have a client looking for small biz pbx. maybe 4 or 5 lines. 10-15
sets. looking on easy of use, intuitive (no training required for
basic use), low maintenance. likes internet-friendly. (not sure what
that means)

Hello holguinero,

This was a most interesting question to research! There are many PBX
or Key systems available today. You may hear the term "Key system"
interchanged with "PBX system". While often used in the same context,
key systems are usually meant for companies with fewer than 100 phone
users, and PBX is the term used for greater than 100 phone users. The
terms are often interchanged.

I have purposely included little or no information for some of the
better known systems, as I ran the names by a telecom tech friend of
mine. Some better known systems he declared as ?unfit? systems for
your friend, because to install and  maintain them, you would need an
experienced technician. Some large key/PBX systems such as Sprint,
Norstar, Meridian, have an excellent reputation, but are not easily
programmable or intuitive for the everyday or casual user.  Both he
and I feel the second selection, the Talkswitch 48 NLS is an excellent
choice however. It is user friendly, programmable through your own
computer, using included software, and on their support page, they
state ?Still have a problem you can't solve? Contact us directly, and
we will respond today.? To increase the capability, you simply link
another unit to the original, without need of purchasing and
installing trunk cards or adapters.

http://talkswitch.com/support/talkswitch/index.html

This first system appears to be too small, and is presented for
comparison purposes only. Up to four of these units can be connected
to increase extensions though. Both TalkSwitch systems do use analog
phones, meaning you do not have to purchase proprietary phones, as is
common in many PBX systems. The systems are scaleable and upgradeable.
Prerecorded greetings can be downloaded from the website, and the
system is easily programmable from any computer running Windows
95/98/ME/2000/XP.
http://www.talkswitch.com/pbx_feature/friendly_ts.php

The Windows interface is demonstrated here:
http://www.talkswitch.com/pbx_feature/software_ts.php

I am unable to provide a link, but on the interface page above, is a
link to a well done instructional manual on installation of the
software, and computer connections. Click on the ?Quick Guide? link to
see the  guide, in Acrobat format.



PowerSystemsDirect,  sells  this CentrePoint Technologies  TalkSwitch
PBX system,  $660.00 USD, (no tax, even if purchased from within
Texas.) This site does offer price matching, with contact information
and details found at the bottom of the web site page.
The system has up to 4 extensions, using 2 incoming lines, using
analog phones. According to the website ?Unlike the typical PBX
system, this system does not require a highly paid technician to
program and maintain as your business changes!?

·  Automated Attendant (up to 9) 
·  22 Voice mailboxes, up to 25 minutes of mail 
·  Call Back and Call Bridge to connect to your phone system remotely 
·  Call Cascade so you can direct actions when a phone is busy, not answered, etc. 
·  Call Forwarding 
·  Call Hold and Call Transfer 
·  Music on hold (or could be advertising on hold!) 
·  Call other extensions 
·  Pick up calls from any extension 
·  Call Park, use with PA system 
·  Call Queue so you can manage multiple calls at the same time 
·  Mode Scheduling - Change system options and call routing based on day and time 
·  Remote extensions act like any other extension 
·  Easily configurable from Win 95, Win 98, Win 2000, Win XP via included software 
·  Upgradeable to a Talkswitch 48 model for 4 incoming lines and 8
local extensions
·  Software upgradeable via new releases from time to time with new features 
·  Ring Groups to ring multiple phones at the same time 
·  Works with phone company distinctive ring feature, each "line" can
have different features and routing!
·  Voice mail notification to pager or cell phone 
·  Conference calling ability 
·  Works with phone system 3 way calling when transfering calls to
remote extensions!
·  Many other features
 http://www.powersystemsdirect.com/Centrepoint_Technologies/Talkswitch_24_Small_Business_SOHO_PBX_System_421.php

