I have a customer that I have quoted a Summit system for that has a building across the street. They have a fiber connecting the two buildings. They currently have 5 VOIP phones running through it on an NEC system. I quoted the new VOIP phones for the Summit, but they say it is too costly and wanted to know if I could install the edge 9024 digital sets instead. They found some copper to fiber converter online and they think it will work. I have used those types of convertors in the past with analog lines using the fxs & fxo ports, but I don't recall ever trying to connect a digital telephone. Does anyone know of any equipment that will work for this application?

No, that's not going to work. You were correct quoting the VoIP phones.

Exactly, there is nothing that will do what you want, unless you installed a second Summit and networked them, which will be more costly than Voip phones

With the iPECs system, they offer digital station modules that can provide up to 24 digital stations via an Ethernet connection. That was one of the reasons that I seriously considered carrying it under Vodavi's brand 'Telennium'. It was mighty handy to be able to throw 8- or 24-port modules wherever they were needed, while only having to worry about two good pairs and an electrical outlet to make it happen.

Unfortunately, these aren't supported by the Summit. Still, this might be a good time to look into the iPECs product line. Although it's no longer a Vodavi/Vertical offering, the people behind it are the same with regard to hardware. I'm sure that Larry would be happy to introduce it to you for future similar applications.

They IPECS DTIMs would work great for this application. However, if the customer thinks that the cost of 5 VoIP phones off of a Summit cost too much, then they won't be interested in the IPECS.

I explained that what they were looking at was for analog dial tone and that they would need copper pairs ran to the building to get the digital phones to work. They entertained the idea of running it, but after I explained the cost of running the cabling, getting the city permits and time it would take to complete it, they agreed to go with the VOIP phones. Ed, I am not sure about the iPECS system. I have just barely started learning the Summit and am finally getting comfortable with it. I am certified on the Summit as well, so I am not sure about switching to another platform. I would assume that if the hardware is similar that the programming methods would be similar as well? Do you have to be certified to sell it? Is the cost similar to the Summit line of products?