sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems ESI Telephones & Systems Is ESI for us?

We are basically a small company but plan to grow very strongly over the next couple of years. I like the ESI phone, features, but I'm not sure about the back end. I get the impression that to add extensions, new phones, etc., that an ESI tech must come in to perform such tasks. Is this true? I just have difficult going with this system because we plan to grow and I fear having to pay a tech everytime we want to add a phones. I'd prefer a system that we can adminsitrate and change options in house, but not sure that is the case. If you could clarify, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Depends on the vendor you are looking at but most of us want to make the physical changes and or additions as it is possible to damage the equipment and void the warranty if you don't know what you are doing. Most of us will provide administrative training to the extent that the customer understands it.

If you really anticipate growth there are ways to prewire extensions etc and possibly even orchestrate a patch panel into the equation so it is a little simpler.

ESI is no different than any of the other digital systems in this regard...do a search on here and you will find many horror stories of do it yourself type equipment purchases that didn't work out and ended up with the purchase of a real system at the end anyway.

If you are really experiencing the type of growth you anticipate a good telecom vendor can be a major ally as you grow and help you understand the different issues you face as you grow and expand. Sure they'll need to make a few bucks but that way they are there in the future when you need them again!

Small and large are relative terms. This could be answered much easier if we knew your size in extensions. 8,16, 40 or more.

As well as developing a lasting, trusting relationship with your vendor can benefit you greatly. Many of my customers frequently call and I can assist remotely as like upstateny said: "there are ways to prewire extensions etc and possibly even orchestrate a patch panel into the equation so it is a little simpler." which is the route many of our customers have had much success with. Most can manage their own Moves Adds and Changes by themselves or maybe with a phone call or two.