Panasonic to stop making PABX systems

As with many changes to our world in 2020, the cloud based, and virtual product has become a necessity and COVID-19 has accelerated the process by a decade in my opinion. We are now in a time where virtual meetings for every business (and even Church) are now commonplace and working from home is actually working well in many companies – I was always the sceptic about the working from home, I must admit… however I am pleased to be proven wrong in this case!

With the speed of change in 2020, a company as large as Panasonic also needs to adapt to the new business models being thrust upon us. They have thus opted to give us 24 months’ notice of their decision to halt manufacture of their onsite telephone systems. Spare parts will remain in country for a further 2 years at a minimum. So, if you have just purchased a Panasonic PABX system you have 4 to 5 years of service and spares availability, and of course your PABX will probably last longer, unless hit by a surge.

The Smart Idea Group has been strategically preparing for this inevitable change (although It has come sooner than expected). We have invested heavily in our Service Provider platform in Cape Town and have been developing and testing our IP and VBX (Virtual PABX) product range since 2018. We already have a host of world class cloud-based telephony products for our clients, which we have carefully selected for you.

There may be an opportunity to take advantage of this change and become part of the cloud family where we can repair remotely and provide significant software benefits which will ensure that your company is always able to be in touch with clients and staff in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

We are offering a free Risk and Future proofing assessment to establish the road map for your business communication into the future – we can meet virtually via a platform of your choice to have a chat about your options.

Steve Tetluk
Managing Director