sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems Vertical Telephones & Systems Vertical vs Cisco

Hi -

I've seen demos of both the Vertical Wave IP 2500 system and Cisco's UCCX system. I really liked the Vertical Wave IP 2500 system, but don't know what i'm missing compared to Cisco's UCCX. Can someone tell me the pros/cons to each system.

Thank you!

I could write a 100 page report on that topic. To start with I am a Vertical dealer so maybe biased. I would look at the licensing model. What is included in each model. Also look at the ongoing software subscription cost. Also compare the power and ease of use of Vertical Viewpoint with what ever Cisco is providing for their desktop software. Also with the Wave you can do both digital sets and IP sets. With cisco it is all IP

Licensing is a HUGE determining factor. In many cases, people think that they actually buy some systems, only to find a year that their software use licenses expired when they come to work on Monday and their phones no longer work.

This is why many of of us, as in Jim's prior post, question why a customer would insist upon the purchase of a system that they really will never own due to licensing. Traditional systems are quite alive and well; in current and future development; most with the option to evolve into a full VoIP configuration when desired. The best thing is that what you buy is what you get. Nobody can take it away if you don't keep paying to keep it working.

MThomas, be careful with your purchase. Long-term costs can come back to kill you if you don't ask a LOT of questions about software licensing. Unless your employees are scattered all over multiple locations (as in multiple cities, states, even countries), you just can't justify the expense of VoIP. It is 100% not necessary within a single building or even a building complex.

I think everyone for their feedback.

We are 5 sites total. We wanted features like call recording, mobile applications, system automated failover, and a call center application that can do data dips into our core database.

Each company proposed a slightly different solution. Vertical proposed IP phones at each site with no hardware thus no survivalability for the branches. Cisco proposed a small router at each site with some fail-over to pots lines. This would allow 4 digit dialing to still work.

Each had a different licensing model. Cisco wanted a license for every feature. Vertical wanted just a few types of licenses.

Every feature available is included with Vertical out of the box you just pay. Cisco wanted you to pay for each one.

How many phones at each branch office?

Sounds to me like Cisco is proposing five small servers networked together with each office having a pots gateway. Vertical is proposing one with ip phones at all the sites. The Vertical solution will have far fewer licensing requirements and will be more transparent from site to site. Some features of many voip systems do not function 2 levels deep. The Wave is really strong when it comes to UC and mobility applications.

Keep in mind, Cisco is a IT manufacturer, not a Communications Company. Voice is a add on for Cisco, not there primary concern except for licensing fees.
And you will pay.

Thumbs up to hitech's statement. This is the reason why M blocks and paging ports baffle some Cisco installers.

Some????? lol

If i were in your shoes i would expand my search to include more systems / options as this is a fairly large purchase and there are lots more options than Cisco and Vertical.

Where are you and your branches all located??