Norstar was a widely used Nortel business phone system with features like call forwarding, call park, caller ID, conferencing, voice call deny, and programmable keys. Since Nortel's enterprise business was sold in 2009, Norstar is considered legacy equipment; businesses either use third-party maintenance or migrate to modern VoIP/cloud phone services. Decision factors include feature needs, total cost, security, and integration requirements.

Overview

Norstar telephones, originally sold by Nortel, were a popular small- and medium-business phone system known for reliable digital handsets and business-focused features. After Nortel's enterprise business was sold in 2009, Norstar became a legacy product line that many businesses still operate today. Organizations using Norstar now typically rely on third-party maintenance or migrated solutions from current telephony vendors.

Core features you still see in Norstar systems

Norstar handsets and systems were built around practical, productivity-focused features that remain relevant:

  • Call forwarding - redirect calls to another extension or external number.
  • Call park - place a call on hold so any other phone in the system can retrieve it.
  • Caller ID - display the incoming number and, where provisioned, caller information.
  • Conference calling - combine multiple participants on a single call.
  • Voice call deny / do-not-disturb - block voice calls while allowing voicemail routing.
  • Programmable keys - one-touch transfers, speed dials, voicemail access, and feature toggles.
These capabilities are comparable to those found in modern VoIP and cloud phone services, though implementation differs between digital PBX hardware and software-based platforms.

Models and role-based deployment

Norstar systems offered a range of handset models to match job requirements. Receptionists and assistants could use phones with many programmable keys and displays, while back-office staff often used simpler models with fewer buttons. This flexibility helped control costs while giving users the features they needed.

Support, maintenance, and security

Because Norstar is a legacy platform, official updates from Nortel are no longer available. Businesses typically choose one of three support paths:

  1. Continue running existing Norstar hardware with third-party maintenance providers.
  1. Migrate to a vendor that offers support for legacy Nortel/Avaya environments.
  1. Move to a modern VoIP or cloud phone service (hosted PBX) that replaces the on-site system.
Security and uptime depend on properly maintained hardware and secure network practices. If you keep Norstar hardware, isolate voice networks, apply strong access controls, and work with experienced maintainers.

Choosing whether to keep or replace Norstar

If Norstar still meets your needs, third-party support can extend its life. If you need unified communications, mobile integration, or cloud management, consider migrating to a VoIP/cloud provider. Evaluate total cost of ownership, required features (mobile ties, conferencing, integrations), and support options before deciding.

Norstar delivered solid business telephony features for its era. Today those features remain standard, but delivery has shifted toward software and cloud platforms that offer faster feature updates and broader integration with business apps.

FAQs about Norstar Telephones

Is Norstar still supported?
Norstar is a legacy product; Nortel no longer updates it. Many organizations use third-party maintenance providers or migrate to modern VoIP/cloud services for ongoing support.
What core features does Norstar provide?
Norstar systems offer call forwarding, call park, caller ID, conference calling, voice call deny (do-not-disturb), and programmable keys for speed dials and one-touch actions.
Should I migrate Norstar to a cloud phone system?
Consider migrating if you need mobile integration, unified communications, frequent feature updates, or easier administration. Compare total cost of ownership and vendor support before switching.
Can I keep using Norstar securely?
Yes, if you maintain the hardware, isolate and secure the voice network, and work with experienced maintenance providers. However, legacy systems may lack modern security features present in current platforms.