What Is a Hosted Soft-Switch PBX? A Guide for UK Businesses
Learn how a Hosted Soft-Switch PBX works, including call routing, queues, remote users, business numbers, resilience, pricing and managed UK support.
A Hosted Soft-Switch PBX is a cloud-based business telephone platform that manages calls, extensions, users, queues, telephone numbers and call routing without requiring the organisation to maintain a traditional PBX server at its premises.
At I.T Communications, our Hosted Soft-Switch PBX connects directly to the I.T Communications voice network, bringing the hosted platform, UK telephone numbers, call routing and support into one managed service.
What Does PBX Mean?
PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange. It controls business telephone communications including extensions, incoming and outgoing calls, transfers, ring groups, queues, IVR menus, business hours, voicemail, routing and reporting.
Traditional PBXs were commonly physical systems installed at the customer’s premises. A hosted PBX moves those functions into managed infrastructure.
What Is a Soft-Switch?
A soft-switch is a software-based platform used to control and route telephone calls across IP networks. For businesses, this creates a flexible communications environment capable of supporting users, numbers and call flows across several locations.
How Does Hosted Soft-Switch PBX Work?
The PBX functions run on managed infrastructure rather than a traditional appliance at the customer’s office. I.T Communications Soft-Switch PBX connects directly to the I.T Communications VoIP gateways and voice network, so customers do not need to purchase a separate SIP trunk for the hosted service.
New UK numbers can be supplied, while eligible existing telephone numbers can normally be transferred through number porting. Learn more about Telephone Numbers.
What Can It Do?
Available functionality can include IVR and auto attendants, ring groups, queues, time and calendar-based routing, caller-ID conditions, extension-status logic, queue priorities, callback options, presence, call history, reporting, authorised call recordings, desktop and mobile access and central administration.
Can Employees Work Remotely or Across Several Offices?
Yes. Supported desk phones, desktop clients and compatible softphone applications allow office, remote and multi-site users to remain part of one centrally managed communications environment.
Do We Need Separate SIP Trunks?
No. The hosted service connects directly to the I.T Communications voice network. Businesses retaining their own compatible PBX can instead consider Business SIP Trunks.
What About Windows Users?
I.T Communications provides a dedicated Soft-Switch VoIP App for Windows with business calling, call control, team presence and reporting. Where licensed and enabled, available recordings can also be transformed into transcripts, summaries, actions and decisions using AI call intelligence.
How Is the Platform Made Resilient?
The Soft-Switch platform uses a cluster-based architecture designed to reduce single points of failure. The wider I.T Communications communications platform operates across two London data centres. Learn more on our Network page.
How Much Does It Cost?
Current packages start from £59.96 per month and are capacity-based according to concurrent calls and recommended user ranges. Use the live Soft-Switch PBX Pricing page for current detailed pricing.
Is Support Included?
Basic support Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, is included within the defined service scope. More complex integrations or project work may be quoted separately.
Soft-Switch PBX vs Hosted 3CX
I.T Communications provides both platforms. The right choice depends on users, concurrent calls, call flows, applications, integrations, reporting, AI requirements and management preferences. Explore Hosted 3CX to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it need a separate SIP trunk?
No. It connects directly to the I.T Communications voice network.
Can employees work remotely?
Yes.
Can we keep existing numbers?
Eligible UK numbers can normally be transferred through number porting.
How much does it cost?
Current packages start from £59.96 per month. Check the live pricing page for current details.
Explore Hosted Soft-Switch PBX
Explore Hosted Soft-Switch PBX | View Pricing | Explore the Windows App | Contact I.T Communications
