Suggestions for SOHO setup
LTN1:
Quote from: Roger on March 25, 2015, 12:55:05 pm
I am curious why you would suggest a FortiVoice 70 for $1100 when for that money I could buy all five Obi 1032 and go straight to IP? I am not trying to be smart, I am asking because I just don't know and want to make sure I am no missing something. I have used Obi and I trust their products. If I want to save money I could get a Grandstream GXP2160 for half as much as the Obi 1032. I could create a setup with the RasPBX and 5 Grandstream phones that is 100% IP for under $600 in hardware.
You can do whatever you want of course. As to why you focused on the FortiVoice 70 for $1100 and not the Talkswitch 488vs for $300 (I stated to $500 to not disappoint if the ones currently listed for $300 is sold) shows me that you think you know more than you do. I had to give you the options in case you wanted cutting edge technology.
You can Google these devices yourself and know their capabilities but suffice it to say that when you stated a church needed around 5 extensions, I looked at it from a business system with voicemails, auto-attendant when the church is not open, more sophisticated call routing systems, emergency voicemail notification after hours, etc. With 5 extensions, you can get by with an OBi202, having two lines used with such a PBX system (as long as no more than 2 lines are being used at the same time). You can even use the current analog phones.
If you need to grow, adding another OBi200 or OBi202 is easily done. What the OBis will do is they serve as the telephone lines for the PBX system, routing calls to the specific extension professionally, and if no one is there, to the church employee's voicemail, etc. The amount of sophisticated call handling in a professional PBX system like a Talkswitch can do so much more than what the OBis can do with Google Voice. They both compliment each other in a business setting as one will utilize the capabilities of the other.
What you are trying to set up, piece by piece through the various OBi components are individual homelike systems in a business setting. It's doable, but I know for certain that a much more professional system can be done for around the same cost as what you are envisioning. Make Google your friend--search and read.
Ostracus:
I assume that's why a Obi504 for example wasn't suggested. Not PBXey enough.
SteveInWA:
Quote from: Ostracus on March 25, 2015, 06:33:30 pm
I assume that's why a Obi504 for example wasn't suggested. Not PBXey enough.
Um, I did suggest a 504 (or in his case, he'd probably need a 508):
http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=9671.msg64109#msg64109
This is what happens with Male Answer Syndrome. We all offer our advice, for whatever it's worth, and then the person asking for advice doesn't take any of it. :P
Roger:
I am feeling a little beat up on, but I don't mind it; if it means I get some good advice along the way. I suspect that I know less than I think I know, that's why I am trying to ask the right questions.
Based on the suggestions so far I think I am going with the Asterisk/FreePBX for the phone lines and an Obi202 for the fax/security system. The current phones are really old and the workers don't like them, so I don't yet see the benefit of adding an Obi504 or a Talkswitch to the mix (but please correct me if you think I am missing something).
So, I am taking your advice Steve. It has been less than 24 hours since I asked the question. Why did you jump to the conclusion that I was not only not taking your advice, but not anyone's advice? I really appreciate everyone's advice.
LTN1:
Quote from: Roger on March 26, 2015, 05:22:14 am
I am feeling a little beat up on, but I don't mind it; if it means I get some good advice along the way. I suspect that I know less than I think I know, that's why I am trying to ask the right questions.
Based on the suggestions so far I think I am going with the Asterisk/FreePBX for the phone lines and an Obi202 for the fax/security system. The current phones are really old and the workers don't like them, so I don't yet see the benefit of adding an Obi504 or a Talkswitch to the mix (but please correct me if you think I am missing something).
So, I am taking your advice Steve. It has been less than 24 hours since I asked the question. Why did you jump to the conclusion that I was not only not taking your advice, but not anyone's advice? I really appreciate everyone's advice.
Your response is good...it shows that you have a teachable spirit. Your proposed solution is acceptable, though probably not the best solution. Steve's main advice, at least from my viewpoint, was this:
Whatever you choose, think about long-term support. Are you willing to sign up to be the church's telephone repair and management person? The simplest solutions will save your sanity, so your prayers can be about more meaningful things than "Oh Lord, why did I ever sign up for this?!"
What ever your solution, it must be the simplest to maintain, even if it costs a little more--especially when it comes to churches (unless its a bigger church with more resources). People come and go--as may you. You want a system that is easily configurable and user friendly (not by your standards but by a non-technical person standard) should you be unavailable. FreePBX systems, from what I understand, are for enthusiasts, willing to learn. As long as someone like you is around...wonderful.
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