Setting up Avaya IP Office 500 System

[csamd]

I am an end user, and I have been using many Partner systems since 1990. For my purposes, I know the system well and have set my systems up from the phones and using modem with Avaya's XP software. My ACS version 8 is becoming unhappy. I can easily replace it with a refurbished processor but since the ACS is sold old, the I am concerned that I will just end up in the same position in just a few years.

My plan was to replace the system with Avaya IP 500 system and set it up in Regular Basic Edition Mode as a Key system with more modern digital phones. I read through the instruction manual, and my understanding is that V2 or V2A system gets locked into the version that was used on the very initial startup and can never be changed. The sim card has a card license and matching firmware to that license (to avoid bootlegs). The matching version of the Avaya Office Manager or series upgrades) must be used to program the system.

Hardware that is sold refurbished on eBay and elsewhere. Some units have sim cards and some don't. None are sold with programming software. I have no issue purchasing a sim card, but I will need the matching version software. Additionally, the version of the unit sold is unknown by many sellers. The Partner Link ID and number from the sellers are but a distant memory so I won't be able to get software from Avaya even if buy a card. For that matter, the only sim cards available stop at version 11 on the secondary market.

Additionally, if my understanding is correct, since I am NOT intending to use IP Office Standard Mode, Server Edition or Application Server, I only need the proper version of the Mu Law SD Card and no other licenses for my purposes outlined. Also, the Mu Law SD cards come with various versions to match the intended system. Correct?

If I was to buy used hardware, the question is how do overcome the obstacles to get it to work so I can program it? How do I figure out the unknown locked in version of the hardware and how do I get the proper version manager software suite?

 

[budbyrd]

So many questions and I get it. If it were you I would look for a used 500 V2 system with an essential Essential edition key card. Without a key card it is a nice paper weight. IMPO the IPO sort of peaked about R9.1 for a basic system. It has embedded voicemail and every feature the partner ever had offered. As far as the Manager software you can probably find someone on here that can help you out to get a copy that is close since it for the most part is backwards compatible.
Used hardware is locked to the first version it is used with so if you can get the chassis with the SD it would be best. Newer versions also have a web interface for programming. I have a 9.1 in my house and it supports the web interface. I don't use it so I don't know how good it is as the earlier versions were kind of slippery.
I hope that helps.

 

[ipohead]

See if you can find a refurbisher or someone who knows what they are selling even if it will cost you more.

Licences for the older systems up to 9.1 are no longer sold and the upgrade to 10 plus isn’t cheap. The good news is that digital phones don’t need a licence and I recall basic edition gives you 6 SIP trunks.

The software is essentially backward compatible and available if you search.

Let us know where you are based as that will help with answers.

 

[csamd]

I understand that versions are backward compatible and that versions are backward compatible and that 9.1 was a major breaking point. SIP trunks sound nice but Ooma analog lines work well for my purposes and is dirt cheap. (I also use a $35 gateway, so even my cell phone works throughout the current system.)

My understanding is that even version 11 licenses are no longer sold. I recognize that anything above would suffice. I do recognize that the add in version A boards are more expensive but usually physically newer as would be the IP500 unit itself. If possible, I would prefer to use newer hardware IP500v2A just to keep me out of the telephone business. (lol).

If I had an IP 500 V2A, how do I check was version even needed to get it to work. If a used unit started with version 11, would putting in a version 12 SD MU-Law card even work and what else is needed.

Searching for software always brings me to the Avaya log in page.
Location is Palm Beach County, FL

 

[csamd]

So many questions and I get it. If it were you I would look for a used 500 V2 system with an essential Essential edition key card. Without a key card it is a nice paper weight. IMPO the IPO sort of peaked about R9.1 for a basic system. It has embedded voicemail and every feature the partner ever had offered. As far as the Manager software you can probably find someone on here that can help you out to get a copy that is close since it for the most part is backwards compatible.
Used hardware is locked to the first version it is used with so if you can get the chassis with the SD it would be best. Newer versions also have a web interface for programming. I have a 9.1 in my house and it supports the web interface. I don't use it so I don't know how good it is as the earlier versions were kind of slippery.
I hope that helps.

Thank you. All searches for software take me to the Avaya log in page. Also, just about all used systems have the SD card removed. The sellers don't realize that they turned the hardware into a brick.