# of Conference Party in a Merlin Magix system

[globalstrata]

What is the maximum amount of callers that one can conference in a phone call? We have a user that wants to be able to have at least three lines conferenced in. However, the way the system is currently configured, it allows only two callers.


Gladys Rodriguez
GlobalStrata Solutions

http://www.globalstrata.com

 

[chcoale]

Your limit is a total of 5 parties which include yourself, 2 outside parties, and 2 inside parties. You can't exceed those limits.

Charlie

 

[Ghostin]

you can install a third party conference bridge to help out. Most start at 6 or 8 ports and can expand. they typically only need analog ports to work. I have about 15 of them out there and everyone who has one is very happy with the performance.

 

[GroundWire]

What are some possible brands to look at, and what kind of pricing can I expect, on a per-port basis?

- JOel

 

[TouchToneTommy]

Or if you are using loop start trunks and have Centrex features like 3-way calling, place the first call, press recall, place the 2nd call, press conf, grab another outside line and place the 3rd call, then press conf again.

 

[GroundWire]

I'm currently dealing with a proposal for a lawfirm, and they do ALOT of multi-party conference calling.

The idea of just dialing a three digit extension (or transferring an outside caller into the three-digit extension) that represents a linear calling group made up of T/R ports is very appealing to me.

I found the Confer II and Confer III made by Polycom.

They appear to be around $1,800 refurbished, for an 8port unit. That puts you at about $225 per port.

Anyone else have brand preferences?

- Joel

 

[jlshelton]

Hosted conference bridges are down to about 10c/min/leg these days, and generally offer pretty high quality, plus optional operator features, logging, etc.

How do the hardware bridges compare in quality? One presumes that with standard analog trunks, there's a limit to how good a hardware bridge can be.

=John=