# 3CX Phone System > software-based IP PBX **Wikidata**: [Q2816466](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2816466) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3CX_Phone_System) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/3cx-phone-system ## Summary 3CX Phone System is a software-based IP PBX (Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange) that functions as proprietary software and is an instance of a Linux distribution. Its primary use is for Voice over IP (VoIP) communication, providing a comprehensive telecommunications solution. ## Key Facts - 3CX Phone System is classified as a software-based IP PBX. - It is an instance of proprietary software. - It is also an instance of a Linux distribution, meaning it is an operating system based on the Linux kernel and often includes core GNU components. - Its primary use is for Voice over IP (VoIP). - The software is governed by an end-user license agreement. - It is also known by the alias "3CX Phone". - The official website for 3CX Phone System is http://www.3cx.com. - It has a Freebase ID of /m/09v8sq7. - It is listed with a DistroWatch ID of 3cx. - A Lemmy community ID associated with it is 3cx@lemmy.world. - It is described by the Marjorie-Wiki, accessible at https://marjorie-wiki.de/wiki/3CX_Phone_System. - Wikipedia articles about 3CX Phone System are available in Arabic (ar), English (en), Spanish (es), and Russian (ru). - It is based on the entity identified by Wikidata ID Q7715973. - Its programming language is identified by Wikidata ID Q2407. ## FAQs ### Q: What is 3CX Phone System and what is its primary function? A: 3CX Phone System is a software-based IP PBX, which is a private telephone exchange that uses Internet Protocol to provide voice communication services. Its main function is to facilitate Voice over IP (VoIP) communications. ### Q: What kind of software is 3CX Phone System? A: 3CX Phone System is proprietary software, meaning it is licensed under an end-user license agreement and its source code is typically not made publicly available. It is also an instance of a Linux distribution. ### Q: How is 3CX Phone System related to Linux? A: 3CX Phone System is an instance of a Linux distribution, which means it is an operating system built upon the Linux kernel and often incorporates core GNU components. This allows it to leverage the robust and flexible foundation of the Linux ecosystem. ### Q: Where can I find more information about 3CX Phone System? A: You can find more information on its official website, http://www.3cx.com. It is also documented on Marjorie-Wiki and has Wikipedia entries in multiple languages, including English. ## Why It Matters 3CX Phone System plays a significant role in modern business communication by providing a software-based, IP-centric solution for telephony. As an IP PBX, it enables organizations to manage their internal and external voice communications over data networks, often leading to cost savings and increased flexibility compared to traditional phone systems. Its nature as proprietary software built on a Linux distribution highlights a common trend where commercial applications leverage open-source foundations while maintaining proprietary control over their specific features and services, thus contributing to the diverse ecosystem of communication technologies. ## Notable For - Being a software-based IP PBX, offering a modern alternative to hardware-centric phone systems. - Its classification as proprietary software, distinguishing it from many open-source Linux-based solutions. - Functioning as an instance of a Linux distribution, utilizing the Linux kernel and GNU components as its operational base. - Its dedicated use for Voice over IP (VoIP), providing a specialized communication platform. ## Body ### Definition and Classification 3CX Phone System is fundamentally a software-based IP PBX, which stands for Internet Protocol Private Branch Exchange. This means it is a private telephone network used within a company or organization that uses the Internet Protocol to make calls over the internet. It is explicitly categorized as proprietary software, indicating that it is licensed under an end-user license agreement and is not open-source. Furthermore, 3CX Phone System is an instance of a Linux distribution. ### Functionality and Use The primary use of 3CX Phone System is for Voice over IP (VoIP). This technology allows voice and multimedia sessions to be communicated over Internet Protocol networks, rather than traditional public switched telephone networks (PSTN). By leveraging VoIP, 3CX Phone System enables businesses to manage their telecommunications infrastructure efficiently, supporting features such as call routing, voicemail, conferencing, and unified communications. ### Licensing and Availability Access and use of 3CX Phone System are governed by an end-user license agreement. The official online presence for the system is its website, located at http://www.3cx.com. ### Identifiers and Aliases 3CX Phone System is also known by the alias "3CX Phone." It is identified across various platforms by specific IDs, including a Freebase ID of /m/09v8sq7 and a DistroWatch ID of 3cx. A community dedicated to 3CX Phone System exists on Lemmy, identified by the community ID 3cx@lemmy.world. Information about the system is available on Wikipedia, with articles in multiple languages such as Arabic (ar), English (en), Spanish (es), and Russian (ru). It is also described by the Marjorie-Wiki, with a source URL of https://marjorie-wiki.de/wiki/3CX_Phone_System. The system is based on an entity identified by the Wikidata ID Q7715973, and its programming language is identified by the Wikidata ID Q2407. ### Relationship to Linux Distributions As an instance of a Linux distribution, 3CX Phone System operates on an operating system that is based on the Linux kernel. A Linux distribution is a complete operating system package that includes the Linux kernel, often core GNU components, and a suite of applications and infrastructure designed for easy use. While many Linux distributions are free and open-source, 3CX Phone System stands out as a proprietary software solution built upon this open-source foundation. Linux distributions are known for their flexibility, low resource requirements, and suitability for various purposes, including embedded systems and servers. They are a subclass of Unix-like operating systems, sharing similarities in functionality and behavior with Unix systems. The use of a Linux distribution as its base allows 3CX Phone System to benefit from the stability, security, and broad hardware compatibility inherent in the Linux ecosystem, while its proprietary nature allows for specific feature sets and commercial support models.