What is the best phone system for a small business under 20-30 phones?
Unified communcations is not essential - find me/follow me and maybe voicemail to email
No need for office anywhere, nor constant remote access, but a soft phone would be nice
Whats is your opinion?
Good Answers (1)
Aaron R
Communications consulting in Open Source VoIP, UC technologies, and infrastructure managment
Best Answers in: Telecommunications (6), Enterprise Software (2)
Sounds like you need a very basic system.
I will suggest two options, both are based on Asterisk which is open source software. Someone mentioned Trixbox, it is also based on Asterisk.
Your two options are
1)buy the hardware and software then configure everything else yourself.
2) Pay a company to configure and install the system... then support it
These phone systems these days are not difficult to configure, and for a small office, if you're looking to save money you can do it yourself. Obviously working with a pro will save you a lot of time and will provide you with a support resource whenever there's a problem... and in many cases the extra cost is worth it.
But the technology remains the same.
I would recommend using either FreePBX or Switchvox... both are based on Asterisk.
FreePBX requires a little more effort than Switchvox because you need to purchase the server, telephony interface hardware, and then setup everything from square one. It's not a big deal... but also not as easy as Switchvox.
Switchvox is a more stable system and easier to use than FreePBX. It's a full package, just buy the right hardware and software and it's ready to rock.... all you need to do is configure the thing. But Switchvox is more expensive because it's licensed.
If you have any specific questions about these options, or Trixbox, or Asterisk, or PBXtra, or FreeSWITCH, or any other open source IP PBX, I'd be happy to help.
Cheers,
Aaron
Links:
More Answers (34)
I'd look at Cisco's UC500. Built for the smaller office, but gives you many of the features and functionality of a full blown VOIP system.
Cisco UC500 VoIP system does the job nicely and extremely cost effective.... the unit has options for firewall / wifi / PoE switching all in the one box. It gives you the ability to merge/mix analogue & ISDN phone circuits from your service provider. Also allows for the ability to connect basic analogue phones internally.
Jose A
Owner, Telesource Installers - Specializing in Voice over IP Deployment and Voice / Data Infrastructure
Best Answers in: Telecommunications (2)
Allworx6x is a great value - out of the box licensed for 30 users and grows to 60 with an additional license key. All the features a small business can use with much ease in programming. You can deploy with regular C.O. lines or SIP Trunking. Have been using one for 3 years and it's bullet proof.
Regards,
J A J
David T
Systems Engineer at EtherWorks Pty Ltd
Best Answers in: Telecommunications (3), Manufacturing (1)
As everyone else has mention the UC500 is a great box to look at, here is some more information on it.
Cheers,
David.
Links:
Sean W
Channel Development Manager at Fonality
Best Answers in: Internet Marketing (1), Telecommunications (1)
This question is sure to generate answers from a lot of great companies out there. We at Fonality are very proud of our PBXtra and trixbox PRO products. We offer enterprise features at a small business value on a platform that is stable, scalable, and very easy to manage on standards-based hardware, so you aren't boxed in. We have over 5,000 systems in service to date and a network of hundreds of resellers around the world. Link up with me, and I'll be happy to provide you with more info.
Links:
Jim W suggests this expert on this topic:
ShoreTel - it's VoIP. If you don't want VoIP, try a Norstar form NORTEL. Don't worry about support; those things run forever!
Take a look at ADTRAN's 7100 IP PBX solution.
Still a fan of Asterisk, hire someone who knows Asterisk and you can get a working basic VOIP system in days. Always a fan of open source world.
Jamie B
Owner of ICS Tech in Brisbane, Australia, for phone systems, video conferencing, VoIP, etc. A Nortel nForce Partner.
Can't comment on the US but UC500 pricing in Australia is uncompetitive. I would say Nortel BCM50 or 450 with Release 5 that has just been released will do find me follow me and voicemail to email with message forwarding to iPhone, Blackberry, etc. Digital handsets will provide the best value but IP handsets are available if you like including a soft phone.
If you like the look of Asterisk but want something that is easy to configure and has a brand name to back it up then Nortel Software Communication System - "Asterisk for the rest of us" to paraphrase an Apple slogan...
Dan J
Experienced Business Professional and Entrepreneur
Best Answers in: Sales Techniques (4), Organizational Development (1)
Alex, check with your local telcos if they offer 'centrex', this service does not require any upfront investment and no system to maintain and you get as many extensions as you grow and best of all, it should be on subscription basis. Hope this helps.
Michael L. N
Registered Architect & Licensed Property Inspector
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Michael L. Nelson suggests the following expert:
Michael L. N also suggests this expert on this topic:
Hi
As per other answers surely soem branded products available in market, but if your ready for spend soem time & make it your own you can use Asterisk the opensoruce telephony application which fufill what you require as per your office need.
same time Switchvox also complete suit which you can install , configure & sue for your above mentioend requirement.
There are few telcos/VOIP providers which offer bundled services with calling or say hosted services you can go for that also. chcek mentioend link.
Amit.
Links:
Cisco UC500 VoIP
Take a look at Asterisk. Free, open source, and is AWESOMELY GOOD!!!!
For a canned Asterisk distro, look at FreePBX.com.
Hosted VoIP PBX is well-designed for 20-30 phones, has all the features and makes maintenance/upgrades a breeze since it's a managed service.
