NortelÒ NorstarÒ Competitive Update

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: August 23, 1999

NEC America, Inc.

Corporate Networks Group

1555 W. Walnut Hill Lane

Irving, Texas 75038

 

 

 

 

 

Norstar Overview

 

Nortel's Norstar platform includes the Modular ICS and the Compact ICS.  The Norstar systems are flexible and scalable, allowing users to add hardware and software that tailor the systems to business needs.  Enhanced capabilities are programmed into the system's hardware and downloadable firmware, enabling businesses to benefit from performance upgrades and future technology, as they become available.  Note that Nortel derives 33% of their enterprise revenue by working their installed base with these add-ons and upgrades.

 

Norstar Product Analysis

 

Nortel's MeridianÒ Norstar digital key systems debuted in 1988.  They included the 3x8, Compact 6x16, and Modular 8x24.  The key systems portfolio expanded in September 1994 with the Norstar Integrated Communications System, which was also called the Norstar-PLUS Modular ICS.  The Norstar-PLUS later evolved into the Norstar Modular ICS.  The second system in the series, the Norstar Compact ICS, was announced in November 1997. The Norstar 3x8 is also part of the current portfolio and is the only system from the original Norstar Meridian platform that Nortel still sells and maintains.  Although Nortel supports existing Modular 8x24 systems, the marketing of this model stopped in February 1997.  The ICS models are scalable to adapt to users' growth requirements and also feature remote administration capabilities through Release 4.0 of the Norstar Remote Utilities software.

 

NEC Selling Point – When it comes to remote capabilities, the NEAXÒ 2000 offers remote access DISA as standard while the Norstar offers it as Optional.  While both platforms offers Optional Remote Programming Maintenance, only the NEAX 2000 offers a Remote Equipment Module while it is NOT available on the Norstar.

 

Most of Norstar's advanced functions: Norstar IVR; Norstar Voice Mail; Dial by Name; and the ACDs NorstarÒ MinuetÒ, PreludeÒ and CinphonyÒ run on the Norstar Applications Module, an industrial-grade server that functions as the operating platform for these integrated software applications.  NAM II, the latest server release, can run up to seven CTI applications simultaneously:  voice mail, fax mail, desktop messaging, AMIS (the network voice mail standard), digital networking, ACD, and IVR.

 

The Norstar systems also offer call center solutions in the small-to-medium enterprise market.  Three of the solutions are customer oriented; another targets call center managers (SymposiumÒ Multimedia Call Center), and another targets call center agents (Symposium Agent).  Each customer-centric call center offering is tailored to business size.


 

NEAX 2000 System Capacity Selling Points Against the Norstar Capacities

 

1.     The NEAX 2000 offers up to 512 ports versus the Norstar 272.

2.     The NEAX 2000 offers up to 256 trunks versus the Norstar 120.

3.     The NEAX 2000 offers up to 512 analog stations or 384 DtermÒ versus the Norstar 192.

4.     The NEAX 2000 offers up to 4,500 BHCC versus an unreported number supported by the Norstar.

5.     The NEAX 2000 offers Non-Blocking versus the blocking scheme of the Norstar.

6.     The NEAX 2000 offers up to 256 conversation paths versus an unreported number by the Norstar marketing department.

 

The Nortel Symposium Program includes Symposium desktop applications--Symposium Multimedia Messaging (fax, e-mail, and voice message access) and Symposium Multimedia Conferencing (videoconferencing, "whiteboarding", high-speed file transfer, and document sharing).

 

Nortel announced Microsoft's Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) and Novell's Telephony Server Application Programming Interface (TSAPI) capabilities for Norstar in March 1996.  Support of these protocols for CTI provides functionality of merged Norstar systems and computers. Nortel's Business Affiliates Program provides technical and marketing support to third parties (i.e., value-added resellers, system integrators, and software applications developers) that work with Nortel customers and distributors in creating CTI applications.  Symposium Professional Services functions like the Business Affiliates Program, in that it cooperates with Nortel authorized distributors in designing and implementing CTI solutions.

