What are the advantages and disadvantages of traditional on site telephone system, 3CX and hosted systems 
 
Ongoing costs. Whilst the initial outlay for a traditional system is often more expensive, you own the equipment, there are no ongoing monthly rentals to pay. Hosted systems can become very expensive very quickly over a short period of time, far outweighing the cost of a traditional system. 
Flexibility. The latest on-site PBX systems are packed with features, they can do everything a hosted system can, and so much more. The flexibility in programming is far greater, so it’s much easier to match a customer’s requirements than any hosted system I have come across to date. 
Choice. Hosted systems are limited to IP phones, whereas PBX systems offer customers a greater choice. These include a range of dedicated digital/Ip, Sip phones, as well as the ability to use almost any type of analogue phone, including basic phones, dect cordless phones (the same type you use at home), fax machines etc. Wide area dect coverage is also available. Mobile and desktop apps are great for those who work from home. 
Lines. There is a greater choice of lines to choose from. PBX systems can use traditional analogue lines, ISDN 2 or 30, and the latest Sip trunks (Internet VOIP Lines) 
Cabling. PBX systems do not require a CAT5/6 network, although it does make installation easier. They can make use of existing telephone cabling infrastructure within the building, which hosted can’t. Ip and Sip phones require a CAT5/6 network. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lower set up costs 
Ideal for a small office or similar environment where only a few phones are required, 
On-going costs can be expensive as each phone will have a monthly rental. 
Requires a good internet connection. 
No hardware required on-site 
A good selection of IP phones available such as Yealink's and Fanvil's range 
Mobile apps are very good 
IP Phones can work anywhere there is a good internet connection. Great for home workers. 
lacks some of the features of a traditional PBX 
Yealink Wi-Fi phones are available if you dont have a CAT5/6 network 
Hosted can't use analogue phones,fax etc. 
Hosted can't use older telephone cabling, It must be a CAT5/6 network, or the use of Wi-Fi phones 
With a hosted system it can be a lot more difficult to swap to a different provider. It can often mean starting all over again, and with the disruption and cost involved. If this is a concern, 3CX is a better option. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3CX can be significantly cheaper than a hosted system. Let’s take for example a business that needs between 20 and 30 phones, but only a maximum of 8 people are on the phone at any one time, with 3CX you choose your plan based on how many simultaneous calls are in progress at any one time. If you choose a plan with 8 simultaneous calls, the amount of phones you have is irrelevant, you could have dozens if needed. With a hosted system you pay a monthly fee for every phone, it can get very expensive! 
3CX Requires a good internet connection. 
3CX uses Sip trunks so you have a greater choice of service providers and its much easier to change provider than a hosted system. 
3CX is more like a traditional PBX except the hardware is in the cloud. 
3CX can also be hosted on your own server and even a raspberry pi. 
A good selection of IP phones are available such as Yealink's and Fanvil's range. 
IP Phones can work anywhere there is a good internet connection. Great for home workers. 
Brilliant free 3CX mobile and desktop apps are available. 
Built in voice mail, auto attendant and call queuing. 
lacks some of the features of a traditional PBX 
Trial version available to test. 
Yealink Wi-Fi phones are available if you dont have a CAT5/6 network 
3CX cant use analogue phones, fax etc, 
3CX can't use older telephone cabling, It must be a CAT5/6 network, or the use of Wi-Fi phones 
 
 
 
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