The Difference Between Managed and Unmanaged PBX

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems aren’t particularly new, but the hotel industry has been surprisingly behind the times when it comes to adopting new technologies. Some hotels even have a hybrid system, where the hotel’s connection to the outside world is handled through a VoIP system, but the individual rooms are still using their analog phone lines. If you’re thinking of upgrading to a VoIP system, you might have encountered the phrases “managed hosted PBX” and “unmanaged hosted PBX.” But what’s the difference between the two? Here’s what you need to know.

Unmanaged Hosted PBX

In both cases, the hardware associated with your new PBX system is hosted offsite, not at your hotel. An external provider (like Phonesuite) hosts the hardware, allowing us to service the technical aspects of the system easily and conveniently. In this case, the user is only paying for the services of the PBX. You’re spared the stress of dealing with the hardware, making the complexities of a digital PBX system much more accessible to the average hotelier without having to hire engineers to service the system. The user also doesn’t have to worry about the future of the system. Upgrade and maintenance costs are no longer a concern, since the provider is responsible for making sure that the hardware continues to function.

Managed Hosted PBX

A managed hosted system comes with all the same functionality as an unmanaged system, but with the added benefit that the provider also handles the software aspect of the system. Since the hotel’s IP box is managed by the host, the provider can integrate with WAN and LAN to add services and features that will improve productivity.

Managed VOICE From Phonesuite

Phonesuite’s version of managed PBX is called Managed VOICE, a worry-free option for hoteliers regardless of the size and complexity of their communications needs. Since the hardware and software are managed by Phonesuite, you’re trading in a substantial capital expenditure for a reasonable monthly payment. In fact, most of our customer save substantially on their monthly costs, especially those who deal with a lot of international calls. Our Managed VOICE solution also includes our Voiceware hospitality communications platform, installation and testing, 24/7 support for both software and hardware, and compliance with all legislation. If you’re ready to upgrade your phone system to a managed PBX system, contact Phonesuite today! We can give you a full assessment of your hotel and your needs so you know exactly what you’re getting when you upgrade. Curious about the cost? Click here to find out more.