GPT/Siemens iSDX, Realitis. The Days Of Buy And Sell Have Passed…
Some inbound calls make me uncomfortable. No, let’s start again – these days, most calls make me feel decidedly ill-at-ease. Because we’re not buying. And lots of folks want to sell.
“Hello, we have a number of iSDX systems for disposal. We’ve found you on the ‘net, and wondered if you’d like to buy them.”
So, how do I “break it” to my caller, usually a communications manager from a large organisation, that I may have to charge his company to remove his mature, proven, well-maintained system? How can I couch what I say in the terms of a bereavement counsellor, rather than a second-hand car salesman?
iSDX used to be our staple trading product. The installed base was huge, hence turnover in used cards healthy. Then, around 2003, the market effectively collapsed, “Wall Street Crash”-style. We would have jumped from the 23rd floor, but we couldn’t get to the window for the boxes of used cards and terminals in the way.
The cause? Almost certainly the halt in investment by comms. manager who saw a new generation of VOIP systems on the horizon. And, of course, new VOIP, or VOIP-capable systems. Plus, traditional-style PABX manufacturers muscling in on the previously impenetrable local authority and large corporate iSDX accounts. Simply, supply outstripped demand. Lots of equipment coming out, a shrinking base into which they could be reinstalled.
”But….we used to pay a fortune for cards from our maintainer. We’ve spent so much…” bleats my caller.
I shuffle uncomfortably. I can’t see him, but I somehow lose eye contact.
“Yes, probably too much. So, if you know of anyone who wants to buy used iSDX hardware, let me know.” This is probably not the time for nervous humour. Too late.
I tell him that we will carefully unpick his used phone system from existing, unlabelled, live and vulnerable cabling. We will manoevre the large cabinets out to our vehicle without killing anyone, or cracking the marble floor in reception. And provide appropriate waste documentation, complying with the WEEE directive. We’ve done it before. Just a few times…
“Well, I’ve a number of options I still have to explore.” he says, abruptly, thinking that this will draw me into making a bid. It won’t.
Fine. I can’t offer him anything. I feel sorry. The fact that I don’t make even a tentative low offer surprises him as I end the call. Maybe he will be back. However, if he does manage to sell his phone system, I’ll be pleased for him. As long as he gets paid. Anyone buying used iSDX/Realitis hardware these days has either found an immediate, willing buyer, or is just misled or dumb and fraudulant.
iSDX is a wonderful system, and could plough on for many, many years. The Multiline 12b, and iSDT 300 handsets may seem to have been designed by the same architect that planned council flat blocks in new towns, but it is a supremely reliable PABX, and perfectly flexibile, in the hands of the right engineer. For the average organisation with hundreds of analogue phones and unsophisticated users, it’s just fine. It’s the classic big enterprise PABX. And it’s not really yet ready for recycling.
Sadly, recent “Realitis” versions have tight restrictions on what can be added, based around a “slot-based licensing” system. Are Siemens trying to kill it off? But that’s another story.
We love taking them out. But please don’t ask us to pay for them. They make expensive paperweights.
Oh, and counselling is available at rob.govier@telecomgreen.co.uk
(I’d love some comments here, but these will be pre-moderated. Did you really want to read some more ads for, ahem, “blue pills”? Maybe that’s what we should be selling…)
