Where do I start?? New 61C and no training.

[rustedancient1]

My company recently upgraded from a saturn 11e to a meridian 61c. With this system came two huge boxes of books. Bellsouth was "supposed" to set up the server and remote computer to administer the pbx. The "remote" does not work. I have another call in to get them to try again to get all/any of the software working. Everybody here was under the impression it was administered thru windows but as things go, I see the GUI is only a small part of what is needed. So, I went to the books to read and learn. I am overwhelmed! I have no idea where to start! What I have read in the books so far reminds me of the old "DOS" manuals. If you didn't understand DOS, then the book made no sense. If you understood DOS, you only used the book once-in-a-blue-moon. Unfortunately, everybody else decided what we would buy and I discovered what we bought as it was delivered and installed. I am way-behind-the-curve on this one. Does anybody have any suggestions as which book I should start in? Any recomendations on 3'rd party books to help understand what the Nortel books are saying? Any and all info is welcome!! Thanks!!

 

[luv2ski]

if its that bad get company to send you to get some nortel certifications go to web sites and check prices usually if you can convince managment there will be a savings they should go for it.

Pat Guido
NEXTIRAONE
Pat.guido@nextiraone.com

Formerly Nextira, formerly Williams Communications, formerly Wiltel, formerly Nortel networks, formerly Northern Telecom, formerly, Nynex meridian systems formerly Northern Telecom.

 

[sandyml]

Dear rustedancient1,
If this is your first foray into Nortel PBXs, you do indeed have a lot of reading! From what you said, though, it sounds as though you were also sold OTM. Do you know if this is the case? OTM is an application that provides a Windows-type interface to the PBX so you can do much of what needs to be done without learning the PBX loads, particularly programming for phonesets. Learning OTM is different from learning the PBX programming, although if you are familiar with the PBX, that really helps. Usually the distributor installing your system (BellSouth?) provides a day or so of training on OTM to get you going on basic tasks; check your contract to see.
Nortel training is available through Global Knowledge (go to get.globalknowledge.com/norteltraining). I imagine you'll have some other contributions giving you some helpful websites for documentation as well --

 

[rustedancient1]

OTM did come in the package, but it seems to only "partially" work. The server that does mostly work is located on the computer room floor. VERY cold and windy enviroment. The remote that sits on my desk acts like it is working but doesn't. You can go "thru-the-motions", but when you go the the server to see why your change hasn't worked you find that it never syncronized as it told you it did. Application builder will not work on the remote PC. Yes, bellsouth was "supposed" to give us some training but that was a real mess. There were two systems installed, one in the Corp building (11C) and one in this facility (61c) where I work. The two systems were installed on two back-to-back weekends. The Corp facility allowed the installers to get a badge and do whatever/wander wherever they wanted for the install. In this facility, the installers had escorts everywhere they went, all the time. It was a lot easier at the corp building so that is where they did most of the programming. We in this building never saw them unless they had to come here to physically do something. All the programming was done remotely. So, yes, I think I can convince them (management)someone here needs training but I also know that will be a long and uphill ( did I mention slow??) battle!! I also learn a bit more from the classses if I am somewhat familiar with with what I am being taught rather than a complete beginner!! I guess that is what some of my questions were based on, some reading I could understand before I went for the "real" class. I joined INNMUG and I am still waiting for information from them. The discount you get for the classes by joining INNMUG alone convinced them (management) to pay their dues! Just too many things needed too soon. Just a few good leads as to where and what to read!! Thanks again!

 

[Nortellian]

software input/output guide administration loads 10 and 11. Load 10 is where you create analog lines. Ld 11 is where you create digital sets. Also see faq section above for a crash course on what load to go into.

 

[OBone]

The guys at eTEL (

http://www.eteltech.com)

provide the most affordable and best OTM training. They have also published some comprehensive user guides.

 

[felon]

When do you need this thing up and running by? I know a very good tech that came onsite and got me going and now supports me (for free) with the odd phone call. He is very good and certainly won't rip you off. He lives here in Canada, but use to work for MCI in the US.

Let me know. He will save you a lot of time and frustration.