Alcatel Reviews

Alcatel OmniPCX Compact Phone System

Alcatel-Lucent is ranked #2 in the world for phone systems... enough said. In the past few years they introduced their range of small business phone systems and the brand is quickly gaining market share.

And why not when you consider that Alcatel systems offer an incredible array of "Free features" to small business owners and their technology is cutting edge. Obsolescence isn't a word you will have to worry about for a while.

The great base pricing and free features make the Alcatel astounding value when benchmarked against the existing competition. So, is this the greatest small business system around? It would have to be a leading contender.

The system uses the latest styling and not only looks different from older systems, it also works differently. It's smarter and more intuitive.

However, if you really happen to like the way your old system operated then the Alcatel is clever enough to mimic that as well. It's your choice.

The system has amazing pedigree and is great value - worthy of very serious consideration.

The good

• Incredibly Reliable
• Fantastic value for money
• Handsets are inexpensive
• Very stylish design
• Voicemail is included
• Basic Preannouncements are included
• CTI is included so you can dial from screen at no charge
• VoIP enabled, just need to pay for software licences
• Administrator software to manage your own system is included and this saves you money
• Handsets have a QWERTY keyboard for the easiest speed dialling in the market (4029 + 4039 models)
• Massive expansion capabilities up to 196 users
• Easy Network Integration
• Excellent speaker quality for hands free operation

The not so good

1. Some people prefer the Alcatel to mimic more basic systems because it's what they were used to 10 years ago (this is easily addressed with an extra console).

The bottom line

When you weigh up the almost overwhelming system benefits the Alcatel is very hard to go past (like a McDonalds with a car load full of hungry kids).

People that liked the advanced technology and features of the Alcatel also liked the Avaya.

Customer Comments

"We wouldn't change it now we know what it can do"

"It's powerful, reliable and was amazing value for money"

"It's not every day you get a real bargain!"

"It's so easy to make our own adds moves and changes which really suits us"

"Once we got the hang of it our staff now love it"

Alcatel OmniPCX Phone System Review

The first thing to say about the Alcatel-Lucent's medium sized offering is its value with a capital 'V'. The Alcatel Omni PCX goes from 2 -196 users so it's the same system from small to large applications. What makes it such incredible value in the medium sized range is that other brands charge more for their options.

For example, Voicemail may only be $600+ for a small system, now you're paying more like $2000 and it's still free with the Alcatel. At this level, it's fair to argue that all the main players make very good phone systems. Therefore, it often comes down to brand loyalty and price. With all the freebies, and the cheaper than average pricing structure for Alcatel's optional extras, Alcatel ticks the first box nicely.

If you think that Alcatel is a cheap Asian import because you've never heard of it, don't fear. Alcatel is number 2 in the world for phone systems! This OMNI PCX system is testament to their years of R&D and why they remain at the forefront (there's the issue of brand dealt with as well).

So why is the price so affordable? Alcatel has entered the Australian market late and has plenty of ground to make up on the Aria's and Panasonics of the world. Obviously some clever person in the marketing department thought if we make a great system cheap we'll sell more boxes and get market share. Sound logic you'd agree and it seems to be paying off for them. We're now seeing other manufacturers we deal with coming out with special offers trying to compete on price.

On a completely different note, the designers have really thought about this system. Just look at the handsets - they're clever, colour coded and unique. No other manufacturer puts a QWERTY keyboard on a handset to make speed dialing a breeze. The box itself is designed as rack mountable cabinet that can slot into your IT cabinet (the Avaya and the Samsung also offer this).

So, is this one of the best medium sized business system around? If money talks then you'd be hard pressed not to listen.

The next step up from here would be the AVAYA. It does everything, just arguably better. The extra money can often be well spent depending on your individual, and future, requirements.

The systems Achilles heel is the general ease of use when compared to a more traditional looking key system. It's like switching from a Nokia to a Motorola mobile phone one is not necessarily better, it's just different and needs a period of adjustment.

The system has amazing pedigree and is great value worthy of very serious consideration.

The Good

• Incredibly Reliable platform
• Great value for money
• Handsets are inexpensive
• Supports digital, Analogue or IP handsets
• Very stylish design
• Voicemail is included FREE
• Basic Preannouncements (basic Attendant greetings) are included FREE
• CTI is FREE (more advanced versions are extra) so you can dial from screen at no charge
• PC operator console available for more advanced use (option)
• VoIP enabled, just need to pay for software licences
• Administrator software to manage your own system is included and this saves you money
• Handsets have a QWERTY keyboard for the easiest speed dialling in the market (4029 + 4039 models)
• Massive expansion capabilities up to 196 users
• Easy Network Integration
• Excellent speaker quality for hands free operation
• Voicemail is very versatile allowing you to control and listen to messages with on screen prompts, listen to callers before picking up and record conversations (option)
• Unified messaging allowing you to get faxes, voicemails and emails in your PC inbox (option)
• Comprehensive Auto Attendant & ACD (option)
• DECT compatible
• Decent Call Centre functionality (option)
• Text messaging to other digital handsets
• Good for multiple site networking

The Bad

• Ease of use for handsets
• Navigation style is better suited to receptionist having a extra button console

The bottom line

It's just a great all rounder at an even better price. It simply has to be included in your top draft picks. The issue of ease of use is easily overcome with professional training. With all the money you'll save it's a small expense and the professional training also ensures you get the most from this great piece of technology.

People that liked the advanced technology and features of the Alcatel also particularly liked the Avaya.