LucentÒ
MerlinÒ
MagixÒ
Competitive Brief
Date: August 31, 2000
NEC America, Inc.
Corporate Networks Group
1555 W. Walnut Hill Lane
Irving, Texas 75038
Lucent Merlin Magix Target Markets
The Merlin Magix Integrated System target market
shares the same market as the NECÒ ElectraÒ EliteÒ 192, the small and mid-market
customers (15 to 200 users) with single locations, as well as, a large number
of remote locations. In addition to
current voice applications needs, customers that access the Internet via modems
or anticipate a future requirement for Internet access, and currently have a
LAN installed are candidates for the Merlin Magix. Note that the Electra Elite series also offers the high speed
Internet connection simply by offering PRI.
The Magix prospects are often found in the banking, non-bank
financial, insurance, manufacturing, retail, utility, transportation, and
healthcare.
Key Benefits/Differentiators Used by
Lucent Distributors to Market the Merlin Magix
- Flash
ROM (PCMCIA/PC Card) technology that offers back-up/restore capability and
software upgrades. The Elite uses the “SAT”
program to accomplish this task.
- WinSPM system programming.
The Merlin Magix system comes standard with WinSPM, a WindowsÒ
based programming software that allows customers to manage their
system. Again, the Elite uses
the “SAT” program to accomplish this and is also a Windows based program.
- Basic
Customer Care Solution comes standard with the Merlin Magix system. An optional application, Enhanced
Customer Care Solution, can be added for more call center needs. Depending on the model quoted, the
Electra Elite also offers, as standard in some cases, an ACD package
(customer care) for 32 agents and 4 groups.
- Built-in
modem for remote access enabling off-site administration and
troubleshooting. The
Electra Elite offers an optional modem if the customer requires it. The customer is given the option in the
Elite case.
- Caller
ID equipped line modules are the standard, eliminating the need for
separate Caller ID adjuncts or more expensive modules. The Elite also offers this as
standard.
- High
speed Internet access on a single card that includes T1 connectivity,
router, CSU-DSU, and packet filtering firewall software.
- Multiple
wireless offers for single and multi-zone requirements. The Elite will be offering true
multi-zone wireless in its next software release out soon.
- Merlin
messaging integration on a single card provides Auto Attendant, Call
Answer, and Voice Mail capabilities for up to 200 mailboxes. EliteÒ
Mail.
Merlin Magix Configuration
Like the Electra Elite, the
Merlin Magix is a microprocessor-based system with a four-line/10- station
capacity that can grow to eight lines and 20 stations. The system employs a space-division
multiplexing method and operates with a loop-start trunk/line interface. In addition to functioning as a key system,
Merlin Magix can operate behind a PBX or a Centrex system. The system supports up to 80 outside
lines/trunks and 200 stations, including telephones and facsimile machines.
And like the Electra Elite, the
Magix offers traditional key system call processing features as call forward,
call transfer, conference, do-not-disturb, handsfree answer on intercom, last
number redial, privacy, and speed-dial.
The Magix offers some features, associated with a PBX system. These include account code entry, automatic
redial, direct inward system access (DISA), loudspeaker paging, and outgoing
call restrictions. The Magix does
not offer Call Forward Off Premise.
This is standard on the Elite and enables the customer to keep in touch
at all times.
Merlin Magix System Capacities
Trunks 80
Stations 200
Digital System Yes
Blocking Yes
Conversation Paths 108 - blocking
Modem Pooling
Yes
The Merlin Magix basic carrier
houses six slots; one slot for the processor and five slots for trunk/station
modules. The Magix can have up to 2
expansion carriers with six slots each.
Trunk line and station card modules
include:
- 4-circuit loop-start and 12-circuit station
combination card
- 4-circuit loop- or ground-start and 8-circuit
station combination card
- 8/16/24-circuit station cards
- 8-circuit loop- or ground-start card
- 24-channel T1/PRI card
- 4-circuit E&M Tie Line card
- 8-port BRI card
- 8-circuit DID trunk card.
