Norstar System Expansion/2nd Site

[sohtnax]

We currently own a Nortel Norstar MICS along with the Cinphony ACD, and are looking to either add a second site, or move the entire building to a larger location.

Currently we have approximately 150 phones and are maxxed. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions as to waht I should buy in the event we add a second site, or if we were to move altogether. I will need to accomodate at least another 100 people over the next 2-3 years.

I was thinking to simply purchase another Norstar for the second site, this way if eventually the two sites do merge we can link the 2 Norstars together, and thought this would be sufficient as well if we move altogether.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[senk1s]

if you have the budget up it to a meridian option11

or else network the systems ... but Cinphony is not great for networked systems ACD it is designed for standalone locations

 

[sohtnax]

Would it matter so much if I kept all ACD users on the one system which is connected to the Cinphony, rather than having users on the second Nortel system try to connect across?

Aside from the ACD issue, are there any other benefits to upgrading to the Meridian? I have Nortel T7316 phones. Would I still be able to use these? Could I still hook up the Cinphony to the Meridian?

Do you know what list price is for the Meridian?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[hawks]

That's one of the draw backs is that you would have to replace all phones. The Meridian comes with it's own ACD software depending on what type of reporting you need from ACD you might have to add Sucession. The up side is admin will be easier with the Option 11 instead of 2 NORSTARS together. Also you can grow the Option up to 700 ports. You'll have to price the upfront cost of the Opt compared to how much a month you think you'll spend on keeping the NORSTAR systems running smoothly. Good luck in what ever you choose

 

[phonebiz]

I have linked 2 Norstars at the same location for a customer. They had about 250 sets. It worked fine. It postponed a larger expenditure for about 2 years. They now have an Option 11C. Rough numbers, the additional Norstar would run about $40K plus or minus with 100 phones. An Option 11C enterprise edition with 250 phones would probably run you about $100K to $150K refurbished depending on phone types etc. New, I think you are looking at closer to a $250K plus.

The Option 11C is significantly more technical as far as programming goes, especially the initial install. Also, Norstar techs are readily available almost anywhere, but Meridian Techs (Option 11C) are fewer by far, probably at least a 10:1 ratio.

Good Luck

 

[BagsNYC]

Phonebiz,

I would say your ratio may be higher than the 10:1 that you stated. I will however say that not everyone can be good, let alone great, as an experienced Norstar Professional.

And while the programming may not be as technical, it is most certainly not elementary.

 

[sohtnax]

From the numbers alone, it sounds like I am leaning towards simply adding another Norstar.

My phone vendor has been pushing a new Intertel. I am not familiar with this at all, and have been happy with my Nortel equipment. Does anyone have any feedback, pro's or con's, on this as well? (It's always better to hear it from people with expertise and that aren't trying to sell something to you)

 

[NARSBARS]

Stick with the Nortel equipment. Take a look at the BCM 400. You will be able to keep your phones. The ACD is similar and improving rapidly. You will be able to scale the BCM up to 400 users and if necessary you can keep Non ACD users on the old Norstar and Network the two systems.
By not replacing your sets with Intertel (insert negative comment here) or new Meridian sets, the savings and the similar interface will help any transition.
Nortel has dropped Cinphony. They will support existing locations but you need to buy all of your upgrades through Cintech and multiple vendors is a finger pointing nightmare.
Good Luck

 

[Arr]

NARSBARS has a really good suggestion with the BCM. 3Com will also alow you to network while keeping your Norstar phones, but I don't know the state of their ACD.

PhM

 

[phonebiz]

BagsNYC, I was trying to be conservative. Its probably more like 20 to one or more. As for quality of the techs good ones are always hard to find. I agree that programming a Norstar is not elementary. I will say that I trained myself to install and program a number of years ago and I did it on an upgrade and expansion of an 824 from 15 to about 40 phones. It took me a long day to get 80% and the next day to finish. Don't think I could do the same with an Option 11 if I had a month.

Sohtnax, stay the freak away from I*#%tel. I've worked on most systems out there. Nothing touches Norstar for reliability.

 

[sohtnax]

Guys, thank you all soo much for your feedback. Your expertise has been extremely helpful!

 

[BerettaMan]

You could go with another 0x32 at the second site and network them together with a PRI circuit. Or a BCM at second site networked together with a PRI circuit. The BCM's ACD package is much better than Cinphony's package. Or an Option 11c with ACD/Voice Mail package at second site networked with PRI circuit.If you end up going with a new bigger building your best bet would be an Option 11c with ACD/Voice Mail package.I have expanded Option 11's out to 5 cabinets.Plenty of room for future expansion.I have been installing and serviceing Northern Telecom products for twenty years now. My theory is you have to spend money to make money. Buy cheap,get cheap.