Should We upgrade from the 5000 to the 3300?

[akuhn]

We may have the option to upgrade our phone system as part of a move in a year.  I will definitely get all new handsets, as we're currently using the old InterTel Digital models and want to switch to new Mitel IP phones.  But our Mitel 5000 paired with MAS/UCA/AWC has been pretty solid. 

My Mitel rep suggested that we might be also interested in upgrading from the 5000 to the 3300 as there are some features to take advantage of with the new phones that only work with the 3300.

Are there folks on these boards who have experience with both of these systems that can speak to this suggestion to change from the 5000 to the 3300?

Thanks.

Adam in DC

[johnp]

I think you will find that the applications integrate tighter with the 3300. I currently work for a company that comes from the Inter-tel side, but have my roots with Mitel. With that being said, I'd say go 3300 if possible. Both have their advantages in the way they handle things. There will be a learning curve if changing, but for me the 3300 software has more to offer when doing creative work-arounds.

[ralph]

There will be a learning curve if changing, but for me the 3300 software has more to offer when doing creative work-arounds.

I would agree with this.

Ralph

[LoopyLou]

Think what I would do is compare the feature set between the two systems and see if there are any "must haves" that are not duplicated on the 3300. Both systems are solid. Neither are going away so it will come down to features. The 5000 is far better as what we would have referred to as a "key system". The 3300 is better as a large scale PBX. If you ever have thoughts of going hosted for phones, the hosted phones use the 3300 feature set.

As metnioned by others, there are some Mitel Applications that are currently not supported on the 5000. No time table if they ever will be.