Maintaining Legacy Telephone Systems: ISDX, Avaya, and Nortel

Maintaining older telephone systems like ISDX, Avaya, and Nortel can be a challenge, but with the right approach, these reliable systems can continue to serve your business needs effectively. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keeping these legacy systems running smoothly.

Siemens ISDX Telephone Systems

The Siemens ISDX system, a staple in British businesses for over three decades, is known for its reliability. Despite being out of production since 2016, many organizations still rely on it. Here are some key maintenance tips:

  1. Regular Audits and Inspections: Conduct regular system audits to identify potential issues before they become major problems. This includes checking hardware components and ensuring software is up to date
  2. Spare Parts Inventory: Keep a stock of essential spare parts. Given the age of these systems, having components like circuit boards and PSU’s on hand can prevent prolonged downtime
  3. Expert Support: Engage with companies that specialize in ISDX maintenance. These experts can provide valuable services such as circuit board repairs and system upgrades
  4. System Upgrades: Consider upgrading to the latest supported version (v6.3 or higher) to ensure compatibility with modern technologies like SIP trunks – and with Becketts, Microsoft Teams connectivity too.

Avaya Telephone Systems

Avaya systems have been a cornerstone in many businesses, but as they reach the end of their manufacturer support, maintaining them requires careful planning:

  1. Extended Support Plans: Avaya offers extended support even after the end of manufacturer support.
  2. Regular Maintenance: Ensure regular maintenance checks to keep the system free from dust, cool, and operational.
  3. Transition Planning: Plan for a gradual transition to newer systems or cloud-based solutions to avoid sudden disruptions when the legacy system eventually becomes unsustainable – whether this is a Cloud based Avaya solution or migration to Microsoft Teams.

Nortel Telephone Systems

Nortel systems, also known as Meridian or BCM, have been reliable workhorses for many businesses. Here’s how to maintain them:

  1. Preventive Maintenance: Regularly check the power supply and line cards, as these are common points of failure. One of the most important is to ensure the system is kept cool and dust-free to prevent overheating
  2. Spare Parts and Repairs: Maintain an inventory of critical spare parts and engage with specialized engineers who can perform repairs down to the component level
  3. Support Contracts: Opt for maintenance contracts that offer 365-day support and access to experienced engineers. This ensures quick resolution of any issues that arise
  4. Upgrade Considerations: While maintaining the system, also consider planning for an upgrade to a more modern solution to ensure long-term reliability and functionality

Maintaining legacy telephone systems like ISDX, Avaya, and Nortel requires a proactive approach. Regular audits, maintaining a stock of spare parts, engaging with expert support, and planning for future upgrades are essential steps to ensure these systems continue to serve your business effectively. By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your legacy telephone systems and avoid unexpected disruptions.

If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to get in touch!