Hybrid VoIP PBX Systems - Pros and Cons

What are Hybrid VoIP Systems?

Hybrid VoIP PBX systems are at their heart a TDM PBX with an IP module or VoIP gateway that qualifies them as a VoIP PBX phone system. The result is that they can directly replace an existing TDM PBX without need for a major rewiring project. All existing extensions and handsets remain useable, but in addition it's possible to connect VoIP devices via the VoIP gateway. The outcome can be the best of both worlds.

Who Needs a Hybrid VoIP Solution?

Hybrid VoIP systems were devised as a means of overcoming the main objection to VoIP phone systems replacing legacy TDM equipment. Before a TDM PBX can be replaced by a new VoIP PBX it is necessary to re-cable or re-wire premises unless a hybrid solution is used. These costs can be substantial and even exceed the cost of the new PBX. There may also be additional costs required to replace handsets with VoIP business phones!

In traditional TDM environments the extensions are connected using CAT 3 cabling, but in pure VoIP environments the end points are connected back to the switch via Ethernet cabling known as CAT 5.

If the majority of end points correspond to the location of networked work stations the migration to a VoIP PBX solution is straightforward. VoIP capable handsets can be connected directly to the LAN and old CAT-3 cabling pulled out, tucked away or cut off.

Businesses moving into new premises commonly factor in the replacement of their phone systems into the overall cost of relocation. It's an opportunity to get rid of tangled wires and streamline the operation of business phone systems.

The hybrid VoIP system is typically sold as an upgrade or replacement solution where the cost of deploying a pure VoIP PBX system would be a budget breaker. The alternative for companies that confront these large upfront costs is a hosted VoIP PBX solution. They may still need to address the cabling issues, but can avoid the capital cost of the PBX.

See also: Virtual PBX VoIP.

Other factors that may tip the balance in favor of a hybrid solution even if a business has no plans to relocate include:

1. Reducing the cost of phone calls between branches and remote offices.
2. Access to VoIP PBX features.
3. Planned roll out of new IT systems including data networks.

Hybrid IP PBX systems are primarily intended for the small business phone system market. Issues such as the cost of cabling and handset replacement seldom influence the potential buyer of an enterprise VoIP PBX system.

The hybrid route may also appeal to the risk averse. The necessity for a big bang cut over is eliminated and VoIP facilities are rolled out on a staged basis. VoIP PBX software features can be progressively introduced as required.

Hybrid VoIP PBX Systems - Future

Hybrid systems were a creative response to a stage in the transition from stand alone office systems to the world of unified communications and convergent technology. They were introduced by companies such as Avaya, Nortel, Panasonic and Siemens as a means of providing existing customers with an option for upgrading their systems. It was a defensive strategy designed to deter competitors, including those offering VoIP virtual PBX solutions.

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