Nortel telephone systems for small and mid-sized businesses

Nortel phone systems geared to small and mid-sized businesses include Norstar, a digital key system that supports up to 200 stations; Meridian, a PBX system that supports from 20 to 16,000 stations; and Business Communications Manager, a state-of-the-art converged voice and data solution.

I recommend: Startech Telecommunications and Alliance Telecom are leading suppliers of Nortel phones and phone systems for small and mid-sized businesses. For a quick quote on Nortel phone systems designed for small and mid-sized businesses, try Nortel’s SMB Quote Builder.

Nortel Phone systems featuring IP telephony

IP, also known as VoIP (voice over Internet protocol), business telephony solutions are gaining popularity both for their cost efficiency and their ability to converge with other data systems. Nortel's IP solutions include IP Nortel telephones for the desk; IP softclients, which supports PCs or mobile devices; and voice over wireless LAN handsets, all of which use the Internet to drive down the cost of long distance calls.

I recommend: For a list of Nortel phones and phone systems that support IP telephony, visit the Nortel website.

Nortel phone equipment featuring Nortel's business communication manager (BCM)

Nortel phones with BCM offer converged voice and data solutions. BCM supports telephony, unified messaging, multimedia call center, interactive voice response, IP routing and data services, such as firewall and wireless.

I recommend: Find the Nortel phone system featuring BCM that’s right for your business based on your number of users.

Buy a new Nortel phone system

You can buy, rent or lease to purchase a Nortel phone system from your local telephone company or from local certified Nortel phone vendors. When buying a new system, expect to pay for phone sets, central cabinet, wiring and installation, training, programming, service and future modifications.

I recommend: Take advantage of Nortel’s partner locator to find certified Nortel phone vendors in your area.

Buy used and refurbished Nortel phones and Nortel phone systems

A lively and competitive market exists for used and refurbished Nortel phones and phone systems. Ask Nortel phone vendors about service, training and warranties when comparing prices.

I recommend: Comtech Phones sells refurbished Nortel Meridian M3900 phones and Nortel Norstar phones and systems with a two-year warranty. Network Liquidators carries refurbished Nortel phones and Nortel phone systems with a five-year warranty on phone systems and a two-year warranty on phones. Smarter.com offers comparative pricing from different vendors on new and used corded, VoIP and cordless Nortel telephones.