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I think my current PBX is IP compatible, how would I know for sure? If it is, why would I replace it with a brand new switch if my current one can use the newer technology?
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4 Answers
There is huge differences between VOIP systems engineered from the ground up and PBX vendor add on products.
Ground up VOIP products normally have a bundle of software apps that help you run your business better.
VOIP Enabled PBX's dont get you those advanced features unless you add them on server by server which gets extremely expensive.. not to mention the vendor will likely faze out the old product as well as support for it.
If this is an Avaya PBX then it should be minimum Definity R9.5 with at least one clan board and one medpro board to support older IP Phones and IP Trunks.
If you PBX connects to the network then it is more than likely a hybrid. Why is a question I have had for many years. Applications are not an advantage if you do not use them. IP has only one or two advantages ie: telecommuting or linking remote locations. Cost is negligible between upgrade and change out. Most would have you think that you will "save" money but I would challenge you to show that in actual numbers.
Lets consider some things here. Most manufacturers design systems to Bell Core standards 99.997% up time. Pure IP is based on software and an operating system. What is the noted "up time" of your mission critical servers?
Don't miss read me here VoIP has it's place. But I do not recommend IP just for the "cool factor".
In the end it would be in your best interest to evaluate your options like you are now doing. I would however call in two different CON-sultants for a real set of options to be considered. The answers you seek here come with more questions that need to be answered before some dolt like me tries to advise you.
It must be understood that even tho' the PBX has access to the network, this does not neccessarily mean the PBX is technologically on the cutting edge. As one of the answers suggest that there are IP PBX's that have been built from the ground up and those that have "added" IP capability to an otherwise TDM box. The later is usually done via an IP card that gets installed in a TDM PBX card cage. This is not the best way to deploy IP. Rather it is a stop gap for customers that want IP cheap. For instance, Mitel's current flagship product, the 3300, has been built from the ground up as an IP appliance. However it has a tried and tested call controll dB that originates with their original flagship product the SX2000. It also has analog and digital cababilities that so many IP deployment still need because of the need for backup analog trunking as well as support for desktops that may be digital or analog. Have a look at mitel.com and become convinced.
Chris Chabriel, SE for ICS Telecom.
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