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On‑Prem PBX vs Cloud PBX
Choosing the right phone system for your organisation
On‑Prem vs Cloud PBX
Understand the difference between traditional and cloud‑based PBX systems — and which approach best fits your business needs.
Business communications have evolved — and so have phone systems.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or planning a new deployment, understanding the difference between On‑Prem PBX and Cloud PBX is key to making the right decision.
At Teltech, we help organisations choose and implement solutions that align with how they work today — and how they plan to grow.
What is a PBX?
A PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a business phone system that manages internal and external calls, connects employees through extensions, and provides features such as call routing, voicemail and automated attendants.
On‑Prem PBX
What is it?
An On‑Prem PBX is a traditional phone system hosted on equipment installed at your business location.
Cloud PBX
What is it?
A Cloud PBX is a phone system hosted in the cloud, with no on‑site hardware required. It is accessed via internet‑connected devices.
Key Characteristics
- Hardware located on‑site
- Full control over configuration
- Internal IT management required
- Higher upfront investment
Key Characteristics
- Hosted in secure data centres
- Accessible from anywhere
- Managed and maintained remotely
- Subscription‑based
Benefits
- Greater control and customisation
- Suitable for organisations with specific compliance or infrastructure requirements
- Not dependent on internet for internal call processing
Benefits
- Ideal for hybrid and remote work
- Easy to scale users and locations
- Reduced upfront costs
- Automatic updates and maintenance
- Access from desk phones, mobiles, and laptops
Considerations
- Ongoing maintenance and upgrades required
- Higher capital expenditure
- Limited flexibility for remote work
- Scaling can be complex and costly
Considerations
- Requires reliable internet connectivity
- Less direct control over underlying infrastructure
- May require integration planning with existing systems
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Feature | On-Prem PBX | Cloud PBX |
|---|---|---|
Location |
On-site hardware |
Cloud hosted |
Cost model |
Upfront |
Subscription |
Scalability |
Limited |
Highly scalable |
Remote access |
Limited |
Full access anywhere |
Maintenance |
Internal IT required |
Managed remotely |
Flexibility |
Lower |
High |
Ideal for |
Fixed environments |
Modern, hybrid workplaces |
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing the right solution depends on your organisation’s priorities:
Choose On‑Prem PBX if you:
- Require full control over infrastructure
- Have strict compliance needs
- Prefer to manage systems internally
Choose Cloud PBX if you:
- Support remote or hybrid teams
- Need flexibility and scalability
- Want to reduce infrastructure complexity
- Prefer predictable monthly costs
How Teltech Can Help
At Teltech, we work with organisations to design and deliver communication solutions that fit real‑world environments.
We provide:
- Expert consultation
- Solution design tailored to your needs
- Seamless deployment and migration
- Ongoing local support
Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or moving to the cloud, we’ll help you choose the right path.
Ready to modernise your communications?
Speak with Teltech to explore the right PBX solution for your organisation. Get in touch today!
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PBX FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
A PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is your organisation’s business phone system. It manages incoming and outgoing calls, connects internal users, and provides features like call routing, voicemail and automated attendants.
An On‑Prem PBX is installed and managed at your site, giving you full control over the system.
A Cloud PBX is hosted offsite, offering greater flexibility, scalability and easier access from anywhere.
That depends on your environment and priorities:
- On‑Prem PBX suits organisations needing control or specific infrastructure requirements
- Cloud PBX is ideal for flexibility, remote work and scalability
Teltech can help assess your needs and recommend the best fit.
Yes. In most cases, existing business numbers can be ported across to your new PBX system with minimal disruption.
With a Cloud PBX, employees can work from anywhere using laptops, desk phones or mobile devices.
On‑Prem systems can support remote work, but typically require additional setup.
Yes. Cloud PBX platforms are built with enterprise‑grade security, including encryption, secure hosting environments, and controlled access to protect your communications.
