WANTED: fax server suggestions for IP500 installation 4

[BWB8771]

I'd like your opinion(s) on what fax server/call routing solutions you'd recommend for us.

We have enough DID numbers to give everyone their own fax number, so I'm especially interested in suggestions for how to route the PRI to accomplish this.

Should I use an appliance to split the PRI *before* it gets to the IP500, or purchase a daughter card for the IP500 to route fax calls to a fax server?

Our setup
IP500 8.1(63) T1-PRI
Slot 1 - Base:VCM32/Daughter: Univ PRI
Slot 2 - Base: POT Phones module (8) / Daughter: none
Slot 3 & 4 - empty


IP 500 8.1(63)
VMPro 8.1.9016
46/5610s, 46/5621+25s

 

[mforrence]

We've had great success with Multitech FaxFinder appliance. Rather than using the Multitech suggested routing scheme for IPO, we route fax via shortcode which greatly simplifies routing. If you need fewer than eight ports, it's fairly easy turn up.

 

[meyer1y2k]

I would concur with the Fax Finder. We have had one installed at a customer site for 7 years on IPO. Never gave a problem. Customer does their own admin. We installed, tested, trained, then never heard a bad word.

We have also used Fax Finder with other equipment with the same excellent results. ~ Mike

 

[BWB8771]

@mforrence - is the scheme that you did NOT use the one where they use a SIP license? Page 5 in this PDF:

http://www.multitech.com/manuals/s000595.pdf

IP 500 8.1(63)
VMPro 8.1.9016
46/5610s, 46/5621+25s

 

[vtphoneguy]

Multitech Fax Finder is a very good choice. I have deployed analog port units on IPO and Mitel platforms with great success and virtually no service issues. Have not tried the SIP trunk integration.

 

[mforrence]

@mforrence - is the scheme that you did NOT use the one where they use a SIP license? Page 5 in this PDF:

http://www.multitech.com/manuals/s000595.pdf

Two answers:
1. I've used the variety that connects via analog station port, not via SIP. How your IPO is configured and how many ports you need will determine which connectivity method you'd use.
2. On an older FaxFinder document, they suggested that each fax user have a phantom IPO user built, and essentially forwarded to a hunt group. Did first one that way, and ongoing administration was a little bit crazy. All since have been routed via shortcode, much like the example that they show later in the manual that you've linked. Much easier ongoing admin.

 

[HeathBCT]

I manage a system which uses the mutlitech modems from an analog card in the IPO to the modems. We have to use DTMF recognition on the modems to route the calls. It works but it is somewhat a pain to configure.

Going forward I'll be using GFI fax finder + XCAPI for the IP solution.

HeatherTECH.net | ACSS - SME | AIPS - IPO

 

[derfloh]

Gfi Faxmaker with XCAPI overrH.323 or SIP works well in many installations.

 

[fshaw]

Make sure your PRI provider supports fax. It can come back to haunt you. Many providers are using a SIP backbone with a PRI handoff. Many of these PRIs cannot/will not work for faxing 100% of the time.

 

[jayjr1105]

Comcast PRI doesn't officially support it but we're using it on a year Cisco UC system without problem. I agree to check with the provider first. Most will support basic faxing over PRI.

 

[Qzwsa]

Another vote for FaxFinder here. I've got one deployed in our own office and the administration is not that difficult. I've preconfigured 10 of our DIDs as fax numbers and then just change the destination of them to different emails as we have staff turn over.

Ours (and all the ones we've installed for customers) are off an IPO (R8 and higher) and using SIP trunks. The nice thing about the SIP version is the licensed upgrade to channels so you can start small and add channels as you add users.

The only down side is I've had no luck with building a custom cover page.

Qz