Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide

Focus Research
March 2009

Focus Research ©2009

 3Com Altigen Avaya Cisco
Unified Call Manager/Media
3Com NBX V3000 BRI-ST AltiServ IP Office Convergence Server 7800 Series

Features

Outlook Included Included Optional via VoiceMail Pro Included

Integration

Integrated Voice Yes, with optional add-on Multiple options with call-center software Included Included
Response

Call Center Basics included, advanced capabilities With call center software Yes, with optional add-on Included
Support available with add-on

Software Security-hardened Linux Windows-based IP Office release 4 Either Windows or Linux

Platform

Hardware Proprietary V3000 NBX platform Proprietary Avaya Office IP 500 Cisco CallManager and Media
Platform Convergence servers

Supported SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more SIP, H.323 and numerous other
Protocol(s) H.323, 802.x and many more protocols protocols supported protocols supported standards
supported

Management Browser-based interface supports
and provisioning, regular administration and
management features and integrates
Administration with 3Com's enterprise network-
management suites
User- and system-management software Windows-based graphical system- Suite of management and administration
options management tools and end user/client tools that support functions across
tools groups of phones as well as single
phones

Phone Support Multiple third-party SIP devices Two proprietary, IP hardphones, one Numerous hard SIP phones
softphone and analog phone support

Analog Phone Yes, built-in Yes Yes Yes

Support

Focus Research ©2009 2

 Digium Fonality Intuitive Voice Mitel
Asterisk SX-200 IP
PBXtra Evolution PBX V2.3
Business Edition Communications Platform

Features

Outlook Click-to-dial available as plug-in Included Included

Integration

Integrated Voice Included Included Included Included

Response

Call Center Requires significant configuration Included with Call Center Edition No Included
Support

Software Open-source, Red Hat Linux based, with Based on Asterisk, true Web-based Open source – Asterisk Proprietary – integrates with common
Platform extensive customization GUI; extremely intuitive for adminstrators network systems
and users alike

Hardware Pretty much any Linux server Pretty much any Linux server Preinstalled on customized Linux servers Proprietary
Platform

Supported SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more
Protocol(s) protocols supported protocols supported protocols supported protocols supported

Management Good encrypted VoIP, phone Standard Asterisk administration Ships with two management tools:
and authentication and management security MyAdministrator & IP Phone Analyzer;
MACs are simple to execute
Administration

Phone Support 40+ hardphones supported; numerous Six IP hardphones supported; one IP Polycom, Linksys, Cisco and Supports very wide range of SIP phones
softphone clients softphone (bundled); also supports Counterpath phones and IP devices
analog phones

Analog Phone Yes Yes Yes Yes

Support

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 3

 Nortel Networks Pingtel ShoreTel Siemens
Communications Shoretel 9 IP
SIPxchange HiPath 3500
Server 1000 Release 4 Phone System

Features

Outlook With integrated conference bridge Not available Included Included with HiPath Expressions
Integration

Integrated Voice Included Included Available Included with HiPath Expressions

Response

Call Center Included Included Included With HiPath Pro Center Compact
Support

Software VXWorks Linux VXWorks Proprietary

Platform

Hardware Proprietary Standard Linux servers Proprietary ShoreTel Shoregear switches Proprietary
Platform

Supported SIP and H.323 SIP and H.323 SIP and MGCP SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more
Protocol(s) protocols supported

Management Windows and Web-based management
and tools, including traffic analysis,
configuration of Meridian digital and
Administration IP telephones, and performance of call
tracking and billing functions
Web-based GUI is intuitive with simple Through one browser, you can manage Lacks integrated interface; individual
navigational structure; management of all the sites including the PBX, voice tools are effective; good monitoring and
phones can be challenging mail, automated attendant and desktop look for deployment tool
applications.

Phone Support Nortel IP phones and softphones Dozens of IP phones and devices via Shoretel telephones and softphones Most SIP phones, plus analog phone
SIP support. Siemens' own phones are
among the best.

