A Panasonic telephone exchange system works by connecting several systems in order to allow users to share a set number of lines in order to make T1 calls. This network is called a PBX or private branch exchange. Panasonic PBX phone systems will involve shopping for both a system processor and compatible phones.

With PBX phones, Panasonic pricing and costs will be found reasonable when compared to other systems. You can spend less on a Panasonic PBX system as well by looking for used or refurbished models.

1. Choose your pieces of equipment for a Panasonic PBX telephone system. Look at the different models and phones available through the line of business phone systems.

2. Contact vendors for prices on Panasonic PBX phone equipment. Ask for costs of control units as well as Panasonic PBX telephones.

3. Consider any costs associated with the Panasonic PBX exchange system. You may need to factor in installation, warranty and any other expenses that could affect your bottom line.

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Check out the equipment prices from Panasonic PBX phone distributors

First off, you will need to look at the equipment prices, including the control unit in order to determine the cost of buying a Panasonic PBX system. Each unit will be able to house a set number of ports, with the lower cost models managing 40 ports and the higher end allowing 1024 ports.

I recommend: Emptronics has one of the lowest prices on the Panasonic Hybrid PBX phone system control unit. The Panasonic KX-TDA50 with 52 ports costs a mere $642. Security Store USA sells the Panasonic KX-TDE100 which is a 128 line control unit for $1730.

Estimate the cost of Panasonic PBX phones

Along with the control unit, PBX phones are an integral part of your multi-port phone system. Door phones, wired phones and digital cordless phones are all available as Panasonic PBX models. Door phones will be the least expensive while wired phones fall in the middle and digital cordless models cost the most.

I recommend: Neobits retails multiple PBX phones from Panasonic. The door phone models start at under $30, programmable speakerphones retail upwards of $40 and the digital cordless will cost about $328. PhoneGuys has refurbished business Panasonic PBX phones from $60 to $140 with the more expensive types obtaining more features, like programmable keys.

Get pricing information on other accessories from Panasonic PBX phone systems retailers

Accessories for the PBX system from Panasonic can involve a variety of equipment pieces as well as warranties. Voice processing systems, option cards and more can be added on to the price that you spend on the PBX phone system. However, all of these accessories are optional and you will only be required to purchase the phones, hardware and control unit to start.

I recommend: Price Break retails the Panasonic-KXTVA50 for just under $500 with a one year warranty. This device is a voicemail accessory system that works with Panasonic PBX phones. Meanwhile, the XTender PBXgateway for Panasonic PBX phone systems cost almost $3900 and has the ability to terminate 8 to 12 remote IP users.

The Panasonic PBX system is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. The Panasonic PBX phone systems are flexible to meet your business needs, while keeping costs down. The system allows you to take advantage of call savings with VoIP. Your business can also stay competitive with a flexible Panasonic hybrid PBX phone system that integrates with your IP network. The Panasonic telephone exchange system allows you to work anywhere and expand your business without phone interruptions.

The Panaxonic PBS system can help your business improve customer service with features such as automatic callback and incoming call distribution. Other features of the Panasonic PBX phones include:

1. Ability to upgrade to a new system as your company grows without buying a whole new phone system

2. Flexibility to add wireless phones to your network so your employees can work in a variety of locations when needed

3. Access to a centralized voicemail system from a variety of office locations

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Know the key features of Panasonic PBX phones

Before deciding if Panasonic PBX phone equipment is right for your business, find out more about their key features. Determine what your business needs in a phone system and what your budget will allow. For example, do you hold frequent phone conferences, need wireless phones in the system or have other demands in a phone system?

I recommend: Panasonic lists the key features of the IP phones that are part of the PBX system. InteleVoice has information on the PBX system, phones, supplies and other equipment.

Find distributors of the Panasonic PBX phone systems

Panasonic offers sales agents for the Panasonic telephone exchange system, but there are other distributors who can assist you. Shop around and find the best price for a Panasonic PBX system, but make sure it comes with the service your business will require.

I recommend: Browse Panasonic to pick out a Panasonic PBX phone. Other distributors of PBX phones include Neobits and EvalueZone.

Compare Panasonic PBX with other PBX systems

What does your business most need in a phone system? Consider things such as how many phone lines you need, if you need handsets or headsets and other features that will save your business time. Then, compare the Panasonic PBX telephone system with other leading suppliers.

I recommend: Fonality has a PBX system for any size business. B2B Exchange allows you to search for quotes on a PBX phone system from multiple suppliers. Microsoft also allows your business a PBX system. Browse PBX Compare by most affordable or most popular phone systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to ask about the warranty details, technical support and quick reference guides needed for a Panasonic PBX system.
• •  Office phones often have more features than anyone uses, so make sure you get your employees training to maximize the benefits of Panasonic PBX phone systems.
• •  When budgeting for the Panasonic PBX telephones, factor in system upgrades and equipment replacement or expansion.

PBX phones allow you to connect to your own telephone network, called a Private Branch eXchange (PBX). This telephone networking system is a great option for businesses that require at least 40 lines and that do not want to lease all of those lines from the phone company. Instead, you purchase a PBX and all of the lines belong to your business. To get the most out of your PBX, you need PBX phones. When shopping for Panasonic PBX phones, here are some common key terms.

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Direct Inward System Access, DISA

Panasonic PBX phones have Direct Inward System Access, or DISA for short. A Direct Inward System Access allows you to access a PBX from an outside telephone number. For example, a caller might use a Panasonic PBX phone to dial a number, enter a security code and then use the PBX network to make a long distance phone call.

I recommend: BusinessDictionary.com defines Direct Inward System Access.

IP PBX, Hybrid IP PBX

Many Panasonic business phones are Hybrid IP PBX. This means they're compatible with a PBX network that also supports Internet protocol. Hybrid IP PBX networks can transmit telephone calls from your Panasonic PBX phone to VoIP phone systems and to traditional analog and digital phone systems.

I recommend: Microsoft explains the difference between IP PBX and Hybrid IP PBX.

Whisper OHCA

Whisper OHCA, a feature on Panasonic PBX phones, stands for Whisper Off Hook Call Announce. This feature allows other users to call your phone, press a code and whisper in your ear that you have another phone call on hold.

I recommend: Read about Whisper OHCA at PanasonicHelp.com.

Trunk Answer Any Station

Trunk Answer Any Station is a Panasonic PBX phone feature that allows any extension to answer an incoming call when the phone is in night mode. During regular business hours, all calls are answered by the main reception telephone. However, Trunk Answer Any Station allows that to be changed after hours or when the reception desk is unattended.

I recommend: PBX systems for IP Telephony by Allan Sulkin details the Trunk Answer Any Station feature, and other features commonly found on Panasonic PBX phones.

Uniform Call Distribution

The Uniform Call Distribution feature on Panasonic PBX phones allows incoming calls to be evenly distributed among certain groups of employees.

I recommend: The Panasonic PBX web page explains Uniform Call Distribution in further detail.

Forced Account Code Entry

Panasonic PBX phones feature Forced Account Code Entry, which can help you determine where to charge a phone call made on the PBX system. For example, all calls made for one client can be entered under an account code so you know how to bill the client.

I recommend: Carroll Communications offers details about Forced Account Code Entry.