Focus Research ©2009
Focus ResearchMarch 2009
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide
2Focus Research ©2009
3Com Altigen Avaya Cisco
3Com NBX V3000 BRI-ST AltiServ IP OfficeUnified Call Manager/Media
Convergence Server 7800 Series
Features
Outlook Integration
Included Included Optional via VoiceMail Pro Included
Integrated Voice Response
Yes, with optional add-on Multiple options with call-center software Included Included
Call Center Support
Basics included, advanced capabilities available with add-on
With call center software Yes, with optional add-on Included
Software Platform
Security-hardened Linux Windows-based IP Office release 4 Either Windows or Linux
Hardware Platform
Proprietary V3000 NBX platform Proprietary Avaya Office IP 500 Cisco CallManager and Media Convergence servers
Supported Protocol(s)
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
SIP, H.323 and numerous other standards
Management and Administration
Browser-based interface supports provisioning, regular administration and management features and integrates with 3Com's enterprise network- management suites
User- and system-management software options
Windows-based graphical system-management tools and end user/client tools
Suite of management and administration tools that support functions across groups of phones as well as single phones
Phone Support Multiple third-party SIP devices Two proprietary, IP hardphones, one softphone and analog phone support
Numerous hard SIP phones
Analog Phone Support
Yes, built-in Yes Yes Yes
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 3Focus Research ©2009
Digium Fonality Intuitive Voice Mitel
Asterisk Business Edition
PBXtra Evolution PBX V2.3SX-200 IP
Communications Platform
Features
Outlook Integration
Click-to-dial available as plug-in Included Included
Integrated Voice Response
Included Included Included Included
Call Center Support
Requires significant configuration Included with Call Center Edition No Included
Software Platform
Open-source, Red Hat Linux based, with extensive customization
Based on Asterisk, true Web-based GUI; extremely intuitive for adminstrators and users alike
Open source – Asterisk Proprietary – integrates with common network systems
Hardware Platform
Pretty much any Linux server Pretty much any Linux server Preinstalled on customized Linux servers Proprietary
Supported Protocol(s)
SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
Management and Administration
Good encrypted VoIP, phone authentication and management security
Standard Asterisk administration Ships with two management tools: MyAdministrator & IP Phone Analyzer; MACs are simple to execute
Phone Support 40+ hardphones supported; numerous softphone clients
Six IP hardphones supported; one IP softphone (bundled); also supports analog phones
Polycom, Linksys, Cisco and Counterpath phones
Supports very wide range of SIP phones and IP devices
Analog Phone Support
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 4Focus Research ©2009
Nortel Networks Pingtel ShoreTel SiemensCommunications
Server 1000 Release 4 SIPxchangeShoretel 9 IP
Phone System HiPath 3500
Features
Outlook Integration
With integrated conference bridge Not available Included Included with HiPath Expressions
Integrated Voice Response
Included Included Available Included with HiPath Expressions
Call Center Support
Included Included Included With HiPath Pro Center Compact
Software Platform
VXWorks Linux VXWorks Proprietary
Hardware Platform
Proprietary Standard Linux servers Proprietary ShoreTel Shoregear switches Proprietary
Supported Protocol(s)
SIP and H.323 SIP and H.323 SIP and MGCP SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
Management and Administration
Windows and Web-based management tools, including traffic analysis, configuration of Meridian digital and IP telephones, and performance of call tracking and billing functions
Web-based GUI is intuitive with simple navigational structure; management of phones can be challenging
Through one browser, you can manage all the sites including the PBX, voice mail, automated attendant and desktop applications.
Lacks integrated interface; individual tools are effective; good monitoring and look for deployment tool
Phone Support Nortel IP phones and softphones Dozens of IP phones and devices via SIP
Shoretel telephones and softphones Most SIP phones, plus analog phone support. Siemens' own phones are among the best.
Analog Phone Support
Yes Supports all SIP compliant FXS gateways
Yes, plus third-party SIP, wifi, DECT, mobile phones
Yes
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 5Focus Research ©2009
Sphere Switchvox TalkSwitch Whaleback
Sphericall Switchvox PBX 48-CVACrystalBlue
Voice SMB 1500
Features
Outlook Integration
Included Included Included Included
Integrated Voice Response
Included Included Included Included
Call Center Support
Included With add-on Yes No (integrates with third-party vendor.)
Software Platform
Windows XP Web-based administration and user portals
Proprietary Proprietary
Hardware Platform
Industry-standard servers Proprietary tower servers Proprietary Proprietary
Supported Protocol(s)
SIP and MGCP SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more protocols supported
Management and Administration
Sphericall comes with Web-based and Windows-based tools for managing and administering the system.
