Handle incoming calls like a pro with a VoIP office switchboard.

An office switchboard is a phone system feature that lets receptionists connect live callers to employees. Many offices in the United States dedicate one person to handling incoming calls from the main phone number.

A telephone switchboard is connected to the company's Private Branch Exchange (PBX), so a receptionist can connect calls instantly.

Many job descriptions need that certain roles are able to conduct switchboard operations. Modern-day switchboards don't mandate technical knowledge but do need communication skills.

In short, a switchboard operator answers incoming phone calls coming into a business. They need to field questions from callers, determine which parties they need to talk to and connect them.

For a small office, a switchboard operator could be the office manager, front desk attendant, or an executive assistant.

Large organizations like a school district, the switchboard operator plays an essential role in answering inbound calls related to attendance, providing directions, and connecting employment verification calls to Human Resources.

The duties will vary depending on your organization and how essential inbound calls are to the daily operations.

For convenience, switchboard operators can answer calls with a headset and manage calls easily from a VoIP office switchboard on their computer.

A modern switchboard in the office works by controlling the company's phone system. Only authorized personnel have administrative privileges to view the real-time status of phone extensions, merge calls, activate call recording, and place outgoing calls.

Instead of physical switching between different telephone exchanges like the late 1800s, office switchboards use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to establish and maintain reliable communications.

Voice over IP converts calls to digital and sends them over the internet using the SIP protocol. Since it's digital, it requires no additional wiring or telecommunications equipment.

Today, the only office equipment needed for an office switchboard is a VoIP desk phone and a computer. Ideally, these would be connected using CAT-6 Ethernet into the company's network switch. You can set up your phone system in minutes — not weeks.

Since the office switchboard operates in the cloud, all the office extensions need to use VoIP. Learn more about calculating the number of business lines your company needs.

Nextiva provides a powerful switchboard named Unity Dashboard as well as Unity Receptionist. Additional Unity switchboard apps are available to support your communications needs.