 

The Modular and Compact ICS have supported an ISDN BRI interface since 1997 (through Release 2.0 software) and ISDN PRI since 1998.  ISDN offers Norstar ICS users connectivity to the LAN for access to a centralized database, online applications, and file transfers; high-speed access to the Internet (there is a Computer Telephony Adapter 500 dm and Norstar 2-port U interface card required); and telecommuting and videoconferencing capability.  In areas where users have access to T1 digital networking, the Norstar Modular ICS and Compact ICS can support a large number of users via optional T1 digital trunk interface (DTI) cartridges. The Modular ICS supports up to two T1 lines.

 

NEC Selling Point – The NEAX 2000 supports up to 5 T1s.  Nortel will claim that this meets the needs of most customers but it remains that the NEAX provides more capacity and capability for networking upfront at a better price.

 

NEC Selling Points - Only the Modular Plus offers an ISDN Interface.  Other Norstar models do not.

 

The NEAX products offer 2 to 4 PRIs while the Norstar only offers up to 2.


Pricing

Depending on the configuration, price per station is approximately less than $500 installed.

 

NEC Selling Points – Depending on the configuration, the NEAX product line may be priced from lower than $200 to less than $400 per station.

 

The NEAX 2000 offers Feature Transparency as Standard while the Norstar does NOT currently offer this option on any Norstar model.  This option could save the customer many licensing fees.

 

The NEAX 2000 offers Least Cost Routing as Standard while on the Norstar it is Optional.  Another money saving feature that a customer will get from NEC but not Nortel.


 

Norstar Integrated Data Module (IDM) 200

The Norstar IDM (announced in April 1998) is a LAN-to-WAN access product that allows small business and multisite customers to combine their voice calls and data traffic over a single T1 line, instead of maintaining separate network access lines for each traffic type.  The IDM 200 cuts down on the hardware required to support voice and data traffic, functioning as a MUX, router, and LAN hub. Businesses can connect up to 12 devices directly to the LAN using the IDM 200's built-in Ethernet ports.  The IDM 200 can be used with Norstar telephone systems (up to 100 stations) and Norstar applications (IVR, Prelude and Cinphony ACD, and CallPilot messaging).  IDM 200 supports shared Ethernet 10Base-T LAN in a 12-data port configuration.  Users would have to add additional 10Base-T hubs to go beyond 12 ports.


 

Norstar Applications

 

Messaging

Norstar messaging products encompass voice mail (Norstar Voice Mail), intelligent voice processing (Norstar FLASH Voice Mail), and desktop messaging, but those of particular note include: 

 

Norstar Dial-By-Name, which is described as an electronic "RolodexÒ", provides name detail, an automatic dialer, and multiple phone book access.

 

 

Norstar Fax Messaging is a fax management application fully integrated with Norstar Voice Mail.  It lets users retrieve all their messages with a single phone call; send faxes to group distribution lists; receive confidential faxes; and store faxes in a private mailbox.

 

Norstar Digital Networking enables an organization to send voice, fax, or e-mail messages between Norstar systems or throughout the company using the Internet, a LAN, or a WAN.

 

NEC Selling Point – The Nortel Norstar does not offer centralized voice mail and does not expect it until Software Release 5.0.  They are currently using Release 4.0.


 

Call Center Solutions

Nortel has maintained a variety of customer call center solutions for Norstar for several years.  Minuet was added in December 1997.  Prelude and Cinphony ACD can be integrated with Norstar CTI and Calling Line ID (CLID) services. Prelude and Cinphony are each available as separate software or bundled in 4, 8, or 12 voice channel configurations with the Norstar Applications Module.  Each of the following ACDs combines Norstar systems with software from Cintech Tele-Management Systems Inc.

