Hi all,

We’re replacing our twenty year old phone system at our architecture firm in Seattle (I’m an architect). The system is on the verge of complete failure, and the lack of a voicemail indicator light is the biggest drag. I would categorize our needs as being very basic. There are eight people and we’ll want two additional extensions for a total of ten phone extensions. We have four phone lines, one of which will remain a dedicated fax line for the foreseeable future. The firm is unlikely to grow. We have an open office and everyone helps answer the phones and some of us are not technically savvy (and never will be), so we need to keep it simple and straightforward. What system we choose is based on ease of use, aesthetics (which is disproportionately important to us), service, and price.

We’ve been doing some research, and have already spoken to some different reps – our selection process to this point wasn’t exactly ideal (in my mind), but at least we’ve got a decent starting point.

The phone system that we’ve been most impressed with up to this point is the NEC DSX-80. We like the look of the phones, it seems like a simple system to use, and it’s relatively inexpensive to the other systems we've looked at so far.

Some of the other systems we’ve looked at are the Toshiba CIX 40, the Nortel CICS (8x24) w/ Call Pilot 100, Comdial DX-80, and Inter-Tel CS 5200 (which has the ability to be upgraded to an IP system for quite a bit more money) all in the 8x24 territory.

We also looked at the Mitel IP SX-200 ICP CX (an IP system). The VoIP systems are kind of cool, but too complicated for us and we’re not willing to rely on the internet for phone calls.

The Nortel system is my second favorite of the ones I’ve seen.

We don’t like the look of the phones on the Comdial system – all the buttons look the same.

Although I was really impressed with the Mitel system, it’s relatively expensive for us and we didn’t like the look of the phones (that speaker with the chrome ring did it in for us).

So, getting back to the NEC DSX-80, a few things…

First, the price is on the low end (relative to the other systems we looked at) - should that raise red flags or does this NEC system just tend to be “competitively” priced (I know that can be an impossible question to answer without knowing all the particulars of every system we looked at, but if generalizations are allowed…)?

Second, the rep who we met with seems very professional and did a very good job of explaining stuff (as far as we know), but the business is only four years old. They indicated they are NEC equipment certified. They’re going to set it up for us and train us on how to use it. In the unlikely event they go out of business, I assume that it would be pretty easy to get service for a system like this? We’ve heard the words “bullet-proof” quite a few times regarding various systems – would those familiar with this system describe it that way?

Thirdly, can anyone comment on the new DSX-34 “super-display” phones (as yet, unavailable)? They look really cool, but I’m not sure what they really do differently, and if they would make things less confusing or more confusing.

Finally, are there any pros/cons anyone would add about the NEC system? Are there any other entry-level phone systems comparable to the NEC (besides the one’s I already mentioned)? I guess my biggest concern is that the IP systems appear to be the next “standard”, and maybe a couple of years from now we’ll regret not making a slightly bigger investment (e.g. maybe it will become common practice to transfer voicemails to email for archival purposes… I could see that being a really useful feature). Aside from the Mitel IP system, are there any other comparable entry level IP systems that we might consider?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated… thank you!

This has been said before but is worth repeating. The most important thing is not the system but who puts the system in for you. If the company is only 4 years old that may explain why the price is competitive. A big part of this business is moves, adds and changes but you have to have the customer in order to get that work. They may be trying to establish a customer base by beating the competition on new installs. Yes you can get another dealer if they go out of business. Ask for references.

The systems mentioned are all excellent choices and worthy of consideration.

Another traditional telephone system, the Avaya Partner ACS, is also a fine choice for small to midsized applications. It is easy to administer and a 4x10 configuration built around the R6 processor and one of the available voicemails wouldn't be a budget buster either.

CMDL is right-on :thumb: with his observation about choosing a vendor.

My company is not an NEC dealer and probably won't become one, but I have heard nothing but praise for their systems. As Larry stated though, it's not the hardware (that's really become more of a personal preference). Most systems today are equally-capable and reliable. It's the installing company that makes the difference.

Remember that when you buy a phone system, you are entering into a long-term relationship with the installing company, not the manufacturer. Just because they are the cheapest doesn't make them the best. Being architects, I am sure that you understand that the lowest bid frequently means the poorest quality. If the low bid is WAY low, there's a problem. +/- 20% should be the maximum price differential.

Regardless of the system you choose, if it falls within your financial capabilities, buy a system that offers potential future IP capabilities.

Your statement that you can't rely upon the Internet for phone calls isn't what IP-capable telephone systems are. I believe that you are thinking of services such as Vonage; companies that provide dial tone via the Internet. It's a similar technology with IP-capable systems, but not even close when dealing with phone systems themselves. IP-capable systems will allow remote phone extensions at other locations, for example: Work from home employees, executives' vacation homes, etc., or "free" tie lines between offices.

I didn't respond to your IP comments but Ed is right, too many times people believe that IP is only a phone service such as Vonage. Samsung also offers "Softphone" which is software that you can put on your notebook PC and be an extension off your key system anywhere you have high speed internet

Thanks for the responses so far!

Yes, reading over past posts, I've seen over and over that it's all about the installer. That's a great analogy using the "bid".

Also, in an effort to pare down the length of my original post (it was getting a bit long winded... okay, *I'm* a bit long winded), it became less clear that I was distinguishing between IP and VoIP. I understand that most (all?) IP systems can be made VoIP capable by adding software. A couple of the systems were being sold to us as VoIP-only systems out of the box - that wouldn't work for us. I like the concept of an IP system, but I'd need some recommendations for systems that might fit the size of our business (e.g. a $10K system is just way over the top for our business needs).

irusun,

There is no difference between IP and VoIP phone systems.
VoIP = Voice over Internet Protocol.

The confuzion arises over where the VoIP is being used. Some systems use VoIP inside your office; some systems use VoIP to replace lines from the phone company to your office; some systems use VoIP to connect your office to your branch office, home or hotel room.

Those are the three different ways to use VoIP. Some systems have one of these capabilities; some have two; and some have all three. A phone system may also be capable of working the old fashioned way at the same time. In that case they call it a hybrid system.

To expand on that. Virtually all phone systems being made now are voip capable to one degree or another. Usually you need to add additional hardware.
When talking about a phone system and being voip capable, it most often refers to the ability to have remote extensions (home office, etc) that are connected via the internet. As far as the Vonage type stuff, as long as it mimics a pots line, it can usually run into a phone system, although there are often a myriad of issues with things like disconnect supervision, voice quality, echo, etc...

The Nec DSX is great if it fits your bill.
Also look at Panasonic TDA 50 w/7633 or 7636 phones. A little more than DSX but VOIP and VM to Email can be added reasonably. Also has as std many functional features that you may or may not need right now, (most popular being Wireless XDP, meaning that any inexpenesive cordless phone can be paired as your handset). Also, the aesthetics are great.
Best system cordless options to boot,(such as buttons for lines, hold, transfer, intercom, paging, Voice Mail transfer etc. instead of codes) but useful only if you use it.But also as stated by others above, installation and service are of paramount importance.
Good Installation and service company-system does what you want-you are comfortable with price-its a go!

:toast: :banana: :banana: :db:

As far as your needs go, I would say this:

Either the Avaya Partner or the DSX-80.

The former is more familiar, and the latter offers more options.

But as has been said many a post, it all comes down to the vendor you're most comfortable with.

Thanks for the clarifications on VoIP.

Also thanks for the suggestions of Avaya Partner and the Panasonic TDA 50. The hybrid Panasonic system looks particularly interesting.