atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums TDM Business Telephone Systems NEC Telephones & Systems Aspire vs DSX 80 System

I am familiar with both products. The Aspire is more expensive because they had to use a larger system to get Desktop Messaging. It sounds like the DSX will work fine for you today but if you plan on using any IP telephony i.e. Softphones or IP Telephones at home office,you should consider the Aspire.
I agree with what was said earlier the installing company should be your main concern get references and check them and I don't mean let them give you a couple of names, ask for their customer list and pick names randomly and call them. Then you can make the best decision.

We sell and service both the Aspire and the DSX. The DSX has been our bread and butter product. It is user friendly,... the customers love it. We find the features more intuitive for the end user, which simplifies their operations.

I have absolutely no complaints with with Aspire, the DSX is just more economical and easier for the user.

I know nothing about the Aspire (not yet anyways), but from what I understand, it's a bit like comparing the DSX to our InterTel Axxess. I have installed the DSX right and left and it is often the better economical choice without sacrificing features than the Axxess would. So, to echo above, unless you need the advanced features the Aspire offers (such as IP telephony), the DSX will do just fine!

Actually, I drive a Ford to work down here in the sun. However, I would much prefer driving a Porsche. If you go to the lawyer's office and see his 5 year old Escort Diesel in the parking lot, then don't mention the Aspire. But, if you get an inkling that he prefers quality to the absolute cheapest tool that will get the job done, the Aspire is the only choice. BTW, I've been installing Aspires since they were introduced. I love their reliability, ease of programming (on and off site) user friendliness, (including desk-top programming from their own PC), feature-richness, and especially the fact that over time the customer is pleased with his choice. I'm delighted to hear customers relate that they're glad they made the right decision!

Hey, not to burst anyone's bubble but look at the next NEC generation on the UX5000.
https://www.ux5000.com/

I can't seat and read this without putting my 5 sents in.
Dstny, Your first concern should be system which will deliver all functionality that you require. As soon as customer choses a system by price it's become a problems later on and all blames comes on Vendor. You can have Unified Messaging with existing Avaya Partner by installing a right Voice Mail system. You are not happy with Partner cause your vendor doesn't know what he is doing. I never try to offer a customer new system if the old one can do everything he likes to have.

Thanks again for all your comments. As a note, the Partner system we're using now is not my system, but belongs to the firm I am leaving. However, I do agree that the Partner system could probably have worked better had we used a vendor who was a better programmer and had a greater knowledge of the system. Having said that, our experience has soured us somewhat on the system and we've heard good things about the NEC system.

From the above discussion, it would seem that the DSX system could probably handle most of our needs, and therefore our only decision is whether the increased functionality of the Aspire (and appartently the IPK-2 system) is worth the upgrade in price. I would also note that while price is an important consideration, if we can get more flexibility and growth from a different system for little more money, then we would probably prefer to go that route. However, not being very familiar with all the possibilites the phones can handle or what our needs will be (I'm starting a new firm, which we hope will take off in growth in the near future)this is a tough question that I don't know can be answered so we will probably just make a choice based on our gut feelings.

However, before we do, and I hate to cloud up the decision, but does the board have any opinion of the IPK-2 vs. the Aspire? Is one a better phone or newer phone? I saw this system mentioned a couple of times above and was wondering what your thoughts were.

As always, I really appreciate your help and this thread has been very educational.

Dstny,
NEC is a good system and it's proudly ocupied 3rd place in the share Market place after Avaya and Nortel but I don't like phone design. It looks to me as an old Key system phones even IP phones are ugly. Ilike more Norstar or Mitel. Avaya IPO is grate looking. I love it. I know that in the Law office it's very importent. But all up to you. In my opinion you have to explor all brands even Hosted solutions.

Respectfully speaking, I must disagree with Vad60. While the I certainly feel the DSX would suit your needs, (and having installed many Partner systems...an excellent workhorse by the way...the DSX runs circles around that system in terms of features), an important thing to consider is the company installing the system. How comfortable you are with the techs of that company?

Whatever system you go with, you are also buying the services of the vendor. And as KLD has said before, your vendor is your friend. Make a good one.

same post in general asking about Vodavi.

Dstny - maybe you could send the board some coupons for legal work