PBX vs. Key System 1

[tomstr]

Very new the phone world and being asked to look at new systems and was curious what the differences are between a PBX and Key system.

What limitations are there to a key system?

Appreciate any help

 

[jhenke]

The better question to ask is: What features do you/your company wish to have? Key systems can be limited by their features, and PBX's don’t have all the Key features. You need to figure out what you/your company need/want from a phone system, and then you can figuratively compare the differences between the two.

You can talk about us, but you can't talk without us.

http://www.bbns-va.com/

 

[tomstr]

Thanks.

Features we have and need:

1.) Servicing 200 phones
2.) Primarily digital, with some analog lines also in use
3.) Call routing internally is pretty basic, some hunt groups in use
4.) Basic functionality: Call Fwd, Line Pickup, Voicemail access from any phone, Transfer, Hold, Conference
5.) Caller ID (internal and external)
6.) DID
7.) Call Log of missed calls
8.) Unified messaging
9.) Flexible auto-attendent for various menues and submneus
(would like the ability to change any recording remotely or have pre-recorded messages ready to be enabled as needed)
10.) Easy remote access for checking vmail, changing greetings, etc.

Thanks

 

[3racefan3]

200 phones..go with a PBX.

 

[grh959]

Deffo on the PBX.

Auto Attendant is a function of the voicemail platform. Not a PBX feature on NEC PBX's.

The features you mentioned are very standard on PBX's.

Gary

http://www.gcti.com/contact.asp

 

[OzzieGeorge]

You can set up a basic auto attendant without voicemail but if you have it use the VM (set up auto attendant on an SDS once with just an announcement card). I have worked on key systems capable of what you want (STC SDX420) but I would recommend a PABX for the expandability if nothing else.

 

[ctvi]

1.) Servicing 200 phones

>>>Most key systems are close to maximum capacity at 200 stations. What that means to you is all of the following disadvantages: A. limited growth. B. busy call hour may be compromised and tension for resources to function properly.

The truth is that once you indicate that you have over 200 phones, there is no need to delve any further. All other parameters are irrelevant now. You must chose a pbx if you are looking to limit your headaches with support and functionality. However, read on if you are forced to consider features over functionality. This is not unheard of. Many companies make bad decisions based on relationships, features etc. How many people have purchased a car since it had a great radio? If you don’t know any, ask your local car sales rep, if he will tell you the truth.

2.) Primarily digital, with some analog lines also in use

>>>No advantage of key or pbx on these features.

3.) Call routing internally is pretty basic, some hunt groups in use

Key systems have limited routing ability. Though you indicate that the routing will be basic, it is inconceivable that you will not find a key system constraining.

4.) Basic functionality: Call Fwd, Line Pickup, Voicemail access from any phone, Transfer, Hold, Conference

>>>No advantage of key or pbx on these features. Except that conference calling on a pbx can allow for larger number of attendees. On 3 to 4 party conference, there is no advantage of key or pbx on these features.

5.) Caller ID (internal and external)

>>> Key systems have an advantage of name and number displaying simultaneously. With a PBX, you can have name or number.

6.) DID

>>>No advantage of key or pbx on these features.

7.) Call Log of missed calls

>>> Key systems have an advantage of caller id scrolling for the last couple of numbers. A pbx will offer this too but not as user friendly.

8.) Unified messaging

>>>No advantage of key or pbx on these features.

9.) Flexible auto-attendant for various menus and submenus
(would like the ability to change any recording remotely or have pre-recorded messages ready to be enabled as needed)

>>>No advantage of key or pbx on these features.

10.) Easy remote access for checking vmail, changing greetings, etc.

>>>No advantage of key or pbx on these features.

http://www.ctvi.com

 

[tomstr]

Many thanks ctvi.

This is great info and is greatly appreciated.

What has been proposed is a linked system of two Key systems to accomodate capacity (cost of the PBX systems was much greater and the cost has been the #1 factor in this situation)

What was described to us was that these setups are similar to what is done in locations where may have two locations linked via a T1 (a unit in each location).

The vendor has indicated that this setup should work just as well as all will be housed together, so if it can be setup to work seemlessly together in two locations, why not all together as a single system.

I had recently seen a similar issue discussed here and makes me very concerned about the direction we are taking.


Thanks again.