Upgrade WinSPM R4 to R7 -- How Difficult??

[CustomSigns]

Can anyone give me an idea what's involved in upgrading from R4 to R7 on a Merlin Magix system? We received a bid from a service provider for $900 or so. I'm curious re: what actually has to be done beyond installing the software on the workstation...

Any info, bits of advice, etc. welcomed!!!

Thanks from Houston, TX

 

[exsmogger]

Not too difficult if you have the WinSPM software. Just backup the R4 programming, convert the backup to R7, install the new processor, and restore the converted backup file. Should take about 1-2 hours if this is all that's being done. Brian Cox
J & J Communications

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

brian@jandjcommunications.com

 

[CustomSigns]

Okay -- I'll go ahead and sound really stupid...What you're saying is the upgrade will require more than the installation of the latest WinSPM software; we also need to purchase a "processor." Can you give me a description and / or part # for the processor? (I'm trying to fulfill an internal request based on how wonderful the upgraded features are...no real knowledge of what's required!)

I'd like to determine my most cost effective route includig purchasing the items myself. If it's not a major ordeal, then I could arrange for my IT and / or Telecom contractors to assist as needed.

Thanks for your quick response to my original posting!

 

[Ghostin]

You will get 2 distinct advantages when upgrading from an R4 to an R7. One, you will be able to adjust the call coverage rings on an individual extension basis. Two, you will get the ability to set an extension to recieve voice calls when idle only. Other than that, and the fact you can network multiple sites, I can't really think of anything else you really gain. Are you using multiple consoles and DSS units. Be careful as to what version of R7 you go with, as the earlier versions had a software glitch that would kill the DSS console on the second attendant.

 

[exsmogger]

WinSPM is just the software used to program the Legend system. The Legend processor module is the first module on the left side of the control unit located just to the right of the power supply. It should be plainly marked. The processor is what determines the release of your system.

Ghostin is correct. I would make sure your new processor is at least R7 V10.

Also, if your current processor is labeled CKE4 then it can be flash upgraded to R7 without replacing the processor. If not, then the processor must be replaced in order to upgrade to R7.

If the price quoted includes the processor and programming I would strongly recommend you let a pro do it. You won't save much money doing it yourself and you'll avoid a lot of grief. Brian Cox
J & J Communications

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

brian@jandjcommunications.com

 

[CustomSigns]

Thank you both for your input -- I need to point out though that we have a Merlin MAGIX system, not Legend. Your response may basically be the same because I know there are similarities between the two.

I definitely agree re: having a pro tackle the task, especially since there's hardware involved. Just needed some "benchmark" info to make sure we get the best deal and I don't go into the effort totally blind!!

Thanks again!

 

[exsmogger]

The process is basically the same, although Magix is only at R2.2 according to the Avaya website. I assumed Legend when you said you were upgrading from R4 to R7. If you truly have a Magix processor already it should be able to be flash upgraded to the latest release without replacing the processor module. Brian Cox
J & J Communications

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

brian@jandjcommunications.com

 

[exsmogger]

I think I misunderstood your original question. On rereading your post you are just upgrading your WinSPM software from R4 to R7.

Brian Cox
J & J Communications

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

brian@jandjcommunications.com

 

[Ghostin]

Hey Brian, just an FYI. You can force upgrade any release legend processor 3.0 and above to anything from 6.0 to Magix 2.2.

The CKE4 and CKE5 stuff I am pretty sure was a marketing tool for Lucent/Avaya.

 

[exsmogger]

Ghostin,

Yes, you're right. But I've found on a CKE3 upgraded to Legend R7 the 016MLX & 016ETR mods won't work correctly. When upgraded to a Magix the 024TDL won't work correctly. If not using these mods a CKE3 does appear to work perfectly fine when upgraded higher than R6.1. Brian Cox
J & J Communications

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

brian@jandjcommunications.com

 

[Ghostin]

Good to know that. I don't use alot of the 016 MLX or ETR mods, so I have not had this situation occur. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[CustomSigns]

In conclusion, thank you again for all of your info and advice. To ensure I understand all of the input correctly, please note:

My current setup is:
1) Merlin Magix Integrated System (Rel 1.5 - I believe)
2) Processor W/CKE5
3) WinSPM R4
4) Merlin Messaging (At thsi time we haven't installed the SW; we're still administering from console only.)

Here's what I believe can be done:
1) Upgrade to latest version WinSPM (R7, I believe) 2) "Flash upgrade" our existing processor.

Is that correct?

Your input and support are greatly appreciated. It's challenging to learn as you go; I don't want to jump at the first service provider's bid and let them come in without having a good understanding of what they truly need to do to our system.

Have a great weekend!

Sarah Clark / Houston

 

[exsmogger]

That's correct. What is the reason you need to upgrade the Magix?

Brian Cox
J & J Communications

http://www.jandjcommunications.com

brian@jandjcommunications.com