Locate private branch eXchange (PBX) information resources to find a telephone system to use within your company to make free desk to desk calling, and to keep one central line into your organization. A common external phone line gives your customers one point of contact with your organization while keeping your costs down to make phone calls internally.

Use your PBX reference to learn how other businesses use PBX lines to connect to public switched telephone networks (PSTN) via trunk lines. It is using a PBX and a trunk system that you may be familiar with the term "extension." A caller dials into one main line, and they are routed to a particular phone in the building that branches off of the main phone line's trunk.

To make the most of private branch eXchange (PBX) information resources:

1. Start with general PBX info. Know and understand the terms before you contact any service or hardware providers.

2. Track PBX reference materials on the latest PBX technology.

3. Speak to a qualified professional and discuss PBX options for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with basic PBX information

Get to know the fundamentals of PBX information before speaking to any service providers. Have at least a partial understanding of the concept and be familiar with the terms.

I recommend: Look at basic definition and benefit information on PBX from SearchUnifiedCommunications.com. See what information the Washington State Department of Information Services has to share on private branch exchange configuration and information. Webopedia offers a short but effective definition of PBX, while TechWeb offers additional information and vintage pictures.

Find PBX research on advanced PBX systems

See what technology PBX research has brought us. From VoIP to open source to digital PBX systems, see what options are available aside from just analog services.

I recommend: Check out VoIP-PBX connection technology information from BNET. Look at the open source PBX news and information from Technology Marketing Corporation. Download VoIP technology PBX software from developers.net. Find out the difference between digital and analog PBX systems from Inclusive Technologies.

Check out PBX information on non-analog providers

Look into the providers who have expanded into services such as digital PBX information, VoIP with PBX information or other advanced research on PBX.

I recommend: Consider the digital PBX trunks of Sprint. Consider purchasing IP PBX products from ABP. Learn more about the virtual PBX offerings of a Onebox Receptionist. Find out additional information about VoIP hosted PBX from FreedomVOICE Systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As with any good negotiation, be sure and receive quotes and PBX info from at least three service providers before committing to one in particular for your business needs.
• •  Make sure that free troubleshooting is available in case of an issue with the hardware.