I have 2 hotels with SX -200 analog systems and want voicemail. I've been told that both systems have "generic 217" software which needs to be upgraded to be voicemail compatible.
1) is this correct or is there VM that will work as-is
2) even if VM will work, are there other advantages to upgrading
3) what is a fair {ballpark} price for the upgrade

Thank you

JM,
Actually VoiceMail will work with a 217 IPC, using COV / Superset integration. (Back in the day you could buy the Dean VIP Generic and get a voice mail to work using ONS / single line integration) I would recommend either VSR-CO-Voice and or EZ-Advantage EasyVoice voicemail systems. The drawback to using the 217 generic is when the voicemail attempts to turn on and or turn off the message waiting light it first has to call the extention causing the phone to ring 1-2 times as it sets the message light on or off command. If you can live with having the phone ring 1-2 times when a message light is turned on or off you really dont need to change your generic 217. If you'd like more information and or for pricing feel free to call me Mike Burns Com-Tel Technical at (727) 641-2487

Respectfully,
Mike Burns
Com-Tel Technical