sundance-communications.com Forums Telephony Discussion Phone & VoIP Systems NEC Telephones & Systems DS1000 Vs. Panasonic KX-TAW848 Vs. Avaya

I am in the process of building a new office (at the construction plan phase) and I am now getting quotes from a couple of local companies to do the data/telcom install. It seems each has their own favorite phone system, one really likes the Avaya Partner ACS and the other likes the Panasonic KX-TAW848. In doing a little research of my own I came across the DS1000 which seems like a nice solution.

From the promotional literature it seems like any of the three would work for me but I wanted to find out if there were any significant differences among the three that I should be aware of, or if there are any "issues" that any of the systems have.

My needs are not that complicated. I would be starting out with a max of 3 lines in and 4 or 5 handsets, which after a few years I would want to move up to a max of 5-6 lines in and 10 handsets. My office doesn't have many walls and it's not very big so I don't think I'd have any problems getting a good wireless signal anywhere in the office.

A few things that I would require would be:

- Security code to dial long distance with some ability to log and monitor this.
- Voicemail (nothing too advanced needed, but would be nice if it could notify by and perhaps even email the voice message)
- Some type of visual indicator on the handset of a voicemail message waiting.
- Programmability that I could tweak on my own after it's setup by the installer (I'm fairly tech savvy).
- Plug in additional devices like fax machines/credit card readers

The Nec seems to bill itself as the one that is easy to install, with some sites even saying it's a "DIY" type of job. Is it really that easy?

Any insight on what makes any of the three systems special compared to one another would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

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- Dave

[This message has been edited by dryoung (edited June 08, 2005).]

[This message has been edited by dryoung (edited June 08, 2005).]

I like the ds1000 and it will do exactly what you want minus the Voicemail being e-mailed. But you could use a 3rd party voicemail to have that feature. As far as being able to DIY that depends on you!

thats 2 votes for the NEC DS1000

Check out the Avoda at www.planetreach.com its an IP PBX but a PBX at the core for the price of a key system. Comes out of the box with unlimited voice mail and auto attendant, ACD groups etc. and you will never pay license or per port or feature based fees to grow Avoda. Advanced Voice adn Data is the full name.

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I checked out the AVODA.....

Never heard of the company and to be frank about it, there are enough of popular label IP PBX's to choose from.

If I am in the need of a phone system for my business, I want to make sure the equipment has been on the market for several years and has a large installed base. And has several installers in my area.

After all....a business with no phones...is a phoney business......

I love the way everyone is starting to get on here and advertise. 2 Posts..wow.

yeah........that should not be allowed........self promotion of your phone business......pretty tacky........

Yeah, I wouldn't want to go with a solution that hasn't been in wide use for a number of years.

I figured I would get recommendations for the DS1000 here in the Nec forum

I'd really be interested in hearing your reasons why you recommend the DS1000 over the other two phone systems. Is it easier to use? Does it have more features? More stable? Less costly? etc...

[This message has been edited by dryoung (edited June 09, 2005).]

I have never been a fan of Panasonic phones or as I call them disposaphones........

The Partner is good, but quirky........I like the phones and backlight display and has some nice features......


I have installed several DS1000/2000 systems and if it wasnt for them I wouldnt have a humidor filled with cuban cigars........

The system is easy to install, the vm is a flash card, low power consumption, all doc's are on their website. I get "0" calls from these systems.

This is the system you should go with.....

Panasonic system self installs are a good 3rd of my "The system is down and I need help now!" calls. They are inexpensive and prove it almost every day. One flaky disposaphone can take the whole works down.

Avaya makes a great and dependable product but it is a little bit pricey and is certainly not a DIY project. Well built and good looking. Functional and lots of features.

NEC/Nitsuko also is feature rich and VERY dependable. Like Groundstart said, 0 calls after installation is the norm. For someone with some experience in the phone business they are easy to install and program (but you better understand the terminology and basic auto attendant concepts).

Don't forget to look at the available support for these systems too. Chances are you will need some help with the initial setup if you haven't the experience of previous installations. There are a ton of Avaya/Lucent technicians and sites out there willing to help out. Same goes for the NEC but the number is a bit lower. Panasonic support is getting better but still ranks down in the crappy range.

For cost effectiveness I would go with the NEC but have someone qualified on hand for the install. Once it is up and running the system administrator software is a snap to use for future MAC work yourself.