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Avaya IP Office vs. Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Avaya IP Office

    Score8.8 out of 10
    N/AAvaya IP Office is a communications solution for small and medium-size businesses. It is available in the cloud, on premise or hybrid deployments are all supported with IP Office along with the ability to migrate from one to the other. The included Avaya Equinox experience provides a single app for voice, video, messaging, conferencing and calendar and keeps employees productive on any device, from any location.

    $82

    per user/per month

    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)

    Score8.6 out of 10
    N/ACall Manager is a unified call control center from Cisco that supports enterprise collaboration functions across the spectrum of IP telephony, video & web conferencing, and messaging. Features include call forwarding, call back, call transfer, ad hoc conferencing, and call park.N/A
    Pricing
    Avaya IP OfficeCisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Editions & Modules
    Voice
    $82
    per user/per month
    Digital
    $129
    per user/per month
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Avaya IP OfficeCisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Free Trial
    NoNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsMust contact sales team for pricing
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Avaya IP OfficeCisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Considered Both Products
    Avaya
    No answer on this topic
    Cisco
    Chose Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    I would say it is a tie with IP office. This is also a complex solution that's usually managed by a service provider but offers high quality via phones that are excellent in sound quality and overall reputation for reliability.
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager is a great competitor to Avaya Aura, whereas both solutions provide the client an Enterprise - Grade UC solution. I would prefer Cisco Unified Communications Manager because most corporate networks run on a Cisco backend core, and assigning …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    We've had the system for a number of years and the technology has changed over that time. We anticipate this system will be functional for us for at least 10 years. At that time, we'll start evaluating new technology to see if the Opex model is better in the long run than the …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Ultimately it will come down to the administrator's preference. Cisco has led the market for some time. But Avaya continues to make advancements that are comparable to Cisco. Microsoft is also attempting to break into the market but does [not] have the end to end solution like …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    The simplicity of administrator interface seem to be much more with CCM than any other VOIP system.
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    We've never thought about using another product other than Call Manager. I believe Call Manager has the lion's share of the market at the enterprise level. I used to be an Avaya Engineer but moved my expertise to Cisco Call Manager. I believe it's a great product and …
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Prefer Cisco to Avaya for administration and for overall ease of use. Both can be costly depending on the organization's individual situation.
    Incentivized
    Chose Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Both the Avaya and ShoreTel systems are easier to set up and use than the Cisco system. Both also tend to be less expensive, with the ShoreTel being the least expensive of the three, from my experience.
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    92%
    Would buy again
    12 Answers
    89%
    Would buy again
    24 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    13 Answers
    96%
    Delivers good value for the price
    25 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    100%
    Happy with the feature set
    13 Answers
    93%
    Happy with the feature set
    25 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    92%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    11 Answers
    95%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    19 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    92%
    Implementation went as expected
    11 Answers
    91%
    Implementation went as expected
    20 Answers
    Features
    Avaya IP OfficeCisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software
    Comparison of Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    5.2
    11 Ratings
    45% below category average
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    High quality audio7.911 Ratings00 Ratings
    High quality video2.59 Ratings00 Ratings
    Screen Sharing
    Comparison of Screen Sharing features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    7.1
    5 Ratings
    13% below category average
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Desktop sharing7.15 Ratings00 Ratings
    Online Meetings / Events
    Comparison of Online Meetings / Events features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    4.7
    8 Ratings
    54% below category average
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Calendar integration4.16 Ratings00 Ratings
    Meeting initiation5.07 Ratings00 Ratings
    Record meetings / events5.05 Ratings00 Ratings
    Online Events Collaboration
    Comparison of Online Events Collaboration features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    5.8
    3 Ratings
    32% below category average
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Live chat5.83 Ratings00 Ratings
