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How to Save Money with Cloud Telephony?

How save money with cloud telephony

The role of technology as a transformative force of business growth cannot be overstated. And cloud telephony has emerged as a key solution that helps businesses stay resilient and competitive, …Read More »

What is Contact Center Agent Elevation?

An image of contact center agent elevation.

The process of contact center agent elevation, also known as escalation, is one of the quickest ways to address customer expectations and queries. As customers want quick and tailored solutions, …Read More »

Global Call Forwarding Releases an Updated Softphone with New Features and Integrations

softphone PR

Global Call Forwarding has released an updated GCF Softphone for Windows users. DELRAY BEACH, FL, Jan 2024 The new softphone is designed to improve business communication, facilitate efficient calling experiences, …Read More »

How to Establish a Local Presence in Lakshadweep?

An image showing business expansion to lakshadweep.

Collaborated with Vasudha K Thinking of expanding your business to South Asia? Consider Lakshadweep’s scenic and promising shores. Situated near international shipping ports like Karnataka, this archipelago beckons with untapped …Read More »

Phone Number Testing: Benefits and How to Do It

An image of our guide to business phone number testing.

Many of the insights for this article came from a breakout session at Cyara Xchange 2024. Global Call Forwarding also uses the Cyara Voice Assure product. Despite the emergence of …Read More »

How Forex Companies Use Virtual Numbers (5 Use Cases)

how forex uses virtual numbers

The forex market is inherently international as it involves the exchange of global currencies. While the forex market has no central location, most traders are in major financial centers and …Read More »

Asterisk vs FreePBX: Features, Pricing, Deployment

Want to upgrade your PBX but don’t know which provider to choose? In this comparison, we will look at Asterisk vs FreePBX, specifically at their features, pricing, deployment, support, and more.

Learn more about what these providers offer and how to choose the right open-source PBX for your business communication needs.

Choosing the Right PBX Phone Solution

When building out your private branch exchange, you will find multiple on-premise, cloud, and hybrid solutions.

However, while these providers offer similar services, they differ in pricing, features, premium add-ons, and more. This is why it’s important to compare PBX and phone service providers before making a decision.

So, how do you choose the right phone service provider for your business? And what should you look for when comparing Asterisk vs FreePBX?

  • Research the market
  • Review pricing plans
  • Compare features and services included
  • Consider deployment methods and if they meet your needs
  • Take customer reviews and testimonials into account
  • Look for support and training

Now, let’s look at the differences between Asterisk and FreePBX in detail.

About Asterisk

Asterisk is an open-source communication solution offering voice and video communication. This software is available for free and easily integrates into existing business phone systems (both legacy and VoIP).

You can use Asterisk with your on-premise system or connect it to your cloud solution with SIP trunking. And it comes packed with PBX features such as IVR, conferencing, and voicemail.

As Sangoma, a global communications provider puts it: “Asterisk is, in fact, a communications toolkit. Not a ready-to-go PBX. It has a lot of functionality that someone needs to craft into something.” That’s where other open-source solutions, like FreePBX, come into play.

Year Established: 1999

Asterisk Top Features:

  • Auto-Dialer
  • Call Center Management
  • Call Logging & Monitoring
  • IVR / Voice Recognition
  • Call Recording
  • Call Routing
  • Employee Directory
  • Call Transfer
  • Predictive Dialer
  • Reporting & Analytics
  • SMS Messaging
  • Telemarketing Management
  • Video Conferencing
  • Voicemail

About FreePBX

FreePBX is a cloud-based, open-source platform. You can use FreePBX to control and manage a PBX system such as Asterisk. Specifically, FreePBX is a GUI (graphical user interface) built on top of Asterisk which makes it easier to build and run a PBX with Asterisk.

FreePBX works best when integrated with SIP trunking or UC services to provide users with a well-rounded communication system.

Year Established: 2004

FreePBX Top Features:

  • Time-Based Call Routing
  • Built-In Conference Bridge
  • Fax to Email
  • Hunt/Ring Groups
  • Voicemail Blasting
  • Find Me / Follow Me Calling
  • Support for Video Calling
  • Text to Speech
  • Calling Queues (ACD)
  • Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
  • Three-Way Calling Support
  • Voicemail & Voicemail to Email
  • Caller ID Support
  • Call Transfer
  • Call Recording
  • Call Waiting
  • Call Detail Records
  • Speed Dials
  • Caller Blacklisting
  • Call Screening
  • WebRTC & Softphone Support
  • Failover Devices

Asterisk vs FreePBX

So, which do you choose? This depends on what you and your teams need. Let’s look at the differences between Asterisk and FreePBX closely:

