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OVERVIEW
The Vertical SBX IP is an excellent solution for small companies who plan to remain small. This system is compact, yet robust. It is a good choice for those who want a little IP functionality at a rock-bottom price. Expect a maximum of 48 ports and 24 lines.
THE GOOD
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Can function in tandem with 72 other SBX-IP 320's at other locations
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Loaded with features and functionality at a great price
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Good in-skin voicemail system
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Relatively easy to set up and program
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Very low power consumption
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Excellent value for the money
THE BAD
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Selection of system telephones is rather spartan
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You must use their voicemail or have none at all
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Lacks a good software companion suite
THE UGLY
WHAT IT IS
Hardware
1 – SBX-IP 320 KSU (3x8 configuration)
1 – VMIB 4-port in-skin voicemail card
1 – VOIB-model VoIP interface card
Software
1 – Nomad SoftPhone
Phones
1 – 4024-00 24-Button Digital Phone
1 – 4024-00 24-Button IP Phone
Service
1 – Analog Loop-Start CO Line
WHAT IT DOES
For its size and price, the SBX-IP is surprisingly functional and feature-rich. This system offers features commonly found on larger and higher priced systems for a small office budget. Indeed, our test unit ran us under a grand, including 3 phones AND THE VOICEMAIL! The voicemail system really is the coup-de-grace of the SBX-IP. That is, either you use it or have none at all. (It should be noted that you could connect an aftermarket analog voicemail unit and fudge the connection with a calling group, but...) Thankfully, the on-board voicemail is pretty powerful and inexpensive. It is about the size of a credit card, mounts directly onto the KSU mainboard, and provides 4 ports da-boot.
All-in-all, the voicemail is the perfect size for this system; however, it has little call-center functionality. (Then again, common sense should dictate that you shouldn't even attempt to run a call center with this little switch, anyway.) What it does, it does well. Expect 8 hours of message capacity, multiple auto attendants, and good guide prompts. Sadly, voicemail-to-email is a feature lacking with this unit – but, hey! Who can beat a good 4-port voicemail system for under 500 bones?
Also interesting on the SBX-IP are its VoIP capabilities. To use them, you will have to invest in a VOIB [sic] board for your KSU. The VOIB offers 4 talk paths out of the box; however, a daughter board can be added increasing that number to 8, should it be needed. The IP telephones look identical to the digitals, so office politics should remain in check. SIP trunking is also a feature, and it works pretty well. You can also connect up to 72 of these units together in a SoHo or a WAN network – a good feature for small businesses with multiple locations (i.e. restaurants and insurance agencies).
Other good features are the ability to directly connect a T-1 PRI to the unit. A VC-3531 card will be required – a $1,750 option. I recommend that you just get a VOIB, go SIP, and call it good. Analog phones (such as fax machines) can be plugged directly into the system without the need for any additional equipment. A door phone is available and a door strike can be connected to the system. A maximum of two can be connected. This is a good feature for daycares, warehouses, and residential customers.
The only quip that I have with this system is the lack of variety when it comes to telephone sets. You have a choice of an 8 or 24 button phone, digital or IP. That's it. I would have liked to have seen a twelve button, or something. You also can have a 48 button DSS for the switchboard attendant and a cordless Nomad DECT extension. The latter is a pretty nice feature. Finally, if you want a soft phone, that's an option, too.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you are a small operation that is thirsty for VoIP and a decent voicemail system, then the SBX-IP is the choice for you. Just don't expect to expand beyond 48 phones if you get it. Budget-wise, this system cannot be beat. As far as reliability goes, it is a new product. Previous Vodavi and Comdial systems have been pretty reliable. Only time will tell if this unit is as reliable as it's older cousins.
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