atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Other TDM Phone Systems ESI Telephones & Systems All IP ESI 600?

For those of you following this thread the content of the original posting has shifted considerably. It hasn't exactly been hijacked but taken on a different course.

You might want to continue with this discussion in the following location. All the usual suspects are there.

https://www.sundance-communications.../get_topic/f/30/t/000296/p/1.html#000010

Wow I totally wasn't expecting this much discussion, but I'm pleasantly surprised that this is a hot topic and I'm definitely taking everyone's comments in!

I'm also pleased its been civil...I belong to many other forums where things go from 0 to "out of hand" very quickly ;-)

Anyhow, I guess where it came up is that one of the systems we're comparing to is a Mitel 3300, which has been proposed to us as an all-IP system. We asked the ESI dealer to propose an all IP system so we're comparing Apples-to-Apples (as much as we can knowing there's huge differences in systems).

I think I'm mainly coming from the fact that in this new place, since we're starting fresh, why not get the latest and greatest? Will it be a little more expensive? Maybe, but honestly comparing some of the proposals I'm not seeing a huge difference that I expected to see. I thought price alone was going to drive me back to a hybrid system.

I can definitely say I agree with everybody on the "why ip when digital works" front, and yes I've messed with Cain-n-Able and successfully recorded a (test) conversation. I still think though, that if you're spending big bucks on a new system, why get digital phones when IP may be prevalent like someone else mentioned in a few years? We are an insurance agency, and in the past whenever I bought mediocre equipment, even when I thought we'd never need more, we've outgrown it quickly.

Also - on the ESI 200 vs 600 front, our vendor thought the 600 was a better fit I think based on the total # of ports, not just the number of phones. IE - We already use 2 PRIs and the 200 would limit us to only one more I believe. His reasons made sense to me.

Again, thanks for all the feedback!

I'm also pleased its been civil...I belong to many other forums where things go from 0 to "out of hand" very quickly

Thank You for noticing, we try hard. We have had our share of "out of controls" as well.

One thing you might keep in mind as the members here attempt to satisfy your questions is how most of us are programmed to trim every last nickel of of a proposal. We put together the final needs end users like yourself describe and propose the most cost effective solution. When we propose a package every item in that package is necessary to satisfy the objective. We don't propose something that might be considered as waste. Now having said that if you feel like All IP is what you want then by all means ye shall have it, after all you are the customer. He who writes the check gets to place the order.

Good Luck and keep us informed!

BTW, Have you gone into Mitel area and got their opinions also?

Not yet but thats my next step. Thanks!

Just remember that your customers will always need a quality installer to put the system in. Also how bout the dial tone? Who is going to hook that up?

Just some thoughts

I talked to a painter the other day and said what happens when a ball is invented that you throw against the wall and it paints the building, His response was: I will be throwing the ball!!!

Same for our industry, we have diversified and will continue to do so to survive.

Cosmo

We are also talking to our School District about IP phone systems for all the schools (17). I have Paul from ESI coming tomorrow to talk with the district about an all IP system.

They have already talked to Cisco and Black Box (Toshiba) about what they have to offer.

Wish us luck

Thanks

Cosmo