One of the first things you sense when using ESI�s IP-200
is its customer-centric focus. Phones, hardware, and administration all seem
to be engineered around the premise of creating a system that�s easy to
use for end users, easy to administrate for IT personnel, and ease to
install for vendor resellers. ESI has recently rolled out a new tool kit for
their resellers, furthering their customer-centric approach. The six-part
toolkit contains: Esi-Networx, Esi-Access, Esi-Admin, Esi-Check, Esi-Address,
and Esi-Test, comprising a variety of testing, diagnostics, and other
utilities largely aimed at providing vendors with pre-sales and
post-installation support.
Further, ESI�s proprietary approach to building phone
systems is based on the belief of giving customers what they want. The ESI
handsets, remote phones, and IP-PBX are specifically designed to work with
each other, and only each other. ESI maintains that in order to provide the
degree of functionality found in features like Esi-Dex Speed Dialing, Quick
Move message transfer, and multiple message-waiting lamps, they have to
build a proprietary architecture.
The IP-200 is scalable up to 66 CO lines supporting up to
192 total ports. It can handle up to 30 analog station ports and up to 96 IP
Feature Phones, in addition to supporting up to two T1 or PRI high-bandwidth
lines. Multiple systems can be connected across an enterprise�s dedicated
WAN, which showcases some of ESIs proprietary technology by allowing �distant
extensions� to operate as if they were local. This means that features
such as one-touch dialing, simplified call transfer, conference calling, and
message sharing are made available between ESI systems and are not limited
to each locale. Every IP-200 unit is sold with voice mail/automated
attendant and automatic call distributor included. Twenty-four conference
bridges support six conferences of four parties each, or eight conferences
of three parties each.
Each station set, also manufactured by ESI, works in
conjunction with Esi-Dex to afford users more of ESIs own technology;
Enhanced Caller ID for example, which allows returning a call with one
keystroke in addition to appending the caller�s information to a speed
dial list. The system and phones also utilize call control features such as
find-me functionality, call screening, and call recording. One of the most
unique features about the ESI station sets is the Verbal Help key. Granting
access to hundreds of audible instructions, the Verbal Help Key and Verbal
User Guide allow users to access �how-to� information right from their
feature phone. Training and performance can also be assessed via the Service
Observing feature, which allows an authorized user to listen in on outgoing
calls and record them if necessary. ESI�s Remote Phone and soft phone also
grant access to many of the same features as the station sets.
As a previous subject of a TMC Labs test drive (October
2001), we praised the IP-200 for its ease of use. The system, easy to set up
and configure, still managed to offer feature-rich handsets and access to
PBX-only type functionality via off-premise remote phones. Though we
outlined Ethernet in-line power, TAPI integration, and Web-based
administration in the review�s �Room for Improvement� section, ESI now
produces soft phones and a soft remote phone that work in conjunction with
the IP-200. Although its proprietary VoIP phones get the job done, like
several of its competitors, we�d like to see ESI support industry standard
third-party H.323 or SIP phones. Nevertheless, ESIs IP-200 is a true
one-wire solution with a first-class feature-set.
[ Return
To The May 2002 Table Of Contents ]
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