Partner Recommendations in Dallas

[glenng3]

We are planning a hardware and software upgrade for our old Definity G3 system and would like recommendations on Avaya partners in the Dallas, Texas, area. Our system is small, comprising three 650 gateways, one S8500, one MMS and one MAS. We are not looking to replace any telephones. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[montyzummer]

arrow s 3

APSS (SME)
ACSS (SME)
ACIS (UC)

 

[mikeydidit]

Were not that far from you over in NW La. We use Carousel here. Let me know if you would like contact information and I'll post it for you. Their installer we use really does top notch installs that you will not have problems with.

When is the last time you helped someone, just because you were able to?

For the best response to a question, read faq690-6594

 

[busster]

Windstream/Quagga
Carousel
Arrow/S3
Walkercom

I have worked with all of the above and had good experiences.

 

[wellco9530]

If you want it done and done right...Check with Jeral Comm. they are in Dallas..been doing it for a long time...

jeral.com


...bob...

 

[jimbojimbo]

A "Definity G3" wouldn't be G650 cabinets and S8500. You would either be "MultiVantage" or "Communication Manager".

The current upgrade level is Communication Manager 6.x. The S8500 will have to be replaced (no longer supported). If you are a VMWare shop you might want to look at the new VMWare offer. You can run most of your server applications on VMWare 5.0.

Avaya has changed their licensing model. They are moving from Enterprise Edition and Standard Edition to three levels which can all run on the same server (Foundation, Mobility, and Collaboration). Be very careful. You can upgrade to the existing Enterprise/Standard license model at a lower initial cost but the maintenance will probably be significantly higher than if you upgrade directly to Foundation/Mobility. The best route right now is typically to upgrade to Enterprise/Standard Edition then convert to Foundation/Mobility and recast your maintenance. For example 1000 Enterprise Licenses upgraded to CM6 then converted to Foundation will save $12K (List) and Standard Edition will save $28K (List) not including the difference in Maintenance. When you convert to the Avaya Aura Licensing Suite you just need to make sure you purchase some Mobility Licenses so your maintenance recasts.

Carousel has an office in Addison (North Dallas).

http://carouselindustries.com

 

[glenng3]

Thanks for the partner tips -- very helpful! Jimbojimbo, S8500 is hardware and Communication Manager is software. We have Communication Manager running on an S8500. You bring up a good question, though. What exactly is a Definity G3 system? Is it simply a certain version of Communication Manager? Or does it mean a certain version of Communication Manager and any associated hardware and software? Thanks. -G.

 

[wpetilli]

I've spoken with Jeral comm as well over the years. There's a guy there named Al Hays who is unbelievable.

 

[jimbojimbo]

glenng3. I won't go back into ancient times but let's start with the Definity G3. This is the PBX the current systems are built around. You had the Definity G3R (the rock), and G3si (okay there is also the vs if I get the 2 carrier nomenclature correct but not very relevant). Later came the G3csi (Prologix). Avaya eventually migrated to the IP based products starting with the DefinityONE (Windows NT with Cygwin then Windows 2000), The IP600 (DefinityONE but with a change in cabinet structure from the Prologix csi cabinets to the G600 cabinets). Then came the migration to the COTS servers starting with the S8700/S8500. This was the "MultiVantage" product until CM2 then it became "Communication Manager". When you say "old Definity G3" I think most of the old timers on the list think of the G3R/G3si systems. In the current environment it is a good idea to include the version such as CM5.2.1.

 

[glenng3]

We're finally getting ready to move on this upgrade. My boss got a quote from CDW, who sell hardware and software. Their installation partner is Strategic Products and Services (SPS). I think I'd rather deal with one entity for everything. Does that make sense, or do multi-vendor installations usually go smoothly? Anyone have experience with SPS? I still have time to get quotes from other vendors. Thanks. -G.

 

[1a22ip]

I used SPS for a while when Avaya said I was too small for a "Avaya Direct" account. I used them in NJ as well as Dallas. I have nothing but good experiences with both locations. Good Tech's good support and good training. We have grown to a Avaya Direct account so I no longer use them. Would not hesitate going back if necessary.

Hope this helps
ED

1a2 to ip I seen it all

 

[mikeydidit]

As far as splitting up the partner and the system, I would be careful. I buy most of the packs needed myself before an upgrade to help us save money. You could do the same. I don't know that I would buy the system from a different person than was going to install it. Unless you get everything in way ahead of time so they could test everything carefully before cutting to it.

When is the last time you helped someone, just because you were able to?

For the best response to a question, read faq690-6594