The telephone system for the modern workplace

Editorial

Organizations often start with an open source PBX for flexibility, but as systems move from initial setup to daily operations, the real cost becomes management, maintenance, and long-term reliability. This article explores the difference between building a PBX stack from frameworks and running a commercial, integrated PBX platform, focusing on operational complexity, security responsibility, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance. It explains how a purpose-built PBX shifts the burden from continuous engineering to stable operation, helping teams prioritize clarity, control, and scalability as requirements grow.

Announcement

Vodia PBX now integrates Google Gemini with JavaScript IVR and Voice Agents, enabling real-time, AI-driven call handling and intelligent routing. By combining Gemini’s multimodal large language models with Vodia’s programmable IVR framework, organizations can build voice agents that stream audio in real time, make routing decisions through function calls, and handle both basic and attended transfers with AI-assisted screening. This integration allows businesses to automate call flows, reduce hold times, and improve productivity using conversational AI that works directly inside the PBX.

Editorial

In 2026, a modern phone system must go well beyond basic calling. Core requirements now include built-in AI for smarter call handling and transcription, real-time analytics dashboards for visibility and control, flexible auto attendants to route calls efficiently, seamless Microsoft Teams integration, and robust mobile apps that support hybrid and remote work. Clear separation between business and personal calls protects work-life balance, while reliable white-glove support ensures these capabilities work smoothly in real-world environments as communication needs evolve.