Concerns about the NBX system:
1. This system is new to the marketplace and lacks many features of existing PBX or key systems.
2. It's strength is the ability to network over existing IP networks running 10BaseT only.
3. Dedicated LAN ports are required for phones where no PC exists.
4. Phones beyond the 300' Ethernet limit may require additional equipment.
5. Trouble shooting this system may interupt LAN operations.
6. Scheduled down time required.
7. Lack of certified technicians and service alternatives around the country.
8. Service calls may be billed at high rates.
9. If the customer wants to upgrade to Fast Ethernet (100 MB), you will need to maintain a separate 10 MB LAN for the phone system and necessary switching for interfacing.
10. Probably minimal LAN degradation with heavy voice traffic.
| Comparison/Feature | NEC 2000 | 3Com NBX |
|---|---|---|
| Analog Caller ID | Standard | Standard |
| Analog DID trunks | Standard | Not Available? |
| Analog phones | 500+ | Requires an expensive adapter |
| Automatic Call Dist. | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Set Relocate | Use MAT software | Standard |
| ACD with MIS | Optional | Optional |
| Battery Backup | Standard - 20 min to 2 hours typically provided | Optional - Requires AC Backup for safety |
| CPU Non-Blocking? | Non-Blocking | Non-Blocking |
| Card Slots for phones | Digital or analog | IP phones |
| Networking | Optional | Standard |
| Central Call Accounting | Optional | Standard |
| Centralized Voice Mail | Optional | 20 hour 6 port Standard |
| Conference Calling | 3 standard, 6 or 10 optional | four party |
| Console - Attendant | Console, or phone with DSS | Phone with dedicated buttons |
| Downtime-scheduled | None | 1 minute every 1000 hours |
| E-911 Compatible? | Standard | PRI only - Rel 2.6 |
| Expansion capability? | 512+ ports | 224 ports |
| Extended power outage hazard? | No problem - system data non-volatile | Unknown |
| Ground Start Trunks | Standard | Not Available |
| Hands-free inter-com | Hands free answer back | Must push button or lift handset? |
| Headsets | Digital sets have built-in jack | Limited choices |
| Introduced | June, 1994 | 1998 |
| ISDN BRI Station | Standard | Not Available |
| ISDN BRI Trunk | Standard | Not Available |
| ISDN PRI Trunk | Standard | Not available? |
| Least Cost Routing | Standard | Future |
| Maintenance Modem | Standard | Unknown |
| Manufacturer's Warranty | Five Year optional | One Year? |
| Market Share | Top 5 | Minimal |
| Max. # of analog trunks | 200+ | 100 |
| Max. # of digital trunks | 120 | future |
| Max # of Music On Hold | 10 | 1 |
| Message waiting lights | Standard - built in | Future release |
| Multi-Line Phones | Digital - Multiple choices | analog only |
| Power Failure Transfer - extended outage | Multiple phones/trunks | one phone/trunk |
| Lan Traffic | Doesn't affect | some affect |
| Program Storage | Non-volatile Flash ROM | Unknown |
| Reliability | MTBF 10-20 years | Unknown |
| SMDR | Standard | Standard |
| Speaker Phones 1/2 duplex | Standard | Standard |
| Speaker Phones full duplex | Optional | Not Available |
| Station Hunting | Multiple Types | Future |
| Station Speed Dial | 4500/8000 (100 per) | Dedicated buttons |
| System Speed Dial | 300-4000 numbers | Unknown |
| TAPI/TSAPI CTI compliant? | Standard | Standard |
| Tie Line Capable? | Standard | Not available? |
| Traffic Measurement | Standard via modem | Not Available? |
| Uniform Call Distribution | Standard | Future - Call Groups |
| Voice Mail Options | Multiple brands/choices | Proprietary only |
| PC Windows Maint. Soft. | Optional | Standard |
| Wiring | 1 pair | Requires Cat V wiring 10BaseT only. Requires LAN wiring for warehouse phones etc. Potential 300' problem |