Question : 3CX vs. Cisco IP PBX

Hi, I am looking to upgrade my company's current phone system to IP PBX.  The main advantage for us would be easier and cheaper maintenance and administration for one system.  

The company currently is only at one site, and has roughly 30 employees, but only 17 employees with phones.  The old PBX (is that also known as POTS?) currently has 4 phone lines and 1 fax.

I am looking at both Cisco's Unified Communications System 500 Series for Small Businesses (24 user's to start), as well as 3CX's software IP PBX (Small Business Edition).  I know I would need to buy a server if I got 3CX's solution, but aside from that, with just an IP PBX can I plug in an IP Phone and go, per say?  Or do I need VoIP service, or a VoIP gateway, or anything else?

I have been researching for a couple of days now, and still don't have a grasp on what exactly I would need to completely override the old system with IP PBX phone system.

Also, are there any differences / major advantages from Cisco's system and 3CX because Cisco is very pricey?

As far as a budget goes - it is unknown.  I just need to present options to my boss, and go from there.

Just let me know if any additional information is needed.

Thanks,
Brian

Answer : 3CX vs. Cisco IP PBX

Hi,
This is a bit of a broad question to cover here but........... I supply and support both Cisco and 3CX voice systems. On one hand Nobody ever got fired for buying Cisco on the other hand it can be expensive in comparison to other solutions. The previous post suggests a 2800 based Cisco option, I entirely agree that it is an excellent and versatile product but even more expensive and can be a challenge to configure without a high degree of expertise.

The 3CX offers very good value for money and is extremely easy to setup even with little or no previous IPT experience.  You mention the need to buy a server for 3CX, this is not strictly necessary for a small to medium system as it will run quite happily on XP.  In addition to the server/XP machine you will need a gateway to interface your 4 phone lines to the 3CX and I would recommend the Paton 4114 (I am assuming that your incoming lines are analog). For the fax line you can either leave it connected to the existing fax machine of use the 3CX fax server to distribute incoming faxes via email. You can add SIP (VoIP) lines to the 3CX without any additional gateway. The only other equipment you will need is IP phones (make sure they are on 3CXs supported list, it makes configuration easier) and possibly a PoE switch if you do not want individual power supplies for each phone.

Hope this answers some of your questions and goes some way to assist with your decision.

Best regards & good luck.