In the world of business communication, phones are still one of the most widely used means of connecting in the business world. While there are many options for business phone systems, on-premise based phone systems remain popular with businesses of all sizes. Let’s take a closer look at on-premise or in office based phone systems and explore their benefits, drawbacks, and features.
What is an On-Premise Based Phone System?
An on-premise based phone 
system is a communication system that is installed on-site at a business location. It typically consists of a private branch exchange (PBX), which is responsible for routing calls within the business, and a set of telephones that are connected to the PBX. This type of phone system is often used by businesses that require a high level of control over their phone system and want to avoid the ongoing costs of a hosted or cloud-based system.
Benefits of On-Premise Based Phone Systems:
Cost: An on-premise based phone system can be more cost-effective over the long term as it does not have ongoing fees for a hosted or cloud-based system.
Control: With an on-premise based phone system, the business has complete control over the system and can make changes as needed without having to rely on a third-party provider.
Customization: On-premise phone systems can be customized to meet the unique needs of the business, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of features and functionality.
Security: An on-premise phone system is generally considered more secure than a cloud-based system, as the business has complete control over the system and can implement its own security protocols.
Drawbacks of On-Premise Based Phone Systems:
Upfront Costs: The initial investment required to install an on-premise based phone system can be significant, as it requires hardware and software to be purchased and installed.
Maintenance: On-premise phone systems require ongoing maintenance to ensure that they are operating efficiently and effectively.
Scalability: An on-premise based phone system can be difficult to scale up or down as the needs of the business change, requiring additional investment in hardware and software.
Features of On-Premise Based Phone Systems:
Voicemail: An on-premise phone system typically includes a voicemail feature that allows callers to leave a message when the user is unavailable.
Call Forwarding: Call forwarding allows calls to be routed to another phone number or extension when the user is not available.
Call Recording: On-premise phone systems can be set up to record calls for quality control or legal purposes.
Conference Calling: Many on-premise phone systems include a conference calling feature, which allows multiple parties to participate in a call.
Conclusion:
On-premise based phone systems remain a popular choice for businesses that require a high level of control over their phone system and want to avoid ongoing costs associated with a hosted or cloud-based system. While there are upfront costs associated with an on-premise phone system, the benefits of customization, control, and security often outweigh the drawbacks. When choosing a phone system, businesses should carefully consider their unique needs and budget to determine if an on-premise based phone system is the best choice for them.