What are IP PBXs?
What are IP PBXs?

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There are a couple categories of IP PBXs depending on who you talk to. For example, some people use the term Hybrid IP PBX to mean an old PBX with an Ethernet card plugged into it. This approach works for basic things such as routing some calls over IP and having some IP phones. This approach, however, does not scale. A true IP PBX is a set of applications running on a server (or set of servers) in the network. An IP PBX is designed for high bandwidth applications and multimedia communications using presence, IM, voice, video, fax, and data. IP PBX applications are often partially distributed and tightly integrated with PC applications to enhance productivity. Trying to accomplish any level of integration with a PC with an old PBX is very costly and cumbersome.

This was first published in March 2005

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