The PBX has been “dead” for years if you believe analysts in the communications industry. But with vendors who’ve made the PBX a staple in their product line finally ceasing development and support for their PBX products, the system does look finally near extinction.

Siemens, for example, has stated that they will no longer provide support on the ISDX after 2017. There will, of course, be some suppliers who can provide first line maintenance, but this will not be backed by any support from Siemens as the manufacturer.

PBX phone systems have always been one‐dimensional and unable to match the functionality and flexibility of modern IP telephony. So, replacing outdated PBX equipment is an opportunity to migrate enterprise infrastructure to IP.

Phased approach or total rip and replace?

However, there aren’t many businesses that can toss out their entire communications system and migrate to a new IP solution in one fell swoop. While the PBX is still functional and familiar to users, there is understandably a deep resistance to rip and replace.

Instead, most enterprises still see IP Telephony as an adjunct to their existing system. They plan to phase over gradually one application at a time, leveraging investment in their legacy PBX.

C3’s solutions are all TDM and SIP compliant, so leading-edge unified communication, collaboration and voice messaging technology can be deployed at any point in the migration pathway. Our open solutions help organisations benefit from new technology as well as extend the life of existing systems, driving down the total cost of ownership.

For more information about any of our products or for advice on migrating your kit to IP, please email sales@c3.co.uk.