sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information Need help deciding on a PBX

We currently have an old Executone system (don't know the model number) that has been basically falling apart on us. We are looking to replace it. I know nothing about PBX's and how they work so any information would be helpful. As far as I can tell we don't have a T1 so my main question is can we find a PBX that doesnt require a T1? Prefably one that will accept analog lines. I saw on a "custom build a pbx" page that some will run on DSL. How does this work and can I also access the internet over this DSL line? Im assuming I can't and would need 2 DSL lines. Would it really be worth it to get a T1 for internet and the PBX factoring in 2 lines and roughly 8 - 10 extensions? I found a DSU from Kentrox that will let me run voice and data over the same T1 and I have a Cisco 2514 that I could hook up that DSU to for the internet access so that is taken care of. The main thing I need to know is do I have to have a T1?

Joel

If your only going to run 2 lines, there's no need for a T-1.
I would go with the Partner ACS and get a DSL line for your internet.
The Partner ACS processor will run 3 lines and 8 stations, you can get a Voicemail PC card, you can run either multi line phones or single line phones off the processor.
Here's some more info:
https://www.telbroker.com/Partner_ACS.htm
at the bottom of that page you can download a brochure.

BTW the ACS will grow to 15 lines by 40 stations.

I second the ACS.

Thanks for the suggestion of the ACS, I belive we are going to go with it. I was just wondering though, since it's a new unit I would assume it comes with manuals and everything you need to install it (well most everything anyway) and also waht is the PC card for? Is it the voicemail that I saw on that page? The reason I ask about manuals is I have never installed a PBX before and aside from my knowledge of computers I don't know how to get one up and running.

Yes the ACS comes with manuals for the system and the voice mail, they are very easy to program and install, If you need help it can be found right here.

It depends on how old your Executone system is, but Inter-tel own Executone now and there product line is great. https://www.inter-tel.com/intertel/Rooms/DisplayPages/LayoutInitial You could also look at the Nortel BCM. It programs like the Norstar, but hase broadband capability. https://www.nortelnetworks.com/products/01/eedge/index.html You could also look at ESI it is a all-in-one switch. https://www.esi-estech.com/about.html If you were looking for a Ip based switch you could look at the Cisco AVVID. https://www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/largeent/avvid/ I like the Nortel product line because there are multiple vendors that can service the product. Almost all the major Telco companies install and service. If you have question email me I have install the Executone, Nortel and ESI product line, and hoping to install Inter-tel soon. Good Luck!!

[This message has been edited by JJ (edited July 25, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by JJ (edited July 25, 2002).]

I Install NEC, Mitel, Vodavi....but in my house... I have a Partner II 4.1 w/ PMVS 4.0.
This was just about the only system that I thought the family would put up with, & these are the only phones I know of that have a lighted diplay, which make it easy to see caller ID & other info in the dark.

The Partner ACS system says it comes with the capability of handling 8 stations. Well we have excatly 8 offices that will have phones in them but we have a finance office that has the networks server in there and it would be nice to have a phone in there too. I saw a 308 expansion card for $345 refurb. We dont need to add 3 lines and 8 stations, is there a way to add a couple stations by themselves or is that 308 expansion card the lowest expansion you can do to it?

You can use a 206EC but for the price you might as well get the 308EC, You will also need a 2 or 5 slot cabinet to expand the system.

Yeah that would seem right to go ahead and get the 308EC. My next question is does that system have room for me to add that card?