atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information New system decision

First of all, let me tell you a little bit about our situation: We are an 18,000 sq ft Retail Store currently using a 20-year old Meridian system with 14 handsets spread throughout the whole store; no voicemail, auto-attendant, or any other "modern" features we now feel the need for.
We've decided to go the route of a T1.
Most of the phones are just stations where employees can answer customer calls or page throughout the store. We have two offices where several of us would each like VM.

We've talked with several local vendors (one dealing in Iwatsu, one dealing in Panasonic, one dealing in InterTel, & a couple that deal in NEC), and are now ready to get down to business!

One option that I'll throw out on the table, and you guys & gals correct me if we shouldn't even consider this, is our sister store (same name, different owner) bought an NEC Electra Elite IPK II system from a vendor that they had a dispute with because phones weren't doing something they were told they would. In the meantime, they purchased an InterTel system they are happy with. So, that NEC system is sitting in a closet, and I think we may be able to buy that system for next to nothing. The question would be, are we gonna pay thru the nose to get the system reprogrammed to our specifications? I have a retired ATT/Verizon Tech guy that works here at the store; he says he could hang the system. We would just need help programming the phones.

Or,,, should we look into upgrading our Meridian system; the thing has been a solid workhorse.

Thanks for the help!

I would go for the IPK II system, NEC is also a Work Horse. It's a stable system, if it's Programed right. :thumb:

However, it is at the end of life this coming fall. Might be better to look into the SV8100 or better yet SV8300.

oldfashioned, What does that mean to us, as the consumer? I'll tell you that one of the leading T1 Providers came in here with an attractive lease quote that included the T1 line and an NEC system (I'm pretty sure he was talking an IPK or an IPK II Simpli-Business Elements Program). I guess I need to get it clarified whether it's a new or used system; I can see someone trying to sneek in a used system into the deal! I'm only guessing, but, I bet DeltaCom (oops, I leaked it out) made a deal with NEC to buy up those models that are being closed out to be put in these package deals.

I would compare the cost of a T1 from another carrier plus an equipment lease against the all in one offer. We have competed against that particular outfit a number of times, and they aren't doing you any favors by offering the bundle.

Install the NEC from your sister store, if a 20 year old Meredian has met your needs, then the NEC should work for years to come.

If you are looking for new systems, I am partial to the Iwatsu.

I wouldn't want a system installed for me if it was going to be "discontinued" in the very near future. That is only my opinion.

Jab1780, You're right! That's what we did, and getting the T1 from one vendor and buying the NEC system from another vendor came in approximately $75 less a month, and,,, it had a newer (better?) model NEC system (UX5000).

So what "Modern" features are you looking for & ready to spend the $$$ on?

You can just install a voicemail to the existing sytem that according to you "the thing has been a solid workhorse."

By the way, I would add "And it will continue to be". Just add the VM and the T1 or PRI.

What else are you looking for that this system can't do? Chances are it can & for a whole lot less than changing your whole system.

Send a PM to "nfcphoneman" who's in Florida.

There seems to be a lack of critical information and an excess of useless information floating around here.

Q1: What is it that the NEC won't do that has caused it to be sitting in the closet?

Q2: What magic is the T1 peddler (Deltacom ?) claiming will improve a 14 extension retail business? Gotta be on the data side of the equation?

Q3: How about adding a Flash VM to the "work horse"?

The UX5000 is a Good VM.from NEC. Are you looking to go Wireless with this system?