Hi Forum Experts,

After reading this awesome forum over the last few months I'm more dazed and confused then when I started. Trying to make a smart business decision but need some help. This is the deal - I have a Nortel Meridian system (ten or so phones), the system was purchased new in 1991. I have never had the need for voice mail other than the basic "leave a message" type recording. I now want to try a voice mail system with auto attendant, e-mail notification, etc. and other more advanced features. Is there a reasonable priced hardware or PC based solution in the $1,000 or so range or is my best all around option one of the Virtual PBX systems? I was quoted $2,200 for the CallPilot 100 but couldn’t justify the price at the time. Can anybody point me in the right direction? If it matters, we have only four voice lines, low to moderate call volume and the ssytem is integrated with a T1 line.

Thanks,

Scott

If your system is vintage 1991 it isn't call pilot compatible. Call Pilot/CICS bundle with email notification installed and reusing your phones should run around $2K so your quote is not unreasonable.

Hi Marv, thanks for the response. I did not think the quote was unreasonable but couldn't justify the expense at the time. Am I assuming if I can get Call Pilot installed for around $2,000 that would be likely be the best route if cost is a big issues?

Thanks again,

scott

If you just need a small voicemail and can live with 1.5 hours of voice storage (average message left is about 30 seconds) and 24 mail boxes, a StarTalk Flash would still be fine for you.

It can process two calls at a time, takes up one station port, seens to never die, and just doesn't have as many features as the call pilot.

We are about a 30 minute drive from you if you need some help.

Thanks, Bunnie

In order for you to install the call pilot VM, you will need to replace your current phone system in order to be compatible like mentioned above in the prior post (CICS/MICS 4.1 Minimum required to work with call pilot).
I don't think that you can get a phone system and call pilot VM with the bells and whistles (Unified messaging that entire advanced feature like you mentioned) and installed for under or even $2000.
In regards to the flash VM it will not provide you with the features that you required.
That’s my opinion

How many mailboxes do you need, that could change your cost of the Call Pilot. And were you quoted $2,200.00 on just the Call Pilot alone or with new KSU as telemarv and samh have suggested?