Analog Phone Yes Supports all SIP compliant FXS Yes, plus third-party SIP, wifi, DECT, Yes
Support gateways mobile phones

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 4

 Sphere Switchvox TalkSwitch Whaleback
CrystalBlue
Sphericall Switchvox PBX 48-CVA
Voice SMB 1500

Features

Outlook Included Included Included Included

Integration

Integrated Voice Included Included Included Included

Response

Call Center Included With add-on Yes No (integrates with third-party vendor.)
Support

Software Windows XP Web-based administration and user Proprietary Proprietary

Platform portals

Hardware Industry-standard servers Proprietary tower servers Proprietary Proprietary

Platform

Supported SIP and MGCP SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more SIP, H.323, 802.x and many more
Protocol(s) protocols supported protocols supported protocols supported

Management Sphericall comes with Web-based and Easy Web-based tools for administration. Windows Based TalkSwitch software to Part of service provided by vendor
and Windows-based tools for managing and provide management and administration
administering the system.
Administration

Phone Support End devices from Aastra, Eutectics, All SIP compatible phones Works with Polycom and Grandstream Polycom IP phones
Grandstream Networks, Polycom and IP phones
SpectraLink

Analog Phone Yes Yes Yes Yes

Support

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 5

 3Com Altigen Avaya Cisco
3Com NBX Unified Call Manager/Media
AltiServ IP Office
V3000 BRI-ST Convergence Server 7800 Series

Security Encrypted VoIP, strong phone No VoIP security – hybrid system Encrypted VoIP, strong phone Excellent encrypted VoIP, phone
authentication and strong management authentication, strong management authentication and managment security
security security

IP Station Expandable up to 1,500 lines 48 users per box with multiple boxes – Starts at 32 lines, expandable to 270 Up to 7,500 phones per server and
Capacity overall system supports up to several lines 30,000 phones per cluster
hundred users

Modularity/ Highly modular/expandable. Good Modular and expandable, with units Modular and expandable with options for Modular and expandable with cards/
Expandability integration with 3Com network products. suitable for main offices and branch main and branch offices additional units; lots of additional
offices modules for extra features

Reroute to PSTN Full failover No – but does explicitly include backup Yes Yes
(public switched and disaster-recovery options
telephone
network) on
failure

Documentation/ Enterprise level documentation and Enterprise-class support and Excellent support and rich Enterprise level documentation and
Support support levels documentation documentation for both users and support levels
administrators

Pricing Starts at approx $20,000 for 50-user Up to $18,000 depending on reseller $16,900 Starts at approximately $20,000
system and precise features and configurations
selected.

Ease of Flexible solution from 3Com that can Flexible system with lots of configurable Installation straightforward; configuration Complex system that requires extensive
Installation connect directly to PSTN as well as IP options; is managed by AltiAdmin cumbersome at some points analysis and testing before deployment
networks. But it is also a complex system software
that requires professional help to install.

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 6

 Digium Fonality Intuitive Voice Mitel
Asterisk SX-200 IP
PBXtra Evolution PBX V2.3
Business Edition Communications Platform

Security Encrypted VoIP, moderate phone, Encrypted VoIP, moderate phone, Encrypted VoIP, moderate phone, Strong encrypted VoIP, phone
management and authentication security. management and authentication security. management and authentication security. authentication and management security
Add-ons can extend security. Add-ons can extend security.

IP Station 40 simultaneous calls/server; 240 300 Up to 240 lines 248 plus additional desktop stations and
Capacity simultaneous calls/server with upgrade analog lines

Modularity/ Expandable and modular – low cost Expandable and modular – low cost Expandable and modular – low cost Allows expansion up to more than 600
Expandability makes it easy to upgrade for branch makes it easy to upgrade for branch makes it easy to upgrade for branch users
office office office

Reroute to PSTN No No No Yes

(public switched
telephone
network) on
failure

Documentation/ Includes Asterisk user manual and quick- Responsive support with fast response Offers support and services ongoing. Enterprise class support and
Support start guide; free support for one year times; 'open-source' style documentation Documentation is basic and documentation
straightforward.

Pricing Starts at $995 Starts at $995 Starts at $995 $12,000

Ease of Integrated installation now much Intuitive GUI streamlines installation; Asterisk-based turnkey system that is Straightforward installation via
Installation improved. At heart, a simpler system delivered as appliance; up and running in easy to install and operate. MyAdministrator application
than the complex proprietary solutions 30 minutes
but still not plug and play.

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 7

 Nortel Networks Pingtel ShoreTel Siemens
Communications Shoretel 9 IP
SIPxchange HiPath 3500
Server 1000 Release 4 Phone System

Security Strong encrypted VoIP, phone Good encrypted VoIP: strong phone Strong AES-encrypted VoIP Encrypted VoIP; strong phone,
authentication and management security authentication and management security management and authentication security

IP Station Can be scaled up to 16,000 Up to 5,000 users per site Scales from 1 to 10,000 users 192
Capacity

Modularity/ Modular and expandable system using Software scales extremely well, Voice Switches with no forklift upgrades
Expandability additional cards/clustering additional Linux servers and instances required
make system readily expandable.

