Comparison Report: Ring Central vs. Cloudburst VoIP Hosted PBX Systems for Small Businesses
Hosted PBX systems have become a cornerstone of modern business communications, especially for small businesses with limited resources. These systems offer a range of telephony services over the internet, eliminating the need for traditional phone lines and on-site hardware. For small businesses in North America with fewer than 50 employees, choosing the right hosted PBX system is crucial for ensuring efficient operations and professional customer interactions.
Company Profiles: RingCentral is a well-established provider in the hosted PBX market, offering a comprehensive suite of communication tools that cater to businesses of all sizes. Their platform is known for its robust feature set, reliability, and integration capabilities. Cloudburst VoIP, on the other hand, presents a more tailored approach, focusing on flexibility and customization options that appeal to small business owners looking for a personalized communication solution at a more affordable price.
Features: When it comes to features, RingCentral boasts a wide array of services including advanced call handling, video conferencing, and extensive integration with third-party applications. Cloudburst VoIP offers a competitive feature set as well, with a particular emphasis on customization and adaptability to specific business needs. Both services provide essential PBX features like voicemail, call forwarding, and IVR/auto-attendant functionalities.
Cost Pricing is a critical factor for small businesses. RingCentral offers various pricing tiers to accommodate different business sizes and needs, generally aligning with industry standards for hosted PBX services. Cloudburst VoIP differentiates itself with a pay-as-you-go model, which can be particularly cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating call volumes or those just starting to explore hosted PBX options.
Here’s the detailed pricing information for RingCentral and Cloudburst VoIP, focusing on the minimum monthly fees:
RingCentral:
- Essentials Plan: Starts at $19.99 per user, per month
- Standard Plan: Begins at $27.99 per user, per month
- Premium Plan: Priced at $34.99 per user, per month
- Ultimate Plan: Costs $49.99 per user, per month
Cloudburst VoIP:
- Free Plan: No monthly fee, Virtual Phone Numbers with SMS are $5.95/mo. with limited features, unlimited extensions.
- Home Phone Plan: $14.99/mo. (monthly billing option) with phone number included.
- Hosted PBX Phone Plan: $24.99/ mo. (monthly billing option) with phone number included.
These prices are designed to cater to small businesses with varying needs and budgets. It’s important to note that additional features, users, and usage can affect the final cost.
Support and Service Customer support is where RingCentral shines, with 24/7 availability and a wealth of online resources. Cloudburst VoIP also provides reliable support, though it may not match the breadth of RingCentral’s offerings. Both companies are committed to high service standards, with strong track records of uptime and reliability.
Pros and Cons RingCentral’s main advantage lies in its comprehensive feature set and seamless integration with popular business tools. However, this can come at a higher cost, which may be a consideration for very small businesses. Cloudburst VoIP’s strength is in its flexibility and cost-effective pricing structure, making it an attractive option for businesses with specific needs or those on a tight budget.
Conclusion In conclusion, both RingCentral and Cloudburst VoIP offer compelling hosted PBX solutions for small businesses. RingCentral is ideal for businesses looking for an all-in-one communication platform with extensive features and integrations. Cloudburst VoIP is well-suited for those who prioritize flexibility and cost control. Ultimately, the choice will depend on the specific needs, budget, and preferences of the small business owner.
