Upgrade from Partner to Merlin? or change systems

[tiggerdad]

I'm seeking solutions for a growing non-profit. They've outgrown their Partner 2 (V4 - only one that allows 2 cabinets to be linked together).

Since we can use the MLS and Partner phones (albeit with some change in functionality ~thanks merlinman), I thought a merlin system would save some money (not having to buy new phone sets.) Am I missing something?

What type of merlin system should we look at?

requirements: 60 users, 20 lines (would like to change from POTS to T1, with a few analog lines), 4-6 port voicemail, PC based programming (GUI would be nice) for switch and voicemail.

Thanks!!

 

[avayaconsultant]

I would use an IP Office with VoiceMail Pro. Cost for cost you will get more features and an IP Enabled system.

Just my 2cents worth.

 

[tdaugirdas]

I would be hesitant to switch to IP office - given all of the reported problems. If you want PC-based programming for both the phone system and voice mail - you would need to go to a Merlin Magix system with a newer voice messaging module. If you wanted to save money, you could go with a previous generation Merlin Legend system. That system could still accomodate a GUI-interface Magix voice mail and can run the latest Magix processor software. However, keeping your old phones would be expensive in that the modules required to run them (on both the Magix and Legend) are quite expensive (016 ETR modules). Each ETR module can accomodate 16 Partner phones. The Legend MLX-style telephones are relatively inexpensive and readily available - as are the modules required to run them. The Magix telephones and modules are - again expensive.

Tom Daugirdas,
President
STCG, Inc.
stcg.com

 

[merlinman]

Also, Folks who go from a Partner to using Partner phones on a Legend/Magix are always disapointed in how they work after the cut over.

 

[tdaugirdas]

That's true - they do not have the same functionality on a Legend or Magix.

Tom Daugirdas,
President
STCG, Inc.
stcg.com