Barry

Hello,

The company I'm working for is looking to purchase a new Definity PBX. They're also considering the purchase of a used/refurbished Definity PBX.

Are there any hidden disadvantages to purchasing a used PBX? Will upgrades be impossible to aquire? How about support from Avaya??

If we buy the used PBX, we'd be adding the Avaya Call Center to it.

Thanks,

Barry

ahays

Here's the scoop about Avaya PBX's ... the hardware is transferrable. You can buy an Avaya PBX on eBay ... just go to eBay and search on the word Definity. Hardware is not the issue: it's the software that's the problem. It is NON-TRANSFERRABLE ... and it's also the most expensive part. That's right, if you purcahse my used Avaya PBX today for ten dollars, you are still required to pay all of the software RTU (right to use) fees all over again ... 100% ... no freebies ... not one. But that's not all ...

Support and upgrades will not be hard to get ... as a matter of fact you will be legally obligated to re-license the PBX and Avaya requires that you upgrade to the current release as a part of that licensing process. At that point in time you will be part of the Avay family just as if you bought the system new. Note: there are plenty of unlicensed PBX's running out there. There are folks running 3, 4, even 500 seat call centers on old Release 6 Definitys (R6 was a damn fine release) that are not licensed. I'm simply stating your legal requirements under the law. Should you decide to run the PBX unlicensed then you would get ZERO support from Avaya. As a matter of fact, if they knew you existed they'd come after you. There's plenty of alternative support available but there are other risks ...

So, here is my recommendation: If you're going to run a legit call center and want to use all the latest technology (VOIP, etc.) then buy the PBX new. After all is said and done you could purchase a used PBX, upgrade it and pay the RTUs (again, both of which are legally required) and you might save 20% ... and then again, you might not. You'll have two deals to hassle with, two implementations, warranty issues, etc., etc. It might save you $40,000-50,000 but that savings is short-sighted considering the warranty and other advantages of a brand new box.

I wish you much luck and success. If I can be of assistance, don't hesitate to call.

regs,

.al.

__________________
Al Hays, ACE, MCSE, CCNA
Homepage: http://www.jeral.com/
Training: http://www.jeral.com/avaya-learning.html

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