This set meets and exceeds the requirements, and is double the price
of the first system.
Talkswitch 48 NLS has capacity up to 8 extensions and 8 remote
extensions, using 4 incoming lines, $1325.25 USD, no tax, even if
purchased from within Texas. According to the web site ?Unlike the
typical PBX system, this system does not require a highly paid
technician to program and maintain as your business changes!? Should
your friend?s business expand, this system is scalable/expandable, by
linking up to 4 of the units together, yielding 32 extensions.
·  Automated Attendant (up to 9) 
·  26 Voice mailboxes, up to 25 minutes of mail (expandable to up to 4
hours via add on memory)
·  Call Back and Call Bridge to connect to your phone system remotely 
·  Call Cascade so you can direct actions when a phone is busy, not answered, etc. 
·  Call Forwarding 
·  Call Hold and Call Transfer 
·  Music on hold (or could be advertising on hold!) 
·  Call other extensions 
·  Pick up calls from any extension 
·  Call Park, use with PA system 
·  Call Queue so you can manage multiple calls at the same time 
·  Mode Scheduling - Change system options and call routing based on day and time 
·  Remote extensions act like any other extension 
·  Easily configurable from Win 95, Win 98, Win 2000, Win XP via included software 
·  Upgradeable by networking units together 
·  Software upgradeable via new releases from time to time with new features 
·  Ring Groups to ring multiple phones at the same time 
·  Works with phone company distinctive ring feature, each "line" can
have different features and routing!
·  Voice mail notification to pager or cell phone 
·  Conference calling ability 
·  Works with phone system 3 way calling when transfering calls to
remote extensions!
·  Many other features 
According to the manufacturer of TalkSwitch, the TalkSwitch PBX
systems use  standard telephones, Local Area Networks (LAN), broadband
telephony, and PSTN (Standard telephone service) and VoIP (Voice over
Internet Protocol) ?The best of both worlds?. This, I believe is what
your friend meant, when stating ?Internet friendly?

http://www.talkswitch.com/

A diagram of the VoIP function can be found here:
http://www.talkswitch.com/voip.html

For complete technical specs, visit this webpage:
http://www.talkswitch.com/pbx/talkswitch_48NLS/technical_specifications.html

Talkswitch has a page of ?charming? Flash animated demonstrations of
the system?s features, found here:
http://www.talkswitch.com/pbx/talkswitch_48NLS/flashme.html

From CommunicationsSolutions  comes this testimonial for the TalkSwitch system
http://www.tmcnet.com/comsol/0102/0102labs1.htm
=================================================
Another good choice would be the Bizphone 680, as it does not require
proprietary phones, and can work on cordless phones as well. According
to this page, ?you can start using it literally minutes after taking
it out of the box. Just like a TV set or 35mm camera, most of the
user-adjustable features have been preset so that operation of all its
basic functions is virtually automatic. You can start making and
receiving calls, transferring calls from one extension to another,
using voice mail and other features, simply by following the
instructions you hear when you press the *  key on any telephone. As a
result, you may be tempted to leave well enough alone and not venture
far beyond the basics.?
http://www.bizfon.com/Working_Smart.htm
Features: 
·	Connects up to six telephone lines to a total of eight physical
extensions and fifteen virtual extensions (virtual extensions require
an optional voice vault card)
·	Voice Mail, with nine private mailboxes, and user-friendly automated
attendant are built-in as standard features
·	Allows users to mix our BizTouch feature phones with conventional
analog, corded and cordless phones
·	Enables users to use any remote telephone as if it were directly
connected to the Bizfon System
·	Instant access to the Bizfon Customer Care Center simply by dialing extension 299
·	One Year Warranty and 60 days Help Desk included
·	Scale the Bizfon incrementally and seamlessly to support your
growth, up to 24 telephone lines and 32 extensions
http://www.bizfon.com/Bizfon680.htm
For more  Bizfon specs, visit this page:
http://www.bizfon.com/Bizfon680Spec.htm
Hear Bizfone demos here:
http://www.bizfon.com/audiopage.htm
Prices range from $1,150.00 USD to $1,899.00 USD
http://www.bizfon.com/shoppingcart.asp?id=biz-1680&qty=1
Bizfone also provides ONE pre-recorded professional greeting with purchase.
http://www.bizfon.com/provoice/Default.htm
Bizphone may carry VoIP products, and the site  did have a VoIP link,
but it did not work at this time.
I found a summary of Bizone?s IP capability here:
http://www.tcecompany.com/Bizfon/VOIP.htm

