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I agree with DMC........

The Merlin 820R2 with BIS phones is the best...and remember one thing...the merlin speakerphones are FULL-DUPLEX speakerphones....try to find that TODAY.......

I understand that the Merlin has some sort of limited auto-attendant feature (DXD). Can someone go into more detail about this? Thanks again!

- Matthew

I have to disagree.
Why replace one analog dinosaur with another analog dinosaur?
Given how inexpensive some of the feature-rich small systems have become, why not put in something that will help the business?
This goes back to an earlier thread (in the Vodavi section)started by the same person, but it sounds like the type of business that they are in could really benefit substantially from a decent voice mail, caller ID, and auto Attend.
They are an insurance agency with no after hours ability to contact the agents. These days, that is a recipe for disaster. People want to be able to pick up a phone, day or night, and at least be able to leave a message for the proper person.

[This message has been edited by paul144 (edited February 04, 2004).]

Paul,

Thanks for the reply. I agree 100% with you. However, I've tried pitching a Nortel Norstar CICS w/ voicemail for around $4200 w/installation, and he just keeps saying, "2 years down the road, maybe". He doesn't understand that the need is now. The old Vodavi is starting to go, and customers want after hours contact. The employees want voicemail, and an auto-attendant. I want a system that is going to fit our business like a glove, and increase user productivity and customer relations. I've tried showing him hard data, how the Vodavi could fail, how customers aren't happy. Employees are sick of writing PAPER MESSAGES. "How do you spell your name?" Custmoers must think we're still in the early 80s! I am out of options except to pitch him an older, cheaper system. Please help!!!

- Matthew

[This message has been edited by nickamat (edited February 04, 2004).]

If he insists on an older system why not go ahead with the merlin and get a used Merlin Classic Mail system for it. Considering it's age it shouldn't be too expensive....they show up on eBay once in a while.

Just another thought, what about the Merlin Legend? Seems to offer modern features, and its easy to find it reasonable when refurbished. However, I can assume that the installation is a bit tougher than the classic Merlin. Can it still be done my an IT guy? Does it use Cat-5 also from the KSU to the keysets? Thanks!

- Matthew

Hey Matt....your boss is starting to get on our nerves.......let him do what he wants and sit back and watch his mistake.....

We are offering tons of answers and suggestions and you are going all over the spectrum of phone systems...(not your fault...I kindof like you...even thought I lost a bundle of that bum from Green Bay)

I am not a fan of Norstar phone Systems...never was and never will be (my input)....Im a Toshiba/NEC Guy....Buy thats a whole different story...

Get the MERLIN 820 D2 with BIS phones and play around with it...have a blast with the last of a 4 pair phone system...

BUY PLEASE.....you are questioning us to death...NOT YOU PERSONALLY (see above)...BUT your boss must be the cheapest SOB in the world........

Mitch Taylor

Nickamat,

E-mail me and lets get this off of the board. My e-mail is in my profile.

Doug

As another possibilty, perhaps you might want to go with a refurbished Executone Medley system. It has voice mail, caller ID, auto attendant. You could get a ten phone system for about $2200. Give me a call or hit me with an e-mail.