FAQs

Yes, branch office phones can be added as extensions becoming a part of the main office's business phone system. When additional offices are grouped from one main location two requirements would be an Internet connection (preferably dedicated) connecting the two and choosing the correct Zerabox server size.

What are the two main sizes of Zerabox?

Zerabox can accommodate companies from 1 to 100 employees, as well as larger organizations with our rack mounted enterprise solution. Companies with up to 100 users should choose the IP100, while larger companies should choose either a networked solution or choose our IP-Enterprise. By using more than one server networked together, total scalability can be achieved.

Zerabox IP-100 IP-PBX Zerabox IP-Enterprise

Zerabox IP100 Zerabox IP-Enterprise

How does Zerabox compare to other regular traditional PBXs or new IP-PBXs?

Zerabox has a long list of included features that are part of the software load and are not added for an additional charge. It is driven by Asterisk, a proven stable versatile PBX software that will make your company "future proof". Compare Zerabox to Avaya IP-Office, Nortel, Shoretel, Intertel or others and we believe you will be both truly impressed with its capabilities and delighted by its price.

What is special about the hardware components that Zerabox uses?

Most PBXs remain on continuously and need a constant robust cooling design and will have a greater life span if long life components are used. Zerabox uses tested certified long life components from "best of breed" manufacturers to insure the longest life and most efficient operation. In addition we add greater memory, a large 160 GB hard drive, better cooling capacity and a heat sink that benefits speed, computing power and overall efficiency.

We noticed that Zerabox has greater memory and a larger hard drive than some other PBXs we looked at in the same range, is that important?

Asterisk, the software that Zerabox operates on has very high limitations on the number of connections that it will support. The hardware, although, does create limitations with compressed codecs, conference bridging and ACD's utilizing more resources than other typical features. Zerabox adds more memory, and a robust Intel dual core processor so that it can handle more of these processing intensive features, giving you a "larger system" right out of the box. We also incorporate a larger hard drive, 160 Gigs, that will allow for lots of storage for both voicemail messages, as well as recorded calls.

Can you send me a preconfigured Zerabox with the hardware cards I need and then I have it installed myself?

Yes, we will have your hardware assembled so that the configuration for your phone lines are already installed and shipped along with the number of phones that you want. It will be ready to install right when you get it.

Can I purchase just the hardware and do the configurations myself?

We offer our resellers the option of totally configuring the Zerabox. Customers will be able to make most common changes including adding call treatments (ring groups, auto-attendants, call forwarding, etc.).

What phones can I use with Zerabox?

Zerabox connects to non-proprietary IP phones. We support several models from some of the most respected manufacturers today, Polycom, Aastra and Grandstream. The Polycom SoundPoint models include the following; IP330, IP501, IP650, and the IP601 Sidecar Expansion Module. In Aastra, we support the following Business IP models; 53i, 55i (with cordless handset), 57i, and the 560M Sidecar Expansion Module. In Grandstream we support the 2010 and 2020 models.

Why don't I see Cisco IP Phones listed as compatible with Zerabox?

Even though Cisco phones do follow some of the open standards, they are designed to work with Cisco Call Manager. Using these phones with other systems limits their functionality and produces results and feature sets that are not optimum.

Will I need a separate Ethernet (Cat5) connection for the Zerabox IP Phone?

No, our IP Phones come with a second separate Ethernet connection for your computer and will act as a switch to separate both phone and PC. It's as simple as plugging the Ethernet cable from the wall into the phone and a second cable from the phone to the PC.

Do you suggest recommend one phone over another?

First, we like to encourage you to tell us how you currently use your phones. Then we will explain the benefits of a particular IP phone. Aastra IP phones come highly recommended with feature sets that can make even the most demanding user happy. One suggestion is to try not to mix many different phones, as it creates difficulties and inefficiencies.

Can the IP100 or the IP-Enterprise be mounted via a wall mount?

The IP100 can be wall mounted with the use of a mounting bracket to a wall board or left as free standing server. The design is such that internal access can be achieved without even taking the unit off of the wall, saving time. The IP-Enterprise is a rack mounted unit.

What is asterisk?

Asterisk is the leading open source PBX software available and allows connectivity to both PSTN and VoIP networks. And it has proven to both reliable and stable in the hundreds of thousands of installations worldwide. Having dominated the market since its inception, Asterisk has confirmed itself to be a robust, PBX software whose open source code can be engineered to accomplish numerous features sets.

What are the benefits of using an IP-PBX with underlying open source?

Benefits range from greater stability and lower cost to community based continuous development and technical support information. Like more well known open source developments like Linux and Apache Web Server, Asterisk benefits from higher performance and deeper functionality. In addition, as new applications come forth they will be made available to the general public.