    Online Events Security
    Comparison of Online Events Security features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    2.8
    7 Ratings
    93% below category average
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    User authentication2.87 Ratings00 Ratings
    Participant roles & permissions2.86 Ratings00 Ratings
    Cloud PBX
    Comparison of Cloud PBX features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    7.1
    10 Ratings
    16% below category average
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    7.3
    42 Ratings
    9% below category average
    Hosted PBX6.85 Ratings9.021 Ratings
    Multi-level Interactive Voice Response (IVR)6.410 Ratings5.130 Ratings
    Directory of employee names8.210 Ratings8.640 Ratings
    User templates00 Ratings7.040 Ratings
    Call reports00 Ratings6.939 Ratings
    Call Management
    Comparison of Call Management features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    6.3
    11 Ratings
    29% below category average
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    8.2
    45 Ratings
    2% below category average
    Answering rules7.211 Ratings9.043 Ratings
    Call recording7.08 Ratings7.027 Ratings
    Call park8.411 Ratings9.039 Ratings
    Call screening7.510 Ratings8.036 Ratings
    Message alerts8.310 Ratings8.139 Ratings
    Business SMS/External Messaging5.06 Ratings00 Ratings
    Online Fax4.04 Ratings00 Ratings
    Voicemail Transcription3.26 Ratings00 Ratings
    Mobile apps
    Comparison of Mobile apps features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    6.4
    9 Ratings
    28% below category average
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    8.0
    25 Ratings
    1% above category average
    Mobile app for iOS6.49 Ratings8.025 Ratings
    Mobile app for Android6.58 Ratings8.023 Ratings
    Unified Communications Platform and Collaboration
    Comparison of Unified Communications Platform and Collaboration features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    6.5
    8 Ratings
    21% below category average
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    -
    Ratings
    Centralized communications management7.27 Ratings00 Ratings
    Team messaging7.05 Ratings00 Ratings
    Team document sharing5.64 Ratings00 Ratings
    Call and meeting analytics6.25 Ratings00 Ratings
    VoIP system collaboration
    Comparison of VoIP system collaboration features of Avaya IP Office and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Feature
    Avaya IP Office
    -
    Ratings
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    8.3
    41 Ratings
    4% above category average
    Video conferencing00 Ratings8.631 Ratings
    Audio conferencing00 Ratings8.641 Ratings
    Video screen sharing00 Ratings7.016 Ratings
    Instant messaging00 Ratings9.019 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Avaya IP OfficeCisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Small Businesses
    Broadvoice | GoContact
    Score9.2 out of 10
    Zoom Phone
    Score9 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    PanTerra Networks
    Score6.3 out of 10
    Zoom Phone
    Score9 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Webex Calling
    Score8.7 out of 10
    Google Voice
    Score7.8 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Avaya IP OfficeCisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.6
    (14 ratings)
    8.5
    (46 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    10.0
    (2 ratings)
    Usability
    7.6
    (3 ratings)
    9.0
    (6 ratings)
    Support Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.0
    (14 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Avaya IP OfficeCisco Unified Communications Manager (Call Manager)
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Avaya
    So I haven't had one where it's not appropriate at all unless somebody was going pure cloud. Obviously, this is not a cloud product, but from an on-premise solution like the IP office is, we've sold it to companies that have five users and we've sold it to customers that have thousands of users. So it's very expandable, adjustable to be it's hybrid, so it's IP and digital mix capabilities. So that's a strong suit.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    Cisco Unified Communications Manager is suited for medium to large customers who are in search for a solid call control platform with added security in mind. Cisco Unified Communications Manager also supports receptions, small groups and also a mini contact center type of set up with its Hunt Group, Pick up Group and call queuing facilities and also with set up of music on hold function while calls queuing.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    Avaya
    • Centralization is key. If you want to have all of your facilities on one phone system, to help mitigate telecom costs this is the system for you. You purchase the necessary licensing (one time purchase) and the licenses stay with you as long as you stay on that platform!
    • Flexibility is fantastic. Whether you want to use the IP Office as a key system, or replace your existing partner system, or run as a PBX. This system will do it all, I was very impressed with the compatibility of the IP Office with legacy equipment. Have a Partner system? Not a problem. Have a Definity system? Not a problem!
    • Broad based technology. You can utilize CO trunks (POTS lines), ISDN/PRI, T1, SIP, etc.... What ever your carrier hands off to you the IP Office can integrate with. No need to work with a third party vendor to get your interface up and running. AVAYA is a one stop shop, and if you have an existing warranty, just upgrade your IPOSS information on the system and your new hardware is covered.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    • This solution is extremely stable and has been running in our environment for several years without (unscheduled) downtime.
