service contract vs. do-it-yourself 2

[threetone]

I have a Merlin Legend V2 system with about 25 phones and a Merlin Mail V2 voicemail - pretty old stuff. Currently I am programming/wiring everything myself, but I have encountered some things that I can't solve:

1 - I am running some phones to another building 300-400 ft away from processor. Some of these phones work without problem, some of them behave very strangely on and off. Do I need to use special equipment such as line protectors/conditioners/amplifiers on these off-premesis phones? Also some of the on-premesis phones have behaved strangely or quit working from time to time.

2 - Voice mail stopped working. I don't know why.

3 - I bought on ebay a V7 processor and a Integrated Solutions III voicemail system to upgrade to. I also bought the manuals and the WIN SPM software for phone system programming. I need to set up and program these updated components

Now, should I get a service contract from Avaya to set up and maintain my equipment, or should I continue to try to do it myself?

Opinions? Suggestions anyone?

Does anyone know of a good resource for this kind of information if I want to do it myself?

Does anyone know of a company that is less expensive than Avaya/Expanets for phone service contracts?

 

[392]

One big piece of the equation is: Where is this system installed? If you're in NYC, lots of choices for vendors and contracts and repair. If you're in Paducah, KY, it limits your options.

 

[DrPbx]

I would have a good tech set it up the way you want it, then maintain as you have been. It sound like you have been doing well on you own.

 

[SuperTanker]

We do most changes our selves and have contracted with a local vendor to handle the unusual stuff, or major changes.

Also, note Avaya/Suxpanets aren't as closly tied as you might think. Avaya used to do it, but then sold all of their contracts to suxpanets. If you approach your Avaya rep and indicate your burnging desire to move to another vendor they will either direct you to other service providers or they can do it themselves. For us it was an issue of quality vs. price.

We use a local vendor who is Merlin cert, but barely on Avaya's radar screen. These guys work like they are our employees, and at half the price of Suxpanets.