-
Note that the Magix card slots are
Universal.
Merlin Magix also supports a
24-channel Integrated Network Access (INA) Module with built-in CSU/DSU,
Router, and Packet-Filtering Firewall software.
Merlin Magix utilizes an optional Integrated Network Access Card to route voice and data calls over an IP network. The card provides 24 voice lines via a T1 link to the PSTN or the Internet. The Electra Elite offers the IP gateway.
The Magix supports the Lucent
TransTalkÒ Wireless
System with up to 30 TransTalk handsets in single or dual zone. The Electra Elite will be offering this
technology in its next software release.
Redundancy is not offered on
the Merlin Magix or the Elite system.
Magix wiring as with most other Lucent systems are: 2-pair required for digital sets; but 4-pair recommended for all sets to ensure compatibility with other systems offered.
The Merlin Magix Toll Restriction
includes 8 allow and deny number lists.
Each list contains up to 10, 7-digit numbers. Compare this with the Electra Elite which sports 16 allow and
deny number tables with each table containing up to 16, 8 digit numbers.
The Merlin Magix system supports
up to 80 ARS/LCR routing patterns with up to 12 routes per pattern. Note that the Electra Elite has the same
capability.
Computer Telephony Integration
As optional services, the Magix
offers Multiple Attendant Positions; the maximum number of attendants are four
to eight. As optional interfaces, the
Magix offers both TAPI and TSAPI. The
Electra Elite also offers four attendants and offers a much more stable TAPI as
its optional interface.
As standard CTI features, the
Magix offers Override/Busy Verification, System Programming and Administration
and the Lucent standard Proprietary Desktop Interface. The Electra Elite also offers a
proprietary desktop interface.
Magix Networking
The Magix offers networking
services via Digital T1 Lines as an option and also ISDN PRI as an option. The Electra Elite offers both the Digital
T1 and ISDN PRI as an option. Note that
the Magix does not offer networking via Analog Tie Lines while the Electra
Elite offers this option. Also
offered optionally on the Magix is the Lucent version of the Uniform Dialing
Plan.
Feature Transparency is available on the Lucent Merlin Magix
as an option.
The Lucent Merlin Magix does offer
a Remote Equipment Module as standard gear with a maximum of 8 ports. The Electra Elite offers optional remote
connections. The Elite offers tie lines
to link a system with another Elite.
Merlin Magix Integrated System Layout with optional integrated network access
With the addition of
the Merlin Magix Integrated Network Access circuit module, the system allows
customers to use a converged T1 connection for high-speed Internet access from
a LAN in addition to sending local and long distance calls to the PSTN. The Integrated Network Access circuit module
combines the functionality of a data router, DSU/CSU and a firewall, providing
efficient use of bandwidth, without compromising call quality and reliability.
Note, the Electra Elite
can also accomplish this by taking the channels and bringing them in via a DSU
or CSU.
Special
Feature and Package Notes:
- The Merlin Magix voice mail card provides Auto
Attendant, Call Answer, and Voice Mail for up to 200 mailboxes. Elite can do as well.
- The Merlin Magix Reporter optional package for
Basic Custom Care ACD Solutions reports data about incoming call
traffic. Elite can do as well.
- Merlin Magix can be networked to MerlinÒ
Legend, DefinityÒ BCS,
and DefinityÒ
ProLogixÒ
systems; Merlin Magix networking supports a uniform dialing plan (2-4
digits) and Caller ID/ANI. Elite
can do via a T1.
- As a hub, the Merlin Magix supports up to three
T1/PRI circuits or 80 total trunks.
Elite can do with 64 total trunks.
Magix System Administration Notes
As mentioned, the Magix system utilizes Flash ROM (PCMCIA/PC card) technology for backup and restoring and software upgrades. The system comes with standard WinSPM, a Windows based software tool for system management.