    • The ability to have voicemails automatically sent as an email message is extremely helpful in helping us to keep in touch while away from the desk.
    • The Call Manager provides us very granular settings to route our calls as we want.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Avaya
    • Rush for updates. At times an updated will fix one problem, and inadvertently create another. However with due diligence from your business partner (Tektivity) patches are tested before being rolled out in production environments.
    • Part itemization. If you purchase a new system, the power cord does not come with the unit, that is a separate part. Very minor in the grand scheme of things but as a reseller and a customer still somewhat annoying.
    • Large convoluted organization. As a user trying to navigate the AVAYA website, and track down information can be daunting. Even calling support can be challenging, you never know if your call will be routed to India, Brazil, or Denver. That is why the relationship with Tektivity is so important. You can leverage your business partner to get the answers you need so you can spend your time tackling issues that need your attention.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    • Administration web page is little bit hard to understand at the beginning specially if you are not familiar with naming convention and GU Interfaces.
    • Call Detail Record interface is fine but would be desirable to include more options that fit organization needs in terms of reporting purposes.
    • Self Care Portal interface could be more useful to the end user if it includes options to manage some features without administrators involving.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Avaya
    Oddly enough I have been impressed with the IP Office platform so much that I have integrated one into my home. My wife was not happy with it initially but once she started using it she was very happy with the results. It helped that I programmed it to work just like a home phone but with features and options that I can utilize remotely. I would be more than happy to put an AVAYA IP Office against any other phone system on the market, and let you be the judge.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    We have been using this product for 20+ years and will continue too. This is a great product and new features are always coming out.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    Avaya
    Avaya IP Office is a great system that is somewhat affordable for most SMB's. However, In our experience, Avaya IP Office has a tendency to shelve some of the license as you upgrade the software release on the PBX switch without giving back any comparable license to compensate. The Voicemail Pro license is quite expensive and most of the functionality that most business needs are not covered in the standard voicemail offering.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    The usability part of Cisco Unified Communications Manager is very much simple from a usability point of view. Day-to-day Move Add Change Delete (MACD) can be performed by the administrators very easily with simple training. From the initial deployment point of view, some of the thing can be improved to simplify the process.
    Read full review
    Support Rating
    Avaya
    No answers on this topic
    Cisco
    CUCM is supported by most third-party vendors for related products, so it makes finding solutions to specific needs easy. Also Cisco TAC is very knowledgeable, and we have never run into a problem they have not been able to resolve. Usually they are resolved without the need to escalate tickers either.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    Avaya
    No answers on this topic
    Cisco
    This was the first phone system we implemented that could span multiple locations. We were very satisfied once fully implemented
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    Avaya
    Much better feature set with Avaya IP Office, and I really feel you're getting feature-rich telephony for a well priced switch. The system is very adaptable and a much better fit than legacy key systems and cloud-based UCaaS solutions competing in the same market. With the Avaya brand behind the system, there is also a form of working with a Trusted partner with many years in the UC space.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    We have been a Cisco based shop and have looked at other cloud voice options such as MS Teams pbx, and others, but ultimately, the features, endpoints, and reliability of Cisco has been the common factor in staying with them as our voice provider. Their integrations, room systems, and hybrid design allows for us to be flexible and keep a high up time vs reliance on 100% cloud.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Return on Investment
    Avaya
    • When selling to a prospective customer, I always do a 10 yr ROI to show the benefits of Avaya IP Office or ACO and which scenario would fit best.
    • CAPEX vs OPEX
    • Number of phones needed as well as other features need to be considered to determine if Avaya IP Office fits best.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cisco
    • Communication and collaboration - Our offices are able to communicate both internally and externally due to this system.
    • Down time - Struggles with CUCM has caused a lot of down time due to the instability of the system.
    • High Costs - the cost of both the license and the maintenance was much higher than other systems.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
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