Campus phone system replacement project update
Campus phone system replacement project update
Phone system prioritization and timelines
As UMBC continues remote and hybrid work for the Summer and Fall, we wanted to provide an update about the status and priorities of the campus phone system replacement project. Our legacy phone system is over 30 years old, and cannot be maintained going forward. To date we have moved over 900 users to the new system to help ensure that there is no disruption to communications as we approach the fall semester.
During the summer, DoIT will be prioritizing the transition of department numbers over to the new phone system. We would like to work closely with all departments, including those who have already transitioned, to make sure they are prepared for the return to campus. To help avoid confusion, we are proactively removing the old desk phones once people have transitioned to the new system since those older physical phones are not compatible with the new system. If people need wired or wireless headsets, a physical office phone, or have any outstanding questions around the phone system or Webex software please let us know.
As the Fall semester progresses we will shift our focus primarily to remaining individual staff numbers that have not already been migrated.
New phone system overview
Transitioning to the new phone system offers many new features and advantages besides increased reliability. A key feature during this time of remote work and telework is the ability for your computer at home or office to make and receive calls using your campus extension. This “softphone” is enabled by using the Webex app, formerly Webex Teams, which can be installed on any computer or mobile device. UMBC has adopted this softphone approach as the recommended configuration and will be providing wired and wireless headsets to the community at no departmental cost. Headsets can be picked up at Engineering 020. Please see the links below for more information on these units.
If there are locations or users that would benefit from a physical desk phone instead of this model, we can work with your department to help evaluate your needs and make sure we are installing the right kind of devices to best support you.
We appreciate your support in helping us complete this very important project.
Ray Soellner
Associate Director - DoIT
UMBC
Posted: June 25, 2021, 1:11 PM