Asterisk FreePBX
Free Version Open-source PBX (free) Pricing listed is for Asterisk Support Services FreePBX is free, but PBXact is the commercial version and comes with multiple pricing options.
Pricing Model Open-source and commercial licensing Free with add-ons
IP-PBX Pricing starts from $595 FreePBX software is free, not including costs for added functionality and features;
PBXact starts at $34.99 per feature
Free Trial Yes Yes
Best for 51-1000+ users 1-5000+ users
Deployment
  • Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
  • Desktop – Linux
  • Mobile – Android, iPhone, iPad
  • Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
  • On-Premise – Windows, Linux
Support
  • Email/Help Desk
  • FAQs/Forum
  • Knowledge Base
  • Phone Support
  • 24/7 (Live Rep)
  • Chat
  • Email/Help Desk
  • FAQs/Forum
Training
  • In-Person
  • Live Online
  • Videos
  • Documentation
  • Videos
  • Online Forum

Using Asterisk or FreePBX with Global Call Forwarding

Global Call Forwarding is a global telephony provider that offers cloud PBX along with other cloud communications solutions.

You can use our voice service as it comes — with business calling features and services — or simply integrate our VoIP and SIP trunks with the PBX system you already have on-premise.

We have helped many businesses upgrade their phone system by integrating the right voice solution with their existing phone setup. Want to learn more? Speak with our experts today at +1 (561) 908-6171 or chat with us online!

3CX vs Asterisk: Features, Pricing, Deployment

Want to upgrade your business phone system but don’t know which provider is better? In this comparison, we will look at 3CX vs Asterisk. More specifically, we’ll review their features, pricing, deployment, support, and more.

Learn more about what these providers offer and how to choose the best open-source PBX for your business communication needs.

Choosing the Right PBX Phone Solution

When building out your business phone system, you will find multiple on-premise, cloud, and hybrid solutions. However, while these providers offer similar services, they differ in pricing, features, premium add-ons, and more. This is why it’s important to compare PBX and phone service providers before deciding.

So, how to choose the right phone service provider for your business? And what should you look for when comparing 3CX vs Asterisk?

  • Research the market
  • Review pricing plans
  • Compare features and services included
  • Consider deployment methods and if they meet your needs
  • Take customer reviews and testimonials into account
  • Look for support and training

Now, let’s look at the differences between 3CX and Asterisk in detail.

About 3CX

3CX is an open-standards PBX system supporting various IP phones and SIP trunking services. It offers businesses a complete UC solution with voice, video, live chat, and more. You can use 3CX on-premise or in the cloud and even access the solution on multiple devices.

Year Established: 2008

3CX Top Features:

  • PBX
  • Activity Dashboard
  • Alerts & Notifications
  • Audio / Video Conferencing
  • Voice Calls
  • Manual, Predictive & Auto Dialer
  • Automated Attendant
  • Automatic Call Distribution
  • Call Center Management
  • Call Routing
  • Ring Groups
  • Call Monitoring & Reporting
  • Call Recording
  • Chat / Messaging
  • Call Tracking
  • Computer Telephony Integration
  • Customizable Branding & Reports
  • Fax Management
  • IVR / Voice Recognition
  • Multi-Channel Communication
  • Queue Management
  • Reporting & Analytics
  • SIP Trunking
  • SMS Messaging
  • Virtual Extensions

About Asterisk

Asterisk is an open-source PBX solution offering voice and video communication. This software is available for free and easily integrates into existing business phone systems (both legacy and VoIP). You can use Asterisk with your on-premise system or set up SIP trunking in the cloud. And it comes packed with common PBX features such as IVR, conferencing, and voicemail.

Year Established: 1999

Asterisk Top Features:

  • Auto-Dialer
  • Call Center Management
  • Call Logging & Monitoring
  • IVR / Voice Recognition
  • Call Recording
  • Call Routing
  • Employee Directory
  • Call Transfer
  • Predictive Dialer
  • Reporting & Analytics
  • SMS Messaging
  • Telemarketing Management
  • Video Conferencing
  • Voicemail

3CX vs Asterisk

So, which do you choose? This depends on what you and your teams need. Let’s look at the differences between 3CX and Asterisk closely:

 

