The advantages of 3CX for business reach far beyond the ISDN switch-off, and as we move into an all-IP future of business telephony, let’s take a look at why 3CX is the perfect choice for SMEs and contact centres of all sizes.
In this guide we’ll run through some of the biggest benefits of 3CX for business, how to setup 3CX and why an MSP can be the best way to transition your existing telecoms system over to fully digital IP phone lines.
What is a 3CX system?
3CX is an IP-based business telephony system that gives SMEs a scalable, affordable way to manage voice, video and live chat calls.
As a simple but complete telecoms platform, businesses benefit from features including:
- Inbound and outbound calling
- Call routing (including to mobile devices)
- Voicemail
Because it is built using open standards, 3CX is widely compatible with hardware from other providers, including some of the most popular SIP trunks, VoIP gateways and IP phones.
Our top 5 advantages of using 3CX
The wide compatibility of 3CX with other open-standard telephony equipment is just one of the advantages of 3CX for business. Here are five more of the biggest benefits of 3CX.
1. Save money on telecoms costs
One of the biggest advantages of 3CX for SMEs is the ability to make significant cost savings on telecoms. Moving to 3CX delivers all the usual benefits of adopting VoIP telephony, but with even more features and capabilities.
Integrating video calls and web conferencing with your IP telephony gives you a single system to install, setup and maintain – either in the cloud, as a hosted service or running on your own hardware.
With the option to start calling without buying hardware VoIP phones, 3CX is an ideal way to move over to digital telephony in time for the ISDN switch-off.
2. Get an IP PBX for Windows
3CX systems run on Windows, the operating system used by most SMEs worldwide. This allows you to get an IP PBX for Windows with an interface that looks familiar and works the way you expect.
Integrate 3CX with Microsoft 365 applications for seamless calling in Microsoft Teams and easy setup for new users.
But you’re not tied to Windows desktop systems. With iOS and Android 3CX apps available, you can add support for your IP telecoms platform on the mobile devices you want to use.
3. Take your desk anywhere
3CX not only supports mobile devices – it can transfer your direct desk telephone number to your mobile device when you leave the office.
For employees who spend time in the field, this means that clients, customers and colleagues can always reach you on your direct line, no matter where you are.
And if you want to embrace flexible working, 3CX can support SMEs with a hybrid workforce, including fully home-based and part-time office-based staff.
4. Fully featured as standard
3CX brings an impressive list of features as standard, so SMEs don’t face extra costs for the functionality they need.
Some of the capabilities you get with 3CX phones include:
- Live chat and instant messaging
- Call logs and call recording
- Microsoft 365, Teams and Outlook integration
- Video conferencing
- Mobile app support on Android and iOS
Intuitive software and a familiar Windows-based environment means that these features are easy to understand, helping business admins and new hires alike to start using 3CX immediately.
5. Integrate with everything
Open standards and versatile design mean your 3CX system can integrate with the software and telephones you already use.
3CX can be hosted, cloud-based or a private local installation. It supports VoIP, SIP trunks and PSTN telephones (ahead of the planned 2025 ISDN switch-off).
Extensions for Chromium-based internet browsers (e.g. Chrome and Edge) and Firefox enable one-click calling wherever a telephone number is listed on a website.
And if you have a CRM platform up and running, it should be a simple setup process to enable 3CX to work with it, so you can continue to interact with customers via your established procedures.
How can businesses get setup with 3CX
A correctly configured 3CX setup offers powerful security features for SMEs, with built-in tools that can be accessed via the intuitive online interface.
Implement SSL certificates, firewall access and comprehensive antivirus protection to further prevent potential attacks from breaking through your business’s telecoms perimeter.
Venom IT can help your business get setup with 3CX as an installed, cloud-hosted or fully managed VoIP solution, to suit your needs and capabilities.
To find out more, and to get 3CX up and running with total security, seamless integration and all your initial users onboarded, contact Venom IT today.
