These days, most business broadband providers offer an internet telephony option with their small business packages. 3CX is like a virtual switchboard that allows lots of users to share the same voice-over-IP server connection.
You can install the software on a Windows PC running either a desktop or server edition of Windows. Using the simple web interface, you create as many user accounts as you need and register each one with a compatible IP phone.
To test the 3CX server program we used 3CX's own, free, software phone and a Snom 300 (a standard SIP phone, which costs around £100). Both worked perfectly. We simply told them the IP address of our 3CX server, entered the account details and they connected to the server without further intervention. We had some problems receiving incoming calls at first, but this was solved by swapping routers for a model with better port forwarding.
Setting up your connection to the outside world is just as easy. Enter the details of your ISP's VoIP gateway, your account details and some technical information that your ISP will provide, press Enter and you're connected. You should then be able to make external as well as internal calls. The free version of 3CX allows you to make up to eight calls simultaneously.
As well as allowing several people to share a single VoIP provider, you can also give your users voicemail services and specify how long each person's phone should ring before voicemail kicks in. You can also put callers on hold and transfer them between extensions.
We couldn't really fault 3CX's Phone System. The free edition has most of the functions a home office or small business will need, although if you want call queuing or conference calls you'll need a paid-for edition. Considering you can download it for free, we highly recommend it.
Requires Windows 2000/XP/Vista, router with port forwardingAuthor: Karl Wright
3CX Phone System Free Edition