Panasonic TDA100 migration to IP PBX 1

[faudan]

Dear all;
I have been supporting a Panasonic TDA100 and recently the client wanted to integrate IVR, Call Billing and add inter-branch calling.
From an old thread I looked at it and realized the cost was going to be high and I decided to weigh options.
I have seen GrandStream UCM 6510, Cisco UCM, and Asterisk custom build.
What would you guys suggest I go with or if there is another option.
The client's setup has 32 analog desk-phones and is not willing to invest in IP phones for now. Also I want the features below out of the box without additional license fees and hardware:
Call Billing, Call Recording, IVR, DISA, Voicemail, Softphones, Remote worker.

 

[intrigrant]

You will not find what you want.
The mentioned systems cannot cope with analog sets.
Then the requested features for free?
Call Billing > a paid application on all systems
Call recording > a paid feature on all systems
IVR > depends on what you call a IVR
DISA > depends on you trunks
Voicemail > basic voicemail free on most systems
Softphones > paid on most systems
Remote workers > paid on most systems

10 years ago when you bought the Panasonic there were hardly any paid features but nowadays everything is separatly licensed so the basic system is a lot cheaper as in the past.
"pay for what you use" is a good and common model.

 

[cody64]

For one, the Grandstream will do what you want apart from the billing requirement out of the box for no extra charge, recording the details of the calls is built in but pricing isn't. That can be handled by a third party application. To fix the analog phone problem you just need to install a GXW4232 32 port slt module that registers back to the 6510. You would get away with one of the smaller pbx units as well as even the 6202 can do 500 stations with 30 concurrent calls. All the Grandstream features are unlocked by default and there is a 3rd party call billing system and call center from CTI Solutions.

 

[telcodog]

Th Emetrotel UCX will do all of that but you will need something for the analog phones to connect to. When I install them in Hotels, I always use Grandstream Gateways. They aren't really that expensive. Just so happens they have them in 16, 32 and 48 port versions. Not sure where you are but the 32 port version can be had at Gentek in Canada for about $700.00.

As for licenses, you would only need to buy the number of user licenses you need. All the features you mentioned above come with the system already. For softphones you can use the Nortel 2050 V2 ones (they don't require any licensing servers). You mentioned remote workers so I will assume you will be using the softphones, but if they want desksets, any Nortel/Avaya will work as well as most any SIP phone.

Good Luck in your search but don't expect to get all the stuff you are asking for for nothing.

 

[mforrence]

The client's setup has 32 analog desk-phones

I would be surprised if this site is truly using standards-based (2500-type) analog desk sets. Are you sure that they're not proprietary Panasonic phones? If truly analog, the above suggestions are valid. If proprietary, then you'll need a controller that supports those phones, making your task more difficult if re-using phones is mandatory.

Mike Forrence

http://www.goteamvox.com

 

[faudan]

@intrigrant: Thanks you for the response

@cody64: What call billing software would you recommend for this. Thanks for the advise I will look into the Grandstream 6202.

@telcodog: Thanks alot for the advise.

@mforrence: They are analog phones not proprietary telcodog recommended the Gateway I am in Uganda and I found it around $800.

However the dealer for the GrandStream Gateway is suggesting I go with Asterisk or Cisco but I think the initial cost for Cisco is too high and Asterisk I do not know if I can trust the stability just like a fully built system like Alcatel, Panasonic, NEC which you can implement well and forget about it.

 

[telcodog]

Well, that's good because the Emetrotel is an Asterisk based system that is locked down. That's why the Grandstream stuff works so well on them. I have many hotels that have switched from Mitel to emetro and they all use the Grandstream gateways for the room phones.

You will find the emtrotel stuff to be very cost effective as well. You would only need a UCX250 (that's the server). It comes with 8 user licenses so you would just need to add a license for 9-25 users (it's a single charge). If you don't have a reseller in that are let me know and I will see what we can do for you.

 

[faudan]

@telcodog: I am based in Uganda and I do not think we have a re-seller.
I have even never heard of the product here.
I will appreciate the help to find one.

 

[telcodog]

faudan,

Probably the best thing to do is go to their website and look around. If you like what you see, let me know through this website and I will find someone for you to talk to about getting one.

Their website is emetrotel.com and they are located in Richardson Texas.

BTW, remote access is done through a buil-in vpn connection that requires no manipulation of the customer firwall so it can be manged from anywhere by support folks.