After speaking to Chris Thompson from Adtran about the Netvanta 7100 small business VoIP solution (read review), I asked some questions about the system to Todd Harter of Pedcor Companies, where the Adtran Netvanta 7100 is deployed as full VoIP solution. Todd generously shares with us below his experience of the system. This is good information for people considering deployment of a VoIP solution in their small and medium-size business.


Question: Tell us briefly about your company.

Todd: Pedcor Companies develop, construct, and manage market rate to affordable housing communities throughout the Midwestern and Western United States. The company was founded in 1987 when principals Gerald Pedigo and Bruce Cordingley developed the first affordable rental housing community in central Indiana. To date, Pedcor has developed over 10,000 apartment units throughout California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Question: How would you rate the Adtran Netvanta 7100 system, between 1 and 5?

Todd: 3.5

Question: What advantages have you seen in the system?

Todd: The Adtran 7100 has allowed me to integrate a Corporate VPN, with the power of VoIP, as well as eliminate lots of smaller SOHO office network equipment. I was originally looking for a small office phone system with VoIP capabilities. As well, I was doing research for VPN integration for my remote sites. Adtran has married the two and created a device that will work for almost any small business looking for a robust network and phone system.

With this marriage I am able to remotely control both the network and phone system in one interface. The inclusion of the VPN and Firewall functions on the router side of the device has also assisted my staff with help desk task. The Adtran 7100 has allowed us to remotely control the computer, phones, and network devices from any location via a web interface, or Telnet. The entire system database can also be downloaded to the help desk via the VPN; as well it is kept locally on the compact flash located in the back of the 7100. In the event a device fails we can ship out a new piece of hardware with a copy of the data base in it and be up in running in a matter of hours. With very little end user knowledge or tech support needed to bring the network and phones back on line.

Question: Any drawbacks you have identified in the system?

Todd: There are a few features I feel that are missing, or need to be tweaked to make the Adtran 7100 a universal fit for anyone. The learning curve of the programming is a little steep. Adtran has attempted to include useful help buttons throughout the GUI program interface. This information is skimpy on the details. If you have been through an Adtran class or are familiar with Adtran products the Data side of the device will not be a problem. But the voice programming side of the product is a little convoluted. Adtran has chosen to duplicate the functions of a basic telephone key system by way of unconventional means and functions. Some of the basic configurations you expect on any telephone system PBX or Key System are difficult to achieve. Trunk groups, hunt groups, and analog configuration will take some learning. I am sure that with time and effort Adtran will iron out these issues and learn their way around a telephone system. Also remote keysets is not an option without the install of another 7100 connected via VPN. Currently they do not have a way to support the remote home user that needs an extension of the main phone system. Integration of wireless LAN would be a welcomed addition to the package. I have been using a Linksys wireless access Pointe to support mobile and laptop users.

Question: How would you compare this system with others on the market, making reference to systems like, for example, Avaya One-X, Fonality PBXtra, Cisco SBCS, Nortel BCM 50 etc.?

Todd: The services listed above do not compare to the Adtran 7100. They are a hosted service across the Internet and do not have the ability to control VoIP packets via AOS. The Adtran 7100 is an onsite hosted network and VoIP package with many layer 3 and packet control options. There are other products that support on site VoIP such as Avaya, Cisco, Mitel, and NEC to name a few. But all of them to my knowledge are unable to provide a comparable service at a price close to Adtran. Also you will still need a data network to support the phones, and that is more equipment you will have to buy and manage.

Question: What made you choose Adtran Netvanta rather than other systems of the like on the market?

Todd: I chose Adtran for its integration of network equipment, VPN capabilities and simple remote management of the system and devices behind it.

Question: In what way has the system improved your business (both functionally and economically)?

Todd: Functionally: I am now able to eliminate smaller SOHO products that may fail or need to be administrated. I was unable to easily manage the smaller devices remotely and efficiently. The addition of the VPN has increased the ability for my staff to get information to and from the Corporate Office. As well my help desk staff can now remotely control the equipment via the VPN, without the hassle of loading and maintain another application.

Economically: The price point on the Adtran 7100 is very reasonable. By eliminating the additional smaller network equipment, I was able to lower my cost of ownership. Let alone the tech support issues that come with maintaining multiple smaller devices.

Question: A last word?

Todd: Adtran is on the right track with the 7100. With more development and experience in the telephone system business they will have a product that can grow and be beneficial to a lot of small to medium size companies.