sundance-communications.com/forum Forums VOIP Phones & IP PBX VoIP & Cloud Phones, Hosted PBX, General IP Phones Iwatsu vs. Cisco

I was wondering if anyone worked with both Iwatsu and Cisco VoIP systems. We are looking into using VoIP to connect two locations. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

The Iwatsu solution would be less expensive. There are several ways it could be done. Traditonal networking allows the 2 sites to be 2 separate systems that can network/call via Ip or point to point T-1. The IP campus setup makes the second site act as though it is one system (DSS lamps, paging, etc. (with surviabilty if link goes down) You could also have 1 system with the 2nd location running just IP phones (not sure how far away 2nd site is or how many phones). With either CISCO or IWATSU or any VOIP setup, you must make sure that your network is capable to handle the exta traffic and provide QOS for the VOIP application. Have a network assesment done before deciding, that can determine if your network can handle the application so there are not any hidden costs after the fact.

The two locations are about 15 miles apart.

We are a non-profit and could get the Cisco QoS switches donated to us for pennies on the dollar. So I’m not sure how the pricing is going to compare. We are starting major renovations in a few months that will require an expansion of our current Adix system. We will need to nearly double its current size. On the 19th I have Cisco people coming to give us options. We had Iwatsu people here last week who told us that they could upgrade our system for under 10k NOT including the VoIP for the remote or Switches/routers needed for VoIP.

I guess I’m looking for quality and usability opinions on this. We want a system that is quality, flexible and makes economical sense.

Thanks!

Keep in mind total cost of ownership. Cisco is renowned for OS and router upgrades being required maintenance. Kinda tough to budget if you are a nonprofit. I'd bet on the Iwatsu sloution.

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Business Phone Systems

Thanks for the input.. Anyone else?

Iwatsu. The Cisco will bleed you dry with upgrades.

I agree Cisco will cost you more in the long run. If the upgrades or updates are not a problem then I would use Cisco. There are alot of people out there who can work on the Cisco stuff.

JMAN, How many phones are at both sites? Which way was it proposed? 1 system with IP phones at remote or 2nd system networked. How are your telco lines coming in presently (analog, T-1, or PRI).

Are you limited to just Cisco or Iwatsu? - there are many other viable options for you. By the way - where are your two offices physically located??

JMAN, How many phones are at both sites? Which way was it proposed? 1 system with IP phones at remote or 2nd system networked. How are your telco lines coming in presently (analog, T-1, or PRI).

- We didn't get the proposal yet but I believe they are proposing two systems linked with VoIP. They are analog at the remote site and a Smart T-1 at the main site.

Are you limited to just Cisco or Iwatsu? - there are many other viable options for you. By the way - where are your two offices physically located??

- No. but it appeared to me that Cisco was the leading VoIP Company. We currently use the Adix system but maxed out the system at this pint so upgrading with Iwatsu would back sense. We are beginning major reinvasions and are exploring Cisco to see if it would make sense for us to use it. It would be a good time to make a switch if we wanted to. The other option I guess could be is to use both systems together. My understanding is that can be done with Cisco now.

- I heard that some cheaper VoIP systems add two much traffic to networks is that so? Would we be happy with the performance of Iwatsu over a 15 mile connection? Would we be happier with Cisco with this setup? Not looking at the cost factor at this point.

- The locations are located South Central Pennsylvania.