Modular Messaging S3400 1

[98Converter]

We're preparing to install a new 3400 in one our sites. We currently have an Intuity with the Aria interface.

First: For the folks out there that are using the new S3400, is the admin interface similar to the Intuity Admin interface? Will it be accessible via ASA?

Second: Does it come out of the box ready to link with exchange, or are there additional components required for this?

Third: Does it include the client for desktop viewing of messages? Similar to something like Message Manager.

Thanks all,
Chris

 

[Sirrono]

Oh, are you in for a treat! We installed MM in March. Having come from the Intuity platform myself I felt fairly confident I would be able to administer MM without too much trouble. I was sadly mistaken and spent the next month reading all the BETA documentation and tracking down someone who did understand it. I think there may be about three of us out there!!!

First: There are two servers the MAS runs on Windows 2000 Server and MSS runs on LINEX. The Admin interface is not via ASA or IM for either of the servers. MAS requires a background in Server Admin at the local level, while the MSS will remind you of the Intuity Interface and may be administered both locally and via WWW. You will need a KVA to switch between the two.

Second: No new Avaya system comes out of the box ready to integrate anymore. You will need an RFA downloaded from Avaya Direct which must be configured with the Convergence RTU in order to integrate with Exchange. There aren't any additional components but the RFA is crucial and must be obtained by the Business Partner from Avaya Tech Support.

Third: No Message Manager neccessary for Convergence. If you haven't gotten your IT guys involved yet, now is the time. You will be creating voicemail boxes in Exchange to mirror your email boxes and from then on all VM shows up in your Inbox. Its sweet but it has the capacity of freaking out the IT guys when you suddenly ask for complete access to their Exchange Server.

Finally: There is no classroom training available to customers on MM. The classes are only offered to Avaya employees. If you are capable of thinking Admin in an IT head you will be fine. The geeks that developed this system may have never actually used a Definity phone set before. Wait until you want to build an Auto Attendant Tree. Stand by for Caller Applications. I had Avaya on the phone for 3.5 hours trying to figure out how to build these Caller Applications. Trouble with a new product is the Techs don't know how it works either. I am really good and comfortable with it now but it was a head trip in the beginning. Good luck with this sweet system. If you get in a pickle, call me. 312-353-6906

SirRono

 

[mottelecom]

First: It is not accessable via ASA, but via Microsoft Exchange administrator (if using Exchange).

Second: Not Sure...

Third: There is no web inteface for the users, rather it is via their Email Client.

 

[98Converter]

Yikes SirRono...

This sounds almost as bad as a visit to the dentist. After all the teeth are replaced, you're good as new. But until then, the pain is agonizing...

So, that you've become somewhat comfortable with it - would you suggest we order and Intuity or keep with our original plan of attack, and go with the 3400?

Thanks for all input.
Chris

 

[98Converter]

I just found this (what appears to be quite helpful) PDF that describes in detail how to create a Caller Application.

http://www1.avaya.com/enterprise/applicationnotes/CallerApp.pdf

Hope it helps,
Chris

 

[RTMCKEE]

98converter thats a great link!

Do you guys know how to get a names directory within the caller app?

RTMCKEE

 

[RTMCKEE]

AHH found it... You have to prompt the caller within the app to press the # key.

Here is a link to another helpful PDF.

http://www1.avaya.com/enterprise/whitepapers/mes2141.pdf

RTMCKEE

 

[98Converter]

Update to our S3400 install.... Avaya pulled the plug. We installed the server, and it was corrupt. We've since installed 2 others - corrupt. Not sure what the problem is, but Avaya recommends we go with another Intuity.

Along with the corruption, networking an S3400 to an Intuity is quite expensive and difficult. We were quoted $7k for the interface hardware and $20k for PSO to implement it.

Not sure why they didn't make the S3400 easily networkable with other Avaya Messaging platforms...

Oh well... At least it will be easier administratively.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. ARISTOTLE 384-322 B.C.