I am considering getting a Partner SOE for our office. We currently have the AT&T Spirit (yeah, its older than I am..literally), so its time for an upgrade.
We are a very small office. 2 lines in (plus a fax, but its independent), 4 phones, 3 employees. I do plan on growing, but we will always just have 3 employees..4 at the max. I guess I have two questions
#1 You think this is a good system for our needs?
#2 I have gotten one quote on the price of the system plus install. I have heard around that I might be able to set it up myself? I have decent computer/networking knowledge (no expert by any means). How hard would it be to install this myself since we have an existing system?
I ask because I can purchase the system for about $300 less than what I've been quoted and save the several hundred dollars on installation. Would I be in over my head? Thanks!
1. Yes, the Partner will suit your immediate needs and since parts and phones are reliable, you should be fine.
2. As long as you possess the skills and ability to extend two cable pairs from each station port on the module to the jacks with standard USOC RJ14 or 568B wiring patterns, the wiring portion shouldn't be too difficult. Since you already have a Spirit system in place, there shouldn't be any need to modify your existing wiring at all. That was part of the design beauty in these systems.
It is difficult to answer your "over my head" question since we have no idea of the level of expertise that you have. There are plenty of members here who can offer you more advanced support if needed (for a small fee). There is also a link at the top of this page to place you in touch with a qualified installer in your area should the need arise. Don't be afraid to ask.
You need to consider several factors here. First is that you should never discount the role a reputable dealer plays. The $300 will be well worth it when you can't figure something out or you have warranty issues. I don't know what business you are in but I'm sure you won't be happy about not having phone service while you wait for someone to send you parts.
That of course brings up where you plan on purchasing your system. I'm sure it's an internet dealer. Keep in mind that most systems are only supposed to be sold by an authorized dealer who will provide installation, warranty and service should you need it. Just because something is sold on the internet doesn't mean it's supposed to be sold to the general public. You also take your chances with that so called "gray market goods". Sometimes it's new, sometimes it's new but from a lot with defects. When you buy from a dealer with installation they will stand behind the product.
The Partner is a solid system and well suited for your needs both now and in the future. Keep in mind that the SOE is a "package" system that cannot be expanded beyond 3 lines and 8 extensions. I think you would be better served by the ACS R7 that will handle 5 lines and 9 extensions right off and can be expanded if necessary.
-Hal
I understand and appreciate your opinions. From some diagrams I have seen online, it doesn't look to be too difficult.
I have since found a different system I am interested in. The ACS 6.0 with 4 phones and voicemail. Its all new and comes pre-programmed. It comes from ebay (I know alot of people might gasp at that) but they have very excellent feedback and have unlimited tech support. All in all, it would save me about $800 (if I did the install myself) and I'd have more capability of upgrading in the future vs the SOE (if I understand correctly).
Link removed because it contained pricing.
We can't argue with you for trying to get the most for your dollar. All that we can say is that nothing is free or unlimited in this world, so we will do our best to help you. We don't make open-ended promises though.
Incidentally, the current version is R7, so this system is new old stock at best. "Liquidations" in the e-bay seller's name should be your first sign.
I would ask if that is a small office. That looks like the picture from the "Partner Small office"
A small office comes with 1-18D and 3 6-D's.
In which case, it is not expandable.
Yup, way down in the ad it says
I find this very interesting. If you go directly to Telecom Liqidations web site you can get the same deal as listed on E-Bay. They only have a 1 year warranty and no claim of unlimted support. I can tell you more E-Bay horror stories from my customers that you have time to listen. You may have a good experience. I wish you the best
Mike
I guess I forgot to tell you to just be sure you have all of your bases covered. Heck the good folks here at Sundance can even help you out. And I am sure a lot of us can vouch for their reputation.
Mike
I have since found a different system I am interested in. The ACS 6.0 with 4 phones and voicemail. Its all new and comes pre-programmed. It comes from ebay
Yup, way down in the ad it says:
ACS R6 Processor (SOE)
And there you have it my friend. The internet sellers prey on people like you looking to save a buck.
-Hal
Good rule of thumb is "You always get what you pay for".
I can say this with all honesty. "I never buy anything based on price alone".
We had our parking lot repaved last year.
We had 3 quotes.
One was 7K
One was 10K
and one was 14K.
We went with the 14K bid because the company had a good reputation of knowing what they where doing and stood behind their work.
Well I understand what kind of reaction I was probably going to get, going to a forum that people that sell these things for a living, and proposing I buy over the internet, etc.
So I certainly understand your point, as I am in a business that competes with internet based companies *cough*Geiko*cough*. So I know the value of personal service in times of trouble.
I've received a PM from a member on this board and will be following up with him. Thanks all for the help.
I can tell you from personal experience that programming a Partner is not easy for someone not familiar with it. You need to make a proper valuation of your time.
I must warn you that I get calls every day from people who have bought some junky old phone system on the internet because they thought it was a bargain. Then they call me to program it. Well I am not in the business of working for free, and it is going to cost them more to get this thing properly cabled and programmed than it cost them, and it is still won't do what they want.
Look at it this way. Would you buy a ten or twenty year old proprietary computer for your business, thinking you could just install and program it yourself? Of course not. Well a phone system is just a computer.