Avaya IP Office - UCM or Application Server 2

[Fiore5]

Hi

I have just joined, but have come to Tek-Tips several times since purchasing IP Office 500v1 a few years back so I can make changes and improve operations for the system as Avaya info is not always that clear, it has also helped me query our supplier so as to get meaningful results.

Currently the system I have is R7 and has, embedded voicemail VCM32+Quad BRI, Phone+ATM4 and licenses for Phone Manager Pro IP Audio Enable, Phone Manager Pro, VMPro TTS, Mobility Features, VPN IP Extensions, UMS Web Services, one-X Portal for IP Office, Avaya IP Endpoints. I don't have any application server set up at present.

I approached the original supplier of the system as I wanted a more seemless integration with the system from remote location via PC, IPhone, Android, etc to make and receive calls via the system, properly access the system whether I was at home, interstate or overseas. I have never been that satisfied with mobile twinning in itself as seem to miss calls due to time delays, having some voicemail on my cell phone and some on the phone system when the call has come from IP Office. I haven't particularly like the One-X lite application on IPhone.

To cut the long story short, I saw R9 being release which appeared to offer VOIP and better remote communication features, etc. So I approach our supplier and they came back with a recommendation to upgrade the IP Office 500v1 to a new 500v2, refit all the existing base and daughter cards, add in a C110 UC Module and purchase some power user licenses.

I have seen some praise for the C110, but also seen issue about a recall and some in these forums more or less indicating that they do not like it but install it due to simplicity and cost, etc and there are others that seem to like it.

I can see the value in the C110 module in that it's a "single" package, however, it is possibly a very restrictive package compared to a readily backed up separate server type solution.

I think my choice to get what I want is either go with the recommendation or to either use a separate Windows server with various Avaya packages installed or the Linux Application Server Version. Presume with the separate server option that there is no need to upgrade the 500v1 chassis, however, need to buy the preferred licenses, etc

My question is, if you were installing the system for yourself, what would you do, ie upgrade to 500v2 and install C110 UC module, or leave as 500v1 and have a separate server? and why one way or the other.

My main aim is to have good remote communication, particularly when overseas, via VOIP mainly so I can make and receive calls, get messages, etc.

Thanks for in advance for anyone who can help.

Regards
Fiore5

 

[tlpeter]

Separate server as the ucm is not good enough at the moment.

BAZINGA!

I'm not insane, my mother had me tested!

 

[Gunnaro]

Second that

Kind regards

Gunnar
__________________________________________________________________
Hippos have bad eyesight, but considering their weight, it’s hardly their problem

 

[tlpeter]

Plus that you already have a preferred edition licence.
You will pay for it twice with the ucm.

BAZINGA!

I'm not insane, my mother had me tested!

 

[Fiore5]

Thanks Gunnar and Tipeter, for the feedback. It confirms what I thought from reading various bits of information.

Do you think Windows version or Linux version for the server. I presume the later as no Windows software fees and I think they are both provide more or less the same functionality.

Tipeter, in relation to licensing, when I first bought the system it was R5 Standard Edition, they then upgraded to R7, I don't think they changed from Standard to Preferred in that process as I didn't get VM Pro and other related items, well not that I know of or was made aware of.

As an aside, do any of you know anyone in Sydney, Australia who is reliable and informative to configure and add to the system? I'd like to trust the current supplier, but sometimes feel they want more money without giving me all the detail, hence why I need to do a lot of research I suppose.

Thanks again for your help.

Regards
Fiore

 

[tlpeter]

You mentioned something with VMPro:

Currently the system I have is R7 and has, embedded voicemail VCM32+Quad BRI, Phone+ATM4 and licenses for Phone Manager Pro IP Audio Enable, Phone Manager Pro, VMPro TTS, Mobility Features, VPN IP Extensions, UMS Web Services, one-X Portal for IP Office, Avaya IP Endpoints. I don't have any application server set up at present.

