Your traditional telephone system redefined.

One of the defining characteristics of mankind over other species is the complexity and vastness in our language that we exhibit. Overtime, communication has become a characteristic so innate that it seems virtually impossible to carry out tasks in its mere absence. I believe whole attribution of social animal is inherited by the constant chatter that  are seemingly endless. As we dwell in the topic of endless conversations, we tend to engage in one to one , many to one or vice versa conversations in various settings for myriad purposes ranging from information sharing to gossip to order dispatchment and so on and so forth. More recently, this has exponentially increased with the birth of electronic communication.

In the age of telephone and the Internet, billions of conversations take place every day over text messages and voice calls. On a personal basis, the need arises to stay in loop of your social circle whereas the fruition of any business largely depends upon the successful communication between the stakeholders. In this ongoing endeavour of creating new conversations and keeping the existing ones alive, we’ve seen the telephone and the internet dominate our communication patterns. While the economic upsides of the Internet make it more and more lucrative, the reliability of the telephone isn’t something you are ready to give up yet. In all this, the burning topic of privacy and confidentiality joins the mix. In the quest to find a gadget that achieves all our instant message transmitting aspirations, we’ve come across a modern day PBX with an Internet twist rather than merely providing the traditional switching exchange. The Panasonic Hybrid IP-PBX KK- HTS32 acts like a Swiss Army knife that’s got it all in a PBX of the future. To understand its scope from home applications to professional utilities, we had an interview with Hari Shrestha, Engineer at Panasonic Communication System. Here’s what he had to say.

  1. For all those who have no clue about the Hybrid IP-PBX, can you narrow down the features it offers?

To list out the few important ones, the system has:

  • Basic Call features inbuilt.
  • Flexible Trunk line selection ( Analog/IP)
  • Smartphone as an extension
  • Built in WiFi router
  • Video Communication
  • Plug and Play programming
  1. How suitable is the device for home use? What pitfalls does this modern hybrid overcome compared to its counterparts?

This device is suitable for a home user both cost wise as well as functionality wise. Smartphones can be used an extension without need of extra card or cost. It comes with built in WiFi router which reduces need of extra router for internet access. Also, it supports safety monitoring system and control which more people are looking forward to these days. All these are distinctive features that traditional PBX systems were unable to offer.

  1. Tell us why we should install these systems at our homes. What situations best describe its modern day functionalities.

The first thing is privacy here. Although it is a topic overlooked almost all the time, we know that conventional PSTN lines are vulnerable to tapping. If we share the NTC Line to a number of telephone, it is possible to overhear conversations. With a PABX system, privacy can be maintained through IP telephony where data is encrypted. But beyond that the feature that will attract larger audiences is the possibility to integrate IP cameras with the system so that we can monitor our spaces. This totally eradicates us of the hassle to address a smart security system. On top of that since this is primarily a communication system, the message transmission side of it is full-proof. You can even integrate door phone service, so that we can remotely give access to your homes to people at your doorstep that you may know .

4.  Tell us how SOHO users and customers with a large property can implement the system for maximum coverage.

Since this system is carefully designed to meets the demands of a SOHO (Small Office /Home Office),  it offers a 24 user extension. This system can be implemented across the SOHO or within your private property for extensive coverage under your personal network. It offers you the following:

  • Visual communication through IP video calling.
  • Remote Access: By tethering personal smartphone to the PBX through the Internet, you or your sales reps can answer company calls incoming on the office line through personal smartphones with no hint of their remote location.
  • Voicemail services for maximum uptime .
  • Branch office Connections: Using IP extensions offered by the HTS824, branches, factories or inventories can all be connected over the internet ensuring free calls between them.
  1. How relevant is a PBX system in today’s context? Are these systems threatened by web applications as potential replacements?

PBX system is one of most important equipment in office communication system. Approx. 80-90% of the business is conducted through phones. So, no office can imagine their business growth without proper communication system. Other applications and web communications might play some role but it is virtually unimaginable to run an extensive business without a dedicated system. Along with these basic phone call, this hybrid system provides addon features like IP call, voice mail services, safety, conference call, interactive voice responses which make the device very desirable.

  1. How can you assure users that new technology can replace our orthodox approaches of communication and security?

Technology is developing day by day. The newer technology is introduced to address the changes  in our lifestyle that technology can fulfil. 10 years ago, PABX system is just to share the NTC lines to the users, transfer calls and forward to extensions. Today due to change in technology the scope of that very extension can span to anywhere in the world  on his smartphone always keeping him connected to the office intercom system. Also, many add-on facilities  like voicemail, conferencing, door phone integration, built in router are packaged in one unique solution.

  1. How attune to sophisticated home and office tech is the Nepali market? What are the challenges products like these face?
    This hybrid PABX system is definitely state of the art technology. As far as the majority of our population’s perspective "purano vaye vaihalyo ni kina chaiyo naya" (if it ain't broke, don't fix it) is concerned, I think it’s been changing and that’s for the better. Not just the people but shortcomings lie in the authority too.  Nepal Telecommunication Authority does restrict certain features available in the system limiting its full potential. We can only hope that in time, people can keep an open mind and indulge in newer technology more often.