 

Minuet ACD, the smallest of Norstar's ACD systems, provides a low-cost solution for the small, entry-level call center market.  Minuet ACD is compatible with the 3x8 system through DR5 (Design Release 5), and with MICS and CICS systems through Version 2.0.  Minuet runs on the Norstar Applications Module supporting up to 10 active agents, two ACD agent groups, and up to 15 incoming lines.  Its features include station set-based system administration.  Users interested in Minuet would be looking for more sophisticated queuing and routing capabilities than UCD.

 

Prelude ACD, the "mid-sized" system, handles as many as 15 agents, 3 groups, and up to 30 incoming lines.  Features include real-time group and system status; management reports (using INFOCUS management tool); call distribution/overflow; and other call routing capabilities.

 

Cinphony ACD adds supervisory functions, silent monitoring of agent calls, and two capacity levels.  Level I supports up to 30 agents and 80 telephone lines, and Level II supports up to 80 agents, 24 groups, and 120 telephone lines.  Cinphony has the same features as Prelude and adds others that include intelligent call routing; priority queuing for callers; and software tools for specialized reports.

 

Interactive Voice Response

Norstar IVR, announced in February 1998, is a software system that provides businesses with 24-hour customer service.  Using the telephone keypad, callers access recorded voice prompts that let them direct their own calls and "get answers to routine questions".  Norstar IVR can be used as a standalone system for calls that come in during non-business hours, or in a Norstar call center environment to handle overflow calls or ones that don't require a live agent. Norstar IVR applications are available in prepackaged form for specialized use (as in the initial application Norstar Healthcare Receptionist) or in two custom applications semi-custom (a prepackaged app that allows customization) and fully custom.  Norstar IVR can be integrated with a business's existing Norstar applications (voice mail, fax messaging, ACD, and FastCallÒ CTI).


 

Desktop CTI

CTI functionality is offered through Norstar Computer Telephony Adapter (CTA) products, which "connect" the user's desktop computers and Norstar telephone systems.

 

CTA 100: After receiving call information from the Norstar system, the CTA 100 sends the info to the telephone set and the PC, enabling users to see screen pops, contact managers, and Caller ID on their PCs.

 

CTA 150i: This product is a circuit card that fits an expansion slot inside the PC. It provides the same functions as the CTA 100.

 

CTA 500dm: The most advanced of the Norstar CTAs, the 500dm provides high-speed digital connectivity between the user's PC and a remote data server through the Norstar ICS and the public ISDN network.  The CTA 500dm also supports point-to-point and multi-link protocols that are used in Internet and remote LAN access applications.



Wireless Communications

Norstar systems feature compatibility with wireless and cordless telephones. Nortel'sÒ Companion Portfolio is actually two types of in-building communications systems, the Companion wireless and Companion Microcellular products. 

 

Companion Wireless is a portable, pocket-sized telephone that has the same features as corded Norstar desk phones and operates anywhere within a building.  While on a call, users can move from one cell (or base station) to the next without interruption as long as they are within the workplace coverage area.


A Companion wireless can also share the same number as a desk telephone or use a separate telephone number, which is especially useful for users without a desk telephone.  Still, with a shared number, users can switch from one phone to the other and make and receive calls on either phone.  Companion wireless systems are secure; users must be registered to use the system.  Nortel claims that the only cost incurred is at acquisition.

 

NEC Selling Point - Nortel Companion U-PCS Product Weaknesses

 

The product line is rather convoluted and not very well integrated into the PBX.  Example:

 

·       The Maintenance functions are not integrated and require redundant entry into the wireless database. 

·       If a Norstar customer reached the system limitations, they are unable to upgrade without a ‘forklift’ upgrade.

·       Due to technical limitations, the Companion Base Stations are unable to overlap more than 4 cells.  Since each Base Station can only handle 2 calls each, Companion customers are limited to 8 simultaneous calls per area.  This also creates problems in a multi-floor environment.