Reroute to PSTN Yes, with survivability gateways Yes Yes Yes

(public switched
telephone
network) on
failure

Documentation/ Enterprise-class support. Instruction Support team responsive via phone Provides support services, training Enterprise-class support and
Support available in classroom, Web and and email; useful, well-organized programs and professional services. Live documentation
workbook formats documentation help and guides and tutorials available
on the web.

Pricing Gateway alone starts at $6,000 but cost Starts at $995 (software only) Varies depending on requirements $16,000
for a system is significantly higher –most basic system (hardware and
software) costs approximately $500 per
user

Ease of Complex and powerful system – requires Straightforward, easy setup; 35-minute “Plug n Play” Installation-IP Phones are Straightforward installation and
Installation coordination of several systems and installation (note – software only – runs configured and only need to be plugged configuration
pre-deployment testing. Vendor provides on basic Linux servers) in. New users can be added in seconds
assistance. with only a browser

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 8

 Sphere Switchvox TalkSwitch Whaleback
CrystalBlue
Sphericall Switchvox PBX 48-CVA
Voice SMB 1500

Security Has been submitted for testing by Encrypted VoIP, good management and Encrypted VoIP, good management and Yes, encryption border session control,
the U.S. Department of Defense and phone security phone security built-in
National Security Agency and has met all
the requirements of these tests

IP Station Scales to 30,000 Unlimited' – in practice that means 32 extensions per office location Up to 1,500
Capacity several hundred

Modularity/ Modular and expandable using standard Limited – can add more servers to add Can be expanded to slightly more than Easily expanded at any time
Expandability servers and components more lines 100 lines

Reroute to PSTN Yes No No No – but is externally monitored to

(public switched optimize uptime
telephone
network) on
failure

Documentation/ Enterprise level documentation and Good support and documentation, Excellent support and documentation Good documentation – support part of
Support support levels online support center vendor service

Pricing Unusual pricing model more similar to Starts at $995, including hardware Starts at $595, including hardware $49.95 per line, so $999 for 20 lines –
hosted solution - $199 per user license connection cost included

Ease of Sphere Communications' installation and
Installation 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 Easy customer install with PC-based Installed and managed by vendor as part
built on top of Asterisk that runs on a interface and plug in to LAN of hybrid managed system/service
standard Linux server. Package comes
preinstalled on the server.

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 9

 3Com Altigen Avaya Cisco
3Com NBX Unified Call Manager/Media
AltiServ IP Office
V3000 BRI-ST Convergence Server 7800 Series

Target Business Medium to large enterprise SMB (small- to medium-sized business) SMB Large enterprise
Size

VoIP-News A scalable and powerful proprietary Older company with very robust system Award-winning. Good choice for A highly scalable, powerful and extremely
Comments solution that integrates well with other that continues to be extended; feature- reliability and performance. extendable solution.
3Com products. Most advanced features rich
require add-ons, and it is recommended
that installation and configuration
services be used to make best use of
the product.

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 10

 Digium Fonality Intuitive Voice Mitel
Asterisk SX-200 IP
PBXtra Evolution PBX V2.3
Business Edition Communications Platform

Target Business SMB Medium enterprise SMB SMB

Size

VoIP-News Digium adds valuable commercial Low-cost, all-inclusive system. Good for Low-cost Asterisk system – clear pricing High-end communications system with
Comments license, support and documents to hybrid IP/analog setup requiring easy and support options. very many unified communications
already robust Asterisk maintenance features, including integration of mobile
devices

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 11

 Nortel Networks Pingtel ShoreTel Siemens
Communications Server Shoretel 9 IP
SIPxchange HiPath 3500
1000 Release 4 Phone System

Target Business Medium to large enterprise Medium enterprise SMB to large enterprise SMB
Size

VoIP-News Proprietary, rich solution with lots of Straightforward, open-source-based Straightforward, relatively easy to install High-end system with good security.
Comments features and complexity PBX solution running on standard Linux but proprietary solution. Siemens can deliver systems all the way
boxes up to enterprise level.

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 12

 Sphere Switchvox TalkSwitch Whaleback
CrystalBlue
Sphericall Switchvox PBX 48-CVA
Voice SMB 1500

Target Business Medium to large enterprise SMB SMB Medium businesses

Size

VoIP-News Open-platform based, powerful solution. Low-price, all-inclusive system. Flexible Straightforward hybrid system for the Unusual system – on-premise but
Comments In particular has powerful features range of options. very low end of the SMB market – completely managed by the vendor. Very
for building custom SOAP and XML turnkey systems aggressive pricing
applications.

Enterprise PBX Comparison Guide Focus Research ©2009 13