3CX Asterisk
Free Version Yes Yes
Pricing Model Depends on the number of users, concurrent calls, hosted or self-managed, etc. Open-source PBX (free)
The pricing listed is for Asterisk Support Services
IP-PBX Cost The basic plan is free, but others start at $145 per year Starts from $595
Free Trial Yes Yes
Best for 1-1000+ users 51-1000+ users
Deployment
  • Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
  • Desktop – Mac, Windows, Linux
  • On-Premise – Windows, Linux
  • Mobile – Android, iPhone, iPad
  • Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
  • Desktop – Linux
  • Mobile – Android, iPhone, iPad
Support
  • Email / Help Desk
  • FAQs / Forum
  • Knowledge Base
  • Phone Support
  • Chat
  • Email / Help Desk
  • FAQs / Forum
  • Knowledge Base
  • Phone Support
  • 24/7 (Live Rep)
  • Chat
Training
  • In-Person
  • Live Online
  • Webinars
  • Documentation
  • Videos
  • In-Person
  • Live Online
  • Videos

Using 3CX or Asterisk with Global Call Forwarding

Global Call Forwarding is a global telephony provider that offers cloud PBX along with other cloud telephony solutions.

You can use our voice service as it comes — with business calling features and services — or simply connect our SIP trunks to an open-source PBX you already have on-premise.

We have helped many businesses upgrade their phone system by integrating the right voice solution with their existing phone setup. Want to learn more? Speak with our experts today at +1 (561) 908-6171 or chat with us online!

Dialpad Download Alternatives for Business

Have you heard about using Dialpad? Before you use Dialpad download consider the alternatives. As a way to interact with clients via voice and messaging, it has become a growing choice among businesses that want a communication method that helps them achieve their goals. Used by bootstrapped startups and SMBs, Dialpad seems like an obvious choice, as it enables businesses to manage incoming/outgoing business calls as well as text messages.

However, Dialpad is not without its limitations. Read on to learn more about this service as well as viable alternatives that may accommodate your needs better.

Limitations of Dialpad

Many companies that have adopted Dialpad have noticed that its features are best suited to companies that are mobile in nature. This means that freelancers, sole proprietors, frequent travelers, and those that work from home use it for phone-based communication. However, as many soon realize, it is a less appropriate choice for growing organizations. In fact, many organizations that use Dialpad soon realize that their growth is stunted and its interface isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In other words, using Dialpad has its risks, which you should consider when using it in your business model.

Why Global Call Forwarding is the Best Choice for Business

As a result, it’s for those reasons and more that make Global Call Forwarding’s virtual phone number service a better Dialpad alternative for business.

Scalability

The feature that makes Global Call Forwarding a solid choice for your telecom needs is scalability. Likewise, we offer five different payment plans that can grow with your needs and usage. Simply change your monthly usage plan to upgrade or downgrade your telecom service.

Additionally, Global Call Forwarding offers rollover minutes for its customers. With Rollover Minutes enabled, your business can keep unused minutes per month – perfect for seasonal businesses.

Dialpad Download Alternatives for Business
Source: Depositphotos.com Lic#163319020 ID#10854921

Ease of Integration

Hardware functionality has been reported as a key flaw with Dialpad, specifically headsets. In many cases, it has been reported that a calling party is unable to hear a user despite headsets being properly installed. On the other hand, virtual phone numbers from Global Call Forwarding can work with any device that has audio and Internet capabilities.

There are also complaints about Dialpad’s call relay service. For many users, it is complicated and counterintuitive to handle. While this may be an issue of adapting to a learning curve, the truth of the matter is that larger organizations will see higher rates of failure among their team members. Particularly, Dialpad’s service can mean more time spent training employees than actually using the service. By contrast, Global Call Forwarding’s call relay has been the preferred choice of large organizations for its ease of integration. There’s less downtime spent and more productivity.

Add-Ons

As a subscriber of Global Call Forwarding’s services, you enjoy the key benefit of using a Dialpad download alternative that greatly enhances your business model. For instance, using time-of-day routing can give your business 24/7 accessibility, routing calls to available agents around the clock. If a caller dials your virtual phone number that routes its calls, the inbound call automatically routes to a preselected destination number.

Top-Quality Service

For over two decades, Global Call Forwarding has been the leader of business phone number solutions for:

  • Startups
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Sole proprietors
  • SMBs (small-to-medium-sized businesses)
  • Large enterprises

And our services include a wide array of industries:

Closing

In conclusion, if your business is ready to modernize how it operates, the best Dialpad alternative is Global Call Forwarding. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your organization evolve and adapt to the contemporary business landscape. Above all, users can subscribe to the service within minutes and revolutionize how their organization functions today!

FreedomVoice vs Global Call Forwarding Business Phone Service and Pricing

Need a service that provides a VoIP phone number and a number of useful features without breaking the bank? It’s probably reassuring then, to know many different business phone services are available to choose from. FreedomVoice and Global Call Forwarding are two of the most competitive options out there. If you don’t know which company to choose for your business phone number needs, keep reading. In this article, we provide information to find out more about the best business phone deals. This way, you can confidently choose the best phone service providers on a global scale.