·       The Companion U-PCS system is based on the older CT2 digital technology.  Quote from Ericsson’s web site:”CT2 still suffers from capacity problems, and limited mobility: handovers from one base-station to another are clumsy…Some manufacturers offer CT2-based cordless PBX systems, but these are limited in their capacity and coverage (around 100 extensions is the practical maximum).”

 

The Companion U-PCS & Microcellular products share a name but use very different technologies which are not interchangeable.  Due to the naming convention, customers may be confused due to the implied interoperability.

 

 

Companion Microcellular is a standard cellular phone that also has the same features as corded Norstar desk phones, but operates within the user's private in-building network and outside on a standard cellular network.  A fixed, monthly fee may be charged--per user for in-building use.  Companion Microcellular systems are also secure, since cellular phones must be registered on the Microcellular system to access cellular service.

 

Features common to the Companion systems include:

 

Full-day (24 hour) operation before recharging,

Access to Norstar desk phone features and voice mail,

Calling line ID (CLID),

No airtime fees, and

Three battery options (nickel cadmium, alkaline, or hydride).

 

Companion supports up to 32 cells (2 to 8 radio channels per cell) and 32 base stations that support up to 60 portable telephones (digital transmission).  One Companion base station can support two radios.

 

NEC Selling Point - Nortel Microcellular Product Weaknesses

 

The Companion Microcellular handset uses TDMA as the radio protocol, which has a very limited coverage area in the US.  As a result, the handset will most likely operate as an analog AMPS phone which is prone to static, fading and phone conversations can be intercepted with ubiquitous police scanning technology. Companies have a heightened awareness of the need for special measures when communicating sensitive business information over the air waves. NEAX WIRELESS offers protection against both unauthorized use and interception of conversations. 

 

Every time a  DtermÒ PSII user enters a designated area, an automatic user authentication process is performed to confirm the device is authorized for service on the system.  This information is scrambled using a proprietary coding scheme to prevent duplication.  All voice conversations are scrambled to enhance security.

 

In many instances, Companion Microcellular customers are charged a monthly usage fee for each phone to compensate the public cellular network carrier.  This fee may apply even if the user does not use the phone in the public cellular network.  The NEAX WIRELESS solution takes advantage of the features available in your existing PBX, without recurring monthly service fees.

 

Cellular phones are prohibited in many hospitals due to potential interference with sensitive medical equipment.  There have been numerous reports that TDMA devices may stop pacemakers, and may be incompatible with hearing-aids and powered-wheelchairs.  With an average transmit power of only 7 mW and due to the frequency separation realized by operating in the 1.9GHz U-PCS band, the NEAX WIRELESS Dterm PSII phone adheres to the strict FCC requirements for low power operation and has developed a track record of operation in close proximity to many sensitive devices without reported incident of causing interference.

 

The Companion Microcellular installation is only allowed under the strict supervision of the local cellular carrier.  Many carriers do not allow such deployments at all, making wide spread use of these solutions difficult to predict.  Even in the areas where the carrier supports such use, the location and height of the antennae may be limited so as to not interfere with the licensed cellular carrier cell site operation.   The frequencies used for the In-Building systems in this band are in essence "on-loan".  If these or adjacent frequencies are needed to expand the coverage or capacity of the cellular system, they are not available to the In-Building solution. 

 

The NEAX WIRELESS solution exhibits milder propagation characteristics such as reflections, signal delays or drop-offs.  The most disruptive of these impairments is reflection, which occurs when the radio frequency hits an obstacle larger than its wavelength  The reflections may add or subtract at the receiver's antenna resulting in uneven reception and fading.  In addition to reduced multi-path fading, NEAX WIRELESS can support more users since more channels are available.  The NEAX WIRELESS is more efficient in utilizing the available bandwidth to ensure clean, clear, voice and data communications.

