Market Overview
Cloud-PBX solutions are steadily gaining traction, even though over 80% of German companies still rely on traditional on-premise telephone systems. The increasing market share of cloud-based solutions can be attributed to their outsourcing potential, predictable subscription-based costs, and seamless integration with collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and Webex. These solutions provide businesses with extensive communication features, ranging from video conferencing to document sharing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud-PBX
The benefits of Cloud-PBX include flexible access to additional features that can be tailored to individual users and optimized cost structures. However, there are also challenges, such as reliance on internet connectivity and potential loss of control for IT departments. To mitigate the risk of communication outages, businesses should consider fallback options, such as redundant lines. A thorough cost comparison between on-premise and cloud-based systems is essential.
Testing Methodology and Focus
The latest comparison test conducted by connect professional in collaboration with zafaco evaluated the quality and reliability of nine Cloud-PBX providers. To ensure detailed insights, zafaco refined its testing methodology and increased the number of individual measurements.
Test Results
The evaluation of the tested Cloud-PBX providers reveals a broad range of performance levels with overall very positive results. Providers were rated on a scale of up to 1,000 points and additionally classified with qualitative ratings ("good" or "very good") and ranked accordingly. Notably, Plusnet secured first place with an outstanding score of 948 points. This excellent result highlights the high quality and reliability of this Cloud-PBX offering, making it a particularly recommended choice.
In addition to the top performer Plusnet, providers Telekom, NFON, O2 Telefónica and STARFACE also received "very good" ratings. Their scores ranged from 933 to 907 points, placing them in positions 2 through 5. These high scores and corresponding ratings underline the capabilities of these Cloud-PBX providers, which meet the needs of even demanding users and fall only slightly behind the leader.
The Cloud-PBX providers sipgate, Enreach, 1&1 Versatel and RingCentral were rated as "good," reflecting solid quality, albeit somewhat behind the top competitors. Their scores ranged from 842 to 795 points, securing positions 6 through 9. RingCentral ranked last with 795 points and ninth place. Nevertheless, this provider still meets basic requirements and delivers overall reliable quality, though not at the highest level.
The detailed results are available online or in the 12/2024 issue of connect professional.