When Avaya acquired Nortel in 2009, many customers were left stranded in regards to their business phone systems. Where were Nortel subscribers supposed to get replacement parts? How were they going to hire qualified technicians when they become scarce?
Unfortunately, the reality is that companies still getting by with Nortel business phone systems are soon going to have to face facts; Nortel will soon be extinct. Technicians capable of working on these obsolete systems are extremely difficult to find anymore. This is an unavoidable fact, but if you prepare and educate yourself, the transition to a newer system can be painless. Here are the most reoccurring causes of PBX system failure:
System Programming Failure
Earlier Nortel systems still require a super-capacitor in order to store system memory. However, the problem with a super-capacitor is that they frequently fail as they get older. Thus, in the event of a power failure, every aspect of your programming vanishes (call handling, extension numbers and names, etc.). The only fix is a complete re-programming which usually necessitates hours of billable labor.
Power Supply Failure
The most common reason Nortel systems fail are their power supplies. With Nortel systems, the power supply is converted from everyday AC electrical current harvested from a wall socket. This power is then converted into a lower voltage DC current. However, this process puts off heat which will erode your power supply. Obviously, if your power supply fails, the entire phone system crashes.
Norstar Component Failure
Nortel business phone systems rely on a lot of hardware, made up of several modules and cards.
If the T1 card fails, your system is incapable of inbound and outbound calls. When a customer phones your company, they hear the ringing but won’t receive an answer, resulting in irritated clientele.
When a station module fails, the phones stop working altogether. There is no feasible method of predicting when a card or a module will fail.
Back in the day, Nortel business phone systems were reliable and well-engineered. Alas, just like any electronic component they possess a limited lifespan. As mentioned earlier, service on the system only has a finite lifespan as well. Many can no longer garner parts or find technicians who still work on these old systems. Thus, in many different facets, Nortel systems are quickly meeting their end.
Advanced Communication Systems is a certified business partner with Avaya, Mitel as well as ESI. Be prepared, call us today to discuss which option best suits your individual business phone system needs!
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