Exhibit 23.1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

     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 and  Acquisition  Stock Option Plan of our report  dated  February 13, 2002
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in
its Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year  ended  December  31,  2001 and the
related financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.


Ernst & Young LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
March 22, 2002