=================================================
On this SmartHome site, I found  a  Panasonic 5211, 3 line in, up to 8
extensions system. ?This system works with standard off-the-shelf
touchtone phones, or for enhanced capabilities use Panasonic
proprietary telephones.? Notice the enhanced features require using
Panasonic phones. ?Proprietary Panasonic phones access system
functions through one touch keys, plus allow you to use the system?s
advanced functions, such as hands-free intercom, silent room
monitoring, unique ring, and internal paging. Proprietary LCD phones
can shows you the number being dialed, the extension a call is being
transferred from, duration of calls, time/date, and Caller ID
(optional Caller ID card #5225A required). (At least one Panasonic LCD
proprietary phone must be purchased for system programming.)?
http://www.smarthome.com/5211.html

Another Panasonic system, the KX-TA624 , $399.00 USD offers more
limited capabilities, but is a much more affordable system. It has up
to 8 extensions available, but It does not seem to have Internet
functionality  ?This system works with standard off-the-shelf
touch-tone phones, or for enhanced capabilities use Panasonic
Proprietary telephones. Touch-tone single line phones access call
transfer, conference calling, hold, intercom and other features when
you enter codes via the keypad. Proprietary Panasonic phones access
system functions through one touch keys, plus allow you to use the
system's advanced functions, such as hands-free intercom, silent room
monitoring, unique ring, and internal paging. Proprietary LCD phones
can show you the number being dialed, the extension a call is being
transferred from, duration of calls, time/date, and Caller ID
(optional Caller ID card #5225A required). (At least one Panasonic LCD
proprietary phone must be purchased for system programming.)?
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/corvex/pankxta6smal1.html

For more specs, visit this page:
http://www.corvex.com/kxta624.htm

A larger Panasonic system, KX-TA1232 , regularly $1399.00 USD, on sale
for $1199.00 USD . This system can handle 8 incoming lines, and 16
extensions. For more lines, you would have to add a KX-TA123270 module
 to add eight more phones,  $275.95
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/corvex/pankxta1smal.html

Module details:
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/corvex/excarandac.html

A refurbished Panasonic KX-TA1232 system with 12 phones can be found
here for $4,799 USD
http://www.1-800-phoneguys.com/panasonic/packages.asp

Norstar CICS systems, can grow to 24 lines, using their own proprietary phones. 
http://www.nortelnetworks.com/products/01/norstar/systems/compact_ics.html

See features here:
http://www.nortelnetworks.com/products/01/norstar/systems/compact_ics/features.html

http://www.1-800-phoneguys.com/norstar/compact_ics/Default.asp

This site, Lane Communications , has a refurbished Norstar system for
$2999.00 USD, including 5 phones.
http://www.lcnsgroup.com/cics_reburb.htm

===============================================================
Another system, Telrad, makes you contact their company for a price
quote. It was difficult to find much information on this system, but
it does appear to have VoIP capability. I have included it in case
none of the other systems work for your friend. Perhaps you can reach
a savvy salesperson by phone to learn more about this system.
?The Digital 8/18 Small business phone system that accommodates up to
8 CO lines and 18 digital key telephones; with off-hook, voice
announce with hands-free answer back, least cost routing and direct
inward dialing.  Optional enhancements include integrated voice mail
and automated attendant and call accounting.?
http://www.americanbusinesstelephone.com/digital_systems.htm#Digital%208/18

http://www.citywidecom.com/s818.htm

http://www.americanbusinesstelephone.com/Phone_systems.htm

http://www.2k911.com/telrad.asp


Filling out the 10 question  form on this  BuyerZone site will quote
for you  a  price for a custom  system.
http://businessweek.buyerzone.com/telecom_equipment/phone_systems/qz_questions_322.jhtml?click=2

