Managed by a specialist. | Managed by IT team. |
| Support contract for ongoing management | Most ongoing management is DIY. |
| More costly. | Very affordable. |
| Hardly any customization. | Room for plenty customization. |
| Rigid and hard to scale. | Flexible and scalable. |
| Updates are rare and far between. | Regular updates and upgrades. |
| Difficult to switch once purchased. | Migration to cloud and vice-versa is easy. |
| If hardware is destroyed you need replacement. | Easy to troubleshoot and no risk of destroyment. |
And there you have it. So, depending on what your needs are as a business and the resources you have you can choose the PBX that best suits your needs.
That said, 99.9% of businesses opt for software solutions not just for the cost but because they are so much easier to manage and maintain and offer so much more freedom and flexibility than any hardware PBX.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of a software PBX or see whether you should go for an On-Premise Vs Cloud PBX let us know.