 

The Companion Microcellular antennas are wired to the base stations via coax cable.  The installation charges associated with coax is typically much higher than with the standard twisted pair wiring used in NEAX WIRELESS

 

Cordless Solutions

Introduced in 1998, the M7410 is a cordless 900MHz, "workspace mobility" telephone integrated with the same features and applications (messaging, dial-by-name, call center, CTI, IVR, Calling Line ID, two-line display, and softkeys) as Norstar systems.  The M7410 provides coverage up to 125 feet from the user's workspace.

 

Norstar Weaknesses


Expansion Cartridge Incompatibility

Modifications to the design of two- and six-port copper expansion cartridges were made in order to fit the copper cartridges into the Modular ICS.  As a result, previous versions of the two- and six-port copper expansion cartridges used with the 8x24 configuration are not compatible with the Modular ICS.  There is no word how the Nortel Evergreen Installed Base Policy handles this.


 

Fiber Optic Cabling Requirement

To grow beyond its basic configuration, the Modular ICS requires the use of fiber optic-cabled expansion cartridge and fiber optic-cabled trunk and station modules.  These components are compatible with Norstar's existing cartridges and modules, but require fiber optic DS-30 cables instead of the Modular 8x24's copper DS-30 cables.  It is also important to note that the Modular ICS does not provide a fiber interface to the public telephone network, but does provide a fiber interface between trunk and station modules and the expansion cartridge on the line side of the switch.


Year 2000

Versions of Prelude and Cinphony ACD prior to and including Release 2.00.15 are not Year 2000 compatible. (Norstar ACD is not available for Norstar 3x8.)


Application Server

Users need the Norstar Applications Module, NAM II, to run the messaging, voice mail, ACD, and other integrated applications.

 

Call Forwarding – Follow Me NOT supported.  Nortel does not offer this enhanced productivity tool on the Norstar.

 

Remote Modem – Nortel Norstar does not offer a standard remote programming modem.  Nortel, which works their installed base, would prefer to charge the customer as they grow.

 

Conferencing – The NEAX 2000 offers 6 to 10 party conferencing while the Norstar can only do conferencing for 3.

 

Competitive Issues Encountered While In A Bid With The Nortel Norstar

 

Voice Mail by 3rd Party

 

Nortel will claim that NEC’s Third Party Voice Mail does not allow for soft key integration.  The tact that they use is “would you (the customer) prefer the simplicity of scrolling through message commands from your telephone LCD display?  Nortel will claim the M7000 phone series has offered customers complete system integration via soft keys since inception in 1988.

 

Nortel will go further by saying; so many phones for so many voice mail platforms.  The voice mail selection AD-8Ò, AD-16Ò, and AD-40Ò are manufactured by Active Voice and are designed to operate off NEC NEAX IVS platforms through recorded audio prompts.  Nortel will offer the Norstar solution, you the customer, get the guarantee that full integration to the voice mail is possible.  Softkey display guides you through the set-up and check process.  It gives you the capability of recording, listening, and administering the system without the entire need for audio prompts.

 

NEC Response to Nortel Claim – Voicemail is custom designed, manufactured and built for NEC by a premiere voicemail vendor.  Note, that Softkey integration will be added in the next NEAX 2000 software release.

 

Limited Terminal Wiring Abilities

 

Nortel will claim that NEC has station-wiring limitations.  The tact that they use is when the customer installs a new phone system, the customer is limited to distance issues for certain telephones such as single line over two-line with LCD display?  Nortel will then claim that one pair Norstar M7000 wiring across the board no matter what model and that Norstar was designed with 1000 feet and optional 2600 feet distance extender.

 

Nortel will claim with NEC sets, you must know what the distance limitations are according to model.  This will hinder the distance by which the customer’s company can build or expand.  Nortel will claim that the Norstar’s quick and easy wiring solution offers single pair for any M7000 model and the ability to link up to 2600 feet within the office-place.