This BuyerZone site explains a bit about VoIP. 
http://businessweek.buyerzone.com/telecom_equipment/phone_systems/buyers_guide8.html

This site has some tips for buying a PBX system:
http://www.allbusiness.com/articles/content/17973.asp
===============================================================

A few tips of my own:

When wiring the system, use Cat. 5 cable, or better, especially if
planning to use VoIP. Using Cat 5 cable will eliminate most, if not
all, interference on the line, especially when using
electronic/digital systems.

Run double the required amount of lines in the ceiling or walls - then
when the business expands, the cables will already be installed,
saving a great deal of labor and time!

Make sure the system switch is installed in a well ventilated area,
and that cables are secure, and out of reach.

Purchase a well known brand name, one that has good tech support and service.

Selecting a system that allows you to use phones other than their
proprietary phones can save money when it comes time to replace or add
a phone to the system.

Thank you for being patient with my answer, holguinero...I was called
away for several hours, just as I was almost finished with your
answer! I hope this phone system review will help your friend select a
phone system. If any part of my answer is unclear or not exactly what
you were looking for, please request an Answer Clarification before
rating this answer. Using the Answer Clarification process will allow
me to do further research for you.

Search Stategy:
Phone Key system small business
Small business PBX system
Phone system multi line
Phone switch small business

---

Request for Answer Clarification by holguinero-ga on 20 Nov 2003 17:38 PST

good report, but just in case, could you give me something more in the
'name brand' type?

---

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 20 Nov 2003 18:14 PST

Certainly! 

I suppose you mean the "Big" companies, as TalkSwitch, Bizfon and
Panasonic are recognized brand names. Do you want more information on
Norstar and Sprint? I will be working on this this evening.
Regards, crabcakes-ga

---

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 20 Nov 2003 21:40 PST

Hello again holguinero,

I have found more information on the Norstar and TalkSwitch systems in
the first part of my answer, and added two new choices, the Centrex
System by Sprint, and a system by Avaya (Formerly Lucent Technologies
& AT&T). While I still consider the TalkSwitch from my original answer
as a top contender, the Centrex system seems very promising as it
requires no equipment for your friend to worry about. You will need to
contact them for availability and pricing.

=============================================================
Sprint has an expandable service, called Centrex. Instead of
purchasing and installing a key or PBX system, Centrex directs all
calls through its own switches, located on Sprint?s premises.
Depending on your friend?s needs, all he/she would need would be
phones and an attendant console, as Sprint manages and maintains the
equipment on their site. Centrex offers two levels of service, and
charges a flat rate, regardless of the amount of usage. Voice and data
are over one ISDN line. One drawback is that it is not available in
every area, and you will have to contact Sprint for a price..
http://www.sprintbiz.com/bizpark/products_services/centrex/

You can possibly see if your area has Sprint available: (I say
?possibly? since this page seems a bit out of date.)
https://www.sprintbmo.com/bizpark/page/ordering/dsl/online/availability.jsp

Test your phone line to see if it qualifies for Sprint Centrex here:
https://www.sprintbmo.com/bizpark/page/ordering/isdn/broadband.jsp


Lucent & AT&T are now called Avaya.  Avaya has a small business system
called PARTNER Advanced Communications System. The site states that
among its features:  ??digital subscriber line (DSL) capability,
sophisticated messaging solutions, and Internet applications? The
basic system supports 3 incoming lines, and 8 extensions. Adding
modules allows you to add up to 15 incoming lines, and 48 extensions. 
If purchased, this system ahs the ability for a technician to remotely
access your system to diagnose and program your system.
http://www.avaya.com/ac/common/index.jhtml?location=M1H1005G1002F2012P3037N4261

http://www.phone-systems.biz/partner-phone-systems.html

To read Avaya?s brochure, click here:
http://www1.avaya.com/enterprise/brochures/sb2124.pdf