WinSPM provides centralized programming of multiple Merlin Magix systems at different locations and can be used to program ARS, call pick up groups, covered groups, speed dial and more (requires WindowsÒ 95Ò, 98Ò or NTÒ 4.0 or higher, IBMÒ-compatible 486 PC or higher, 40MB hard drive space, 16MB RAM or more). The system also provides a built-in modem for remote access.
The Electra Elite runs the
above on the “SAT” program. In
addition, software upgrades are done via the Internet.
A 50-button DSS 4450 console add-on unit is available for Merlin Magix 4400-Series phones (models 4424D+ and 4424LD+). The Electra Elite offers a 60-button console.
IP Enabled
The Merlin Magix Integrated Network Access card routes voice and data calls over an IP network; this can reduce long distance voice and fax expenses. The Elite offers the IP gateway.
Attendant Consoles
Basic business features provided by Magix include
speed- dial, automatic line selection, barge-in, call forwarding, call
transfer, call waiting, call pickup, distinctive ringing, do-not-disturb, last
number redial, message-waiting, on-hook dialing, and privacy. Other features include automatic callback,
handsfree answering, camp-on, call park, voice announce, and microphone
disable.
The Merlin Magix supports a direct extension-dialing
feature, which allows the control unit to serve as a primitive automated
attendant. Incoming calls on designated
lines connect to an integrated Voice Synthesis Processor (VSP), which delivers
message prompts that ask callers to dial the desired extension numbers. Magix systems provide the following call
processing functions:
- Automatic
Answer All-Answers both outside and inside voice and data
calls when the user is not available.
- Extension
Status--Allows a system operator or supervisor with a
direct-line console to monitor the status of extensions differently than
the standard call-handling status.
- Group
Calling--Directs incoming calls to a specific calling group or
group of telephones with the same extension. A system can have up to 32
calling groups with a maximum of 20 telephones per group.
- Night
Service--Facilitates the answering of calls after business
hours.
- Remote
Access--Allows employees to dial into the system from an
outside location by dialing the number of a line or trunk designated for
remote access; the remote user may or may not be required to use a
password to gain access.
Lucent claims that the Merlin Magix represents a
protected investment in hardware as Merlin Magix telephones are upwardly
compatible with the Merlin Legend and System 25 (100 lines, 200 stations)
telecommunications systems, providing substantial savings for users migrating
to larger systems.
Magix systems offer several cost management features
ALL of which are offered on an Electra Elite
- Account
Call Entry--Requires the user to enter an account code
before dialing an outside call.
- Alarm--Provides
a visible or audible indication to the user, when the system detects a
problem that could interfere with service.
- Toll
Restrictions--Disallows certain calls, such as long distance
or 900-exchange calls.
- Allowed
List Programming--Activates a toll-restriction override function
so that users with toll-restricted telephones can dial certain normally
restricted numbers, such as local emergency numbers or calls to a specific
area code.
- Station
Message Detail Recording (SMDR)--Captures detailed
information on incoming and outgoing voice and data calls, then generates
reports via a user-supplied printer.
The Merlin Mail
Voice Messaging System, very similar to EliteMail is an optional package
for the Merlin Magix that provides integrated voice messaging services,
including automated attendant, call answer, and voice mail functions. The system has 2, 4, and 6 port options with
10 hours of voice storage for the 6-port and six hours in the 2 and 4 port.
- Announcement
Service and Bulletin Board Service--Enables a caller to enter a
code to hear specific information.
- Broadcast
Lists-Enables system administrator to send broadcast
messages.
- Call
Answer--Places the caller's message in a mailbox after
playing the called party's personal greeting. When the called party
receives a message, the station set's message-waiting LED is illuminated.
- Class
of Service--Allows the system manager to assign one of 20
predefined operating parameters to a user station.
- Dial
by Name--Permits callers to dial the last name of the desired
party rather than the extension number.
- Facsimile
Transfer--Transfers incoming fax calls to a designated
facsimile machine.
