In the 3 years since VoIP Supply started representing and selling 3CX VoIP Phone system we have seen an amazing increase year over year and quarter over quarter in interest from businesses worldwide of all shapes and sizes. Perhaps there is something to this growing trend… maybe a Windows-based IP phone system is the right choice for you… Let’s review the Why’s and Why Not’s of running a 3CX phone system.
Why 3CX?
Software-Based
Unlike many of the other VoIP systems that are on the market, 3CX is a software solution. When you buy 3CX you will not receive any deliverable hardware, only a license keycode. This is a big PLUS because it allows you to load the software on any hardware device you choose, as long as it is running .Net v4 or higher. That pretty much means you will need a PC or server running Windows XP Pro SP3, Windows 7 (Pro or Ultimate), Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2. Small businesses can run this program on a desktop PC or even a laptop, whereas larger enterprises should run it on a server or server farm. You will need approximately 200MB of free HD space for the 3CX phone system. Additional space will be needed for voicemail boxes and prompts, depending on how many mailboxes you will be hosting.
Windows XP Pro SP3, Windows 7(Pro or Ultimate), Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows
Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2
Standard Features and More
3CX is not a watered down version of Microsoft Lync. It offers all the same features that you would expect from any VoIP PBX including the usual caller id, call forwarding, do not disturb, 3-way calling, call transfer, central phonebook, voicemail, music on hold, call logging, call reporting, and Message Waiting Indication (MWI). 3CX also incorporates leading Unified Communication (UC) features such as presence, BLF, voicemail and fax to email, and video calling. 3CX software includes the 3CX MyPhone web-based utility to manage voice and incorporate email and instant messaging. Similar to the “Switchboard” from Switchvox, the 3CX MyPhone opens on your PC or Mac window and will give users visual access to other colleagues (onsite and remote), transfer calls, launch calls, monitor call queue status, view call history, manage phonebooks, manage voicemails, and instant message other colleagues. 3CX MyPhone can be incorporated with Microsoft Outlook and other popular CRM features* to integrate your communication strategy. Launch calls from your Outlook address book or from emails. Identify incoming calls while 3CX matches up the originating number with the contact in your CRM system. 3CX allows you to unify your communication strategy – hence UC.
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