atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums TDM Business Telephone Systems NEC Telephones & Systems Aspire v. IPK II

Thanks to those that have answered my earlier questions, This is a bit more specific. I've been pitched an Aspire, which probably would work, but am not clear on whether the IPK II would be better (or worse). Any key differences?

Here's my needs: We're currently at 21 extensions and 11 lines. Probably putting in a dedicated T1/PRI for a new system. Over 5-10 years, we need to grow to about 50-60 local extensions. Need VoIP extension capability in a few years (up to 200 IP ext. in 6-7 years).

Have a small call center going from 4 to maybe 10 people. Need solid ACD that can handle multiple ACD groups and even multiple trees (for different businesses). Need good reporting tools. Need to be able to record calls for training. Need to allow multiple people to manage the system (thus need a user friendly interface to manage most functionality, so we don't spend all our $ on service calls to make design changes to the ACD or VM system.). Need multiple MOH channels. Need to be able to move extensions easily. And don't want to pay an arm and a leg in licensing fees.

Thanks!

NEC Aspire new release 6 is out and it REALLY makes the system everything you would want.

Since I am a NEC tech, not a Nitsuko(Aspire), would go with IPK-II, love the IP phones, Megaco stations using a PVA card, 16 ports per card, card can be used for SIP, or Networking. Multiple MOH using extension ports, and a seperate device. Really slick, with solid ACD. Its an Aspire programming base, but takes the tried and true NEC I-series phones, and the IPK/Elite hardware, and runs with it. over 200 extensions, and 200+ vertual extensions.

The Aspire is an NEC product BTW.

Sold under a completly Different Dealer line-up. We sell IKP, 2000, 2400.

The Aspire is Nitsuko design with NEC's logo stamped on it. The IPK II is also Nitsuko designed software to work with traditional NEC hardware.

BTW, welcome to the forum, Mike!

"Sold under a completly Different Dealer line-up. We sell IKP, 2000, 2400."

That is correct. Just like the DS series is ANOTHER dealer lineup. Some dealers carry BOTH Aspire and IPK. The NEC Aspire series really only goes up to about 512 ports. The bigger NEC systems get bigger. As far as I know, Nitsuko/TIE never built a Nitsuko Aspire. To say it's not NEC is simply not true. Parts are systems are made by NEC, shipped by NEC etc. If you don't believe me here it is from NEC.

https://www.necunifiedsolutions.com/main/

NEC bought Nitsuko several years ago, but, kept the equipment lines separate until spring of this year with the roll-out of the IPK II.

The Aspire is not "traditional" NEC, nor are the "other Nitsuko-based" systems like the DS line.

Traditional NEC went out back when the 8/24 came out. NEC moved the key system and phone manufacturing to Malaysia.

When labor costs began to rise along with import/export costs, NEC stsrted looking at Nitsuko who OEM'd the E-pro series.

When NEC formed NEC Infrontia with the buyout of Nitsuko they had NEC Infrontia build the Elite, IPK, IPK II, Aspire, DS 1000, 2000 and now the DSX. NEC Infrontia's factory is in Thailand.

If you don't believe me, go look at the nameplate on the Elites, IPK & IPK II. " Manufactured by NEC Infrontia"

NEC Japan still does manufacture some of the 2400 and 2000 PBX's

Nitsuko beginning with the I series was strong on software but phone quality was low. After NEC bought out Nitsuko the quality has gone up, the DSX model shows that.
My vote goes for the IPK II, I like the phones better.