So fellow ESI resellers what do you think of the latest product additions?

Iwould have like to have seen a third party application developer program and just being able to define holidays in a schedule tables.

I would like to see Port Numbers in the extension defination tables, it's really bad when you do number exchange and have to count all the ext's to make sure your moving the right cross connect...

I think the Mobile Messaging is great. It's been a long time coming but it really does change how voicemail can be used. Any caller can now "send" a voice message to someone on the road instead of leaving it for them (assuming they have a smartphone with e-mail and attachment playing capability). I would go as far to say it represents a "paradigm shift" in voice messaging. The immediacy is more akin to texting, which has become popular for a reason.

The Mobile Messaging is a great thing, I know of at least two potential jobs that I had a chance to close late last year that I lost out on because ESI wasn't able to do it. So I think it's been a long time coming as is SIP support.

The SIP trunking is outstanding.....the fact that the SIP provider and ESI both have certified / approved each other makes it the clinching factor for me.....they won't point the finger at each other and leave the customer twisting in the wind.

The customer will now be able to finance a brand new phone system that will benefit from all of the features of SIP trunking as well as all of the new features for less than what i will be able to save them on ther bill so they get a new system with enhanced capabilities and thier monthly bill goes down...sounds like a win - win situation to me.

I called 3 long time customers of mine yesterday....i have 3 appointments....i like those numbers!!

I agree, the SIP trunking is really exciting for ESI moving forward,

The problem as I see it with the Hosted/pure voip types is the fact that if call quality is bad due to an internet WAN connection, you can't go back to a PRI or POTS to rectify the problem.

It can can be fairly costly add on just to get SIP IMO especially if you need to expand the cabinets etc.

It would have been nice just to use the NSP and some Software and of course the licenses.

I beg to differ. Most IP solutions (ours included) can accept all trunk types, just like a TDM solution.

Jim your system may, but I was refering to the many hosted setup out there......youv'e seen them polycom or cisco phones all plugged into the LAN with voice packets fighting againts packets of porn to get in & out of the office.

From a purely Marketing angle...maybe ESI should try to repackage the equipment in a more cisco looking 19inch rack mount type box.

especially the CS50 &CS 100 old S & E boxes alway look a bit homemade plasticy

Just an idea!!

I still want a holiday table where you can define the dates and pre-record the greetings - how hard can that be?

As.far as the repackage - not a bad idea but I think it would add to the final cost unlike the $5 black box.

Oh come on, if you want to sell a rack mount fine, go with a 600 or some other.

No need to do away with my little black box that kicks a lot of competitors butts for that very reason.

Oh, sure from a hosted solution setup, you're absolutely correct, you're hands are tied.

We just got the Mobile Messaging at our office and it works great and was easy to set-up. I also sold a job with 2 locations, ESI Linked with mobile messaging (great for the Real Estate business).

Hey what about the Loop key feature, that was a long time coming too.

Keep Truckin'

Cosmo

I've already got phone bills from 3 cusotmers interested in SIP trunking...all 3 said they would switch / upgrade if i was comfortable......gotta love that


i also suggested to ESI they consider a more "advanced" bundle of equipment with SIP trunking, mobile messaging, remote phones, VIP etc.....if it was all bundled at a good price it would be very attractive....especially when it is paid for by the savings on the SIP trunks!!

Geez, I have been out of the ESI scene for a couple years and now we've got all this! Did ESI ever get to unified messaging? Speech to text? Havent looked yet but does the installers site show all the new roll out features I have missed since 2006?

Yes to Unified Messaging...between VIP and Mobile Messaging they have it well covered.

The site does show everything...but not a list..you will need to search the various rollouts.

SIP trunking is huge....every customer i talk to is interested....i analyzed a bill yesterday......it is currently $800 / month with a CLEC....i can take them to around $300.

If they are with the ILEC the savings are even more dramatic.

As a Beta tester, I can tell you Marlon, you ain't seen nothin' yet!

But SIP trunking and compatible systems have been around for years. Is there a big difference with ESI products with regard to SIP functionality or is it simply a matter of ESI now supporting SIP? I'm curious.

Yes Ed, SIP trunking and ESI are now friends. ESI even has a recommended provider that they have worked out a relationship with (the name escapes me).

ESI has tested this for a couple of years now....the fact that both ESI and the SIP trunk provider both certify each other is the kicker for me.........the possibility that they each blame the other and walk away is gone.

I have wanted to sell dialtone / build recurring revenue for years but was scared to resell CLEC dialtone and just can't sell a maintenance contract and keep my conscience clear.

I know what you guys mean. It is nice that manufacturers are establishing partnerships with SIP providers first. The fact that they've done all of the test driving and tweaking means fewer headaches for us.

Compared to SIP, this is rather boring. I installed one of the new DECT digital cordless phones today and was rather impressed. Just thought I would chip in!