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November 05, 2010

Hosted PBX Considerations: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Sign

By Erin Monda, TMCnet Contributor

When you go to sign up with a hosted PBX (News - Alert) provider, it is a lot like signing up for cable or other services. The provider is interested in getting you locked into a long-term contract at terms that are the most beneficial for them.

And, much like a cable or Internet provider, there are all kinds of hidden costs lurking around the proverbial corner.

While you, the customer, are just interested in getting what you need at the best price possible.

You can protect yourself and avoid common pitfalls by assessing your likely needs – make sure you sign a contract that has enough service for you and your company. If your concerns span towards the more advanced features, you may need to consider them as well.

So here is what you need to ask yourself (and your hosted PBX provider):

1. What are the start-up fees? Are there more fees aside from setup and equipment fees?

2.What is your contract’s termination policy?

3. What daily costs are NOT covered?

4.Does the hosted PBX solution you choose allow for direct faxes… right out of the box?

5. Do I need any extras – or does the hosted PBX solution come analog-capable?

6. If I mistakenly underestimate my own requirements, or my company grows past our current capabilities, what kind of costs do I face if I need to upgrade?

7. Does your hosted PBX provider plan on having to handle remote and mobile workers?

8. How (and how much) does your hosted PBX provider guarantee QoS?

9. Is your company stable financially? How do I know I am investing well?

10. And lastly, a rising concern is E911 compliance – does your hosted PBX provider offer that?


Erin Monda recently graduated from W.C.S.U. with a degree in professional writing. She primarily writes about network technologies, including cloud computing, virtualization and network optimization, however she also has a focus on E911 technologies and legislation.

Edited by Erin Monda

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