 

NEC Response to Nortel Claim – NEC terminals reach as far as Nortel’s phone sets with no system reconfiguration required.  NEC customers can upgrade their phones reach with a low cost adapter and adding either a 2 port, 4 port, or a 8 port card all at reasonable costs.

 

Wired for Wireless Has Limitations

 

Nortel will use the tact; would it be a convenience to have your existing deskphone connected with your wireless-roaming phone?  They will add that the Norstar Companion is “twinned” to your desk set providing you the option of two telephones.

 

Nortel will claim that NEC’s Wired for Wireless offers only a choice of hardwired desk set to the Dterm PS II wireless telephony for the 1000, 2000, and 2400.  There is NO twinning between the two.

 

Nortel will then offer the Norstar Companion Solution.  With the Companion, the user has the choice to activate the desk set over the wireless twinned Companion.  Companion provides complete integration with voice mail and key system features like language selection, ring volume, all at the touch of three soft keys.

 

NEC Response to Nortel Claim – NEC’s phones provide the customer with number sharing which allows the user to press a feature key on the Dterm.  The calls will be transferred to the PSII with all of the features that you would expect to include: voice mail, ring volume control, etc.  All of this may be accomplished without having to use the three softkeys which come standard on NEC phones.  Thus, the NEC phones eliminate one step in the process which the Nortel phones can NOT.  In addition, with the CCIS capabilities of the 1000,2000, and 2400, roaming is a capability with these phones.  Example; a user from the Irving office would be able to receive calls on this set at the NEC San Jose office, etc.

 

Older D-Term Series II Telephones Not Operable

 

Nortel will ask, are you upgrading your NEAX system and expecting your Dterm Series II telephones to operate on your 1000 or 2000?  Nortel will then use the sales tact that NEC 1000 and 2000 do not allow older Dterm Series II terminals to function with these systems.  If the customer is stepping up, they would need to purchase more expensive Dterm Series E or III terminal sets, some of which offer LCD as an alternative to the cheaper, non-integrated digital sets of the same series.  They will go on to say that Norstar always has migratable terminals than many a key system.

 

Nortel’s Norstar solution will be presented as Norstar’s existence for more than 10 years has seen 4 reliable, fully integrated and advanced LCD display terminals.  With this architecture in-mind, Norstar introduced its first cordless solution to that portfolio.  From the start, all Norstar terminals were completely capable of working off any upgraded system.

NEC Response to Nortel Claim – The NEAXÒ1000 line size is not positioned as a migration path from any older NEC products that used the Dterm Series II.  The NEAX 2000 is the migration platform for older Dterm II line sized products.  Both the NEAX 1000 and 2000 are compatible with older Dterm III and the ElectraÒ EliteÒ and Electra professional key system telephones.  Thus the key system desktop can migrate to the PBX.

 

No Automatic Set Relocation Convenience

 

Nortel will open with; “do you relocate the internal office area often with cubicle or office moves?  If so, the quick Norstar Plug N Play allows any Norstar user the ability to unplug one set from an RJ-11 to another seamlessly without losing memory.

 

Nortel will say that NEC and all three terminal choices do not offer any automatic set relocation for any of their 2 key systems.  Nortel will claim that the Norstar’s brains lie within all five M7000 series choices.  Auto Set Relocation provides the installer a quick and easy way to make moves by not having to run extra line from the phone room.

 

NEC Response to Nortel Claim – Future NEC software releases will provide the ability for the end-user to relocate telephones as needed.  Unlike other products in the market, the NEAX 2000 database will NOT be scrambled and NO assistance will be required from a third party installer.  This is NOT the case for Nortel which makes the customer use a third party installer, thus driving up the cost.

 

Remote Maintenance Tool in PC

 

Nortel will open with the customer; “would you feel comfortable knowing if your phone system goes down on the weekends, your telephony/data manager has the capability to make adjustments from an external location”?  Nortel will then claim that the Norstar offers the Remote Access Device for remote maintenance of the key system.  Nortel indicates the NRU 8 provides the same capability for the Norstar Voice Mail.