Most PBX solutions include:
- Call routing and auto attendants
- Voicemail and messaging
- Call queues and hunt groups
- Mobile and desktop calling
- Integration with collaboration tools
- Cloud PBX: Easily add or remove users and locations as needed
- On‑Prem PBX: Scaling requires additional hardware and setup
Not always. Many Cloud PBX systems support:
- Existing desk phones (if compatible)
- Mobile apps
- Softphones on laptops
Teltech can assess what can be reused and what may need upgrading.
With Cloud PBX, calls can be diverted to mobile devices or alternate locations, helping maintain business continuity.
Yes. Modern PBX solutions can integrate with Microsoft Teams, allowing you to extend enterprise voice capabilities into your existing collaboration platform.
6910 IP PHONE
6920 IP PHONE
6930 IP PHONE
6940 IP PHONE
6970 IP CONFERENCE PHONE
INTEGRATED DECT HEADSET
6900T HANDSET
6910 IP PHONE
The 6910 offers exceptional quality and standard telephony functions in an enterprise grade IP desktop phone. The Mitel 6910 features Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and a large 3.4” LCD display with soft white backlighting and large fonts, making the screen easy to read in any lighting condition. With eight programmable keys, native DHSG/EHS analog headset support, and high-definition audio quality, the Mitel 6910 IP Phone is ideal for businesses of all sizes.
6920 IP PHONE
The 6920 is designed for power users who demand not only a modern design but also a phone that is flexible and delivers a high-quality communications experience. The MiVoice 6920 is designed from the ground up to provide an exceptional HD audio experience via its unique speech optimised handset, high quality full-duplex speakerphone and support for USB, EHS/DHSH & Analog headsets.
6930 IP PHONE
The 6930 is designed for power users who need a phone that can be tailored to their specific communication needs. The 6930’s first-of-its-kind PCLink feature turns your phone into a high quality audio device for PC based video collaboration. It provide an exceptional HD audio experience via its unique speech optimised handset, enhanced full- duplex speakerphone and support for Bluetooth, USB and Analog headsets. Supporting today’s high speed networks through dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, the 6930 offers a large 4.3” colour backlit LCD display, HD wide-band audio with advanced audio processing.
6940 IP PHONE
The MiVoice 6940 is designed for the executive user who demands an exceptional device that meets their demanding communication needs. The 6940’s first-of-its-kind PCLink feature turns your phone into a high-quality audio device for PC based video collaboration. The 6940 is designed from the ground up to provide an exceptional HD audio experience via its unique speech optimised cordless handset, enhance full-duplex speakerphone and support for both Bluetooth and USB headsets. Supporting today’s high-speed networks through dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, the 6940 offers an exceptionally large 7” colour touch display, HD wide-band audio with advanced audio processing.
6970 IP CONFERENCE PHONE
The Mitel 6970 IP Conference Phone is designed to make meeting easier and more efficient. A large 7” colour touchscreen grants excellent visibility to an intuitive user interface for quick navigation to essential meeting information and functions. Enjoy crystal clear audio with high-definition speakers and 360-degree beam-forming microphones.
INTEGRATED DECT HEADSET
The Integrated DECT Headset delivers an extended range of up to 300 feet (100 meters) of personal area mobility, helping users avoid missed calls while stepping away from their desk. The base is powered by the phone eliminates having to find an available power outlet, which can be a challenge as often available outlets are all occupied by other desktop equipment. The Integrated DECT Headset is supported on Mitel 6930/40 IP Phone models.
6900T HANDSET
The handset is protected with antimicrobial plastics and is built using BioCote® treated plastics. The handset’s smooth surfaces and hardwired cord make for easy cleaning, facilitating a more hygienic device. The handset is redesigned to make easier to clean by removed ribs, hard wired handset cord to eliminate jack receptacle (major trap for dirt and grime) and redesigned microphone grill to minimise crevices and holes that might collect germs, dirt and grime.
Support Links
Contact
- 1300 TELTECH (835 832)
- P: (03) 9781 7000
- F: (03) 9781 7077
- enquiries@teltech.net.au
- 32 Hartnett Dr, Seaford VIC 3198
