ESI Communications Servers Programming Manual General description
A.1
General description
ESI Communications Servers — the ESI-1000, ESI-600, ESI-200, ESI-100, and ESI-50 — are versatile,
scalable telecommunications systems for sophisticated enterprise applications. Each represents the latest
generation of ESI’s advanced communications systems, and provides much more than standard phone service.
Standard features include voice mail, automated attendant, automated call distribution (ACD), external paging
interface,and extensive call coverage features (such as off-premises “reach-me”). Optional features include
computer/telephony integration and advanced voice over IP (VoIP) communications, allowing your customers to
transition smoothly from traditional circuit-switched telephony to cost-efficient IP network-based telephony.
You or an Administrator can program the system locally or remotely, through either a phone orESI’s Windows®-
based ESI System Programmer application. Each application runs on a Windows®-compatible computer which is
connected to the system locally via serial port, remotely via the system’s built-in modem, or over Ethernet®via
the system’s built-in Network Services Processor (NSP).
Notes: Throughout this document, except where noted, we refer to each ESI port card by its functional
descriptor (usually a number), WITHOUT any “E2” or “CS” modifiers. An “E2” card and a “CS” card with the
same functional descriptor — e.g., an E2-684 and a CS-684 — are functionally identical. The difference is
that the ESI-100 accepts only “E2” port cards, while other ESI Communications Servers accepts both “E2”
and “CS” port cards.1The ESI-50 accepts only its own specific cards.
Except where noted, the remainder of this “General description” chapter describes only features, rather than
any system capacities. For system-specific capacity specifications — e.g., CO lines, ports, message
storage, etc. — see “System capacities” (page B.1).
Telephone system features
• Impressive expansion capability — Each system accepts one or more Expansion Cabinets to maximize its
potential call-handling.
• T1 and PRI support — Can connect to higher-bandwidth lines, which more and more offices use.2
• ESI Feature Phones — Compact and stylish, yet rugged, each ESI Feature Phone includes a high-quality
speakerphone, large and informative multi-functionaldisplay and a specially designed key layout with several
dedicated keys to minimize or eliminate the need to memorize codes. ESI’s 48-Key Feature Phone —
available with either full-duplex3or simplex speakerphone functionality — comes in digital and IP versions.
Each 48-Key Feature Phone model includes an integrated headset jack and is available with backlit display.
OtherESI phone models include the 24-Key Feature Phone (available with backlit display), 12-Key Feature
Phone, and Cordless Handsets (including the Cordless Handset II).4
Note: The 12-Key Feature Phone has the same stylish, rugged ESI Feature Phone design and offers the most
basic phone functions. It is intended for use in areas such as lobbies, cashier stations, warehouses and
employee lunchrooms, where only minimal phone system features are needed.
• Extensive help — ESI’s Verbal User Guide™uses spoken and displayed help prompts to help everyone from the
Installer through the Administrator down to the least experienced end user. Easily accessible with one press
of either the HELP key on the 48-Key Feature Phone or the PROG/HELP combo key on the 24-Key Feature
Phone. One can also visit www.esiusers.com for comprehensive help.
• Enhanced Caller ID — Allows one-touch automatic message return.5An ESI Communications Server
passes Caller ID data to both digital and analog ports.
• Live call recording — Can record any conversation or personal memo, with moving or copying of any
recording to another user’s voice mailbox (see “Voice mail features,” below).
• Call waiting — Includes helpful display, showing both calls’ Caller ID information, and easy one-key toggling
between calls.
1In the ESI-1000, ESI-600, and ESI-200, use of an “E2” port card also requires a“Hot Swap” Port Card Adapter (ESI part #5000-0385).
2The ESI-50 supports only PRI (not T1).
3Full-duplex speakerphonesupported only by system softwareversionsxx.xx.xx (and higher).
4See also the ESI Communications Servers Hardware Installation Manual(ESI document #0450-1049).
5This and all other references to Caller ID service within this manual assume the end-user organizationsubscribes to Caller ID service from its
telephone service provider.
