ILE

I have a customer with a maxed out PRO II (88sets+VM). They are expanding and do not care enough about features to upgrade to the latest-n-greatest. Also, they have delayed on upgrading for a few years because replacing all of their phones is not budget friendly (30k).

I know that NEC does not support this, but ETW phones work just fine on the IPK, I have tried this. My options are:

1) PRO II to IPK over CCIS
2) IPK to IPK over ccis using EXPT
3) IPKII

CCIS does not support most voicemail features on the remote cabinet; they know this, but do not care. Centralized billing does not work with CCIS without a 2400/2000; they are not using this right now, but I'm thinking ahead for Call Analyst.

With option 1, will CCIS work between dissimilar systems? I could then use one or the other cabinet as the master. I would be losing slots to a DTI and CCH, but their cost would be small. Remember, their only concern right now is adding phones.

With option 2, I have no worries except that I would have to get a rack with RAK units and move the system to a larger room. Also the equipment cost is 25k.

With option 3, - I am not a dealer for this system, but I am certified on IPK and Aspire - which means I rape the internet for parts and pay for high dollar support if needed. The local dealer is really going down the tubes with extremely poor service and experience. I also am not sure if ETWs will work. I really dig this system and would rather do this.

With option 1 & 2, I will be swapping out phones slowly. Important positions would have the newer phones, of course. The local Aspire dealer is on the ball, and I sometimes send business his way. I think it's the best route, only problem is his outrageous cost.

So, for a customer that is not concerned with features, is not worried about one day having to replace it, and simply wants to add more offices, I feel like option 1 is both economical and modest. I just need to know if CCIS will work.

Any thoughts on this will be greatly appreciated, also if you know another option I haven't thought of, like IAD. Its too bad that the PKU only goes to 120.