| PBX stands for Private Branch
Exchange. It's basically another way to say "business phone system."
Businesses and individuals can own or lease a PBX. Basic features of
almost all PBXs include transfer, hold, conference, redial, caller ID, call
forwarding, speed dial, calling groups, and various forms of call coverage.
Advanced features can include call answer and voicemail service, automated
attendant, call queues, unified messaging, call accounting, call center
applications, and networking.
 PBXs
are connected to the outside world or PSTN (public switched telephone
network) through your demarcation point to the local telephone company's
central office (CO). Wiring is also installed throughout your building so
that telephone extensions can be connected to the PBX. In this way users can
call other extensions connected to the phone system and can also take
incoming and make outgoing telephone calls.
Most of today's PBXs can accommodate analog,
digital, and IP lines and stations. They also have robust voicemail,
networking, and unified messaging features. While there are a large number
of PBX makers and a competitive market exists, major manufacturers include
Avaya, Cisco, and Nortel. |
