Quick Clicks: Small-Business VoIP

Easy to deploy, the Avaya Quick Edition took less time to deploy than it does in describing how to set it up. The Quick Edition supports up to 40 users and utilizes existing network infrastructure to present a very straightforward VoIP solution that supports call logging, routing calls via auto-attendant, and creating call groups. All the telephony features are built into the phones, making maintenance as easy as swapping in a new phone.

Fonality sells a system called PBXtra and a channel-specific software solution called trixbox Pro [sic]. The software is the same on both solutions - PBXtra just comes with a server and phones while trixbox Pro allows the solution provider to provide the hardware.

The system consists of a server, phones, a network switch, and a working Internet connection. Once the server is up and running, it can be proactively monitored and backed up by Fonality Data Center. Fonality also has HUD, a unified communications application that manages presence information, allows drag and drop calling, and supports chat.

An entire SMB networking environment in one package, Cisco integrates unified communications, systems management, and networking. The Smart Business Communications System includes messaging, switching, wireless LAN, firewall, and security services.

Users are created, assigned to extensions, and added to profiles and groups using the Cisco Configuration Assistant.

Adtran's NetVanta 7100 combines an IP-PBX, a 24-port PoE switch, and a QoS enabled high-performance router into one box. The switch also offers T1, PRI, and broadband WAN.

The management interface is extensive with many options, such as creating new users by copying information from existing users, assigning an extension to an analog or virtual phone instead of a SIP phone, and creating paging lists. The interface is easy to use despite the complexity of options.

The Business Communications Manager 50 and Business Ethernet Switch 50 have the same form factor, making it easy to stack for easy storage. The BES 50 is a standard network switch. The BCM 50 is a hybrid system supporting both IP and digital phones.

Supporting up to 50 users, BCM 50 comes with a suite of pre-installed applications, such as call center, unified messaging, auto-attendant, paging, and meet-me conferencing capabilities.