About this project
Information Systems & Technology (IST) is proposing a move to a primarily softphone client model for campus telephones and eliminating telephone rental charges effective May 1, 2021.
Such a change will require campus consultation and a review of financial implications. Logical timing for budget changes may be for the 2021/2022 fiscal year, however, IST is proposing a phased approach, such that many of the benefits of this proposal can be achieved before May 1, 2021. High-level changes are noted below. Please see the full proposal for additional information.
Proposed phased approach
The ‘Migration to a primarily softphone model’ is to be discussed and refined in consultation with stakeholders, for full implementation effective May 1, 2021.
Elimination of telephone rental charges effective May 1, 2021, after the financial elements above are discussed and refined in consultation with stakeholders.
A S4B softphone only service be offered immediately, for $8*/month ($0 after May 1, 2021. If it is realistic to make this change on a non fiscal year boundary, we can possibly make the change to $0 sooner than May 1, 2021.)
Why is this change being proposed?
There are user experience and cost reduction benefits with this approach. Softphones can also be used on laptop computers and smartphones, and can be an important part of supporting Work From Home (WFH).
Improved service
There are enhanced user experience benefits to softphones, some of which include the additional features that integrate with computer workstations:
- online messaging
- user presence indication
- video
- conference calling
- file and screen sharing
- voicemail transcription
Reduced cost
Moving to softphones and removing the existing rental charges will prevent the need for unnecessary budget transfers.
Approximately 7,000 existing telephone desk sets will require eventual replacement with new models, at significant cost.
Reducing the number of physical phones required across campus reduces that eventual renewal cost.
Proposed high-level changes to be in place before May 1, 2021
There are proposed changes to telephones, extensions, equipment required (i.e. use of a headset), and the impact on emergency phones. You are encouraged to visit the Campus Telephone Migration Project website to learn about these in detail.
Interested in migrating to the Skype for Business softphone client?
Step one
The telephone contact representative for an area interested in migrating should contact their IST Account Rep to discuss the migration process, client needs, and to confirm user/phone details.
Step two
The telephone contact representative can then work with their IST Account Rep to submit a migration request.
Step three
The IST Account Rep can receive support questions and/or feedback about the migration.
Visit the website to learn more
Visit the project website to learn more about this initiative, including frequently asked questions and feedback mechanisms.
