News & Updates

  • FreePBX

Is an Onsite FreePBX really Free?

When changing to a VoIP communication solution, companies often consider an onsite PBX. The FreePBX is one of the most popular onsite PBX solutions available.

For some companies, the FreePBX seems to tick all the boxes. But are there downfalls? Despite all the bells and whistles, what challenges exist for such implementations?

Most companies will adopt the use of the FreePBX because of its open-source license, which is free to obtain and use. There is much appeal as the FreePBX appears to offer full control over their telephony system. It also minimises cost as they do not have to rely on third-party proprietary PBX providers for support when implementing simple changes. The FreePBX is scalable, it allows the seamless addition of more users with no need to buy expensive software or hardware.

FreePBX: the Pros and Cons

Switch Telecom offers a VoIP SIP Trunk which is often used with the FreePBX solution. We work with a lot of companies that have chosen to go the onsite route; some are happy but others regret their decision for the following reasons:

The default installation of the FreePBX is insecure out-of-the-box, and it requires careful work to secure each of the dependencies (OS, DB, etc.) let alone the product itself. It permits the creation of endpoint and trunk configurations without authentication. Not only does it permit that, but it doesn’t even throw an alert or warning if, by accident, one creates such a configuration. This might not seem like a big deal; but if not set up correctly and carefully, the system can leave you vulnerable to fraud. And fraud can be a very costly exercise, often running into thousands of rands if not caught in time.

Usually ignored when considering the FreePBX, is the ongoing maintenance support. This support usually involves making sure that the FreePBX is up to date, all the security vulnerabilities are patched, and so forth. In most cases, as companies do not have dedicated FreePBX support, several of these important concerns become relegated and forgotten. For instance, in the last quarter of 2019, there was a sudden spike in FreePBX hacking worldwide, a lot of companies fell victim to international toll bypass fraud. What actually happened? There was a particular vulnerability that allowed the perpetrator to access a FreePBX remotely. Read more on our blog highlighting the importance of a layered approach to security. The monetary loss from this FreePBX vulnerability was extremely high for all the affected companies worldwide.

Good On-site PBX Skills are Rare and Costly

Another downfall to the FreePBX is you’ll need in-house skills to manage the system. We have helped numerous clients that have been left in the dark when their system administrator leaves. It is also very difficult nowadays to find employees with VoIP experience; let alone good FreePBX knowledge.

When considering the change to VoIP, companies should seriously consider the downfalls an onsite PBX brings with it. Companies should perhaps consider a cloud-based solution instead. Switch Telecom offers a Hosted Switchboard Solution that alleviates these downfalls and in particular those of the FreePBX.

Onsite vs. a Cloud-based VoIP Solution

Our Hosted Switchboard offers lower set-up costs compared to the FreePBX. And maintenance costs are eliminated. Your IT staff will have more time available to do other tasks and don’t have to spend time researching systems they might not have knowledge of. The PBX is cloud-based which also minimises your CAPEX outlay. For the FreePBX, particularly for some ongoing support issues, you will require technical expertise which will contribute to the overall cost. If you are using the Hosted Switchboard all support is free. Most importantly, the system offers a secure GUI interface. You can still do changes without having to have a degree in Computer Science. There are no security risks when you do these changes. And you can easily roll back a change.

FreePBX and the Lockdown

While business was in full swing at the beginning of 2020, suddenly the lockdown threw a spanner in the works. Overnight, businesses had to learn to work remotely. The FreePBX which catered for companies on a private network now needed to cater for users working remotely. Although possible; a lack of technical expertise or in some cases security requirements hampered business continuity. Some were left without telephony services and could not communicate. Others relied on non-sanctioned forms of communication like mobile phones or free conferencing applications.

The Switch Telecom Hosted Solution in this case allowed users to seamlessly operate from their homes. Most users simply took their phones home or made use of softphones. The Hosted Switchboard ensured that business continuity occurred seamlessly. Lockdowns have created a Home-Work hybrid environment where users are working from home on certain days and work from the office on others. Our solution allows up to three devices per extension. This means a user can have a phone at home and at the office and the two will work seamlessly together on one extension.  Best of all, our solution offers a free web-based softphone.

Are you struggling to implement changes on your FreePBX or are you are having sleepless nights worrying about the security of the system? Then perhaps it’s time to consider a cloud-based solution; like the Switch Telecom Hosted Switchboard.

Contact us now for more information.