Easy Web-based tools for administration. Windows Based TalkSwitch software to provide management and administration
Part of service provided by vendor
Phone Support End devices from Aastra, Eutectics, Grandstream Networks, Polycom and SpectraLink
All SIP compatible phones Works with Polycom and Grandstream IP phones
Polycom IP phones
Analog Phone Support
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 6Focus Research ©2009
3Com Altigen Avaya Cisco3Com NBX
V3000 BRI-ST AltiServ IP OfficeUnified Call Manager/Media
Convergence Server 7800 Series
Security Encrypted VoIP, strong phone authentication and strong management security
No VoIP security – hybrid system Encrypted VoIP, strong phone authentication, strong management security
Excellent encrypted VoIP, phone authentication and managment security
IP Station Capacity
Expandable up to 1,500 lines 48 users per box with multiple boxes – overall system supports up to several hundred users
Starts at 32 lines, expandable to 270 lines
Up to 7,500 phones per server and 30,000 phones per cluster
Modularity/Expandability
Highly modular/expandable. Good integration with 3Com network products.
Modular and expandable, with units suitable for main offices and branch offices
Modular and expandable with options for main and branch offices
Modular and expandable with cards/additional units; lots of additional modules for extra features
Reroute to PSTN (public switched telephone network) on failure
Full failover No – but does explicitly include backup and disaster-recovery options
Yes Yes
Documentation/Support
Enterprise level documentation and support levels
Enterprise-class support and documentation
Excellent support and rich documentation for both users and administrators
Enterprise level documentation and support levels
Pricing Starts at approx $20,000 for 50-user system
Up to $18,000 depending on reseller and precise features and configurations selected.
$16,900 Starts at approximately $20,000
Ease of Installation
Flexible solution from 3Com that can connect directly to PSTN as well as IP networks. But it is also a complex system that requires professional help to install.
Flexible system with lots of configurable options; is managed by AltiAdmin software
Installation straightforward; configuration cumbersome at some points
Complex system that requires extensive analysis and testing before deployment
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 7Focus Research ©2009
Digium Fonality Intuitive Voice MitelAsterisk
Business Edition PBXtra Evolution PBX V2.3SX-200 IP
Communications Platform
Security Encrypted VoIP, moderate phone, management and authentication security. Add-ons can extend security.
Encrypted VoIP, moderate phone, management and authentication security. Add-ons can extend security.
Encrypted VoIP, moderate phone, management and authentication security.
Strong encrypted VoIP, phone authentication and management security
IP Station Capacity
40 simultaneous calls/server; 240 simultaneous calls/server with upgrade
300 Up to 240 lines 248 plus additional desktop stations and analog lines
Modularity/Expandability
Expandable and modular – low cost makes it easy to upgrade for branch office
Expandable and modular – low cost makes it easy to upgrade for branch office
Expandable and modular – low cost makes it easy to upgrade for branch office
Allows expansion up to more than 600 users
Reroute to PSTN (public switched telephone network) on failure
No No No Yes
Documentation/Support
Includes Asterisk user manual and quick-start guide; free support for one year
Responsive support with fast response times; 'open-source' style documentation
Offers support and services ongoing. Documentation is basic and straightforward.
Enterprise class support and documentation
Pricing Starts at $995 Starts at $995 Starts at $995 $12,000
Ease of Installation
Integrated installation now much improved. At heart, a simpler system than the complex proprietary solutions but still not plug and play.
Intuitive GUI streamlines installation; delivered as appliance; up and running in 30 minutes
Asterisk-based turnkey system that is easy to install and operate.
Straightforward installation via MyAdministrator application
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 8Focus Research ©2009
Nortel Networks Pingtel ShoreTel SiemensCommunications
Server 1000 Release 4 SIPxchangeShoretel 9 IP
Phone System HiPath 3500
Security Strong encrypted VoIP, phone authentication and management security
Good encrypted VoIP: strong phone authentication and management security
Strong AES-encrypted VoIP Encrypted VoIP; strong phone, management and authentication security
IP Station Capacity
Can be scaled up to 16,000 Up to 5,000 users per site Scales from 1 to 10,000 users 192
Modularity/Expandability
Modular and expandable system using additional cards/clustering
Software scales extremely well, additional Linux servers and instances make system readily expandable.
Voice Switches with no forklift upgrades required
Reroute to PSTN (public switched telephone network) on failure
Yes, with survivability gateways Yes Yes Yes
Documentation/Support
Enterprise-class support. Instruction available in classroom, Web and workbook formats
Support team responsive via phone and email; useful, well-organized documentation
Provides support services, training programs and professional services. Live help and guides and tutorials available on the web.