But i guess it is a lost license as it won't work without VMPRo
Be aware that for any user licenses you will need a preferred edition license now!

I would go for a preferred edition license and run the Linux appsserver as i find it more stable and quicker (for One-X Portal) on Linux.

For somebody in Australia you should contact holdmusic34 as he is from your country.
Do a little search here or wait until he responds

BAZINGA!

I'm not insane, my mother had me tested!

 

[IPGuru]

Windows V Linux application server.

Personally I prefer the Linux App server for the following reasons:

1) cost, No windows server tax license fee.
2) Ease of Installation, it can take up to half a day to get all the Microsoft updates & prerequisites installed before even staring to install on a Windows box. Apps server is almost idiot proof*
3) Demarcation, No more arguments with the IT dept over whether it is the Avaya software or O upgrade from Microsoft, Antivirus software or that new app they installed to make additional use of he server that is causing the issue.

Now that call recording is available as a native Linux app i see even less reason to use the windows version.

*I have seen some really advanced idiots that can screw up anything.

A Maintenance contract is essential, not a Luxury.
Do things on the cheap & it will cost you dear

 

[Fiore5]

Thanks for your time and help, its been a great assistance.

I'll keep an eye out for holdmusic34.

Thanks again.

Regards
Fiore5

 

[Demce0501]

Only thing which has kept me from switching to Linux was the VM Pro integration with databases. Is this still not possible with Linux?

 

[tlpeter]

No, not possible at the moment and i still wonder why.


BAZINGA!

I'm not insane, my mother had me tested!

 

[MankyWarrior]

Fiore5, Try CTI Solutions. They are in Glebe NSW Australia

 

[Fiore5]

Thanks, I'll give them a try.

 

[holdmusic34]

Hi Fiore,
If you contact me on the 1300 number on the website I'd be happy to have a chat and put you in touch with someone you feel comfortable to work with.

CTi in Sydney are on the ball but I can introduce you.
I'm a service agent in Adelaide for CTI Solutions, among others, so I know them quite well. On call for a job here for them tonight.
I look forward to your call.

 

[Fiore5]

Hi Holdmusic34

I sent them an email this evening requesting a quote, they responded with Ticket#17867 indicating someone will contact me.

I have been the contents of the email below so you may recognise it in the system.

My enquiry was:

I was given your company name in regard to assisting me in modifying my existing Avaya IP Office 500v1 (purchased as Standard Edition with R5 Software), the general details of the current system are:

[ul]
[li]Release 7 software (upgrade around 2 yrs ago)[/li]
[li]VCM32 + QUAD BRI[/li]
[li]Phone + ATM4[/li]
[li]Embedded Voicemal - 4 ports[/li]
[li]GSM Gateway - 1[/li]
[li]Licences indicated in Manager area:[/li]
[li]Phone Manager Pro IP Audio Enable (2)[/li]
[li]Phone Manager Pro (2)[/li]
[li]VMPro TTS (Generic) (2) - note I don't have VM Pro at present[/li]
[li]Mobility Features (2)[/li]
[li]VPN IP Extensions (2)[/li]
[li]UMS Web Services (2)[/li]
[li]one-x portal for IP Office (2)[/li]
[li]Avaya IP Endpoint (12)[/li]
[li]Phone Manager Pro - 2 Users[/li]
[li]Mobile Twinning - 2 users[/li]
[li]5621 IP Handset - 7 (2 setup with VPN)[/li]
[li]PC Softphone - 1[/li]
[/ul]

I was wondering if you could provide me a quote to upgrade the system as follows:

