Virtual PBX VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), is a hosted PBX software solution that uses the Internet as the means to deliver voice communications. The PBX VOIP solution provides you with far more benefits than when compared with the old hardware based systems and also saves you a lot of money. Another advantage of virtual PBX VOIP solution is the maintenance and support is the responsibility of the service provider and thus relieving you of a lot of bother.

The features of virtual PBX service are comparable with the systems used by big corporations and include - auto attendant, find me follow me call forwarding, caller identity, voice mail, voice to email, fax, fax to email and music on hold.

The method of operation is simple. You are generally assigned either an 800 or local number or sometimes both. This is the number that you need to publicize and give out to all your clients and you will have all incoming calls of your company getting centralized and the client only needs to remember this one number.

Virtual PBX is a wonderful communication option for self-employed professionals, SOHO, small and medium sized business. The services are offered through a hosted server using high bandwidth Internet connection or telephone networks. As the PBX services are shared among a number of users, the services are made available at affordable monthly rates.

The various features of hosted PBX phone system can be utilized without buying or maintaining costly PBX equipments in your office. All the equipments are kept at the premises of the service providers and PBX services are provided using high bandwidth Internet or telephone connection.

Once you have determined your needs, you'll also want to decide on the type of service. For sole proprietors and small-office environments that need just a few phone lines and basic voicemail boxes, a basic VoIP solution should more than suffice.

Compare the features and select the system which has the features you need. Take stock of your current situation. Do you need individual extensions with voicemail for each employee? Do you want some kind of mobile solution for employees on the road? Do you want calls routed to people in remote locations?

Decide these important factors before you begin shopping. The following features are available with most VoIP packages - multiple extensions, remote voicemail pickup, route-to-fax capability, call forwarding and teleconferencing capabilities.

No matter which system you go with, study if the provision for expandability exists. It is not advisable to abandon a perfectly working system just because you have reached its capacity.

Keep an eye open for emerging technologies which installs open-source systems similar to Linux, but for business phones. Many of these open-source technologies can save you money and also perform better, especially when a service provider can offer all the business support you need.

RingCentral, Inc. recently launched its DigitalLine VoIP service as an enhancement to its virtual phone system for small businesses. DigitalLine is integrated directly into the full RingCentral system, allowing the company's customers to place and receive calls via landline, mobile and VoIP as needed. DigitaLine is fully integrated with the RingCentral service and lets customers view missed calls, check voicemail, or send faxes over IP.