Does any know what the difference between using this Nortel Part as opposed to a Poe switch

Had a problem yesterday at a site with BCM50 and this devise seemed to be the culprit

I was able to use a Poe switch to get the IP phones to come back up

"difference between using this Nortel Part as opposed to a Poe switch"

Your question does not make sense since the BCM50FE-12 (or 24) device IS a PoE switch.

If the system was to have defaulted then you would have to re-enable the ports for PoE.
You can use BEM software to program them.

Did you by chance try another PS for the BCM50FE-12?
I am guessing no, since they differ from the BCM/Exps cabinets we do not exactly have those lying around.

Mini 4 way/pin DIN Power Supply 48v 2.7A