When first looking at VOIP, or IP PBXs, one soon realises that there are two types of solutions out there. One is a dedicated piece of hardware that looks less like a computer and more like an ADSL router or hub, and there  are software based PBXs, IP PBX software that can run on any generic computer. These two types of VOIP solutions are usually classified as hardware IP PBXs, such as Epygi, or Software IP PBXs, such as Asterisk.

VOIP, IP PBX Solutions

This nomenclature really refers to the superficial differences between the two solutions, in that, one runs on a dedicated piece of hardware that would be little use for anything else, while the other runs on a generic computer that is capable of many different tasks and uses. So which one should one choose and which one is the "best" option to go with?

Is there any real design differences between hardware and software IP PBXs?

Before dealing with this question, I would like to answer the question "Is there any real design differences between the two?" The answer to this is no. At the end of the day the dedicated hardware appliances have software that run on a piece of hardware that is essentially a stripped down computer. So in fact the difference between the two solutions is not in their architecture.

So what are the real differences between the two IP PBX solutions?

So what are the differences between hardware and software IP PBXs? The real differences come down to support, and ability to customise the solution to your needs. Traditionally, for hardware based IP PBXs, the manufacturer typically supplies system updates to their appliances taking away the hassle of having manage the solution yourself, as well as offering warranties. In return you get a robust solution that you have very little control over and no ability to customise. Typically it is also very costly to upgrade you solution as it is not possible to open up the appliance to add new ports for example. In most cases you have to buy additional appliances.

Software based IP PBX solutions,in the past, were built by service providers who, unlike the hardware based manufacturers, provided very little after sales service; however the Asterisk based solutions did, and still do, provide a high degree of flexibility and have a very low incremental cost when new features need to be added. This is almost the exact opposite of the hardware based PBXs.

Jumping Bean though has dealt with the first problem,  lack of ongoing support, by providing 2 year warranty on our Asterisk based solutions as well as Asterisk maintenance plans making the choice to go with a Asterisk based, custom solution that much easier.

So which IP PBX Solution is best?

So now back to the original question. Which IP PBX solution is best? The answer here, is that it depends on your needs and your expected future growth. So if you are a professional practice such as a Doctor, Accountant, Architect etc that has a small office and do not want to be tied down to monthly maintenance costs, then a hardware solution is probably the way to go.

If you are a larger business or expect to grow rapidly, or perhaps you are a small business but with unique telephony requirements, then a custom Asterisk solution is the way to go.

Luckily, if you decide to go the hardware route first, it is entirely possible that the hardware based IP PBX can be used in a solution which makes use of Asterisk to provide additional functionality. So if you have any questions or doubts why not give us a call and we can assist you with your decision.