R7 unified messaging 1

[aarenot]

Has anyone installed the Unified messaging on the partner R7 system? I have not had any exposure to this at all, and I have a customer that I just installed the R7 with who is asking about VM, and unified messaging. I would like to get some opinions on it before I go recommending it to a good customer. Pros and cons please to the entire process, and user feedback, if you have any experience.
Thanks,
Todd

 

[aarenot]

The new partner messaaging that is!

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi aarenot,
I think it depends mostly on the mail server app. used. I would make it optional for users. Get to know the IT rep. real well & let them handle the Microsloppy end of things. All you want are the iP addresses and stop your responsibility there.
I almost always install these units on the network and customers just love it. Especially the VM administrator on site with the VM administration software. I find it's easier to train that person this way. The back up feature has saved me big time once when the R6 died.
-Chris

 

[aarenot]

SO you install the GUI for the VM admin, and the unified messaging app. using the IP addy's the IT Rep gives you and then leave the rest to the IT guy? How does that go over with them? How far do you actualy go in the process with the email server?

Thanks for the response, I think that sounds like the way to go.
Todd

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi aarenot,
I touch as little as possible with the "IT dept's" domain. I explain what the intent of the connection is, what the requirements (software & iP address) are and give them (or point them) to the documents they need. I get my static iP, router iP and exchange (or other) server iP and set up the vm unit.
My deal is very simple. I won't mess with your network and you don't mess with my telecom equipment. If they get brave (because they know more than I do) and deprogram the phone system, or voice mail, they get a large bill after they suffer a bit. That normally establishes the boundaries. The smart ones and I have a great relationship. We respect each other. I have one client that believes they are more experienced than I am. I won't touch the system until they back off.
-Chris

 

[aarenot]

Sounds like a plan. I found a microsoft exchange server software with license for 20$. I am going to hit up the boss for a PC to load it on and get the boss to get it set up and then I can play all I want. Install the apps, interface it with the VM, on a small router, and use it for a demo tool for sales. Once they see it set up and running I think it will sell easily. I will just tell them we do not set up the Email server,or make any adjustments to it. We set up the connection to the network and install the software for the VM GUI and unified messaging app. They get the documentation for configuring their nertwork devices and software. Leave it at that. Thanks again, very much.
Todd

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hey Todd,
Very soon, you will know more than I do on this. Good going. I can't get the budget or the time in the office.
-Chris

 

[aarenot]

Well, the software is only $20, the PC it will go on will probably be an old laptop. The old laptop has a dead battery, so it really is not good for much else. The router will probably be an old two port, or a crossover cable instead. The exchange server will probably be set up as part of the move to a new office we do next month. As far as my time, well who knows if I will get payed to set it up anyway, I just want to learn how to do it. If he sells one because of the demo being set up for it, I will then take my two port router back. Once it drives a sale, he will then be willing to fork out some cash, I hope. Money is gone so quickly, but knowledge can never be taken away.

 

[DWLaurie]

I can't imagine that the setup of a mail server is that hard, and actually, if my theory is right, all you need is an SMTP server running on an already established PC with a static IP address. You can get a free mail server at

http://www.argosoft.com/mailserver/.

Hopefully I'll have license cards for my PM R1 and start playing with all of the features of it so I can upgrade from my VS 4.1

--Dan

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi,
It's more my time. I get killed for overtime and my supervisor is afraid of anything to do with computers. He is in the habit of overloading me as soon as he learns I am trying anything new. I am owed so much overtime it's scary and I am putting halt to this nonsense.
-Chris

 

[DWLaurie]

good for you! More power to ya!

--Dan

 

[itpphoneguy]

Nah, it's survival. I let it go on too long.

-Chris

 

[kwing112000]

I have put this in many sites with MS Exchange and generic SMTP it works great with Exchange. Very easy to set up. It takes about 10 minutes to do. All my customers love and would not change it. I have done it on Exchange 5.5, 2000 and 2003. It is a little tricky on 5.5 but for the others it is easy.

In Active directory right click administrator and select copy. Make a new user on the domain ( I use Voicemail so the incoming mail says Voicemail in the from box). Make a password that is easy to remember. Now you can install the UM software. It is easier to install this on the exchange server than on another machine. When instaling it will ask you for the login to run the servce put in the Voicemail login and password. After the install finishes you will now see UM in the sys admin software. Add the exchange server and then configure the mail boxes and you are done.


Let em know if this helps

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi kwing112000,
Thanks for the short instructions. I will refer to them when the time comes. My first one may be on a Linux server.
-Chris

 

[aarenot]

My first one will be in my basement. I will let you know how it goes, thanks!
Todd