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Selkowitz Technology | Seattle’s small business network and telecom consultant

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I recently had the opportunity to install an Allworx system for a client that wanted the Allworx system specifically. Most of our systems are Talkswitch systems, so I use Talkswitch as a benchmark for other systems.

Functionality
The Allworx has an impressive feature set, beyond a full feature phone system, its a router/firewall, network server, and more. It also has optional features like TAPI dialing from Outlook (click to dial), conferencing, and so much more. Not only can calls ring to desks, but it does find-me-follow where it can ring multiple other phones (cell phones, home office phones) to ensure calls always get through. Allworx is truly an impressive system in the functionality department. Talkswitch delivers what most small businesses actually need, Allworx delivers nearly any feature you could imagine.

Ease of Configuration
Though professional install is always needed for a system of this caliber, many companies want to maintain the systems themselves to keep down costs. Allworx has a fairly straightforward web based management interface, I wouldn’t call it user-friendly but its good. I’d say the Allworx is best left to be maintained by a professional, however its easily remotely changed meaning no trip fees and smaller minimums for updates. Talkswitch definitely wins for ease of use, most of our customers can make changes themselves which does keep down costs over the years.

Phones
Allworx has four branded phones, the only one I really like is the 9212 which comes in at $269 and the least expensive phone is $190. The Allworx 9212 is a terrific quality phone, but admittedly the costs add up quickly.

Talkswitch offers seven branded phones, three of which are IP phones like the Allworx. They range from $119 to $239 with the most popular model being just $179.

Both systems do work with third party phones, though with a lesser functionality set.

I’d say the Talkswitch 9133i phone for $179 is a superior phone to the Allworx 9202 phone for $190 and very close to the Allworx 9212 for $269. Saving $90 per phone can really add up, so Talkswitch is the winner here.

Growth
Talkswitch supports up to 64 extensions while Allworx supports 60, so both have about the same growth potential. Allworx is generally less expensive above 48 and tied above 30 users, but often more expensive below, though it does vary depending on the quantity and type of lines used (VoIP or PSTN).

System Cost
Talkswitch has an easier entry point, with models starting at just $695 for a 240vs, though its a smaller capacity system than the Allworx, it can grow. The Allworx 6x and Talkswitch 840vs are fairly close is capacity, but Talkswitch is $300 less. But each situation is different - Allworx is often less expensive for larger VoIP installs than Talkswitch while Talkswitch is less expensive for PSTN lines or lighter VoIP use.

Awards and Recognition
One of the best ways for a phone system buyer to know if they’re looking at a good system is industry reviews and awards. Talkswitch recently was awarded “Best VoIP System for Small Business” by Small Business Computing Magazine and won a VON Innovator award. Allworx products have won Internet Telephony Product of the Year Awards in 2005, 2006, and 2007 and the Executive Director for the publisher of Internet Telephony recently stated “when somebody in an SMB asks me what phone system to buy, I say, ‘Buy Allworx’. “

Clearly both systems are mature and well respected products in the telecom industry.

Conclusion
The choice of system here is a matter of business size, use, and feature set - both systems are terrific but are optimized for somewhat different small to medium business use. When working with most businesses I look at Talkswitch first and Allworx for specific needs - probably 80-90% of small businesses I meet are best off with Talkswitch.

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