I am interested in selling Zerabox, do you offer reseller programs?

Yes, we have a reseller program for individuals or companies that are looking to sell Zerabox. Please contact us for more information.

What type of managed services can Zeracom offer for the Zerabox?

With remote access we can make configuration changes on the Zerabox, and if desired can monitor the server allowing preventative maintenance.

What is IP telephony?

IP telephony is the transmission of voice over the Internet (VoIP). This transmission can include either the LAN or the WAN.

I like the idea of being able to set our own features, will Zerabox allow me to do it myself?

Yes, not only can you turn features on or off, you will have the ability to create extensions, turn off and set the numerous features yourself through our intuitive web based control panel. We include a training session with each purchase and afterwards through our support program continue as your Zerabox partner.

What is an IP-PBX?

An IP-PBX is a complete telephony system that manages telephones throughout an organization. It acts as a gateway to both voice and data and allows calls to be made over a network instead of a normal telephone infrastructure. This results in increased features with convergence with other network applications and saves money over more traditional based phone systems.

What are the advantages of Zerabox, an IP business phone system?

Besides cost savings and the upfront value that you get over traditional PBXs the long term benefits can be even greater. The Zerabox IP business office phone system gives you numerous features wrapped up in one purchase and can expand to include additional branch offices. Even remote workers with broadband Internet connections can do extension dialing. Internet greatly reduces telephone costs, and allows for easy expansion or adding new extensions. Zerabox can enable calls to be made using IP networks from one location to another, even if the remote location is located in another country, resulting in significant savings.

We have remote workers, can they have a phone that will connect to the system?

All they have to do is plug an IP phone into their cable modem or DSL modem and they will get dial tone and be able to extension dial and enjoy all of the other features that are part of the business phone system.

What is meant by hosted VoIP?

Hosted VoIP is a business phone system that you gives you the features of a more traditional PBX without the hardware sitting at your premise. The signaling transmits over the Internet to the provider who hosts the servers. The end user pays monthly service fees and connects from IP phones connected to their router.

Will Zerabox work with softphones?

Yes, Zerabox will connect to to softphones. We recommend the xTen Lite by Counterpath, which is an excellent softphone and available for download for free. We also recommend that when using a softphone to use a headset which will increase the sound quality.

What is the best size company for Zerabox or hosted VoIP?

Hosted VoIP, where the server that controls the features and routing of the IP-phones, is best suited for a company with up to approximately 7 or 8 extensions at any single location. Zerabox is a great solution for companies with 5 extensions or more. If a company has multiple locations of 4 or 5 employees, then this could be a good fit for either hosted VoIP or Zerabox.

How long does it take to install Zerabox?

Typically the hardware comes preconfigured with call treatments and other software settings and can be installed on premise in several hours, making it convenient and saving downtime.

Who is Zeracom?

Zeracom is Technology Solutions Provider located in Greenville, SC and a leader in IP Telephony services. For more information and complete description of the services Zeracom offers, please visit the Zeracom website at www.zeracom.com.

I would like additional information, what is the best way to contact Zeracom?

You can either use our form on our contact page here or call us at 864.676.2170. Or if you prefer email us.

"One box, one business phone system, one solution present and future."

affordable | dependable | intuitive

FAQs

"One box, one business phone system, one solution present and future."

What is the difference between VoIP and IP/PBX?

PBX, IP-PBX, VoIP and Hosted VoIP, which is right for me?

Thinking about a new phone system? Then you should consider one that is IP (VoIP) capable, an IP-PBX. This will allow for "plug in and connect" expansion, the ability to easily add a branch location if desired, and have workers connect from remote locations such as home.

The hurdle has always been price, but now with Zerabox, that barrier has been lowered dramatically. In addition to a lower upfront expense, a new business phone system, Zerabox, will save you monthly reoccurring phone costs over other alternatives.

Hosted VoIP can be a viable alternative for the SOHO (small office/home office) environment if proper consideration is given to existing Internet and network conditions.

Let us give you some specific information about what would be best for your company.

Zerabox® Features

Auto-Attendant (IVR)

Voicemail

Voicemail to Email

Blast Groups (Ring All)

Call Forwarding

Find Me - Follow Me

Outlook Integration

ACD Queue

Skills Based Routing

Music on Hold

Name Directory

Branch Office Support

Extension Groups

Conference Bridge

Paging

Intercom

Voicemail Groups

Operator Panel (with BLF)

Scheduler

Web-based Control Panel

Real Time Call Logs

Report Export

Custom Caller IDs

SMS Pager Notification

Call Parking Area

Zerabox IP100

Phone Manufacturers