This is an entry level VoIP phone system for a small business. An external digital player is required for Music & Message On Hold playback.
Cisco Call Manager Express
February 1, 2010 – 2:04 pm
This is the smaller version of the Cisco Call Manager.
The music on hold source will generally be the corporate server (Call Manager). The audio is streamed to each individual location. Audio usually starts from the beginning for each caller, this is called Unicasting.
Depending on how the router is populated, you may be able to accommodate an external player as the music on hold source. This is sometimes possible with and E & M card with a RJ11 or RJ45 connection on the router.
IPitomy IP Phone System
January 15, 2010 – 9:18 am
IPitomy is a newer VoIP system for small to medium size companies. The basic system supports up to 50 users, and larger models can support up to 500 users. Music & Messages On Hold requires the use of a digital audio file stored internally on the system. Currently, there is no external port available to support a digital On Hold player.
ShoreTel VoIP system
November 11, 2009 – 2:38 pm
ShoreTel is a popular VoIP phone system for small to medium size companies. A Music & Message On Hold system is connected via standard 1/8″ headphone jack. There are no current options available for playing a WAV file internally.
Vertical WAVE IP
October 12, 2009 – 10:07 am
The WAVE IP is a popular VoIP system offered by Vertical Communications. There is an external plug that supports a digital On Hold player. This system can also broadcast a WAV file for Music On Hold.
Vertical Communications
October 11, 2009 – 10:06 am
Vertical Communications is the result of a 2004 merger between Comdial, Vodavi, Artisoft, and Vertical Networks. Generally speaking all Vertical and legacy products support an external, digital On Hold player. Many of their systems can also store and play a digital audio file (WAV) for On Hold.
NEC Phone Systems
September 15, 2009 – 10:00 am
Generally speaking all NEC phone systems come with a port that supports external Music & Message On Hold playback. Likewise, many of their newer VoIP models have the ability to play a digital audio file (WAV) internally. Similar to other VoIP systems, to update the file internally will require an IT manager or phone tech.
Allworx IP PBX
September 1, 2009 – 4:54 pm
This is a popular phone system for smaller clients. Music & Messages On Hold are played to system phones by using an external On Hold playback system. The player is connected to the Allworx system by a standard 1/8″ headphone jack.
Cisco Unified Communications 500 (UC500)
August 1, 2009 – 4:50 pm
This is a newer phone system offered by Cisco, for small to medium sized customers. Music & Messages On Hold are played into the system by using an external MOH player connected to a standard 1/8″ mini jack.
Nortel BCM (Business Call Manager)
July 10, 2009 – 2:11 pm
This is the main system for the the Nortel line.
For music on hold these systems have an standard plug for an external player.
Some of the BCM systems can store a WAV file internally. Generally the installers prefer an external source as the WAV file can take unnecessary bandwidth away from the operation of the system itself.