Any company that communicates with customers by telephone needs a switchboard. The question is which one. The traditional approach: a physical PBX cabinet in the server room with ISDN lines, worked for decades. But today, more and more companies are switching to Virtuální ústředna, that is, a cloud PBX operated over the internet. And there are seven reasons for this.
How does a traditional hardware PBX work?
A traditional PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a physical device installed on the company premises. It connects to the telephone network via ISDN or analogue lines and internally links the company's extensions. Each employee has their telephone connected by cable to the exchange.
This model has its limitations:
- High initial costs: The hardware is purchased for tens to hundreds of thousands of Kč.
- Dependence on physical location: The employee must be on-site to answer calls on their line.
- Complex management: Any change (new line, rerouting) requires a technician.
- Limitations: Capacity is determined by the hardware; adding users requires new hardware.
- Obsolescence: ISDN lines are being gradually phased out in the Czech Republic in favour of VoIP.
What is a cloud PBX / virtual exchange?
Virtuální ústředna operates on the same principle as a hardware-based system, but all logic runs in the cloud, on the provider's servers, which you access via the internet. Calls are processed over the protocol VoIP (Voice over IP) and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).
Instead of a physical phone on the desk, employees use:
- Softphone - an application on a computer or mobile device
- IP telephone - a physical device communicating via Ethernet/WiFi instead of a cable
- Web interface - browser-based management, no installation required
And on the virtual control centre at virtualni-ustredna.cz, it is additionally available. configure in natural English Simply state or write what you need, and the AI assistant will set everything up for you.
7 advantages of a virtual central office over a classic PBX
How VoIP and SIP work technically
VoIP (Voice over IP) digitises voice and transmits it via internet protocols. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is the standard that governs call setup and termination. Thanks to SIP, your exchange can communicate with any compatible telephone, softphone application or SIP trunk operator.
Call quality depends on the speed and stability of the internet connection. Modern codecs (G.711, G.722, Opus) ensure excellent voice quality even with limited bandwidth, one call consumes approximately 80-100 kbps.
Who benefits most from a virtual control centre?
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Companies with up to 50 employees benefit the most. They avoid investing in hardware, pay only for actual users and have full-featured telephony from day one. Adding or removing lines does not require an IT department.
Start-ups and growing companies
Startups need flexibility. Virtuální ústředna grows with your company, start with 3 users and add 30 without replacing infrastructure. A professional impression from day one, with no capital expenditure.
Distributed teams and home office
If employees have different workplaces or work from home, a Virtuální ústředna is essential. Everyone is part of one company numbering plan regardless of physical location.
Companies with multiple branches
Internal calls between branches are free or charged at a minimal rate. Centralised management via a single admin panel: no parallel systems at each branch.
How to switch to a virtual central station?
The transition is usually smooth and takes no longer than a few days. Procedure:
- Transfer of an existing telephone number (porting): customers call the same number
- Installation of the softphone application on employees' phones
- Setting up call forwarding, voice menus and operating hours
- Staff training: typically 30 minutes
On virtualni-ustredna.cz you can handle everything by speaking with an AI assistant. Would you like to try it out? Request a free demo.
A detailed financial comparison is available in the article. How much does a cloud PBX save compared to a hardware exchange?We write about the AI receptionist in the article. AI receptionist on the phone: How it works and what it can handle without human intervention.