Exhibit 99.2

                    CERTIFICATION BY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

In connection with the annual report of Inter-Tel,  Incorporated (the "Company")
on Form  10-K  for the  period  ended  December  31,  2002,  as  filed  with the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission  (the  "Report"),  I, Kurt R. Kneip,  Chief
Financial Officer of the Company,  hereby certify as of the Date hereof,  solely
for purposes of Title 18,  Chapter 63,  Section 1350 of the United  States Code,
that to the best of my knowledge:

1)   the Report fully complies with the  requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d),
     as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

2)   the information  contained in the Report fairly  presents,  in all material
     respects,  the financial condition and results of operations of the Company
     at the dates and for the periods indicated.

Date: March 19, 2003

/s/ Kurt R. Kneip
- ---------------------------------
Kurt R. Kneip
Chief Financial Officer