August 12th, 2021|Latest News|

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

News and updates

Online VoIP Applications

Nail guns have replaced hammers over time in the construction industry. They are powerful, easy to operate and boost productivity for nailing tasks. However, nail guns are a leading cause of injury among residential ‘carpenters’. They are responsible for an estimated 37,000 emergency room visits each year in the United States alone. Puncture wounds to the hands and fingers are most common. More serious injuries, such as a nail to the head, leg and thigh often occur. The Industrial and [...]

May 27th, 2024|Categories: Latest News|

Unleash the Power of Switch Telecom’s Mobile VoIP App

Mobile VoIP apps or softphones should be a crucial component of your communication solution. Before we delve into the intricacies of VoIP mobile softphones or applications (apps), it's crucial to grasp the fundamentals of VoIP communications. VoIP allows voice and multimedia communication over the Internet, eliminating the need for traditional phone lines. This revolutionary technology converts analogue voice signals into digital data packets, enabling efficient transmission and reception. The Rise of Mobile VoIP With the proliferation of smartphones and high-speed [...]

February 7th, 2024|Categories: Latest News|

The Benefits of Having a Separate VoIP Provider from Your Internet Service Provider

We are often asked if Switch Telecom is an Internet Service Provider. The answer is simple; we only offer VoIP Solutions. We like to focus on what we do best! Furthermore, we don't like restricting our clients from choosing an ISP that's right for them. In an era where communication is increasingly reliant on the Internet, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses and individuals alike. While many internet service providers (ISPs) offer bundled [...]

January 17th, 2024|Categories: Latest News|

Your VoIP Solution during the Festive Season 2023

Your VoIP solution is going to save you a lot of money during the festive season. Using your VoIP service to contact friends and family locally and abroad. Calling internationally is often much cheaper than calling them on a local mobile number. (This does depend on the destination you’re calling). There are also numerous ways to stay connected to your clients without being tied to an office desk. This means you can relax and unwind with the knowledge that you [...]

December 19th, 2023|Categories: Latest News|

Flat Rate Calling; Save Big on Call Costs

Switch Telecom’s Flat Rate Calling packages (Unlimited VoIP) cost a fixed, affordable monthly fee - removing the expensive variable costs that usually come with making calls in South Africa. Unlimited VoIP isn’t only the next best thing for South Africans; it should be the norm. Flat rate (Unlimited/Uncapped) calling is already a prevalent offering in international markets. And makes sense for home and business users in South Africa, too. It brings down communication costs and makes it easier to work [...]

November 17th, 2023|Categories: Latest News|

Cloud Phone Systems

Cloud phone systems or hosted switchboards have emerged as a game-changer in the rapidly evolving business communications landscape. With the digital transformation of the workplace, traditional phone systems are becoming obsolete, making way for cloud phone systems. This shift to the cloud offers numerous advantages that can revolutionise how businesses communicate, collaborate, and stay connected. In this blog, we will explore the many benefits of adopting such a system. Cloud Phone Systems are Cost Efficient and Scalable One of the [...]

October 30th, 2023|Categories: Latest News|

PHP Developers Wanted – Unlock your potential when you join Switch

Switch Telecom is hiring PHP developers – here’s why you should join the team. In today's uncertain times choosing the right company to work for can be stressful. It can also make a big difference to your career in the future. Individuals in the technology industry, and PHP Developers particularly, are looking to join companies that value their skills but also provide an environment where they can thrive and grow. At Switch Telecom, innovation is not just a catchphrase; [...]

September 28th, 2023|Categories: Latest News|

VoIP Fraud – What you need to know!

The last couple of years have significantly changed the way we live and work. They have also led to an increase in online fraud. South Africa has become a large target for international syndicates. These syndicates are taking advantage of the country’s advanced telecommunications infrastructure to carry out their criminal activities. This was highlighted by the recent attack on a prominent ISP's network.Switch Telecom has always gone to great lengths to protect our network and our client’s services. We continue [...]

April 26th, 2023|Categories: Latest News|

Browser-Based Softphone – New Features

The browser-based softphone is a web-based application that allows users to make and receive phone calls directly from their web browser. In today's fast-paced world, communication has become an essential part of our lives, both personal and professional. The rise of remote work and the need for businesses to stay connected with their employees and clients has led to the advancement of communication technologies. One such technology is the Switch Telecom browser-based softphone which uses  Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) technology [...]

March 16th, 2023|Categories: Latest News|

Title

Go to Top