3CX is a software-based phone system (PBX) that runs over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. Unlike a physical office phone system with on-site hardware, 3CX can be hosted in the cloud, on your own servers or both. It includes far more features than a traditional system — video, chat, WhatsApp, mobile apps and AI — typically at a significantly lower cost.

3CX is licensed by the number of simultaneous calls rather than the number of users. This means a business with 50 staff but a maximum of 10 calls happening at once only needs a 10-call licence — making it much more cost-effective than per-user pricing models. Licences are renewed annually and Microcare can advise on the right size for your usage.

Yes. Your existing phone numbers can be ported to a SIP trunk provider and connected to 3CX, so there’s no need to change your business numbers. You can also keep any compatible IP phones you already have, reducing upfront costs further.

Yes — the 3CX mobile app for iOS and Android turns any smartphone into a full office phone. Staff can make and receive calls on their business number, access voicemail, join video meetings and use team chat from their phone, just as if they were at their desk. Their personal mobile number is never shared.

With cloud-hosted 3CX, the system is managed on a server in the cloud — simpler to set up, no on-site hardware to maintain and easy to access remotely. With on-premise, the system runs on your own servers, giving you full control over your data and infrastructure. A hybrid option is also available. Microcare will advise on the best setup for your business based on your size, security requirements and budget.

Absolutely — 3CX is built for flexible working. Mobile apps, a web browser client and desktop apps mean your team can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Calls, video meetings, chat and voicemail all work identically whether staff are in the office, at home or on the road.

Yes. 3CX integrates with a wide range of CRM platforms including Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, Microsoft Dynamics, Zendesk and Freshdesk. When a customer calls, their record pulls up automatically. Calls can be logged directly to the CRM, and contact lists sync between systems. Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace integration is also included as standard.

3CX has built-in failover options. Calls can be automatically rerouted to mobile numbers if your internet connection drops. With a hybrid setup, the system can fall back to local infrastructure. Microcare will configure your setup to minimise any disruption and ensure critical calls are never missed.

Yes. 3CX takes security seriously — the platform receives regular security updates and is tested for vulnerabilities using leading cybersecurity scanners. Major releases are externally tested by threat intelligence specialists. On-premise deployments give you complete control over your data, and encryption is applied across all calls and communications.

For most small to mid-sized businesses, 3CX can be up and running within a few days. Microcare handles the full setup — system configuration, number porting, handset provisioning, user setup and testing — with minimal disruption to your team. Training is included so your staff are confident using the system from day one.