 

Nortel will go on to slam the NEAX by stating it only offers a Maintenance Administration Terminal that provides similar backup capabilities to the RAD.  This is a PC specifically designed for this purpose.  Norstar’s counter to the MAT is the FastRADÒ and software combination.  No dedicated PC is required.  Simply install the CD software on your PC and connect the FastRAD to a station port.

 

NEC Response to Nortel Claim – The NEAX 1000 and 2000 can be administered locally or remotely via MatWorXÒ32 Suite (media is a CD), a GUI based program that is WindowsÒ 95, 98, 2000, and NTÒ compatible.  This software may be run on any Windows 95 compliant PC.

Each PBX comes standard with a modem for remote maintenance.  NO auxiliary module is required.  This simple system programming allows 24 hour remote access with 8 levels of security standard.

 

Terminals Lack LCD Features

 

Nortel will ask the customer if they are receiving the full advantages of Calling Line ID with ALL LCD display terminals?  They will then tell the customer that Norstar has been one of the few that always remained completely LCD display worthy to take advantage of emerging technologies.

 

Nortel will then state that NEC offers the Dterm Series E and Series III which are compressed of many non-LCD display terminal sets.  Nortel will state that the option to choose non-LCD display sets cannot be altered with Norstar.  Since 1988, Norstar has provided reliable, cost efficient terminals that take advantage of features such as CLID, calling line ID, voice mail integration and ACD integration.

 

NEC Response to Nortel Claim – NEC offers Dterm E and Dterm III, both non and display based on customer requirements to support Analog CLID, T-1 ANI, and ISDN CPN as well.

 

 

Norstar and Nortel HPÒ Announcement Insight

 

Its March 15th announcement of an agreement with Hewlett-Packard (HP) should also prove beneficial to customers.  The agreement makes Nortel the first major communications equipment manufacturer to provide its applications as OEM components to a computer manufacturer.  The objective is "to deliver new products and develop new markets."  As the first part of that agreement, Nortel will integrate its voice applications (Norstar key systems, Meridian PBX systems, and IP telephony products) and unified messaging product (CallPilotÒ) into the HP business communications server and HP business messaging server.  Norstar is rumored to be the first of the voice applications to have NT server functionality. Nortel's data and wireless technology will also be integrated into HP solutions.  All HP products that contain Nortel components will be "ingredient" branded with the Nortel Networks Connects symbol.

 

NEAX – Norstar Side By Side Comparison Chart

 

The following chart, Chart A, lists a side by side comparison of the NEAX 1000/2000 versus the Nortel Norstar.  The reader will see the superiority of the NEC product versus the Nortel offering.

 

 

Chart A

Features

NEAX 1000/2000

Nortel Norstar

Ports

48 to 512

32 to 272

Trunks

48 to 256

8 to 120

Stations

48 to 512

24 to 192

BHCC

1,000 to 4,500

None Reported

Non-Blocking

Yes

Blocking

Conversation Paths

256

Insufficient Data

Synchronous Data Support

Yes

NO

Modem Pooling

Yes

NO

Redundancy

Standard

Not Offered

System Features Maximum Speed Dial #’s

300 to 4,000

70

Authorization Codes

680 to 2,300

100

Auto Route Selection

Standard

Optional

DNIS

Optional

Not Available

CCSA Access

Standard

Not Available

Class of Service

Standard

Standard

# of Classes

16

Not Disclosed

ISDN Interface

Optional

Optional on Modular Plus and NOT Available on other models

Maximum PRIs

2 to 4

2 on Modular Plus and None on other models

Maximum BRIs

24 Channels

120 to 192 Phone Sets

Least Cost Routing

Standard

Optional

Multiple Trunk Groups

Standard

Standard

Number of Groups