Two MICS & Norstar VoIP

[trimmkm]

I've been reading as much as I can get my fingers on about connecting a branch office (across town) with the main office, using the Norstar VoIP Gateway, or other VoIP solutions. We currently have a MICS with one unused 4 line CLID analog trunk card. We are considering a CICS or MICS for the branch office. I want to confirm what I'm seeing/reading:

1 - DN dialing between sites is possible
2 - Centralized VM and Message Notification is not possible
3 - Centralized AA is not possible

Is this correct?

 

[NTL555]

Yup. You also will need a clock card at each site for the DTMF Receivers. You also must remember to secure your system if you are going to allow remote access.

Nam555

 

[senk1s]

and an IP network between the 2 locations

 

[hawks]

With a MICS at the branch & PRI & MCDN (in both systems) you can do all of the above. Not sure how big the branch is going to get.

 

[trimmkm]

Thank you everyone for your responses.

I brought this up with our account rep from the telco (also our Nortel vendor), and he also said a PRI and associated hardware/software was necessary, but shrugged it off as not suitable for us.

I'm assuming that the PRI used for networking the two sites will also support voice calls. I'm wondering what the cost difference would be between 12 LS lines versus a PRI? Any thoughts?

 

[telemarv]

the cost difference would be between 12 LS lines versus a PRI?"

According to my Bell Canada Rep the break even point is 12 POTS lines vs 12 PSTN's (no DID) on a PRI on a 3 year contract. It may differ in your area and your carrier.

The connection between two MICS's is a point to point PRI you will still need a connection to the outside world on one or both systems.