Spark VoIP Vs 3CX

Forums › VoIP › Spark VoIP Vs 3CX

Clarkkentisbatman

7 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#222861 1-Sep-2017 09:13

Hi There.

We are looking to move to a VoIP solution and we have narrowed down to use either 3CX paired with 2Talk or Spark's NEC VoIP solution. (Although now Spark are suggesting we move to IP Centrex, after trying to sell us on the NEC solution)
Can anyone provide feedback on their experiences with either programs and providers.

We are looking to connect 6 offices, with 100+ users and have the ability to connect extensions via smartphones

What I've heard

- Spark have palmed off the support to NEC - So instead of Spark providing the support, it will come from NEC
- It has taken approx 4 months for Spark to complete an install with IP Centrex
- Spark mention about they are a "Tier 1 provider and 2Talk are Tier 2 Provider" (I've heard this is Spark Jargon)
- 2Talk is a DIY service and provides little support

What I need to know

- The reliability of both providers (Network & Support)
- Thoughts on other systems
- Recommendations
- Any issues that turned sour quickly

Thanks so much!

backwards

29 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#1856408 1-Sep-2017 09:30

3CX is a very solid product that is starting to get some real traction in New Zealand. I cannot stress enough though that you'd want to look at a different provider than 2Talk for the underlying SIP trunks.

Most of the telco's these days will be able to provide you with the SIP trunks that will work directly with 3CX (myself included). These are a lot more flexible than the Spark services and provide you with the level of support required if/when there are any issues.

100+ users is just not worth having the limited support you get from 2Talk in my opinion.

Clarkkentisbatman

7 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#1856411 1-Sep-2017 09:33

Thanks :) Any recommendations?

backwards

29 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#1856417 1-Sep-2017 09:39

I have to shamelessly plug ourselves :)

Otherwise, any of the Tier one broadband partners like NowNZ, Voyager or Compass to name a few.

chevrolux

4962 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2638
Inactive user

#1856448 1-Sep-2017 10:38

backwards:

100+ users is just not worth having the limited support you get from 2Talk in my opinion.

For 100+ users you would want the integrator be able to set up the SIP trunks for you. A competent 2talk reseller shouldn't need technical support from them. Which, if you are a reseller, you have a priority support channel anyway.

We connect 2talk trunks on a daily basis I would guess more than 95% of the support issues we encounter are simply provisioning issues with getting the losing service provider details etc.

Technically I have had the odd ticket that was platform related and the others are more just "feature" clarification questions.

Edit: OP - My 2c...

IP centrex has a laughable feature set and shouldn't be considered IMHO.

The NEC product will be more of a traditional phone system but is a very functional product. It is also fully supported (local NEC distributors will do the set up themselves) with Spark GVC trunks and there are some VERY large customers using this solution - pricing would be the only issue. The other bit it lacks in are the CTI (computer integration) products - they have a full suite but they are expensive and separately licenses.

If you go the 3CX route you want a competent reseller that will do the server set up as well as the 2talk side of it. 3CX has some nice CTI software and is really good in the collaboration side of things. As well as fully supported Android/iPhone apps. The only thing I would say is that connecting GVC trunks may be slightly tricky - but there must be people out there doing it.

Edit2: Sorry just one more thing... I have heard it's been taking Spark a long time to get GVC trunks in place. I think they are still doing the whole managed circuit thing. So they supply a Cisco router with a dedicated network port for the voice network etc.. It's great in the way that it gives them a high level of control of the circuit. But maybe the processes to get it installed are lacking? To be fair, anecdotal evidence only, from what I have heard from other resellers around the place.

radicall

94 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 8

Trusted

Radicall

#1856490 1-Sep-2017 11:20

I would like to put our team forward for consideration.

Let's get together and discuss your requirements?

______________________________________ www.radicall.co.nz ________________________________________

Be Successful WITH US! - Light ideas for YOUR SUCCESS - Business Solutions OF A NEW AGE - Result Driven IDEAS _______________________________________________________________________________________________

sparkz25

750 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 284
Inactive user

#1868197 18-Sep-2017 19:18

def 3CX its awesome, i have used many others in the past and so far 3CX is the best that i have used