# Cloud telephony, explained for your team.

A business phone system that runs online can connect desk phones, mobiles, computer apps and Microsoft Teams. Here is what the main parts do in plain English.

## What is a PBX?

A business phone system (PBX) decides which phones ring, who picks up next and what happens after hours. For example, reception can ring first, then the duty manager’s mobile.

## What is VoIP?

Phone calls over your internet connection instead of old copper lines (VoIP). For example, a colleague can answer a work call on a desk phone or an app.

## What is an IVR?

A phone menu that says “Press 1 for appointments” and sends callers to the right place (interactive voice response, or IVR).

## Frequently asked questions
### Do we need to replace all of our phones?
Not always. We can discuss the handsets and phone system you already use, along with the options for calls over the internet.

### Can people answer calls away from a desk?
Calls can be set up for desk phones, mobile phones, a PC/Mac app, a phone app and Microsoft Teams.