I was unable to find a price on this system. Every seller of Avaya
products required an e-mail or call to get a price quote.
http://www.telxpress.com/lucent.html#Partner%20Digital


Meridian Norstar CICS  , now on sale at Hubtel, $599.00 USD  Comes
with the cabinet, trunk card, and software. Supports 4 incoming lines,
16 extensions.
http://www.hubtel.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=22


At I Need Telephones, the Norstar CICS is available in two packages,
$2200 USD, includes 1-Compact ICS Cabinet, 1-4 Port LS/DS Card,
1-Release 4.2 software,
10-M7310 telephones (ash, gray or black). There is also a $3599 USD
package, including 1-Compact ICS Cabinet, 1-4 Port LS/DS Card,
1-Release 4.2 software, 10-M7310 telephones (ash, gray or black),
1-Flash 2 Release 2 Voice Mail

 http://www.ineedtelephones.com/COMPLETE/cicspack.htm

With the purchase of an additional Norstar Gateway, this system supports VoIP.
http://www.nortelnetworks.com/products/01/norstar/gateway/

The Norstar ICS Manual can be found here:
http://a1776.g.akamai.net/7/1776/5107/20031003181837/www.nortelnetworks.com/products/01/norstar/collateral/nn102660-092603.pdf

This is the link to request a quote. You enter your information, and
receive a customized quote.
http://www.nortelnetworks.com/cgi-bin/comments/comments.cgi?key=quote_cu&template=/templates/comments/cu_qform.html&ldsrc=RequestAQuote&product=Norstar%20Integrated%20Communications%20Systems

More information from 2K911, on the Norstar ICS:
·	From 4 to 8 lines and 8 to 24 telephone extensions 
·	Voicemail, automated attendant, and internal fax switch support 
·	Supports all Norstar and Business Series phones 
·	Modular, scalable design 
·	Built in auto attendant for users without voicemail 
·	Calling Line Identification (CLID) 
·	Internal RAD for Remote Access 
·	255 system speed dials 
·	Distinctive Ringing - Trunk based ringing tones 
·	Auto Daylight Savings Time 
·	Built in Paging 
·	Built In Music on Hold 
·	Automatic Set Relocation 
·	Toll Restriction 
The Norstar Compact ICS seems scalable, modules are based on a 
building-block design, starting with 4 lines and 8 extensions,  or 4
lines and 16 extensions. Any analog device, such as a fax machine, or
a modem can be plugged into this system.
http://www.2k911.com/phonesystems/nortel/cics.asp

Here are some of the ?additions? you may need for the system.
http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?follow-pro=1&vwcatalog=metroline&catalog=metroline&query=Norstar%20gateway

and

http://www.metrolinedirect.com/exmo.html
=========================================================
Norstar MICS 0x32, now on sale at Hubtel, $1,029.99 USD. Includes
cabinet and software.
http://www.hubtel.com/category.cfm?Category=18

Norstar MICS (Modular ICS) 
·	4 lines by 32 phones and expandable to a total of 272 ports. 
·	Advanced Integrated Applications Supports for voicemail, digital
networking, inified messaging and enhanced call centers.
·	Internal Messaging, so you can leave a message for another employee
who?s on a call or away from their desk
·	Integrated Caller ID(CLID) capabilities 
·	Call Log, which works with CLID to let you see who called while you
were away from your desk. And lets you return those calls with the
touch of a button, without writing down or trying to remember a phone
number.
·	Wide Range of call processing and call handling features. 
·	Digital Technology 
·	Modular and Scalable 
http://www.2k911.com/phonesystems/nortel/mics1.asp


