This is a follow up to a blog I wrote some time ago about the Cisco SPA525G IP Phone. Just like everyone I ordered the phone as soon as I had a skew for it from Cisco, then waited three months while it was on back order from day one. Now I will say that if you are going to put out a new product you should have enough in stock to get it to people. Cisco did not win any points from me on the delivery of my phone.
But I was happy once I received the phone; I like it more than my 7975 IP Phone. The options and the set up of the SPA525G were very easy; you could make changes on the phone. This is unlike most of other IP phones I have. The sound quality, screen volume and range of the wireless phone were good. I wish Cisco would take the 7975 and make it just like the SPA525G. It was so nice being able to make changes to options on the phone rather than logging on to CME or a web page.
With the new wireless N standard I would not see why they could not make an IP conference phone or a video IP phone wireless; like the SPA525G. Just remember I am the one who said it first. But if Cisco could fix the high ip phone prices, buggy UC520 software and the CCA, they could be on their way with a good product.
Here is an example; it is hard to provide an ROI to a customer when the Cisco SPA525G IP phone cost $400 per phone. They can get IP Phone for $100 refurbished now and install a $75 Ethernet run to a desktop. So either Cisco needs to really drop the price on the phone, or incorporate the wireless LAN controller into the UC520 and keep the price the same. That would help the 15+ seat customers out a little if they did not have to by a wireless controller. Just an idea Cisco.
But I really like the Cisco SPA525G IP phone, good software options in it.
Old post below:
The Cisco SPA525G IP phone is a new wired and wireless phone for the SMB market. While it can be used in other settings I see this as a true phone for SMB companies who do not want to run expensive wiring. For those companies who want to add phones this can provide a great value add as it will be eliminate the use of wiring. The mobility of the phone will allow customers to move phones as they see fit and enable employees to be more mobile in the office.
This phone is a great fit for companies who are looking at the Cisco UC520 as it adds feature and functionality to a small pbx. One other added feature of this phone is Bluetooth for headsets which we would love to see on all phones. This phone has five-line IP phone supporting up to two SPA932 attendant consoles and connectivity with Power over Ethernet in case you don’t want to use the wireless connection. . The screen is a very good looking high-resolution 3.2-inch QVGA 320 x 240 color screen. Cisco has also included multimedia support for MP3s, digital photos, and RSS feeds.
Like other Cisco phone you get multi-feature support, including caller ID, call forwarding, call transfer, 3-way conferencing, call history, phonebook, MP3 ring tones, and a speakerphone. It will provide support for both SIP and SPCP Protocols with the UC520.
For more information please see the link below, we think it is a great phone for a small system.
