I am currently working on installing a combined Hosted Exchange/PBX solution from Intermedia for a client. The office is very small, with only four users, but there are several sales representatives located remotely. This setup seems ideal for home use, as the pricing for the combined Exchange/PBX hosting is highly attractive.

One notable feature is the inclusion of a toll-free number. Currently, they are using OneBox (formerly PhonePeople), which costs between $90 and $120 per month. When transferring a call to the office or one of the three external sales representatives, the default greeting differs from the company greeting due to the mention of a trade agency.

With an internal PBX, it is possible to utilize a different voice menu for transferred extension numbers or toll-free numbers. However, the cloud options offer some slight variations.

After confirming with Intermedia, it was determined that having a toll-free number associated with each user is feasible. However, the available advertisements and call handling capabilities are not flexible enough to fully satisfy customers. Alternatively, setting up a separate account at $32 per user and transferring the toll-free numbers to that account could allow each user to make calls.

Are there any other options available? Are there any other vendors who provide this feature for less than $100?

Another possibility to explore is the use of a softphone app that can answer calls with unique greetings and easily dial the sales representative numbers.

When it comes to setting up a combined Hosted Exchange/PBX solution, Intermedia offers an attractive option with its integrated features and pricing. The inclusion of a toll-free number is a notable feature that can benefit your small office with remote sales representatives.

In your case, having a different voice menu for transferred extension numbers or toll-free numbers is essential for maintaining a professional and consistent company image. While Intermedia confirms the feasibility of associating a toll-free number with each user, it's crucial to consider the limitations of available advertisements and call handling capabilities.

You have mentioned the possibility of setting up a separate account at $32 per user and transferring the toll-free numbers to that account. This approach could enable each user to make calls and manage their own toll-free number efficiently. However, it's important to explore other options and vendors to ensure you are getting the best value for your investment.

One alternative to consider is the use of a softphone app that can provide unique greetings and seamless dialing for sales representatives. By utilizing a softphone app, you can customize the call handling process and ensure that the company greeting remains consistent, regardless of the call's destination.

Furthermore, in your search for cost-effective solutions, it's wise to explore other vendors who offer similar features for less than $100. This could involve comparing the pricing and capabilities of various Hosted Exchange/PBX providers to find the most suitable option for your specific needs.
While Intermedia's combined Exchange/PBX solution offers compelling features, it's essential to carefully evaluate all available options, including the use of softphone apps and exploring alternative vendors, to ensure that you make an informed decision that meets your requirements within your budget constraints.