Links:
Hello Alex - the Toshiba CIX range and the Panasonic TDE range are both excellent from a feature and reliability viewpoint , and both have excellent price points. If you want something more specific please do contact me
Regards
Paul Humphries
Phoenix Link
As many others are suggesting go with an Asterisk solution installed and maintained by a qualified company or candidate. All of the other commercial offerings are not only over priced but pale by comparison in both features and versatility. Also while there are many features you say you don't need or want, they are all pretty much nice to have, especially when the cost to deploy them is very low versus an expensive licensing arrangement.
Alex,
I see the UC500 being mentioned repeatedly in this thread, and for good reason, it is Cisco's offering to a small business switch. My recomendation would be to look at the UC500 along side the Avaya IP Office. The attractive aspects of the IP Office are that it s a hybrid system which can run analog, digital, and IP extensions off of one single switch. The system is incredibly scalable and utilizes a number of license based applications which allow you to add the features you may need and easily expand over time. Soft phones, voicemail to email, a built-in conference bridge, and remote call forwarding are all standard features on the IP Office. In addition, the price point is typically slightly below the UC500.
Please feel free to contact me on Linked In or directly at pwaters@abcna.com if you would like any further information or budgetary pricing for the IP Office.
Thanks,
Peter
Links:
Michael L
Owner, FreedomFire Communications and Telecommunications Consultant
Best Answers in: Telecommunications (6), Web Development (4), Small Business (3), Starting Up (2), Computers and Software (2), Travel Tools (1), Advertising (1), Direct Marketing (1), Internet Marketing (1), Search Marketing (1)
Alex,
iTeleCenter has a very nice small business package.....lots of features at a real cheap price point. PNG, TCI, IBNtel, and Packet8 are also solid options for small businesses. Opex is another possibility depending on location (geographic limitations).
he link provided has "best rate" tools which enable you to "search and compare" providers including pricing packages.
Links:
Wallace J
Multimedia Producer and i3D Programmer for Acrobat 3D PDF, JavaFX, Mobile & Virtual Worlds
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Asterisk. * Another fan of open source chiming in regarding cost and flexibility.
Links:
It seems to me that there is a lot more to know about your businesss before someone gave you a system that was best for your business. I have been in the telecom business for 10+ years and to understand your system needs one would first have to do a true discovery meeting. There are many systems that may fit within the parameters you set in your question but without understanding further the applications, budget, features and functionality it would be hard to determing the best phone system for your needs. I would suggest speaking with a company that represents a number of different lines so you aren't put in a position to be sold the only solution they carry.
I agree with Eric Brooker as it is imperative to know the business needs and applications of one's business prior to offering a viable telecom solution. I have been in the telecom industry for over 12 years and sold a wide variety of PBX/VOIP/Key telephone systems. Pretty much all of the telephone systems out on the market today, offer just about the same features and functionalities but they may just be named a little bit different or presented in a different manner. I would also recommend speaking with a telecom consultant who is able to identify and address your business applictions and in turn offer you a viable business communication solution that both meets your budget and your business needs.
Allworx. I will send you my contact information and put you in contact with the person that can help you.
Thanks,
McDonald
Consider Sutus. It's a great SMB branch office solution for VoIP. It's easy to deploy and manage. Works with Polycom phones too.
Links:
Do your research. It's all about applications and how they work for you. We are one of the largest Mitel dealers it is what I would recommend you check it out. We have over 28 years of experience with it and very large and small customers. But again, that does not mean it's the best fit for you. Go hands on and really research what your business needs. Technology needs to benefit your business or don't buy it!
Peter R
Telecom Consultant, Blogger, speaker
Best Answers in: Telecommunications (9), Computer Networking (2), Freelancing and Contracting (1), Event Marketing and Promotions (1), Personnel Policies (1), Staffing and Recruiting (1), Events Marketing (1), Guerrilla Marketing (1), Information Security (1)
Cisco UC500 if you want the Cadillac (and if you are a Cisco house). But you can use any of the these: Fonality, Trixbox, or Digium's Asterisk Business Edition - just a few names to pop into my head. Mainly, setup once and ignore. Lots of support available if needed.
Want a managed solution? Hosted PBX. In Denver, Unity Business/Telesphere would be my choice.
The nice thing about all the choices is that you can use Polycom, Aastra, or any other IP Phone. Or if you want to leave your inside wiring and handsets alone you can configure them that way as well.
Good luck. Ping me if more info needed.
Adtran has the Netvanta 7000 Series.
http://www.adtranforsale.com/
NetVanta 7000 Series
ADTRAN's NetVanta 7000 Series provides an innovative VoIP communication solution for business that simplifies the migration to VoIP and resolves complicated network assessments and equipment interoperability issues. A single chassis provides a complete LAN-to-WAN infrastructure, along with the Quality of Service (QoS) necessary to maintain voice quality. Complete with an easy to use point-and-click Graphical User Interface (GUI), the NetVanta 7000 Series demystifies network setup and eliminates guesswork from installation and system administration while also offering even more benefits and value to your business.
* Affordable and cost-effective IP PBX and communications platform
* Integrated PBX-Voicemail-Auto Attendant-Router-Switch-Firewall-VPN
* No additional phone or voicemail licenses required
* Reduces the need for network readiness assessments
* Simplifies IP convergence by combining multiple functions in one compact platform
* Single management system for setup and administration
* Supports VoIP QOS, VQM and MOS performance reporting
* Supports SIP Trunking and Networking
* Supports Voicemail to Email messaging
