Looking to upgrade/replace current nortel system

[rhr001]

We currently have a Norstar 8X24 DR5.1 with 0X16 and Startalk with a mixture of M7310,M7324,T7316 desksets and one T7406 wireless handset installed in our office/warehouse location - currently 6 incoming lines, 30 extensions and 20 VM in use but have had (and may have again) as many as 8 incoming lines, 40 extensions and 30 VM in use.

All equipment was purchased used 10 years ago - switch and handsets still work well but Startalk is on its last legs.

We are looking to upgrade/replace to new system that will have same capacities but also add features our current system lacks (caller id, unified messaging - especially sending voicemail to outlook/blackberry - some degree of computer/telephone integration, allow for easier programming of CCR, message prompts, etc). Optional remote access for 4-5 IP softphones or desksets for staff that may work from home or hotel.

Should we stay with Nortel product and continue to use existing handsets? And if so what system?

Or should we go with all new equipment and if we do go that route should we stay with digital handsets and hybrid switch or change to IP handsets and switch connected to analog phone lines? I have received conflicting advice from different suppliers (Nortel BCM450/Avaya IP Office/Pansonic KX-TDE100/Shoretel SG90) - each telling me that their solution/configuration is the best.

Unbiased advice and recommendations greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

RHR001

 

[Dexman]

Nortel's commercial telephone division was bought out by Avaya. At some point, Nortel branded telephone equipment will be phased out and a migration path to Avaya's portfolio created.

Most telephone systems on the market today will do justice.

But if you have an installer that doesn't know which end is up, does a poor job training you on how to operate & administer the system, tries to make the system do something it wasn't designed to do or the telephone service is poor, you'll probably end up and wonder if the upgrade was worth it.

I, myself, like Avaya systems. IP Office would be what you would be looking at if you went the Avaya route.

If it ain't broke, I haven't fixed it yet.

 

[paterson]

I agree with Dexman. Most VoIP systems should do you fine for what you want, but the real value will come with the company/tech that will be installing the product. Don't worry too much about the individual systems, worry about the reputation/experience of the support!

_______________________________________________________________

If you did not take enough time to get it right the first time...

What makes you think that you have time to fix it?

 

[jsaad]

you could go with a BCM 50 system and continue to use many of your phones

or you could look at a vertical sbx ip 320, it does just about everything you asked.

 

[LkEErie]

If you decide to replace everything, please put a link to your dumpster. I'd be interested in picking up the 30 sets you're throwing away

I find it amazing that you get responses about "put in an xxx brand here". Check out the upgrade path to an MICS or BCM system first. True, Avaya cancelled the MICS, but supposedly not the BCM. They also canceled the PARTNER system. Just like the auto industry, the parts aren't going to dry up overnight. It will slow progress, but you can sitll get the features you need today and don't have to toss $6K worth of phones into the dumpster.

LkEErie

 

[telecomtekperson]

IP Office will be able to re use those sets by 3/2011.

You need to figure out what features you need, and go with that first.

 

[LkEErie]

Not to argue here, but how is that going to solve the broken Startalk? The ability to move 18 Partner sets to IP office really was a stroke of marketing genius from Avaya.
A 4x32 MICS with 4 port VM and 10 7324 sets comes in at less than $2K, so I'm releatively sure you can upgrade the trunk card and the Unified messaging for less than 3.

Just a thought.

LkEErie

 

[Bluecabler]

Again I also agree with Dexman, the company installing your solution is the most important part of the equation - Nearly all statisfied customers say that their training and post installion support was the reason they were most satisfied with their phone system.

If I may provide any suggestion for you, see below:

I recently did some re-search and came accross Altigen. Have a look at their offerings. They also have a great mobility solution - using IPhone-Blackberry-Android platforms.

They definitely address your Wish List "caller id, unified messaging - especially sending voicemail to outlook/blackberry - some degree of computer/telephone integration, allow for easier programming of CCR, message prompts, etc). Optional remote access for 4-5 IP softphones or desksets for staff that may work from home or hotel

 

[alamtnman]

I agree with LKEErie go with the go with the bcm 50 and save the cost of the phones. It will accomplish everything you want to do. It seems to me the story changes every time I read something new on wheather the bcm is being phased out or not but it is so popular that even if avaya kills it tommorow there will be parts on the aftermarket for many years to come and by saving the cost of the phones,you should have a great ROI based on average lifespan.
I work for a large corp and I have around 85 system in the area I manage and we have around 800 nationwide and we are sticking with nortel as we replace and add new. we get a greater ROI when you factor in that you dont have to buy new phones and you dont have to train employees on a new system ( in our case this includes both cutomers who use the phones and the in house techs who service them.



T.R.
RCDD

there may not be any stupid questions
but their is a bunch of inquizative idiots
(myself included at times)

 

[rhr001]

Thanks for all of the feedback everyone.

I was also thinking that the best course of action was to upgrade within the Nortel family to take advantage of our existing set.

My biggest concern was the lifespan of the existing sets given that they are already 10+ years old and whether upgrading to a BCM was just investing in old/obsolete technology. Thoughts?

Additionally if I do upgrade to a BCM is it better to go the 50 or 450 route? One of the suppliers that I have used before indicated that with 35-40 digital extensions that we were operating right at the edge of the BCM50's capacity and that it would be better to go to a BCM450. Thoughts?

Once again all advice and recommendations greatly appreciated

 

[jsaad]

unfortunately you are correct about the BCM 50 and you have little room for expansion. Take a look at a 450 vs a 50 and see for yourself the difference in price.

 

[paterson]

The answer you got was only half right. You don't have room for digital set expansion, but you can add VoIP sets to the BCM50 in conjunction with the digital sets.

Consider this: On average, most phone systems will last a company 5-7 years. Changes in technology, growth, and hardware failure will all contribute to needing to replace your current system. If you got 10 years out of the current phone system, then you have done quite well. There are not many technologies that will last that long, especially one so critical to your business. Do you have computers that are 10 years old?

Personally, I would not consider upgrading your phone system along with keeping your old phones, even if they are worth anything. 10 years of people handling them (after lunch or when coming in to work sick), talking (spitting) into the handset receivers, women with make-up rubbing on them... I could go on. If the phones are worth anything, then someone else can buy them from you, lowering your output $$$$$. Lots of companies out there that will buy them and clean them up.

If you keep your old phones, then you are limited in the phone system you buy and by default, you limit the vendors that you can chose from. If you are happy with the current vendor, then that would not be an issue.

It always amazes me that companies will "cheap out" on their phone system and I am not saying that you are doing this! I guess that the up front cost is the problem, but if you look at the bigger/longer picture then the cost does not seem so bad.

_______________________________________________________________

If you did not take enough time to get it right the first time...

What makes you think that you have time to fix it?