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I am preparing to test 3CX in our office with the intent to move to it soon (assuming the Test works fine). I have several questions in that regard and would appreciate a range of opinions regarding the best approach to server/PC hardware and Win OS version. I have read the listing of all supported and recommended hardware and software and I am looking to narrow that somewhat to the "Optimal".
First some background:
1) We have been running a SIP/VOIP system for 5 or 6 years with Fonality/PBXtra PBX. This has worked fairly well but Fonality is now discontinuing this hardware and support
2) We are pretty much a windows "Shop" for both servers and desktops, most support of which is out-sourced but the hardware is on-site -so on that basis 3CX is appealing
3) We have been using FlowRoute as a SIP provider for several years and that has worked well for us
4) We currently have about 10 Polycom 650s, but I would plan to buy several Yealink phones as part of my test (feel free to voice an opinion here regarding alternatives)
5) We use a WatchGuard firewall
So (finally) here is my question: We currently have several servers that could probably support 3CX as is, but I am thinking for both stability and admin reasons it probably makes sense to utilize a separate piece of hardware. So assuming I stay within the recommended/supported list, would you choose Windows Pro 7 or 8? (I am assuming 64-bit in either case but let me know otherwise) or would you go for Windows Server?
What I am really curious about is whether is makes sense to try a small (good quality) fan-less PC (maybe i7 processor) with an SSD instead of a hard drive and however much RAM is optimal. It would be small, run cool, and should be up to the task if I correctly understand the system requirements. And a good battery backup.
Can those of you with experience on these issues provide some opinions? In short - what is the optimal hardward/software platform for 3CX? Thanks in advance - you may have to get in line if you want to call me a lunatic....
First some background:
1) We have been running a SIP/VOIP system for 5 or 6 years with Fonality/PBXtra PBX. This has worked fairly well but Fonality is now discontinuing this hardware and support
2) We are pretty much a windows "Shop" for both servers and desktops, most support of which is out-sourced but the hardware is on-site -so on that basis 3CX is appealing
3) We have been using FlowRoute as a SIP provider for several years and that has worked well for us
4) We currently have about 10 Polycom 650s, but I would plan to buy several Yealink phones as part of my test (feel free to voice an opinion here regarding alternatives)
5) We use a WatchGuard firewall
So (finally) here is my question: We currently have several servers that could probably support 3CX as is, but I am thinking for both stability and admin reasons it probably makes sense to utilize a separate piece of hardware. So assuming I stay within the recommended/supported list, would you choose Windows Pro 7 or 8? (I am assuming 64-bit in either case but let me know otherwise) or would you go for Windows Server?
What I am really curious about is whether is makes sense to try a small (good quality) fan-less PC (maybe i7 processor) with an SSD instead of a hard drive and however much RAM is optimal. It would be small, run cool, and should be up to the task if I correctly understand the system requirements. And a good battery backup.
Can those of you with experience on these issues provide some opinions? In short - what is the optimal hardward/software platform for 3CX? Thanks in advance - you may have to get in line if you want to call me a lunatic....