atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems Other Telephones & Systems Looking for a 1st phone system for my parent's small biz

for what you are looking to do go either ESI c-class with vm or ACS partner with small pc vm, go digital phones! you want to be able to say "fred call on line 1" and fred to go over to the phone and press line 1. i have been on server systems and as a phone tech i could not remember all the codes, page,park,cfwd, you get the point. plus what do you do about new staff in a store? train them all on how to use the pos, alarm codes, phone codes, and by the way train them on what you pay them to do! not worth your time. plan to spend more than you are thinking, not much more.

Not sure if you are still looking for a small system, but check out Allworx. We have a new small business solution thats a complete VoIP phone system (emulates PBX & Key system mode) and full DHCP network server and it does everything you're looking to do at your price point.

I think the Partner is probably the best solution. As already mentioned, there are tons of these out there.

Also, you can use any analog phone. Alot of small businesses will get a refurbished ACS 308 (3 lines, eight extensions), a couple of system phones, and maybe a cordless or two they picked up at K-Mart for twelve bucks. If this gets to be too expensive, the voicemail (which has the auto-attendant) can easily be added later.

I agree switching between lines on an analog phone can be a challenge for some people, but its real easy to answer a ringing phone or go off hook and make a call.

If you do install your own system, I would at least hire a professional to install surge protection on your phone lines, regardless of which system you choose.

Talkswitch, Allworx... call the exterminator 'cause they're comming out of the woodwork!

-Hal

I hear Sun Moon Star is making a comeback.
Solstar TCOIP system
Tin Can Over Internet Protocall

I appreciate your feedback. Was simply offering an option like everyone else is

What you are describing would be easily changed with 15/20 mins of training either with the VAR or by calling us direct.

I am certainly not saying Talkswitch is for everyone, but for some it is a very happy cost effective solution with many features.

As your aware.. when researching phone systems you have to look at Basic Requirements, Wants, and Price.

If a company is use to line appearance, doesnt mind refurbished equipment, and does not need voicemail/auto attendants then Talkswitch may not be the best option. Allworx, Nortel, and the others mentioned here are good solutions.

If a company wants many advanced or all-in-one features at an inexpensive price point, and is willing to take perhaps take 15-20 mins to learn how to use the features properly then Talkswitch might be the right solution.

This post requirements of "Auto Attendant, 2 or 3 lines, Fax and several phones one of which is cordless, with a budget of 1 or 2k" Is Talkswitch's target market.

Just providing an option. :thumb:

I haven't heard much mention of NEC, but their DS1000 is right in your price range - new with professional installation. It's a very nice little system too with tons of calling features. However, it does require the purchase of an analog card to add SLT's.

It has been a while since this thread was active (actually it has been 5 months). Lets ask Andy what he ended up doing rather than continuing in the dark. I will PM him and ask to respond.

Steve

Folks, please take a minute to review the date of the original start of the topic when posting. The last truly active communication for this topic was in March. Starting an old topic back up doesn't do anyone any good. Thank you for your understanding.