- General
Mailbox Option--Provides a general mailbox per automated
attendant mailbox for callers with rotary phones.
- Outcalling--Calls
a user automatically at up to five preprogrammed numbers, when a message
is received by the system.
- Pager
Notification--Operates similarly to the outcalling feature
by calling the user at the designated number when a message is received.
All features are the same with the 2, 4 or 6 port. The pricing is as follows: 2 port ~ $4,890;
4 port ~ $6,950 and 6 port ~ $9,000.
Chart A: Additional
feature advantages of the Elite compared to the Merlin Magix.
|
|
Electra
Elite 192 |
Merlin
Magix |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Trunk Groups |
32 |
11 |
|
Busy Lamp Field |
Standard |
Optional |
|
Pricing |
$390 |
$440 per station |
|
Auto Set Relocation |
Standard |
Not Available |
|
Maximum # of BRIs |
16 |
5 |
|
Multiple Trunk Groups # of Groups |
32 |
11 |
|
Tenant Service |
Standard |
Not Available |
|
Number of Tenant Groups |
48 |
Not Available |
|
Intercom Blocking |
Standard |
Not Available |
|
Networking via Analog Tie Lines |
Optional |
Not Available |
2000 NEC America, Inc. All specifications are subject to
change. All products indicated by
trademark symbols are trademarked and/or registered by their respective
companies:
NEC, Elite, Electra Elite, and
EliteMail, are registered trademarks of NEC America, Inc.
Merlin, Magix, Legend, Definity,
and TransTalk are registered trademarks of Lucent Technologies, Inc.
Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98,
and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
IBM is a registered trademark of
International Business Machines Corporation.
Appendix A: Current Lucent Merlin Magix Sales Programs
Merlin Magix “Sell Up and Save” Program
The Merlin Magix integrated system
release 1.5 in combination with Merlin Messaging and the Lucent Web
Communications Server delivers a suite of eBusiness tools ideal for small and
mid-size businesses. Providing high-speed
Inernet access, a single mailbox for voice and e-mail messages, networking, and
a variety of Web development tools, these offers help smaller companies build
competitive eBusiness capabilities.
Through September 29, 2000, US
BusinessPartners eligible for a $500 to $1,000 rebate for qualifying Merlin
Magix Integrated system new sales and Merlin Legend migrations to Merlin Magix
Release 1.5, while the Merlin Magix integrated network access module is part of
the end-user customer sale. The program
has been enhanced with additional optional manufacturer’s rebates to include
Merlin Messaging release 2 and the 4400 series telephones with these Merlin
Magix system sales.
Merlin Magix “Fast Track” Alliance Program
Encourages ISV’s to develop new CTI solutions that integrate with the Merlin Magix system and in turn, provides customers with a wider choice of applications that are pre-tested to work with their system.
Definity Release 8.3 Voice Program
Definity release 8.3 using interswitch mode code integration that allows a private network of Definity ECS, BCS, ProLogix Merlin Legend and Merlin Magix systems to share a single voice mail system.
APPENDIX B: The following is a Lucent distributors
Internet published list pricing on individual components found in a Merlin Magix
Configuration.
|
Magix Telephones and
Modules |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
New In Box - All One Year Warranty |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Magix Digital
Telephones |
|
|
Digital Single
Line Telephone |
$79.00 |
|
Digital Single
Line Display Telephone |
$119.00 |
|
Digital 6
Button Mutiline Display Telephone |
$169.00 |
|
Digital 12
Button Multiline Display Telephone |
$230.00 |
|
Digital 24
Button Multiline Display Telephone |
$275.00 |
|
Digital 24
Button Multiline Large Display Telephone |
$395.00 |
|
Digital 50
Button DSS Console |
$195.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Magix Messaging |
|
|
2 Port X 200
Mailboxes |
$3100.00 |
|
4 Port X 200
Mailboxes |
$4150.00 |
|
6 Port X 200
Mailboxes |
$5300.00 |