Centrex Buying Tips

Decide how you want to set up your phones. Do you want to run the system like a PBX (where calls come in at a central number and are transferred to extensions by a human or mechanical attendant) or make extensive use of Centrex’ DID (Direct Inward Dial) capabilities to give everybody a number? If you go with a PBX-type setup and use a receptionist, you’ll probably need an attendant console.

If you go with a departmentalized setup (clustered workgroups like sales, accounting, administration, etc.) a KSU-less Centrex-compatible phone system can give you a non-squared configuration. This provides private lines on multi-line phones, common lines and intercom groups on a department basis.

Look for Centrex CPE (Customer Premisess Equipment) that gives you some control over Centrex features. Some of today’s CPE lets you control music-on-hold selections, call accounting, overhead paging systems, and station displays.

Smaller sites (roughly five to 75 stations) can usually get package deals on Centrex services from RBOCs (Regional Bell Operating Companies). Ask about these deals, that include services like conferencing, transfer, call forward and more, if you’re considering Centrex for a relatively small number of stations.

Look for Centrex CPE (particularly attendant positions and desk phones) that also supports digital lines, like ISDN. You will have a wider range of applications to choose from.

Many RBOCs are offering ISDN as an enhancement for Centrex. Use digital ISDN lines for fast, high-bandwidth intensive applications (data and videoconferencing) and the analog Centrex lines for traditional call processing, voicemail, etc.

Other recent Centrex enhancements include wireless capabilities, automatic call distribution, voicemail, fax services, call accounting and PC-based call routing systems.

When your switch is inside the CO (as it is with Centrex), it’s harder to provide yourself with modern phone system adjuncts like unified messaging, operator consoles, call accounting and other facilities.

This is where Centrex CPE steps in. There is plenty of Centrex CPE available, and the products are starting to support advanced applications and equipment.