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OVERVIEW
The Panasonic TDA series units are pretty robust hybrid switches that can easily be upgraded to IP functionality. They offer feature-rich and downright excellent reliable operation to any size business. Expect to start at 4 stations and 4 lines with an increase up to 200 phones.
THE GOOD
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Can function in tandem with other Panasonic units (TDA, TDE, and NCP series)
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Backwards compatible up to 15 years
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Very reliable and well-built equipment
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Well-known brand
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Good voicemail system
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Flexible architecture
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Wide variety of available telephones
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Good value for the money
THE BAD
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We would have liked to have seen more call-center features and support
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If you want IP functionality, this can get a little expensive
THE UGLY
WHAT IT IS
Hardware
1 – Panasonic TDA-50G Key Service Unit
1 – LCOT4 Analog Trunk Card
1 – DHLC4 Hybrid Station Card
1 – SIP GW IP Card
1 – IP-EXT IP Card
1 – VOIP-GW IP Card
1 – TVA-50 Voicemail Unit
Software
1 – Panasonic SoftPhone
1 – Panasonic Installer Software Suite
Phones
1 – KX-NT343 24 Button IP Phone w/4 line display
1 – KX-DT343 24 Button Digital Phone w/4 line display
Service
1 – Analog Loop-Start CO Line
WHAT IT DOES
The Panasonic systems are our favorite. They are robust, feature-rich, and “bullet-proof.” What is so nice about these systems is the way they are engineered around a specific phone set. That is, it is so simple to go from a TDA to a TDE without loosing what you know and how you do it. Even Panasonic phones from a decade ago will work with them – and so will the old TVS series voicemail units. Panasonic has engineered all of their systems to be backwards compatible, saving time and money – and we don't see that attitude changing in the near future.
Functionally, it comes out of the box doing everything that you'd expect it to do for a hybrid switch – and then some. All the standard features are there. However, the TDA systems do NOT come equipped out of the box to do IP. For that functionality, you will need a NCP or a TDE. You can also upgrade the TDA to handle minimal IP; however, it was designed to be a legacy hybrid PBX.
The voicemail system is very impressive – offering as much functionality as the Avaya Voicemail PRO. We would have liked to have seen the TVA units be IP based, however. You can add a 10/100 Ethernet card for advanced IP functionality easily. Functionally, they do everything from voicemail-to-email integration to fax forwarding. Call recording is also easily accomplished with the TVA's – just be careful, the TVA-50 will run out of storage space mighty quick if you do it. These voicemail systems can be a real pain in the rear to set-up if you do not know exactly how it operates. Yet, if your installers are Panasonic Certified, you won't have much of a problem.
The only argument you will get out of me on this system is the lack of advanced call-center functionality. Why Panasonic chose to ignore its customers with call centers is a matter of painful conjecture on our end. You can fudge your way through a small center with the UCD group feature; however, for database integration, wall boards, and advanced supervisor functions you will probably want to look towards an Avaya IP Office 500 or Definity – especially for large inbound call centers.
As far as phones go, they are excellent. The 3xx series includes a beautifully back-lit display. Unfortunately, the high-end model phones (the 366 and the 400) cannot be used on the TDA series. DECT cordless phones are also a nice feature. These can work in tandem with your desk phone. If you must leave, just grab the cordless and answer your phone anywhere within the building. An excellent conference room phone is also available. The phones are not as expensive as you might think. In fact, only the Verticals are cheaper.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you are a small operation (under 24 users), then this system is probably a good fit, so long as you don't mind minimal IP functionality. It can also be had on the cheap. Whether you need 2 phones or 200, this system will do it – and do it well. However, if IP functionality and VoIP capabilities are paramount to you and to your organization, you would do better with a NCP or a TDE. All the same phones are available (and MORE); and, you will not have to pay a fortune to upgrade the TDA as these units come with powerful IP functionality by default.
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