[Asterisk-Users] Inter-Tel Eclipse2 (IP PhonePlus)

Fri Jul 2 07:40:49 MST 2004

Vasyl,

Not sure what kind of setup you're trying to do but if it’s a build out of an existing system you're two options are pretty much as follows:

1. Proprietary System Integration
In this scenario you would use the Inter-Tel IPC.  Supposedly they have a new card that supports SIP as well as their proprietary system, however I've been told it's buggy and quite expensive.  This card plugs directly into the PBX just like a T1/Pri card or other hardware card.  It has an Ethernet jack on it that you would connect directly to the Internet.  It's mostly configurable via the web interface (its on some funky port, I think 8080 or 8008) however you will need to log into the DB Programming of the PBX to configure the circuit side of the PBX.  We'll call this step "The Fun Part" as usually this results in some kind of massive breakdown of the PBX.  If you go into DB Programming MAKE A BACKUP!!! I can't stress that enough.  If the DB gets corrupt and you don’t have a backup you will need to rebuild the entire PBX including dial plans, card configurations and voice applications.  As for programming the IP keysets, you just hold down the 7 & 8 key while plugging in the Lan/Power cable in the back of the keyset.  This is pretty straight forward, just follow the prompts on the keyset.  Be sure to include 0's when entering IPs.  i.e.  10.2.0.1 would be 010.002.000.001.  Oh also, you will need the MAC addresses off all of the keysets as this is how the units are identified with the IPC.  These get plugged into the IPC web interface under "Circuit Configurations."

Pros:
-If you need a solution that will give you the exact same functionality as if you were sitting at the office using the phone, this is probably your best solution.

Cons:
-The IP keysets are very picky about connectivity.  If you don't have a solid high speed Internet connection they tend to be very choppy.  If you beg the guys at corporate in Phoenix, they may send you the prequel software tool that lets you simulate their proprietary calls over the network.  I would STRONGLY recommend testing with this before implementing this solution.
-You can only network other IP Keysets and Softphones over the IPC.  These will not support other hardware based IP phones.
-The IPC and keysets are REALLY expensive.  About $1,700 for the IPC (refurbished) and $700 per keyset!! (Ouch)

2. Asterisk Integration
This other option which I think is a more powerful solution even though it lacks some features is getting a T1 card for the Inter-tel and an Asterisk Box with a Digium T100P.  This will allow you to make a cross over cable and network the two.  I'm not going to go into too many specifics here on how to do this because there is lots of documentation on the boards that tell you how to configure Asterisk.  The only thing I can say is use Auto Line Build Out on the T1 of the Inter-tel and go for a high LBO on the T100P.  The sample configurations say to use a low LBO but I've found it causes static and Red alarms.

Pros:
-You now have a fully customizable pbx module that you can use to create other apps such as IVRs and Unified Messaging applications.
-Any SIP phone can now connect to the PBX via Asterisk server.
-Low cost: Cost of computer plus $500 for T100P. Many keysets to choose from ranging in price.
-LCR.  Create a few channels on the T that will allow you to place calls from the PBX to a SIP carrier.  (Can't do that with IPC)
-Many other enhancements powered by Asterisk.

Cons:
-You're not going to have some of the functionality that you would have with the Inter-tel keysets. i.e. Agent management, Call monitoring, reverse transfers (call picking), paging and a few others.

Anyways, we've tried both and 2 works out best for us.  Hope this info helps!

~ken

-----Original Message-----
From: asterisk-users-admin at lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-admin at lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Vasyl Rublyov
Sent: Friday, July 02, 2004 7:23 AM
To: asterisk-users at lists.digium.com
Subject: Re: [Asterisk-Users] Inter-Tel Eclipse2 (IP PhonePlus)

Thank you, Ken.

I just asked because one from our clients is using this system..... and 
I have to configure a few phones for connecting to their network/pbx.

It really disaster to me..... no SIP.... no docs... I just would like to 
cry a little :) and see if anyone can say anything good and informative 
about this system and that company :-)

Thanks and have good weekends too.

Ken Wiesner wrote:

>Vasyl,
>
>I'm reminded of the wedding scene in the movie "Old School" when Vince Vaughn tells Will Farrel, "Run.. now.. run go.. don't look back... hurry... now is your chance... GO!!!"
>
>I have an Inter-tel system.  Their support is little to be desired as is their so called "SDK".  You hit the nail right on the head... "PROPRIETARY" They market it as "Customizable" but don’t expect anything fancy.  This system is valued by Inter-tel at $60k, many in my office consider it worth not more than $4.95.  Not kidding, there is a calendar in the office counting down the days till the lease is up and we can make a full migration to Asterisk. :-)
>
>That said... RUN!
>
>
>Ken
>
>P.s. have a good weekend all!
>
> 
>-----Original Message-----
>From: asterisk-users-admin at lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-admin at lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Vasyl Rublyov
>Sent: Thursday, July 01, 2004 10:44 PM
>To: asterisk-users at lists.digium.com
>Subject: [Asterisk-Users] Inter-Tel Eclipse2 (IP PhonePlus)
>
>Hello All,
>
>Just looking some comments from gurus about this proprietary systems and 
>phones:
>
>Inter-Tel Eclipse2
>Model name: IP PhonePlus
>
>I did not find anything useful or reasonable about their products on 
>their website or even in Internet.... except sales.
>
>  
>

-- 
Thanks and regards,
  Vasyl Rublyov
  IonIdea, Inc.

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