Item: Cisco VoIP PBX
Rating: 10
Author: Martin Lostracco

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

The Cisco VoIP PBX is used across the entire company, from the several headquarters to all the remote sites, either small or big sites. Being in Argentina, the main limitations for the product aren't limitations of the product itself, but limitations related to telecom providers regarding their data link capabilities when using the system for remote branches, but the scope of our use case isn't being limited by those conditions, workarounds are being implemented.

Pros and Cons

Local routing on remote branches
Telephony features flexibility
Different endpoint alternatives for all use cases
Real integration with other systems or platforms

The cost can always improve, it's a very expensive toy
Information availability should be more correctly ordered to avoid the need of personal consultation
Some of the traditional telephony system's features aren't quite similar. Before COVID, I would have mentioned this emphasizing and detailing more regarding those features, but now the game has changed, and so has the use of these telephony systems

Most Important Features

Deployment flexibility
Network equipment compatibility
Easy integration with different platforms

Return on Investment

Can't provide the loved hard numbers regarding the ROI, but the flexibility from the business point of view regarding a rapid implementation of a new branch or even a headquarter, is a benefit that any solid company should aspire to have these days, and there aren't many options with these capabilities out there.

Alternatives Considered

Avaya OneCloud UCaaS

I have worked with Avaya's suite of products, and in this Cisco VoIP PBX system's review I have mentioned a couple of times the integration with other/different systems or platforms, and my experience with Avaya's products left me the feeling of a bunch of products pinned together with toothpicks, and I'm referring to Avaya products, not different vendors or technologies. Here, Cisco takes a leap forward, because even from the first integrations with different products, vendors or technologies, all the features and functionalities, and the documentation to make it work, are lined up just the way they should.

Key Insights

Do you think Cisco VoIP PBX delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Cisco VoIP PBX's feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco VoIP PBX live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco VoIP PBX go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco VoIP PBX again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

I have never been a fan of the small Cisco VoIP PBX systems, I really think other alternatives provide a better relation between cost and benefits, but I really can't see a better alternative for any big company, particularly if many branches are involved. Since Cisco is also one of the biggest providers of networking equipment, the implementation of a big telephony network over a data network is very transparent and solid, and that's what I think the most valuable characteristic of this PBX system is for big companies.

The only choice I can think of for any big company

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco VoIP PBX