When you're looking at IP phone systems for your business, picking the right system is very important. How do you know which system to pick? Two of the top systems are Adtran and Cisco. Both systems have phones that offer great sound quality, programmable soft keys, multi-line, hands-free, voicemail with message indicator, and a built-in head-set jack. Both are SIP friendly systems. That is where the similarities end.
Adtran Phones
Adtran phones are economical and user friendly. Their features are easy to use, not overly complex, and attempt to encompass a basic range of business phone needs. Most Adtran 
phones range from 2-6 line capability, though with an extender, some of the Adtran phones can handle up to 12 lines. A few select models of Adtran phones are capable of handling 12 lines without an extender necessary. The main series of Adtran phones are basic IP phones, some with and some without back-lit displays, as well as three models of conference phones. Only one Adtran phone series offers touch screen. This is a series that not only offers high-quality sound, but also video calls. Adtran phones are designed for quick and easy installation and programming. Adtran phones can be used where advanced programming within the system is warranted, but most Adtran phones features may be limited as to what do. This is especially true with the Adtran Netvanta system. Netvanta is an all-in-one box that is designed for small businesses that are looking to limit the cost of starting up an IP phone system. The Netvanta system has a limited feature set and is unsuitable for larger businesses as it only supports up to 50 stations. It is a perfect system for businesses that are looking to switch to an IP phone system that does not require advanced technical skills to install and run.
Cisco Phones
Cisco phones are designed for functionality, not ease of installation or programming. While the Cisco line of phones do offer simplistic phones designed for classroom or hall use, the 
majority of the Cisco line was created with business functionality in mind. Cisco phones range from 2-12 line capability. Most of the Cisco phones offer a back-lit display, and a significant portion also offer touch screens. Many of the touch screen phones are video phones, but not all. Cisco even offers multiple models of wireless IP phones, for use by employees who need to be mobile rather than tied to a desk. Cisco phones are designed for installation by experience IT personnel. These phones are best for businesses where the IT department wants to be able to tweak the system to work just they way they want it to. While the programming and configuration of Cisco phones can be complex, the daily use of phones is designed to be user friendly.
Both Adtran and Cisco phone systems are IP phones with great sound quality, and can help enhance any business phone system. Adtran phones are straight-forward, easy to install and upkeep, while Cisco phones offer the ability to program and use features on an advanced system, as well as a wide variety of phone types. Which phone system do you think would work best for you? Let us know!
