Key Mode vs. Hybrid 1

[cztech]

I have a customer with 5 POTS lines and their system is currently setup in key mode - all 5 lines ring all extensions. They do not use a VMS, however I am installing Merlin Messaging 3.0, and they have requested that the AA handle all calls immediately. The question is, is there any reason to leave the system in key mode, or would it be wiser to switch to a Hybrid setup with the 5 lines pooled. This seems to make more sense to me since AA is handling calls. Any reason to stick with Key Mode, aside from customer familiarity and the fact they'll need to use SA appearances?

 

[TouchToneTommy]

Switch to Hybrid, but don't put the lines into pools. Keep them as "private" lines assigned to each extension. Loop a single line station to a CO port and put that CO port into pool 70, while having the lines assiged to the S/L station. This way, if you need to do outcallng on the Messaging, it can still dial 9 for outside lines.

 

[cztech]

Thanks that sounds good. After switching to Hybrid, will I need to assign lines to each extension as private, or will the changes keep?

 

[TouchToneTommy]

As soon as you go to private, the lines will disappear from the sets, except the operator. They will be in pool 70. Remove them from the pool, and reassign them to the sets. Not a lot of fun, plan it for a time when no one is around.

 

[cztech]

Do I setup Private lines under Extensions, or LInesTrunks?

 

[TouchToneTommy]

Geeze, what time did I write that post above? I meant to say, when you go hybrid. Anyway, you go to extensions, then lines/trunks, then assign the lines to the extension. Once the first one is done, you can back up and do line copy from the 1st extension to the others. Remember that the lines will be assigned to the buttons after the SA buttons, in the order that you add them. So if you want a different kind of appearance, you may have to add some temporary phantom lines, add the real lines, then remove the phantom lines, then reprogram the overwritten buttons.