The Similarities Between the FreedomVoice and Global Call Forwarding

Both FreedomVoice and Global Call Forwarding offer some of the same business phone solutions. The feature we’ll focus on in this article is VoIP phone numbers. Essentially, these are phone numbers with any local area code in the nation. And, you can use them to reach specific audience bases. Plus, since they route over the internet, they don’t require you to purchase big, expensive telephone systems. Rather, they give businesses the capability of using any type of business phone system. These systems include cloud-based systems, PBX phone systems, and even mobile devices.

Both organizations can provide these numbers with easy installation. And, both organizations offer virtual phone numbers that are easy to use. However, there are some differences between these companies. And, recognizing these differences could save you and your business loads of time, money, and energy.

Comparing the Pricing of Each Business Phone Service

Companies that offer great business phone services, like Global Call Forwarding, deal with business owners who strive for success. To be successful, a business should look for ways to save money on the services they use every day. So, comparing VoIP service pricing is important. Especially if you have a business that relies on making or receiving business phone calls. When it comes to pricing for VoIP numbers, there is a difference between FreedomVoice and Global Call Forwarding.

What FreedomVoice Costs

According to their website, FreedomVoice offers three different pricing structures. The first comes with 400 minutes to use and is priced at $9.95 per month. The second is a plan that comes with 1,200 minutes and is priced at $19.95 per month. With either of these two plans, you can go over the allotted number of minutes. But, the company will charge you an extra 3.9 cents for every additional minute you use. For companies that do more phone business, there is an unlimited minute plan that costs $29.95 per individual user. However, this plan is designed for businesses who have four employees or fewer.

FreedomVoice vs Global Call Forwarding Business Phone Service and Pricing
Source: Depositphotos.com Lic#158306602 ID#36347541

What Global Call Forwarding Costs

On the other hand, Global Call Forwarding also offers various pricing packages to choose from. The first starts at only $7.95 a month, which is less than what FreedomVoice offers. This means you can have a virtual phone number for your business for less than $8 a month depending on the type of service and phone number. Furthermore, you also can choose the applications, features, and phone numbers you need. This way, you only pay for what you use, rather than what your phone service provider wants you to pay. Plus, with no hidden fees and a transparent pricing structure, you always know what to expect with billing. And, you’ll never run into costly surprises, like you would with competitors.

Get a VoIP Phone Number for Business Today

Think that a VoIP phone number is what you need to take your business to the next level? Don’t regret your phone service provider decision. Go with the company that can customize a phone service to meet your exact business needs: Global Call Forwarding. When you choose us as your business phone service provider, you can take advantage of our 15-day free trial. This way, you can see if a VoIP phone number is what you need. And, do so without having to commit or even pay a single cent. Furthermore, there are no contracts. So, there is no commitment and you can cancel your plan at any time, for any reason. Finally, take advantage of the best business phone deals available by getting a discount for high volume orders. This means that if you need more than one virtual phone number, there could be even more savings in store! To get started with your VoIP phone numbers through Global Call Forwarding, reach out to us now.

FreedomVoice vs Grasshopper Phone Number Provider, Service, and Pricing

Phones in the business realm aren’t going away anytime soon; instead, more and more businesses are populating as a result. But, with all of these providers, choosing among them to fit all of your needs is difficult. Additionally, competitive pricing is very important. Two of the top-rated VoIP phone service providers in the nation include Grasshopper and FreedomVoice. But, what are the differences between these two companies? And, which should you choose for your business phone service needs?

Pros of FreedomVoice as a Business Phone Provider

The most notable and highly reviewed aspects of FreedomVoice’s business VoIP service is that it’s easy to use. Since it doesn’t require any additional software, you can purchase the service, install it, and have it running in just a few minutes. Plus, once it is set up, most reviews note that the software application is quite easy to use and operate. Furthermore, you can pick and choose from any additional features you may need. And, set these up before you make your first call, right from your smartphone device. Some of these features include customizable greetings, simultaneous ring, and call transfer.

Cons of FreedomVoice as a Business Phone Provider

While FreedomVoice boasts ease of use, there are some cons to choosing this phone provider for a VoIP phone number. For starters, they don’t offer as many features as other competitors, including the virtual phone numbers from Global Call Forwarding. For example, you can’t send team messages or conduct conference calling from the VoIP numbers through FreedomVoice. Secondly, with this company, there is no ability to merge integrate VoIP lines with business software systems. These are systems that are used every day like your business CRM (Salesforce, Asana, etc.). Finally, with rates starting at $9.95 for one cloud phone number, there are certainly more inexpensive options available.