Here is a list of proprietary Norstar phones compatible with Norstar systems.
http://www.ineedtelephones.com/norstar/nortelphones/phonesintro.htm

For a comparison of different Norstar systems, see this page:
http://www.2k911.com/phonesystems/nortel/cics2.asp


The Gartner Vendor Rating for Nortel can be seen here, in brief. To
see the entire report, you must purchase it for $295 USD . Nortel?s
Support Services received a ?Caution?, as did ?Services?. Their
?Support? was rated ?Promising?.
http://www3.gartner.com/1_researchanalysis/vendor_rating/vr_nortel.jsp


More on TalkSwitch
http://ezpbx.com/?source=google

This White Mountain Telephone site extols the virtues of the
TalkSwitch, ?It is easy, fast and well ..... fun. Try to say that
about working with your local phone company or those big phone system
vendors. These systems will get you off the ground running. One final
thing, this system is no bigger than the proverbial bread box and
priced to let you put more bread in your pocket.?
http://whitemtntel.com/TalkSwitch.htm

http://whitemtntel.com/pdf/ts_24_productsummary.pdf

I hope this additional information is helpful. Again, if you need
further assistance, please request an Answer Clarification, and I will
be glad to respond.

Regards,
crabcakes-ga

---

Request for Answer Clarification by holguinero-ga on 21 Nov 2003 12:59 PST

how 'bout comdial, att/merlin, nortel/northstar (office system)?

---

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 21 Nov 2003 13:19 PST

Hi holguinero, 

I will look for information for you on your last clarification. I
purposely left them out because you specified that you wanted "ease of
use, intuitive, low maintenance" and these systems are typically NOT
for small business use without having a technical person around for
programming and maintenance. The systems I found for you in my
original answer, the TalkSwitch and the Bizfone are designed to be
easy to use and maintain, like you requested. The ones you asked for
in your second clarification are not. I will proceed however.
Regards, crabcakes-ga

---

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 21 Nov 2003 15:17 PST

Hi again, hoguinero,

I'm back! Please note that I did discuss the Nortel Norstar systems
that met your requirements in my original answer, and the answer
clarification. Generally, Norstar is for companies requiring greater
than 20 extensions.

Northstar is a specialized communications company, but they do not
seem to be in the area of small business phone systems.
http://www.northstar.net/services.htm

?Northstar" is also a type of phone, not a phone system, and it is sold by Verizon.
http://www.wndu.com/news/contact16/contact16_1724.php

Northstar is also a manufacturer of PDA components.
http://www.northstarsystem.com/web/About/In_The_News.php4?DisplayStory=32
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=MSM02


You can see a complete list of Nortel?s Systems on this site:
http://www.nortelnetworks.com/products/alpha/a.html

Nortel?s Meridian Systems are for businesses that need 20 to 16,000 extensions.
http://www.nortelnetworks.com/products/family/meridian.html

I have chosen this model of a Nortel Meridian, and not small business
system, as it is closer to your requirements. The Nortel Meridian 1
Option 11C Mini is a smaller PBX ideally for small and growing
businesses and enterprise offices needing 60 to 128 extensions, with
expandable capacity up to 800 lines. It does support VoIP. This system
requires Meridian 1 X11 Software. This system requires you to use
their proprietary phones. The system can be rack or shelf mounted, or
mounted tabletop.
http://www.nortelnetworks.com/products/01/meridian/mer1/options/option11c_mini/index.html

http://a176.g.akamai.net/7/176/5107/20030925225949/www.nortelnetworks.com/products/01/meridian/mer1/collateral/opt11cmini.pdf

Ironton?s website explains a bit more about the Meridian 1 Option 11c Mini
http://www.ironton.com/systems/meridian/opt11c_mini.html

