EPABX was considered the most preferable tool of communication for meeting business telecommunication needs. They were a hardware based system using copper wires, physical setup, and phone devices. EPABX provides telecommunication services using POTS (Plain Old Telephone Services). On the other hand, the IP PBX solution is a software solution that offers an advanced business phone system to enterprises. Being a software solution, it does not need hardware setup or copper wires. Instead of that, it uses internet lines to establish calls and lets businesses enjoy rich communication features.
As the EPABX system has been in use for a long time in businesses, there are several businesses reluctant about replacing this platform with any other solution. Even if a multi tenant IP PBX system is more beneficial for businesses and should be the preferred option. If you are one of those businesses that want to explore why prefer an IP PBX software solution over an EPABX system, continue reading this comparison blog.
As the EPABX system has been in use for a long time in businesses, there are several businesses reluctant about replacing this platform with any other solution. Even if a multi tenant IP PBX system is more beneficial for businesses and should be the preferred option. If you are one of those businesses that want to explore why prefer an IP PBX software solution over an EPABX system, continue reading this comparison blog.
| Criteria | EPABX System | IP PBX Solution |
| System | A hardware system, which uses a traditional telephony system to provide a business communication solution. | It is a software solution that is developed by a VoIP development company. It does not need a hardware system or conventional telephony standards to offer business communication services. One can use IP phones, which are hardware based phones designed for SIP calls. However, that is not a must. Businesses can use a mobile SIP dialer or a PC dialer for communication and collaboration. |
| Installation and Setup | As this system uses POTS, setup, and installation can be a great investment of resources. It would be tedious as well because one needs to set up a copper wire based telecommunication system, which needs manpower, infrastructure, and more. | Setting up an IP PBX system is quite easy and quick. The solution provider will set up the software on your physical server or cloud. Does not require hardware, which makes it more convenient. It does not require too many resources. It also does not disturb office operations while setting up and installing this business phone system. |
| Setup cost | As it needs physical setup with TDM wires, phone devices, and more, you would need to invest a significant amount in setup costs. | All you need to pay for is the IP PBX software. You don’t need to worry about high expenses related to setup as it doesn’t need bulky hardware and wires for the business phone system. |
| Communication features | It provides more traditional communication features, which are limited in number. If you need added features, then you may need to pay additional. Some communication and collaboration features were not available in this system. | It provides a wide array of rich communication and collaboration features. A majority of IP PBX solutions offer amazing features to empower businesses with excellent telephony features. Additional features can be added by the development company as in the VoIP industry, any feature can be built and integrated, which is not possible with EPABX. |
| Maintenance | Maintenance of the EPABX system is tiresome and expensive. The hardware and wire experience wear and tear, which makes maintenance more expensive. In addition to that, a technician would be needed for the maintenance of the system. | An IP PBX system is a software solution, which is why there is no wear and tear to the system. The system is easy to maintain. Even upgrading the software to use added and advanced features is also easy and quick, which can be done with mouse clicks. Maintenance of this software is less expensive compared to the EPABX solution. Moreover, it can be done by the provider remotely and it does not need any on-premise technician. |
| Scalability | This system is scalable, but scaling up this system is very difficult. To add a single extension or line, one needs to use an on-premise technician and it would take quite a lot of time. | The IP PBX software is very scalable in nature. Adding an extension is as easy as creating a new word document file. The provider can scale up the capacity of the system within a few days or weeks. It also does not require much ruckus to scale up the system like EPABX. |
| Third party integrations | EPABX does not support third party integrations. | IP PBX solutions are quite flexible and provide support for third party integrations. You can integrate a CRM system, MIS, email, IoT system, AI tool, or any other API with the system to use it as a holistic solution. |
Concluding Notes
In conclusion, there are several limitations to using an EPABX system. But, there are several advantages to using an IP PBX software solution. It is recommended to use the best IP PBX solution for your business communication and collaboration needs. If you are using EPABX, then this is the time to switch to a better business communication solution.
We offer a multi tenant IP PBX system to our clients and we make the switch very easy and flexible. To know more about it, contact us now.
