atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems ESI Telephones & Systems ESI S-Class Hard Drive

Thanks to everyone for the input and advice, know that I appreciate your expertise and have re-thought my initial reactions to the cost issue.

I've called my dealer and they are researching the replacement of our failed hard drive with a flash drive.

I'll update when we're on the road to a resolution.

Personally, I've resolved to get to know our dealer better, and to spend some quality time with our ESI Administrator's Manual so that I will not be totally in the dark every time we have to make a minor change to something.

Glad to see the about face Josh........i think you will find that most of us here are just hard working stiffs trying to feed our kids.....and to the best of my knowledge none of us here are filthy rich from being telecom dealers!!

An update:

We've ordered the Flash Drive upgrade, which is going to be installed by our dealer by the end of the week.

For other IT folks, who may find themselves similarly situated and stumble upon this thread, I'll humbly offer my "lessons learned":

- Explain to your boss (preferably before you have phone system problems) that you're not a phone tech and that if the system goes down the most you'll be able to do is call the dealer.

- Consider whether a service contract with your dealer is an option for your business.

- Yes, as per my initial reactions, you could convert to an IP system and possibly manage much more of the system without outside intervention. Consider that move carefully. After I did, I realized that I don't have time to maintain and support such a significant increase in networked machines, routers, and bandwidth. Fact is, it would cost more in my time, equipment, and bandwidth than it would to just pay the dealer to maintain the phone system.

- Don't try to apply the traditional software license model to your phone system. If you do, smoke will pour from your ears just moments before your head explodes.

Thank you very much for the feedback, Josh. I hope that we weren't too hard upon you. I think that the end result that you obtain will be much more to your advantage in the long run.

It is unfortunate that more people aren't willing to step back and think twice before reacting. Please check back anytime for assistance in the future, although it doesn't sound as if you'll need it.