jab

Hi,

I manage an Option61 that provides services to 3 call centres in the UK. At the remote sites I have IRemote's, they use a Cisco platform to push VoIP across the WAN which works fine. This is great at the WAN side as I can prioritise traffic and run QoS, unfortunately I have inherited a Cisco Layer2 LAN which doesn't support this functionality. I am in the process of purchasing Nortel kit to replace the LAN, this will enable me to run QoS, Diffserv and VLans. I know that Cisco can do this for me but I feel that working with Nortel voice and data products for 4 years in last position they can provide more flexability and compatability.

Cheers
James

bwells

did anyone else notice that Verizon has chosen Nortel to provide the equipment in all of their CO's for VoIP?

Bruce

I've been involved with both AVID & Nortel VOIP solutions. In general the Cisco installs are easier in terms of getting the networking side working, but then Nortel have really caught up in this area in the last 12 months. I would go for the Nortel because they do all their own items such as call centre, voice mail etc. With Cisco, everything other than the core switch functions are 3rd party & you will have all usual integration issues you get currently with using 3rd party call centre/ voice mail solutions, like arguments as to who's problem is it.

darby

Bwells,

I saw that Verizon is going with Nortel also, hope that is a sign of good things to come!

darby

bwells,

I stumbled across this article today also, might be of interest to you.



http://groups.google.com/groups?dq=&...f%26start%3D75

telclb

we are currently testing cisco voip. As I type, the system is down. has
been all day. will be for the forseeable future. the reason....
cisco is taking care of some "security issues".
is this the kind of system you would want to deploy?
The technology looks promising, but is a very long way from being
anywhere near 5 9's.

Chas2002

I don't have a strong opinion on any of the VoIP systems on the market today - just don't have the knowledge and studies that I need to make an educated choice..

I will add this though:

"If I'm the one who's going to be called out at 2:30 in the morning because a softphone isn't working or there is a problem with the VoIP applicaton" - Then I'm going with nortel...

Logic: If I have a major outage and I'm already on the phone with Nortel Reps - then I want to keep the equipment universal...

But, If IT has that responsibility to isolate back to the switch - then IT can choose the VoIP system they like...

No sure of all the correct buzz words, but I think you see my point..

Wonder which way all the TAC, NOC center(s) are leaning

Chas2002

bwells

Darby - thanks for the link. The article had a lot of good info in it.

Chas2002 - I agree. I'll be the person doing most of the support and maint. however, I'm sure IT will be involved on some level.

The general concnesus I've found so far is to go Nortel. They seem to be more stable, have more features, mor user friendly, and will of course integrate better.
Thanks to all who responded!

sneexy69

Verizon Chose Nortel....up here in Canada, Bell Canada went with Cisco.....the battle has begun!