EXHIBIT 23.1
                                  ------------

                         Consent of Independent Auditors


         We  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in the  registration
statement  (Form S-8) pertaining to the Inter-Tel,  Incorporated  1997 Long Term
Incentive Plan and to the Inter-Tel,  Incorporated  1997 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan of our report  dated  February  28, 1997 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, 1996,  filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                       /s/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Phoenix, Arizona
November 26, 1997
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