EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statement
(Form  S-8)  pertaining  to the  Acquisition  Stock  Option  Plan of  Inter-Tel,
Incorporated  of our  report  dated  February  11,  2000,  with  respect  to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Inter-Tel, Incorporated, which
is  included  in the  Company's  Annual  Report  (Form  10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1999.

                                         /s/ ERNST & YOUNG

Phoenix, Arizona
March 9, 2001