Hipath Open office especially is very interesting – a lot of Unified Communications features is present in it. If the cost is not very high and if they are giving a GUI for the user to manage their own settings, it should be a good option, I guess

When it comes to deployment of pure IP PBX solutions, Cisco and Avaya seem to have an edge over Siemens – both in the technology and implementation. Both of them have more installations for their IP PBX. But when it comes to the traditional mixed PBX Systems – Analog/Digital/IP, Siemens is still very strong and robust. I guess with products like Siemens Hipath 8000 and all, their portfolio in IP has become strong, But since IP PBX demands and excellent understanding of IT Networking and network infrastructure/ bottlenecks etc, Cisco definitely has an edge because they are from a background of building networks

It depends. For example, imagine a factory where an analog PBX has been running so reliably for decades… they would definitely hesitate to replace it with an IP PBX… I guess IP PBX systems needs to integrate with analog PBX systems and slowly replace them over time in such situations. Also, the network needs to get ready for such applications. But for green field installations and Technology Companies, lP PBX offers a single network and advanced features that they might be more open to implementing them immediately. And yeah, the cost of IP Phones and Gateways needs to come drastically down!

The disadvantages of excessive automation is the lack of human touch. Also with CTI, there could be some errors introduced due to the mistakes made accidentally by people. But most automated systems have a good error correction systems in place.