Release 9
[ul]
[li]Provision of Linux Avaya IP Office Application Server installed on latest edition rack mounted HP Proliant Gen8 Server or equivalent Dell Server with preferred (not minimum) Memory, HD, Intel Quad Core Processor, etc, it would need to have two (2) standard hard drives of appropriate capacity (around 500GB each) and not solid state drives, set Raid 1 with mirroring, it needs to be rack mounted.[/li]
[li]Provision of One-X Portal and VM Pro installed on the above server (think 4 ports is minimum that you provide - note we currently only have 4 users at present but can be upto 7 at the moment)[/li]
[li]Upgrade to Preferred Edition[/li]
[li]Provision of 3 off power user Licences[/li]
[li]Re-programming and Re-configuration of System[/li]
[li]Configuration of VOIP/One-X Mobile on 3 off Iphones[/li]
[li]Configuration of Flare Communicator on 2 off IPADS[/li]
[li]Configuration of Softphone on 1 off Laptop[/li]
[li]Configuration of Voicemail to Email for all users[/li]
[/ul]


Please note that I had considered the C110 UCM instead of standalone server for Items 1, 2 & 3 above, however, due to unreliability issues from first release with recalls around mid this year together with reported ongoing issues, I feel it best to stick with the external server version

What I am trying to achieve is the following, you may need to adjust the above requirements as necessary to accommodate :

[ul]
[li]To receive and make calls from the IP Office anywhere in the world with Iphone, laptop, IPAD, VPN Phone, or whatever[/li]
[li]To have mobility features properly set up such that voice messages only go to one spot, not sometime to IP Office and other times to Mobile Phone[/li]
[li]That CLID is transmitted to the mobile phone, note we pay for CLID from Telstra for the ISDN2 lines[/li]
[li]That timing/delays are absolutely minimised when ring on IP Office and Mobile, issue I have is that there is a delay and by the time I answer on the mobile they have given up[/li]
[li]Set up any FNE's, short codes, etc as required[/li]
[li]Setup Voicemail email messaging and retrieval properly[/li]
[li]Setup to enable use of Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, internet connection to make and receive calls, I understand R9 has a VOIP mode in addition to One-X Mobile under the Power User Licence[/li]
[li]Remote access to Manager (which I now think is web-based) and other management software so I can change if need be.[/li]
[/ul]

Note that we are only a small business, but I need the system to be seemless, working efficiently and providing all features without thinking about it and without frustration. I need to be able to leave the office, go overseas, or anywhere and be able to make and receive calls via the IP Office via traditional phone, internet, etc, receive message reliably, have both internal and mobile phone connectivity at all times, etc

I know the system can do what I need, and even more so with R9.

I am going O/S so would like you to provide a solution, and if pricing is right, set up in the 10 days.

I have currently got a quote from our original supplier to supposedly provide the above, however, their initial quote include the C110 UCM, I have now asked them to change to an external server provided and fully configured by them.

You may not have enough time to assist, if so please let me know and I will keep proceeding with current supplier.

I need a solution that is seemless and works, I don't really want to have to second guess or extensively investigate

Thanks for your assistance."

 

[holdmusic34]

Ok no worries. They'll surely contact you tomorrow.

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

The server would be fine as a Dell R410 / 420 with a hardware raid card, and RAID 1 as you suggested. (although I am an HP fanboy HP is quite expensive for a handful of users)

The other option is actually look into your infrastructure and invest in a nice new HP Proliant and install it under VMWare. That way you have a multi purpose server for other functions, such as a new exchange server or file server. Fill it with 10K SAS drives for storage.....

Anyway, one could get rather carried away when its not his money he is spending...

ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[amriddle01]

One", aren't we feeling posh today Seanoporno

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

No, I'm feeling articulate.

ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[nicholasf]

I am sorry to budge into this thread, but I was wondering if the computer running Avaya Application Server must be "server" hardware? I have a couple of spare PCs (desktops), could I install the application server on one of these?

Since this is my first post, I would like to thank everyone on this forum for the information they have posted; searching and reading here has helped me deal with many problems which had me stumped.

 

[tlpeter]

It should meet the Redhat server specs but it could be possible that it works on a PC.


BAZINGA!

I'm not insane, my mother had me tested!