atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information Which brand to use?

I beleive we have discussed many times NOT to post prices on an open forum...

No one wants to see you screw up but we see on a daily basis computer guys saying I can do telecom. The recently posted picture says it all..

https://img282.imageshack.us/my.php?image=realization1zq.jpg

Another Crisco defective experiment..

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Business Phone Systems

[This message has been edited by RATHER BE FISHING (edited August 04, 2005).]

That pic from rather go fishing just about sums it up. I'am sure the IT guy said it was a hardware problem!

Ev your allowed to get up on the soap box on this one.

squeakygeek,

Considering your computer knowledge, I think you would be well served to look in to a server based IP-PBX. There are several to consider, even for such a small site.

I was/am a data guy, Microsoft and Cisco type, and my experience with server based IP-PBXs has been quite enjoyable. About three years ago I dived into the VoIP technology on such systems and found that the learning curve in connecting the system to the carrier (as many previous posts have suggested) is the trickiest part. That being said, for such a small site it shouldn't be too difficult.

The system I have been installing is the AltiGen IP-PBX (I admit I am biased!). The VoIP phones are simple to connect and configure. The system can connect to analog lines or a T1/PRI from your carrier very easily (I would be happy to help you in this process as well). What's more is that the administrative interface is very simple for 'data oriented' people like ourselves, which makes installation and maintenance no more difficult than any other Windows server.

Enjoy!!

I am the official NORTEL tech for my company (I think I'm the only one that can get into programming) Does that mean I know what I'm doing? Kinda, but it was a steap learning curve, I did a lot of scrolling through the menus and fortunately I started with adds and moves, I now can do a simple install. Since your green to phone systems, I think any system you do will be a challenge. I know that what makes perfect sense to a Nortel tech is asanine to me and what makes sense to a NEC tech would drive an Nortel tech to drink. If it is going to be a simple install, then you should be OK but if there is anything eleaborate ( tennant services, hunt groups, ect, then it will be a real challenge). The hardest part is catering the capabilities of the system to the needs and wants of the clients. My two cents: expect a lot of dead ends, expect a helping hand from this board but DON"T expect anyone from this board to walk you through step by step the complete system install for FREE. There is an unwritten rule that when 1 installer ask for help on an issue, we help them, but you can't expect hours of free time even on the installer level.

Keep us posted and remeber we're here to give a helping hand. But like any business if you need a hand out you need to hire a professional.

(I'm good at solitaire on the computer, think I'll build a Linux based network!)

Good Luck

I ordered the system today:

Norstar MICS
6.1 software
callpilot 100 4x10
(2) 4x0 caller ID modules
(4) T7316E phones

We also have 5 M7 series phones from the old Meridian system.

I will install the equipment myself and attempt the programming. I have contacted an installer who will take over if I fail at the programming, but I still think I can do it, although it's nice to have the fun without the pressure Everything is new with a 2 year warranty, and comes with manuals. I ordered UPS ground shipping, and I was told to expect it late next week.

For those of you who think it's going to be a messy hack install, just wait for the pictures

7.0 is current software level. You bought a 10 mailbox voicemail for 9 phones? Cutting it kinda close. I'd fire any salesman that sold a customer a voice mail with potentially one box left over without upgrading. Oh well.

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Business Phone Systems

Sit back...Ladies & Gents cause the fun is just beginning.......

Anybody want to get in a betting pool????

I say he gets in a major VM jam...and suffocates...

For those of you who think it's going to be a messy hack install, just wait for the pictures

How would you even know what it's supposed to look like and how it's supposed to be done?

I see it all the time, installs of gray market equipment by alarm guys, electricians, computer geeks and the owners themselves. It may make sense to them, be neat and even work but at some point someone else may have to service it.

I've walked away from servicing some of these systems because for what I would have to charge the customer time wise to figure out what was done and where the problem is I could rip it out and re-install it properly. I tell the customer to call whoever installed the mess and the answer always is something like "he won't come, we can't find him, or (my favorite) he's dead, that's why we called you".

-Hal