Replacement Voice Mail System 2

[gregarican]

My company has had a Smooth Operator 4.0 (aka Octel 50) voice mail system for at least 10 years now. We are looking to replace it with a newer system. The PBX in place is a Merlin Legend r7.0. Any suggestions about a VM replacement system that I could drop in that would integrate with the Legend? We rely heavily on VM distribution lists for group messaging and external voice mail notifications (to cell phones and pagers), to provide an idea of what features my company values...

 

[merlinman]

Merlin Messaging would probably suit your needs.

-AND- The good news, the Legend R7 does interface with it.

It has 200 Mailboxes and can do outcalling (Pagers & Cell Phones) and each mailbox can have it's own set of GROUP LISTS and the Administrator can create system wide Group Lists (Meetings).

It also has a nice GUI Interface if connected to your LAN.

 

[gregarican]

Thanks for the info. I will keep this in mind for sure. For the time being I might just purchase a used Rhetorex 432 board with the Octel bit signature to have on hand in case one of the 4-port boards in the old Smooth Operator 4.0 fries. Longer term the Merlin Messaging will be the route for sure. Thanks again!

 

[Dexman]

Because Avaya is no longer producing Merlin Magix equipment (as of this past April), there are new Merlin Messaging units still in the pipeline, but who knows for much longer?

Once they are gone, it will be refurbish equipment from that point on.

 

[Dexman]

I need a better spell checker. (lol) "Refurbished" is the word I needed to use.

 

[gregarican]

True. I found some 8 port Merlin Messaging refurbs for around $4,000. Funny thing is I still found a few places online that sold used/refurb 16-port Octel 50 systems for $3,600. So it's just a question of having something in reserve in the storage closet for a security blanket

 

[fonedude]

I have a surplus smooth op inventory. Some of the smooth op features are very expensive in a new system. Perhaps I can help keep the old girl alive. We have many in the field. Primary problem is finding a hard drive that will downsize sectors to accomidate the small size for a smooth op. Contact me if you like: service at schallergroup dot net

 

[merlinman]

Actually, I know some sources that could beat your $4K prices.

But, we are not supposed to mention such things.

 

[phonesaz]

I use a lot of a system called DuVoice; runs anywhere from 4 ports to 48. Integrates flawlessly w/ Avaya; they actually were their OEM for hotel/motel VM/PM application. Cost compared to Avaya is laughable. They have been through the certification process and blessed by them, as well. Unified messaging and fax board are standard, connects via analog port and a calling group set up as VMI. Good stuff in my opinion. With regard to old Avaya Legend/Magix equipment - I think there will be a lot of it for a long time - prices are pretty good as well. Just be careful where you buy it - make sure they warranty it

 

[orypecos]

I have seen AVaya Intuitys on ebay for $100!