I have a customer who currently has a Partner ACS and is looking for an upgrade. I am going to quote an IPO but am torn as to whether I should setup for Partner mode or IPO mode. They have 8 lines, 11 stations, and will need voicemail. Open to thoughts and suggestions on which way to go.

Partner mode will work fine, but it would go to esscential.

I mistyped....they have 3 lines, not 8. A 4th CO port will be used for a PagePac 6 Plus talkback paging system.

I would only go Standard IPO mode, with essential license and embedded voicemail.

Thanks for the input guys! I am leaning towards Standard mode as well.

The partner mode is cheaper and is what they are use to and has easy to use features like night mode without setting up complicated call routes. Partner mode is designed to be "set it and forget it" For a small office it is ideal, easy to use, and easy to program later without any books thanks to an easy to scroll thru TUI. Unless the customer needs queing or some funky set up, the Partner will most likely handle it. Again, the license cost, programming cost, etc... push the essentials much higher price wise.

Ditto ^^

I have my opinion about how Avaya could improve the standard (Partner) mode of IPO to emulate the ole Partner systems, but that's another story for another day.
As for now we stay away from "Partner/Basic" mode as much as possible.

Good Luck.