Enterprise-class support and documentation
Pricing Gateway alone starts at $6,000 but cost for a system is significantly higher
Starts at $995 (software only) Varies depending on requirements –most basic system (hardware and software) costs approximately $500 per user
$16,000
Ease of Installation
Complex and powerful system – requires coordination of several systems and pre-deployment testing. Vendor provides assistance.
Straightforward, easy setup; 35-minute installation (note – software only – runs on basic Linux servers)
“Plug n Play” Installation-IP Phones are configured and only need to be plugged in. New users can be added in seconds with only a browser
Straightforward installation and configuration
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 9Focus Research ©2009
Sphere Switchvox TalkSwitch Whaleback
Sphericall Switchvox PBX 48-CVACrystalBlue
Voice SMB 1500
Security Has been submitted for testing by the U.S. Department of Defense and National Security Agency and has met all the requirements of these tests
Encrypted VoIP, good management and phone security
Encrypted VoIP, good management and phone security
Yes, encryption border session control, built-in
IP Station Capacity
Scales to 30,000 Unlimited' – in practice that means several hundred
32 extensions per office location Up to 1,500
Modularity/Expandability
Modular and expandable using standard servers and components
Limited – can add more servers to add more lines
Can be expanded to slightly more than 100 lines
Easily expanded at any time
Reroute to PSTN (public switched telephone network) on failure
Yes No No No – but is externally monitored to optimize uptime
Documentation/ Support
Enterprise level documentation and support levels
Good support and documentation, online support center
Excellent support and documentation Good documentation – support part of vendor service
Pricing Unusual pricing model more similar to hosted solution - $199 per user license
Starts at $995, including hardware Starts at $595, including hardware $49.95 per line, so $999 for 20 lines – connection cost included
Ease of Installation
Sphere Communications' installation and cut-over services include the installation of the Sphericall product, endpoint installation and testing, trunk testing and on-site customer troubleshooting.
Straightforward, software-based system built on top of Asterisk that runs on a standard Linux server. Package comes preinstalled on the server.
Easy customer install with PC-based interface and plug in to LAN
Installed and managed by vendor as part of hybrid managed system/service
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 10Focus Research ©2009
3Com Altigen Avaya Cisco3Com NBX
V3000 BRI-ST AltiServ IP OfficeUnified Call Manager/Media
Convergence Server 7800 Series
Target Business Size
Medium to large enterprise SMB (small- to medium-sized business) SMB Large enterprise
VoIP-News Comments
A scalable and powerful proprietary solution that integrates well with other 3Com products. Most advanced features require add-ons, and it is recommended that installation and configuration services be used to make best use of the product.
Older company with very robust system that continues to be extended; feature-rich
Award-winning. Good choice for reliability and performance.
A highly scalable, powerful and extremely extendable solution.
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 11Focus Research ©2009
Digium Fonality Intuitive Voice MitelAsterisk
Business Edition PBXtra Evolution PBX V2.3SX-200 IP
Communications Platform
Target Business Size
SMB Medium enterprise SMB SMB
VoIP-News Comments
Digium adds valuable commercial license, support and documents to already robust Asterisk
Low-cost, all-inclusive system. Good for hybrid IP/analog setup requiring easy maintenance
Low-cost Asterisk system – clear pricing and support options.
High-end communications system with very many unified communications features, including integration of mobile devices
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 12Focus Research ©2009
Nortel Networks Pingtel ShoreTel SiemensCommunications Server
1000 Release 4 SIPxchangeShoretel 9 IP
Phone System HiPath 3500
Target Business Size
Medium to large enterprise Medium enterprise SMB to large enterprise SMB
VoIP-News Comments
Proprietary, rich solution with lots of features and complexity
Straightforward, open-source-based PBX solution running on standard Linux boxes
Straightforward, relatively easy to install but proprietary solution.
High-end system with good security. Siemens can deliver systems all the way up to enterprise level.
Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide 13Focus Research ©2009
Sphere Switchvox TalkSwitch Whaleback
Sphericall Switchvox PBX 48-CVACrystalBlue
Voice SMB 1500
Target Business Size
Medium to large enterprise SMB SMB Medium businesses
VoIP-News Comments
Open-platform based, powerful solution. In particular has powerful features for building custom SOAP and XML applications.
Low-price, all-inclusive system. Flexible range of options.
Straightforward hybrid system for the very low end of the SMB market – turnkey systems
Unusual system – on-premise but completely managed by the vendor. Very aggressive pricing