If you’re managing a small business in Southern Alberta and figuring out what communication system makes sense, you are in the right place.
It helps to know your options whether you’re setting up your first system, replacing something that’s no longer supported, or looking for something more flexible.
In this guide, we break down the different options you have for a small business phone system and what could work best for your operations.
What are your options?
When it comes to business phones, most options fall somewhere into these categories:
PBX (Private Branch Exchange)
This is a traditional hardware-based system. It’s installed at your place of business and typically runs over landlines or a local network. It’s expensive to maintain and replacement parts are harder to find since many manufacturers (like NEC) are stepping away from it all together to shift their focus entirely to cloud solutions.
VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)
VoIP runs your business phones over the internet. It can be hosted in the cloud or managed on-site. Many businesses today choose a cloud-hosted VoIP system because it’s simple, cost-effective, and easy to scale.
Unified Communication Solution
These systems do a lot more than handle phone calls. They combine voice, video, messaging, screen sharing, presence, and integrations (like Microsoft Teams or your CRM) into one platform.
You can use it at your desk, working from home or out on the field (and your business number and tools will stay with you). It’s built for modern businesses and designed to adapt to your business needs.
Hybrid
Hybrid solutions combine traditional PBX with cloud-based features. It’s an option for businesses that want to hold on to part of their current system while still moving forward. Sometimes it’s about getting more out of the equipment you already have and other times it’s that they have specific technical requirements that rely on PBX or just want to gradually phase it in.
Why VoIP (and unified communications) are a smart move for Alberta businesses
If you’re running a business, you probably don’t need a phone system that comes with huge installation costs or service calls every time something stops working – but you do need to:
- Sound professional
- Stay reachable when you’re away from the office
- Keep work calls separate from your personal number
- Add or reduce team members without having to redo your entire infrastructure
- Make most updates yourself, or be able to get in touch with an expert for unlimited tech support (without paying extra for it)
With the right communication solution, you can:
- Keep one number for your business (even texting from that business number)
- Route calls, set up auto-attendants, and manage voicemail easily
- Take calls from your desk phone, computer, or your cell
- Enable internal or external messaging
- See who is available and connect instantly – message, call, or video
- Make changes when you want and if you need help, you have a local expert ready to jump in remotely
What about costs?
PBX systems typically come with high upfront costs because you need to buy equipment, wiring, and hardware that, in many cases, is aging out or becoming harder to support.
With VoIP or unified communications, the approach is more flexible. You can pay a predictable amount that adjusts based on what you need at the time – add features or users then scale back if necessary.
For businesses that aren’t ready to let go of their PBX just yet, a great middle ground is a hybrid solution where you keep PBX but connect with cloud features. With this option, the costs would involve both maintaining equipment and cloud features.
Still want a desk phone without a traditional PBX?
You’ve got options. Even with VoIP or unified communications you can keep a traditional desk phone, run everything from your computer, or use a cell phone (or even any combination of these that works for your team).
What we recommend and why
We still support PBX setups for businesses that prefer them but, in many cases, a VoIP or unified solution will make it easier to manage, more flexible, and better suited for small businesses in Southern Alberta. No matter what, we will build a system that supports how you work now and where you’re headed next.
Need help choosing the right solution?
We’ve worked with businesses across Alberta – medical clinics, multi-site retail stores, and everything in between – so when you’re choosing between VoIP, PBX, hybrid or a unified communication solution, we can help you land on something that works best.
We carry a wide range of trusted systems including Wildix and Mitel, while supporting plenty beyond that too.
