Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager) vs MiCloud Connect (formerly ShoreTel)

• The solution is probably one of the most robust IT solutions we have today. Although it works 24/7, it never required a reset "just because it needs to free memory" for example. In our deployment, the servers never went down due to a bug or software/hardware problem. We only reboot when we need to update or install some software fix.
• Compared to other platforms on the market, Cisco Unified Communications Manager is the most complete and flexible one. You can manage not only Cisco endpoints but 3rd party too. Also, you can run on bare metal appliances or even in virtualized environments, which gives you more freedom of choice. Considering the amount of model of endpoints available, you can have several options for any use case, from the simplest no display desk phone to a wireless, LCD display, full-featured phone. That also gives you the freedom to select what works best in each environment.
• If you consider both statements above, you'll see that Cisco Unified Communications Manager as the best ROI on the market. As an example, I can say that we're running instances (both hardware and software) of CUCM for the last 5 years. That's a huge advantage if you compare how short the lifecycle of digital platforms are these days. No upgrades, no parts replacement, no support tickets, no TAC calls, nothing.

Read full review

• Call quality is very good. Dedicated circuit for QoS is helpful. Even leveraging the Mitel Cloud service over our own ISP has been problem free. The disadvantage to that is the owned and operated router from Mitel where they control more connectivity issues and troubleshoot them as well.
• Support is also very good. Receive US based support staff when calling in. Issues resolved quickly.
• They are continuously growing in support and service.

Read full review

• It can be tricky to implement emergency services through the product (think 911 calls).
• Would like to see additional enhanced conference calling capabilities to potentially replace paid services.
• Phone sets can be expensive when purchased in small quantities.
• More soft buttons for additional saved phone numbers would be handy.

Read full review

• The Shoretel Mobility app for iPhone does not work very well and is not very intuitive in my experience.
• We have had many intermittent instances of employees reporting that call quality is bad, sounds like the caller is garbled and underwater.
• I deployed Shoretel Sky to eleven branches in four states over a 6 month period and experiences were not very consistent. Had issues with not enough power bricks being sent with the phones, some phones not having the the face sticker showing messages, directories, etc., user guides (quick start guides) not getting shipped with the phones at some branches, and phones being programmed incorrectly. This made it very difficult to plan my trips to train employees and install these at the various locations.

Read full review

• Positive impact - The phone system works.
• Negative impact - When it goes down you don't have phones. However, it may not be the phone system but the router that gives you issues so you have to troubleshoot both.
• Positive impact - Except for adding and removing users, you don't have to touch it often.

Read full review

• We save a lot of time not having to dial numbers, measure call volumes and metrics and spend a lot of time configuring new phone systems. Our ROI is high from ShoreTel just in the time we save using and administering the system.

Read full review