Voice: Hosted PBX: FAQs

What is hosted PBX?

Hosted PBX is a VoIP-enabled business voice service that provides customers with a complete telephone service for their business without requiring them to install and manage complicated, expensive equipment.

What is VoIP?

VoIP is the acronym for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is the general term used to describe the technology of transmitting and delivering voice communications over Internet Protocol networks, such as the Internet.

What is OCS Calling?

OCS Calling ties hosted PBX together with hosted Exchange and Office Communications Server (OCS) to provide click-to-call functionality directly from OCS or Outlook. With OCS Calling, users can call any contact in OCS or Outlook with the click of a mouse. When you’re on a call, your OCS availability indicator automatically updates to “on the phone.” Plus, all your placed and received calls are stored as OCS conversations in Outlook.

Can customers port their number to our service?

Yes, we offer number porting free of charge.

Are toll-free numbers available?

Yes. With hosted PBX from Rescott, you can order new toll-free numbers or port existing toll-free numbers.

What phones are supported?

Rescott recommends Linksys and Polycom IP phones or the X-Lite softphone and will provide full support to help configure these devices. Other IP phones, softphones or applications that support SIP protocol may be used, however we cannot guarantee they will work with hosted PBX. To configure any SIP device you will need a username, password and server name, all of which are available through the CloudPortal® Control Panel. If you need to purchase phones, we have a preferred IP phone vendor that will help you receive top-quality hardware, optimized to work with our hosted PBX service.

How much bandwidth do I need for hosted PBX?

Generally, a hosted PBX VoIP call will use 90 kilobits per second (kbps) of bandwidth for the duration of the call. If you were to add hosted PBX for five users, and everyone was on the phone at the same time, it would require 450 kbps of bandwidth during the calls. (For reference: 1,000 kilobits is equal to 1 megabit.) Your exact needs will depend on the call volume and call patterns at your company as well the type of IP phones you are using. You can use your existing Internet connection for hosted PBX as long as the connection is dedicated (not dial-up) and you feel you have adequate upstream and downstream bandwidth for the number of users you are adding.

Does every Exchange mailbox holder need a hosted PBX number?

No. Hosted PBX can be enabled even for one user. It can also be enabled for Active Directory users who don’t have Exchange mailboxes, but you do need a hosted Exchange account in order to use our hosted PBX service.

Does the price include the mailbox?

No, it’s separate service.

Can I get just the hosted PBX service from Rescott?

Yes. Hosted PBX can either be added to your Rescott hosted Exchange service, or you can add hosted PBX as a standalone service.