Replacing a Partner system with what?

[Lorane]

We had a fire which destroyed our office recently. So I'm in the market for a new phone system. We had a Partner R4 system with 6 voices lines in and about 20 mailboxes. I also had a two separate modem lines and a fax line (not attached to the Partner system). We had Centrex. I'd like to get some opinions from you all here as phone experts whether I should get another Partner or something else. Can someone compare Merlin vs. Partner?

Here's what I'd like over what we had before:
-Auto attendant - look up by first name or select from a list of departments.
-Have several night messages from which to schedule. I'd make a holiday message which says we're closed for the holiday and be able to schedule the message to play on the holiday and then go back to the regular message the next day.
-not be tied to programming only on ext 10 or 11.
-system/voicemail backup (I had a voicemail unit fail on me and we lost all the programming and stored messages).

Thanks for any suggestions you can provide,

Lorane

 

[TouchToneTommy]

Partner ACS R6 or R7, with Partner Messaging R7 would fill the bill nicely.

-Auto Attendant has a dial by name directory, and 99 submenus for departmental directories

-You can schedule a temporary closure greeting to play in front of your regular night greeting up to 6 days in advance. Or, you could assign the lines to one of the other 4 auto attendants, and reassign them when you re-open (although not automatically)

-Programming can be done through remote access software, using a modem to connect, or in the case of the R7 with a serial port connector. The interface is a GUI, which personally, I'm faster with "normal" programming from Ext. 10 or 11. It's nice however to be able to look at the programming to know what need changing. Only cavaet is that changes are uploaded to the processor, and then the switch is restarted to use the new program. So it during off hours, and it's no problem.

-Voice mail will back up programming and system announcements on the PC card, or you can use another GUI, connected through the LAN port, to back up everything to a PC.


Magix is another option, however keep in mind that it is really designed to be used in "PBX" mode, and unless you have a dedicated receptionist to answer and transfer calls, it can be a little hard on your users. There are work arounds, but with more than a few lines, you can't just put a line on hold and holler at "Charlie" to "pick up a call on Line 2". However, it does fill all of your above requirements.

 

[upstateny]

You will find a common theme to most of the suggestions your receive - the vendor you choose is more important than the system, assuming that the system meets all of your needs and fututre plans. Call several local vendors and let the chips fall where they may. By the way - where are you located??

 

[Lorane]

Thanks for your responses. We were happy with the Partner system we had. We bought it in 1997 when it was Lucent. It was going strong when it burned to a crisp in 2004.

I don't think PBX is something I want. We do want to "holler down the hall" sometimes!

I used to have ext 11 on my phone but during a remodel, that line got fried so I had to go to the receptionist's phone and program from there. I think that's why I was wondering about other programming options. But I'll give myself 11 again, but it would be nice to have some sort of PC-based management of the phone system.

By the way, what's the difference between ACS R6 and R7?

We are in the Los Angeles area - Diamond Bar to be exact. If you know a good vendor or two to recommend, that would be great.

Thanks,

Lorane

 

[skip555]

I usally put ext 11 in the confrence room or just leave it unsed if possible

that way I can plug a dispay phone in in the equipment room and program without disturbing anyone.

 

[itpphoneguy]

Well, with the admin port on the R7, it becomes very easy to program the system. I like having a phone in the phone room so I can see when the system is in use. On bigger systems we put all the copper lines on that phone to check for line problems. It's also good for support calls while you are right there on the system.
-Chris

 

[ttech]

You may want to stay away from the partner R7 until Avaya manufactures one that actually works.

Don

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi Don,
We just got two in stock after ordering R6's from the Canadian Distributor. I am figuring out an new harness for it as it seems we're getting them. Like it or not.
The admin port works well. I'm still playing with it. I am installing our last R6 tomorrow. I hope it's a good one or I'll be installing our first R7 tomorrow.
Rather than cry about this, we will make the best of it. I suppose I'm back to taking two with me for every installation. I do completely agree with you. Avaya should be screaming blue murder at Celestica for this nonsense.

-Chris

 

[Lorane]

So I take it that R7 is a very new model with bugs in it still? What's the current warranty on these things?

Lorane

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi Lorane,
They are normally covered for a year at least. Failures normally will show up well within 90 days. Make sure to get the backup / modem card. This way, the processor change is really painless should you need to do that.
The failures seem to be a higher than normal percentage for Avaya. It's not like half of them fail. I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure you deal with a reputable company that will back you up. We have service that is 24 / 7. I would expect that from any business partner. (we're in Canada, so I'm not trying for your business).
Relax and put it in.

-Chris

 

[ttech]

I am at a 100% failure rate so far 2 for 2 fo the R7's I ended Up with the tried and true R6

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi ttech,
That's truely depressing. I haven't installed any yet. I guess I should take three or more with me and charge Avaya for QC?
-Chris

 

[Dexman]

Nah, send the bill right to Celestica.

 

[quantumleapcomm19]

I've sold and installed several R7s and had great success. I also recommend the R7 with Partner Messaging to solve your future needs. The Merlin is nice if you plan on expanding or adding remote office locations.

Good luck!