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New BCM system suggestions. 5

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Punk6296

Punk6296

Technical User
Jan 23, 2009
61
US
Hello all

Old Norstar guy here. currently in my home have installed a MICS & Call Pilot 100 2 port system. Soon my wife & i will be moving into a tiny home. we will still be working from home but cannot take the MICS with us.. too big for the tiny home and thinking its time for something more modern. Never have played with a BCM before.

My question is being new to the bcm what system would you all suggest with this configuration:

3-4 Extensions. 2 POTS lines & voice mail and auto-attendant equivalent to the current call pilot 100.

Would also like to use the IP phones, As far as connecting the phones would i be able to use a small 4-6 port gigabit router and 4-6 port gigabit POE switch to run the phones?

Thanks for your help!

 
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The BCM50 is a great little system and will do everything and more of what you want. The problem is, you will need to buy a used one that has all the appropriate licensing for your current needs as well as for the future, because Avaya has discontinued licenses for them. You can still find distributors that have old paper licenses that you can buy. Avaya is still running KRS so they can still be activated.

Given that the BCM is a dead product though (even though it's one of the best systems ever produced), you will bet better bang for your buck if you go with an Emetrotel UCx20. If you haven't heard of it or don't know much about it, you should visit their website before making your decision.

Your configuration requirements are easily achieved with the UCx. The smallest unit (UCx20) is good for about 25 phones and it comes with every feature that modern day IP PBX's come with. You can use Nortel IP sets (running Unistim or SIP) or pretty much any SIP phone available on the market. It comes with voicemail and all the features associated with one and the voice is the same one that is used with all Nortel voicemail systems. You can export your greetings from your current 100 and import them to the UCx. Licensing on the system is for users instead of features so every user gets every feature in the system. Your reseller will provide pricing but you can count on around $80.00 (US $) or so per user license. It's a great system and was designed by ex-Nortel employees to be a direct replacement for the Norstar/BCM product line (they can even do M1/CS1K systems too).

With the UCx product available, I don't know why anyone would continue to invest in the Norstar/BCM product. They're great systems but Avaya has decided to dump them in favor of the IP Office........a decision they will likely live to regret!

In the meantime, there is always the UCx to step in.
 
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I echo telcodog's comments on the BCM50. I have one installed in my house so that I can more efficiently provide tech support to my customers. It has run for about a year now without any problems. Since I have a R6 with the NAT Traversal license I can connect remotely to my system without need of a VPN. A great little system IMO.

Brian Cox
Georgia Telephone
 
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You sending confusing signals.

Do you want advice on what system manufacturer or which/config BCM?


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Toronto Canada
 
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BCM 50 at version 6.0 is a great little unit to play with. I too have one at home and can use SIP and remote worker to communicate anywhere.

I now have one with an SSD fitted. The only moving part in it is the fan when it is running.


Firebird Scrambler
Nortel Meridian 1 / Succession and BCM / Norstar Programmer in the UK
Advance knowledge on BCM support
 
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BCM telset interface programming is almost identical to MICS. Very helpful to a tech who knows MICS but is unfamiliar with BCM. Can learn the IP/data side of the BCM at his own speed and leisure.
 
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Hello gents

I found an old thread on Tek-Tips ( that was started some time ago. Anyway It was good that it was still there and I brought one off eBay and it works a treat. I also brought some spacers so that you can fit the disk in the BCM bay.

Intel X25-M SSDSA2M080G2GC 80GB 2.5" MLC SATA SSD for Laptops & Desktops

1Pc 2.5 to 3.5 adaptor Bracket SSD HDD Notebook Mounting Holder Tray Caddy Bay

Regards

David



Firebird Scrambler
Nortel Meridian 1 / Succession and BCM / Norstar Programmer in the UK
Advance knowledge on BCM support


 
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I would go with the UCx 20 as well. I have a UCx50 side by side with my BCM 50 and I prefer the UCx! It's like a mini CS1000 with the simplicity of the BCM.

Joseph Sus Jr. Nortel Enthusiast
 
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Grab yourself a BCM50 with some licenses pre-loaded off eBay .. Will save you some money versus buying all new licenses.

I recall a 5.0 configured 4 analog trunks x 4 digital phones x 4 IP phones for around $800. And they all have Call Pilot with 1 general mailbox built it.
 
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Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my thread i appreciate it.

I have looked into the UCx systems, One of my bloggers i follow is a UCx guy but i would be purchasing used on Ebay. i have no problem with going that route and would like to just go with the BCM because part of my decision to go with the BCM is also a little (dead) brand loyalty.

So it looks like the BCM50 is what i should be going after.


curlycord, sorry about the mixed signals. I was seeking which config. When researching the BCM and looking the PDF i saw there were not only mega BCM's that were rack mountable but the BCM50 that everyone is suggesting. but also different letters like the BCM50e etc.

Okay. so im going to be hunting for a BCM at software level 5.0 on ebay.





 
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I will check out your website for sure exsmogger! i can use all the tech info i can get!
 
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BCM 50 or 450 at release 5.0 is good but it is much better at 6.0. There are indeed a number of tweeks that can be done. Follow Exmogger's suggestion or contact us directly if you want to procede off line.


Firebird Scrambler
Nortel Meridian 1 / Succession and BCM / Norstar Programmer in the UK
Advance knowledge on BCM support
 
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I thought so Punk, just wanted to confirm.
I also have the BCM50 and would be best suited for your needs in the house.
In case you are wondering about SIP lines then Rls 6.o is required which is the last and final rls plus a few more features then 5.0





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We take the time to try to answer your questions for free, please return the favor and take the time to answer back and include any resolution you found elsewhere, thanks.

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Toronto Canada
 
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FYI- SIP Trunks on BCM also require a keycode to turn them on.

I was with Nortel 18 years, was in the ITAS Support Team and then onto BCM Pre-Sales Engineering. Our company is using UCx and I am SOLD on the UCx. I knew most of the E-Metrotel guys from Nortel days and I have followed this product for six years.
One price turns on ALL features with UCx.

Just thought I would throw my $.02 worth in....

Stocking Distributor for E-Metrotel
 
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Saw an Avaya branded 6.0 up on eBay for a good price.

Has 15 IP seats, 12 mailboxes, 4 SIP Gateway, MCDN, Q.Sig, 2 Analog Stations, & 1 Expansion Port. Just need to have them swap in a GATM4 or GATM8 in the expansion cabinet that it comes with and bam away you go.

 
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Thank you all for the time you took to shoot some ideas my way, As far as what system i will be going after despite all your great information on the Ucx equipment i will be scouring fleabay and other places for a BCM50.
 
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