PBX vs. Key system

[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

 

[senk1s]

differences are minimal ... and reducing

Generally speaking PBX is bigger in terms of capacity/ flexibility, key system is smaller

PBXs grow in terms of cabinets, cards (key systems though modular are not so modular)

I'm sure there will be others filling in

 

[NARSBARS]

What type of lines will you be using? How many? How many phone sets?
Give us a little more info and we can help you more.

NARSBARS

 

[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

 

[biv343]

You'd be at or past capacity for most key systems, definitely over capacity on the BCM, probably very close to capacity, if not over capacity on the Norstar. If looking down the Nortel road, the CS1000 PBX will be your best choice.

 

[NARSBARS]

Look at an Option 11 from Nortel.
I think you will find it easier to manage and with more potential for growth than any key system.
Regardless of the system, you need a PBX with certified local vendor support.
Sorry, you asked about the limitations of a key system,
I agree with Senk1s post, and at this time 200 sets is beyond my comfort level for a key sytem.

Good Luck

NARSBARS

 

[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.

 

[JasonPM]

It will not be seemless. If it's a BCM system any phone connected to the "remote" will have to access voice mail like an external caller. (ie the soft keys on the phone will not function.) My Nortel engineer said there would be "issues" with park and page simply because you need to be able to pick up the park from either system. While the cost of two networked systems may be less (it was only about 20% less on the project I abandoned in favor of an Option 11c) the loss of funtionality and ease of use needs to be considered.

 

[biv343]

I agree with everything Jason said. One thing to remember is two systems connected at two sites will and can function together, but will never act 100% like a single large system.

 

[hawks]

How is he tying the systems together? Because if it is with a PRI (for centralized voice mail) then remember you'll only have 23 talk paths between the 2. Also if you grow and do need to have miultiple T1 (PRI) then each of these units will only support 2 more. I'm talking MICS's here.

 

[tomstr]

Your help is great and is greatly appreciated.

Here is what we were told by the vendor in regard to the linked systems:

"Linking the systems through the IP gateway which will include the trunking-all software/keycodes-they do not eat up any real estate or resouces on the equipment side-your systems would not have the capability of being linked without this"

Does this setup as he has described also limit talk paths?

How does the BCM compare to the Option 11C in regard to:

*Voicemail capacity and functionality?

*Unified Messaging?

-do the two systems use a similar platform and function in the same way?

What is the general opinion from users in regard to ease of use, etc.

We have an easy to use vmail system now, but it is very old and no longer supported and runs on an old PC that has long passed its life expectancy.

Thanks again.

 

[hawks]

That would be the way to go but those trunks can get pretty pricey.

 

[MagnaRGP]

You still would not get the same functionality if you used IP trunks...close but not entirely the same.

The CS1000M will offer ALL the same functionality including web based administration (either via OTM or Element Manager). The Voice Mail (Call Pilot) has all of the functionailities and more of the BCM's Call Pilot.

HTH.