sundance-communications.com/forum Forums TDM Business Telephone Systems Avaya - Lucent Telephones & Systems Which System - Avaya, Tadiran, Samsung, Toshiba, NEC, Panasonic, Vodavi, Fonality?

Ok - here's the deal.

We're currently at 21 extensions and 11 lines. Probably putting in a dedicated T1/PRI for a new system. Need to grow to about 50-60 local extensions. Need VoIP extension capability in a few years (up to 200 in 6-7 years.

Have a small call center going from 4 to maybe 10 people. Need solid ACD that can handle multiple ACD groups and even multiple trees (for different businesses). Need good reporting tools. Need to be able to record calls for training. Need allow multiple people to manage the system (thus need a user friendly interface to manage most functionality, so we don't spend all our $ on service calls to make design changes to the ACD or VM system.). Need multiple MOH channels. Need to be able to move extensions easily. And don't want to pay an arm and a leg in licensing fees.

Any thoughts?

I've been looking at Avaya IP Office, Tadiran Coral 500, Toshiba Strata CIX 670, Samsung iDCS 500, NEC Aspire, Vodavi STS, Panasonic KX-TDA100, and interestingly the open source solution from Fonality. Here's my ranking so far:

Tie for 1. Avaya, Samsung, Fonality, Tadiran
5. Toshiba
6. NEC
7. Panasonic
8. Vodavi

Thoughts, expereiences and direction appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi, Tempcall. Welcome aboard, we have plenty to offer BUT we insist that your profile be completely filled out before anyone is going to be willing to assist. I assure you that you will find a ton of information and advice.

So far, your choices look great but the Vodavi STS won't handle what you need. You will need to consider their XTS-IP system to cover your needs.

Got it, Thanks!

Thank you very much for completing your profile. I can only speak for the Vodavi product line since that is our primary product line. I am sure that you will receive feedback on others as well, so I will simply throw in my two-cents worth.

The Vodavi XTS-IP system will certainly address all of the requirements. Bear in mind that your projected growth numbers require that you invest in the big stuff up-front. The Vodavi STSe system only grows to 48 stations and can't be networked to other sites, so I would not recommend using it for your application.

At present, the Panasonic KX-TDA family also cannot address your ultimate expansion goals, but multiple systems can be networked to double, triple, etc. the total number of extensions. Most systems offer this capability.

I am sure that within 24 hours, you will get plenty of feedback addressing the capabilities of the other systems you have mentioned. You definitely did the right thing in asking questions before buying; something that so many people fail to do. Good luck in your quest. Rest assured that we will work as much as we can to assist.

The AVAYA IP Office is probably the leader of the group.
With your future needs there R & D will keep everything current. We are certifired in several of the systems you mention and AVAYA is our solutioon for most customers. Sounds like yours to.

Welcome to the board tempcall.

I would also highly recommend the Avaya IPO. The system is very easy to administer and the manager software easy to use. Also the IPO is proably one of the most stable IP systems on the market today.

But the biggest factor is the equip. vendor you choose. When making your final decision ask the sales person for a reference list of customers that have the system your buying.

This poster has asked this question in multiple forums. Please continue this discussion in the General forum.

I will lock this topic for awhile to give the poster a chance to read it then I will delete it.

-Hal