A small budget Norstar Refurbished System , comes with the key system,
software, and 5 phones. The software is not voicemail compatible, and
service is free by phone ?available to qualified telephone
technicians?   and can be purchased here for $724.99 USD:
http://www.brand-name-phonesystems.com/comdial-pbx-support.htm


Another refurbished Norstar system, key system and 5 phones, for$1225.00 USD
http://www.brand-name-phonesystems.com/comdial-pbx-support.htm

Prices found on NexTag ranged from $1832USD to $3420  with
SCC(Specialized Common Carrier ? meaning generally a regular
commercial telephone company offering special services)  USD depending
on the package chosen.
http://www.nextag.com/serv/main/buyer/outpdir.jsp?doSearch=y&search=11c%20mini%20nortel%20option
Prices
http://www.telephase-estore.com/nortel.htm

More Norstar prices at Brand-Name-PhoneSystems
http://www.brand-name-phonesystems.com/comdial-pbx-support.htm


AT&T:
As noted in my first clarification, AT&T phone systems have merged
with Lucent to become Avaya. You can still buy AT&T Merlin equipment,
mostly refurbished, and quite possibly with limited warranties and
support.

ETelephones has this refurbished Merlin unit for sale for $599 .
Supports 4 incoming lines, and 10 extensions, with expandable capacity
up to 20 extensions. It appears to have no support for internet/VoIP.
AS with most phone systems online, one is required to request a quote.
It is difficult to find actual and more importantly, accurate prices.
http://www.etelephonesystems.com/cgi-bin/CatalogMgr.pl?cartID=b-3408&template=Htx/merl_template.htx&SearchFor=6122-CU2&SearchField=partnumber

Online Manual can be seen here:
http://www.phonemastercomm.com/pdf/Merlin%20Plus%20R2%20System%20Manual.pdf

You may be thinking of a console phone system. Here is a picture of a
console/receptionist phone. Even if you use a console phone, you will
still need a PBX or a KSU (Key system) connected. For a smaller
business without a receptionist, under 20 phones, you really don?t
even need the console phone, especially if you have an easy to use
programmable system.


http://www.etelephonesystems.com/cgi-bin/CatalogMgr.pl?cartID=b-3408&SearchField=partnumber&SearchFor=61392&template=Htx/merl_template.htx&displayNumber=1



Comdial:
?The DX-80 phone system has over 100 standard features including:
caller ID 
uniform call distribution (UCD) 
tenant service
call park
memo pad
fax detection
call record? 
The basic system supports 8 extensions. You would need to purchase
extra modules for 15 extensions. A ?boombox? can be connected to this
system for on-hold music. This system does not support internet/VoIP
but does allow remote access by Comdial?s technicians, for remote
diagnosing and programming.


http://www.comdial.com/systems/dx80_system.asp

Comdial DX-80 brochure can be read here: 
http://www.comdial.com/brochures/MKTDX80Rev3.pdf


The Comdial FXII is for business needing 10-400 extensions. This
system also supports IP telephony (VoIP), however they use their own
proprietary format, and not the standard H.323 format.
http://www.comdial.com/systems/fx2.asp

You can read The Internet Telephony?s review of the Comdial FXII
System here. It includes some screen shots of the software and a
picture.
http://www.comdial.com/brochures/internet_telephony_award.pdf

According to this site, as of Oct. 15, 2003, the price for the Comdial
 DX-80 is $2086.00 USD, including 5 phones. You can see the prices for
all the ?parts? as well. The  Comdial FXII PBX  for 16 extensions is
$7074.00 USD , including 16 phones.
http://www.peppm.org/2003/Product/comdial/price.pdf

Well holguinero, I hope this has been informative. I still stand by my
first answer, recommending  the TalkSwitch first, and the Bizfone
second, as meeting your requirements of  number of extensions,
intuitiveness, ease of use, and internet capable. A plus is the
ability to self program through your own PC, using intuitive software.
The price is right too. I tried, in my original answer to supply you
only with systems that matched your requirements, which is why I did
not include most of the systems I now have in my clarifications...
they do not seem to be what you requested.