FreedomVoice vs Grasshopper Phone Number Provider
Source: Depositphotos.com O#S-4820344 ID#204678092

Pros of Grasshopper as a Business Phone Provider

Just like FreedomVoice, Grasshopper is a virtual number provider. Benefits of choosing this company include ease of set up and the ability to add features to business VoIP numbers. This organization also provides the option to include other, additional features. Some of which can make doing business much easier. This increases overall customer satisfaction when it comes to doing business over the phone.

Cons of Grasshopper as a Business Phone Provider

Unlike FreedomVoice, Grasshopper requires you to have an already established business phone system. A multi-line system or a physical VoIP unit are both examples. This means that choosing FreedomVoice for VoIP management could mean having to fork over money to pay for phone units. Would you rather have the ability to make calls from any device you want, including mobile devices? And, not have to purchase brand new equipment just to make these types of calls? If so, Grasshopper is not for you. Finally, with a starting price of $26 a month, even FreedomVoice is cheaper than this option. So, if money is an important issue for your business endeavors, it isn’t the best choice.

A Better Choice: Global Call Forwarding

Still not sure if either FreedomVoice or Grasshopper is right for your business? That’s because there is a better option available! Global Call Forwarding is more competitively priced than both of these competitors. And, it’s just as simple to set up and use and doesn’t require the purchase of additional equipment to start. Finally, it is competitively priced (with the lowest priced plan starting at $7.95 a month).

Choosing Global Call Forwarding for Cloud Telephony Needs

There is a more affordable way to conduct business without the headache. To set up cloud telephony services with Global Call Forwarding, contact us today.

Localphone International Calling: Rates and Features For Business

Localphone aims to make things easier and more affordable for people using phone lines for business. Ease and affordability are the main benefits of the VoIP phone number, in addition to all of its great features. Find out more about how VoIP phone numbers can help to make business easier, save you money, and learn about the VoIP providers you can trust.

How Localphone Began

Paul Cusak started the Localphone company in the United Kingdom. Originally, he was looking for a way to make calling internationally for business cheaper because he did a lot of traveling at the time. Eventually, he came across the VoIP phone system, which offered lower rates for international calls. However, he thought that he could provide a VoIP solution that could make international calling not only cheaper, but easier over the phone. As a result, Localphone was born as a company.

How This VoIP Phone Service Works

The way to use Localphone for international calls is rather simple. All you need is a phone. Essentially, you sign up and create an account that attaches to your debit/credit card. Then, you choose the number you’d like to dial and a local number (in the receiving number’s area) is what you will call from. Then, during your phone call, charges are applied per-minute depending on the country you’re calling. And, you benefit from a lower rate than you would when dialing from traditional phone lines or your cellular network.

Localphone
Source: Stockphoto.com O#23559 ID#100092750552

Benefits of using Localphone Service

Along with being easy to use and providing lower international rates, Localphone offers their customers a few other benefits. Some of these advantages include:

Phone Application: With the “softphone” application from Localphone, people can use their laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets to call internationally. Instead of having to dial into the service, they gain more options.

Cheap SMS: Just like how Localphone offers international phone calls, they also offer text messaging. While rates vary depending on who you text, messages can be much cheaper than standard cellular service rates.

International Numbers for Rent: Localphone also offers a solution to people that need to have a local number of an international place to receive calls. People can rent a phone number so others overseas can reach them. They can make calls with local rates, saving money when reaching out to those they need to speak to over the phone.

What This Service is Missing

Localphone jumped on the opportunity to offer a needed service at the time. And, still, it offers great rates to call internationally. However, there are VoIP providers that offer all that Localphone offers and more. One such example is Global Call Forwarding. For instance, virtual phone numbers, unlike the numbers used by Localphone, are numbers you can purchase for use on any phone line. But, on the contrary, you get to keep your number. This makes it more effective to do business as people in other areas can memorize and recognize your local virtual number.

Plus, these numbers can be completely customizable, unlike Localphone calls that only offer the option to make outbound calls. For example, you can use features like call recording, personalized greetings, unlimited extensions, voicemail to text, and so many more with local virtual phone numbers. Finally, virtual phone numbers from Global Call Forwarding offer all the features you need, plus they still save money on international phone calls. So, if you’d rather have your own phone number, utilize all the features you need, and save money, consider virtual phone numbers rather than Localphone.

Getting Your VoIP Phone Number

Think that a VoIP phone number is the right solution you need to save money on international phone calls? Get your local VoIP number today from Global Call Forwarding. To learn more about the service and available features, contact us today.