Friday July 4 2008
Information Technology Central Services at the University of Michigan
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VoIP vs. Centrex Comparison Chart

Centrex ServiceVoIP Service
Centrex line  $22.43/month
Meridian voice mail $1.85/month

Basic features include: Automatic Call Back, Call Forwarding, Variable Call Hold, Call Transfer, Consultation, 3-way Calling, Call Waiting, Call Forward Don't Answer/Busy. The Message Waiting Indicator and Caller ID features for Centrex lines are available at additional charges.

VoIP line $14.15/month
Internal lines $7.05/month
U-M Message Center voice mail $1.85/month

Basic features include: Call Forward All, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Conference, Park, Hold and Resume, Message Waiting Indicator, Redial, Speed Dial, Transfer, Log of Calls (placed, missed, received), Message Waiting Indicator.

Centrex SetsVoIP Sets
These sets are available for purchase:

M9216 Meridian Single-line set w/caller id display
M9316 Meridian Single-line set w/caller id display and speaker
M9417 Meridian Multi-line set (2 lines) w/caller id display and speaker

See Standard Telephones
These sets are available for purchase:

Cisco 7911G Single-line set w/display and 1-way speaker
Cisco 7941G Two-line set w/display and speaker
Cisco 7961G Six-line set w/display and speaker

See VoIP Telephones

Set price includes license. There is a $2.00 monthly maintenance charge per set.

Centrex DisadvantagesVoIP Disadvantages
  1. When moving off campus, you must change your telephone number.
  2. Internal lines are not available.
  3. You must place an order to move your line/sets.
  4. When you are in need of repair, AT&T may be involved.
  1. All telephone sets are proprietary at this time (however this will change in the near future).
  2. You must use U-M Message Center voice mail at this time.
  3. E911 is an issue at this time, however we are working to resolve it.
Centrex AdvantagesVoIP Advantages
  1. Not data network dependent.
  1. You can keep your existing U of M telephone number.
  2. Secondary and internal lines are available.
  3. The IP Telephony sets have many enhanced features and capabilities. (You can change call forwarding and speed dialing from any location via a web browser)
  4. You are able to do your own moves. See FAQ #8.