EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
(Form S-8)  pertaining to the Inter-Tel  Incorporated  1997 Long-Term  Incentive
Plan of our report  dated  February  14, 2003 with  respect to the  consolidated
financial  statements  and schedule of Inter-Tel,  Incorporated  included in its
Annual  Report  (Form 10-K) for the year ended  December 31, 2002 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
April 18, 2003