As before, please notify me via an Answer Clarification if there is
anything else you need to know!

Regards,
Crabcakes-ga

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Request for Answer Clarification by holguinero-ga on 10 Dec 2003 06:02 PST

sorry to keep working you, but i'm not yet clear on what to do.  have
another thot- can you check on the wifi cordless phone/pbx from
spectralink?

what do you think of that?  can i build one wifi coverage area and use
it for laptop and cordless phone?

---

Request for Answer Clarification by holguinero-ga on 10 Dec 2003 13:51 PST

.

---

Clarification of Answer by crabcakes-ga on 10 Dec 2003 15:05 PST

Hello again holguinero,

Here is some information on Spectralink phones, as requested in the
last clarification:

From everything I have read, this appears to be a top-notch system,
but very expensicve! This May 2003 article describes Spectralink?s new
wireless phones, for under $400, and the new $7,950 NetLink PRI
Gateway needed to connect to the still necessary PBX switch.
IP-enabled PBX is like the word says; you give a traditional PBX IP
capability by adding a (IP gateway card) 10/100(ethernet card) giving
you the ability to make VoIP calls between IP sets and from IP set to
digital or analog handsets.
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/2209751

You can shop for the gateways here:
http://www.nextag.com/Spectralink_Telephony_Gateway~57528684z0znzzz1zzspectralinkzmainz2-htm

?Spectralink -- which was the Wi-Fi phone market leader in 2002 with
over 70% of the $14.5 million market, according to Synergy Research --
has also unveiled a line of new phones.?

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/2197391


Make sure you purchase 802.11b, as 802.1a has some trouble going
through walls and floors. ?IP PBXs from Avaya, Cisco and Nortel and
all standards-based 802.11b endpoints. A SpectraLink gateway server
also is needed to connect the phones to an IP PBX. ?
http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2003/0428interopvoip.html?page=2


One caution, ?Spectralinkphones.com is a property of 1ACT AmeriCan Telecom Inc. 
and is not affiliated with Spectralink Corporation.? 
http://www.spectralinkphones.com/
Phones can be found here:
http://www.spectralinkphones.com/pricelist.html

While I'm happy to furnish this information, in your original
question, you specifically asked for a "small buisness" system. Your
last two clarifications have been for systems specifically designed
for large and/or enterprise systems. Is there something I have
misunderstood in your original question?

The Spectralink system as well is designed for enterprise use, as it
requires a PBX and a pricey gateway.

I am afraid that the second part of your third clarification "can i
build one wifi coverage area and use it for laptop and cordless
phone?" goes beyond the scope of the original question. You may
consider posting it as a separate question however.

Hope this helps!

Regards, crabcakes-ga

Thank you for the stars and the generous tip! I hope you come to an easy decision !
Regards, crabcakes-ga

You may want to consider an open source product that runs on Linux. 
It is called Asterisk and is available for download here:
http://www.asterisk.org/

The hardware require is primarily a desktop PC running Linux.  If you
use it in a standard voIP configuration, I believe the network card is
all you need.  If you want to attach to an analog phone system, then
you would purchase additional interface cards, all available at the
web site mentioned above.
(Essentially it links to hardware available here: http://www.digium.com/ )

My impression is that once it is installed and running, it should be
as easy to use as anything else.  However, those not familiar with
Linux may want to hire someone for the original installation.

The handbook goes into detail of different scenarios:
http://www.digium.com/handbook-draft.pdf


For the truly simple, you may want to look at like this expandable
2-line phone with up to 8 handsets.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005UFDH/

Another option is to rent a PBX system attached to an 800 number.  You
can set up numerous extensions, and have those extensions connect to
other numbers, and roll to voice mail when the call is unanswered. 
Seems affordable.  (There are other services in this space.  This is
just one I am familiar with).
http://www.freedomvoice.com/