Does the Avaya IP Office 500 Cost Too Much to Upgrade to Preferred Edition

Preferred Edition Pricing Explained

Understanding Preferred Edition Pricing Options

TTI has conducted an analysis of the IP Office for customers currently using the Essential Edition to determine if upgrading to the Preferred Edition is cost-effective.
For small to mid-sized businesses with remote staff, the Avaya Preferred Edition offers the necessary capabilities for flexible remote work. However, with the increasing functionality and decreasing costs of Cloud phone systems, the question arises: Is it worth investing in Avaya IP Office?
In 2020, Avaya has merged with RingCentral and has been encouraging partners to transition customers to the RingCentral platform. This change came during the Covid Outbreak and some question was this partnership created in haste to capalize employees working from home.

In 2022, Avaya released an upgrade to IP Office, but it lacks significant enhancements to generate excitement. With Avaya focusing more on Cloud solutions than their PBX system, the future success of IP Office is uncertain.

Considerations for Upgrading to Preferred Edition
When upgrading to the Preferred Edition for remote work, the following investments are required:

• Avaya Maintenance: Covers remote support and parts replacement (excluding phone sets).
• TTI Maintenance: Covers labor for system troubleshooting.
• Large Upgrade License: Required for the upgrade.
• Preferred License: Necessary for the Preferred Edition.
• 8 to 12 Port VM License: Expandable beyond 24 ports, but costly.
• Power User License: Per employee, for remote phone functionality, softphone, and cell app integration.
• Windows or Linux Server: For optimal VM system performance. The UC Module is available but offers less flexibility.
• Programming and Testing: 24 to 48 hours required.
• Phone Sets: For remote users.

The total upgrade cost is estimated between $8,000 to $12,000.

Evaluating the Investment.
Given Avaya's increased investment in Cloud solutions over their PBX system, the question is whether to invest $10,000 in Avaya IP Office. The industry trend is moving towards Cloud systems, and those clinging to traditional systems face challenges in achieving the same functionality.

Benefits of Cloud Systems
Cloud systems offer numerous advantages, including:

• Enhanced productivity and profitability.
• Seamless integration with call reports, recorded calls, cell phone apps, web portals, softphones, meeting management, and CRM and Teams integration.
• Ideal for both remote and in-office staff.

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Choosing a Cloud Phone System Provider
When transitioning to a Cloud Phone System, consider whether to partner with a large national company or a local MSP like Telephone Technology Integration (TTI). TTI offers two options:

1. Master Agent: Acts as a consultant without high fees, providing quotes from over a dozen Cloud Providers, including Avaya RingCentral, Nextiva, 8x8, Broadvoice, and others.
2. Cloud Phone System Service Provider: Offers local support, system installation, staff training, and ongoing trouble ticket management.

TTI can is both a Master Agent and we host our own Cloud system provider. Whatever you feel your company needs TTI can be and extension of your communication divison. 

Myth Confirmed, IP Office cost too much to upgrade from Essential to Preferred Edition.