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  20,  1998  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, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
November 10, 1998