Next Generation Calling: Campus Phone System Upgrade [1]
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Overview
A new, next generation phone service will replace the aging campus phone system in 2022. The new service, powered by Microsoft Teams [2], provides a superior user experience and is strategically aligned with campus targets for efficiency and effectiveness and delivery of IT services.
- Faculty and staff will keep their UMass Amherst phone numbers, which will be available on campus or remotely.
- Phone calling will be added to Microsoft Teams, a platform that is already in use at UMass Amherst and available through Microsoft 365 for most computers and mobile devices.
Microsoft Teams Calls [2] Frequently Asked Questions [3]
Features & Benefits
Superior, convenient user experience
- Make calls and check your voicemail from most devices anywhere.
- Your campus phone number travels with you.
- Seamlessly integrate your phone, email, calendar, and storage for better communication and collaboration.
- Faster deployment of new features.
- More efficiencies as legacy hardware is retired, and voice and data networks converge.
Other service offerings
- Emergency calling and contact centers remain available in the new environment.
Milestones
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Winter 2021
- Planning for a new unified communications system is formalized.
- Project team is formed.
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Spring & Summer 2021
- Bid process for a new vendor starts.
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Fall 2021
- Technical discovery and assessment of the campus communications environment.
- Request for proposals submitted to UMass Procurement.
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Spring 2022
- Bid awarded.
- Implementation starts.
Feedback
Questions or concerns? Email unified-comms-feedback@umass.edu [5]