IP Office or BCM???

[ableseaman]

Good Afternoon

Looking for some advise on choosing a telephone system to serve a new building.

We have narrowed our descsion down to either a BCM or IP Office.

The build will be as follows;

3 x ISDN2e
176 IP Extensions
8 x Analogue Extensions
Voicemail

Handsets
Either 1140e with add-on modules and 1210 for the BCM
or
1616i and 1608i for the IP Office

***PCs are required to be connected via the ethernet switch on the IP Handsets***

My questions are this;

We have a number of CS1000 and BCM systems so are familiar with the build and configuration. However as the BCM is going end of sale the IP Office seems the logical option - we have no experience of this system.

With the CS1000 and BCM systems we have implemented the following build on our LAN/Server/IP Handset deployment;

DHCP Server
Scope option 128 uses the "nortel-i2004-A" string
Scope option 191 for voice vlan provision

LAN - Avaya ERS 4550T
We use ADAC-LLDP Med to provide automatic configuration, QoS, VLAN, etc

As we want an almost zero handset configuration for initial installation and any subsequent moves/additions does the IP Office support this provision (DHCP/LAN) that we use for the CS1000 or does it set-up in a different way?

In addition as we are using the ip sets to serve the PCs can you indicate a prefernce for model?

One last question do the 1616i handsets come with the option of an add-on module for reception/switchboard duties?

Do we stick with what we know (BCM) or is now the time to jump to the IP Office????

Thanks in advance.

Able

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

Odd question to ask in an IPO forum! ;-)

I highly recommend you seek out a business partner to discuss this one. If you plan in install a 176 IP extn switch on your own, then you better start reading

http://marketingtools.avaya.com/knowledgebase/

you will need whats called an SSO login. Generally business partners only gain this access.

Seeing as the BCM is a defunct switch as Avaya now own that customer base and market share, then a properly configured IPO will serve you well for years.



ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[ableseaman]

Thanks for the response.

The system itself will be installed by a suitably qualififed company.

We require to set-up the LAN/DHCP side of things within our network. I just want to make sure that the provision of the IP sets for the IP Office can be deployed with a zero touch approach similar to the way the CS1000 or BCM builds?

Able

 

[IPGuru]

The BCM is a discontinued product so I think the answer to this question should be self evident.


Computers are like Air conditioners:-
Both stop working when you open Windows

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

Your existing DHCP server can accommodate the "self provisioning" of IP Handsets.

See here:

http://www.ipofficeassistance.com/HOWTO_DHCP_IP_Phones.html

there does need some hands on, depending on how you want or need the extns configured. but thats about all.


ACSS - SME
General Geek

 

[ableseaman]

Thanks IPGuru for you're in-depth and concise response.

Descsion made then

 

[ableseaman]

Thanks hairlesssupportmonkey

At first glance that covers off the information I was looking for with regard to the DHCP set-up of the phones.

I will carry out some research on the LAN set-up.

Cheers

Able

 

[qtelcom]

Well look at that... you already have Avaya Data Switches. (btw, the answer is Yes to all your questions in your OP, and yes, time to jump.)

 

[vztech]

I agree with IPGuru.. you don't want to purchase something that's not supported... that said coming from the CS1000/BCM world to AVAYA IPO I wish they would take some things from the BCM to fix some of the flaky things within IPO.

Good thing about IPO is no moving parts!
also with IPO you can use your BCM sets.

It's only dialtone!!!

 

[IPGuru]

vtech, I don't think the IPO is Flaky as such it just does things in a different way (mainly because the BCM evolved from an old Key system where DDI & groups etc were shoe-horned in later)

trying to emulate a BCM on an IPO does not get the best from the IPO. a bit like using a Landrover as a town car or a town car of road, both can be done but neither are comfortable.

Computers are like Air conditioners:-
Both stop working when you open Windows

 

[ableseaman]

Thanks for the advice/information.

It looks as though IPO will be the way forward for us.

Able