dexman

Hi Arch,

The 2 systems share much in common. The Magix actually replaced the Legend back in 1999.

Here is a short list of differences that I can think of right off the top of my head. I'm sure there are more.

. The Legend required all modules be housed inside plastic clam shells
The Magix does away with the clamshells.

. The Legend supports Merlin Classic telephones (ATL-style)
The Magix doesn't.

. The Legend does not support 4400 series digital telephone sets.
The Magix does.

. The Legend's carriers are made out of plastic.
The Magix's carriers are made out of metal.

Hope this helps!

Paul

Archibald J. Cox

Paul,

Thanks for the quick response! I've been working with phone systems for years now and have just recently got thrown into the Merlin arena. Is the Merlin a current offering from Avaya? Meaning, can I still buy a brand new Merlin switch? I'm also looking for any training courses, but I've heard that Avaya doesn't offer certs or training in Merlin. Are there any companies that offer install/admin/maint training you could recommend?

Thanks,
Arch

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MSYoung

Dexman can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe all versions of Merlin have been replaced by IP Office as the current offering.

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Marty

dexman

Hey Arch & Marty!

Due to declining sales and the introduction of the IP Office line, Avaya pulled the plug on the Merlin Magix back on April 1, 2006.

Some new equipment is still available, but for the most part, the pipeline is now dry. There is, however, a ton of high-quality refurbished hardware out there and the pool should continue to grow as more & more companies switch from the Magix to managed VoIP services. In short, the Magix will be around for a long time to come! Figuring that the cost of "refurbished" is less than "new", the Magix may now be in the reach of smaller companies that could not afford the system if it was comprised of all new hardware.

There is a well-known dealer based out of Troy MI that still has some new Magix equipment in stock, but it appears to be limited to carriers, ETR mods, 800GS/LS-ID mods and 4400 series telephones.

I believe that there are 2 pieces of Magix hardware that tend to be in short supply.

1) The 016T/R module (provides 16 Tip & Ring ports)
2) The Avaya Merlin Messaging R4 voicemail

Avaya ended Magix training shortly before the system was taken off the market. Being an end user, attending an Avaya training class was out of the question. I learned my way around the Magix by purchasing hardware, putting it together, reading the manuals, poking around the menus, asking a ton of questions and getting excellent online advice from a fine group of guys who have either installed Partner/Merlin equipment for years or actually worked for AT&T/Lucent/Avaya.

While my knowledge of the Magix is somewhat limited, I think it would make a fine system for a company that isn't ready to take the VoIP plunge. I am actually a Central Office technician for a CLEC/IXC, but I installed and maintain a Magix for my church. I also installed a Partner ACS there and it acts as a "hot standby" system.

Not to stray too far off topic, but the Partner ACS is slated to end in 2010.

Sorry for droning on.

I'm a laid-back kind of person, so call me Dex!

Paul

Archibald J. Cox

Thanks for the great info! This is definitely going to help. I know I'm going to have to maintain a bunch of these starting in December. Looks like my first stop is going to be eBay. (It's always better to learn by doing!)

I'm sure everyone in this forum will be hearing more from me in the near future!

-Arch

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dexman

Hey Arch,

I tend to be leery about telecom equipment sold on eBay. While there are some great bargains to be had, you never can tell if stuff, such as voicemail modules, has been fully defaulted.

In the case of the Avaya Merlin Messaging or Avaya Partner Messaging, if the Admin password is not known, and the correct backdoor password is unknown, you would have to either contact Avaya or an Authorized Avaya Business Partner for a password reset.

In both cases, there will be a charge for the service, but the local BP would probably charge less than Avaya would.

Dealers, such as atelephonesystems.com and metrolinedirect.com sell refurbished and defaulted Magix & Legend equipment.