VoIP New Telephone System Information

General Information

 

 

Why A New Phone System?

PCS is installing a new phone and voicemail system to replace and enhance the current campus phone system for Physics users. The new system will include the same features as the current system, as well as several significant new ones. 

The most fundamental change is that the new system is based upon networking technologies instead of dedicated wires connecting a phone to a centralized phone switch. So you will be able to use the new phone system from the new telephone handsets, and also from anywhere that you can get an Internet connection using a softphone or specially-configured handset.

Although we are currently focusing upon replacing the voice communications services provided by the campus system, over time, there is potential for the new system to support video, text messaging, shared documents, and other forms of person-to-person communications. For example, it will be possible for a UCSB Physics person traveling in Europe to direct dial someone's UCSB or Physics extension and have the person answering it be traveling in Asia.  With the right software, they could then discuss and edit a paper, share a PowerPoint presentation, or exchange video by using small cameras.  All this would happen without interaction with the traditional phone companies and without incurring charges (other than perhaps local Internet access costs.)

Implementation/Migration

The deployment of the telephone and voice mail system is occurring in several phases.

CURRENT STATUS: We are currently in Phase III   We have installed more than 100 VoIP phones in Physics staff, faculty and graduate student offices.

PHASE I    The VoIP phones have been distributed to volunteer parties. Current testers are maintaining their current extension numbers. It is integrated into our current PBX and the outside lines to Verizon through the new system and via the current PBX (telephone system)

PHASE II    Install of new VoIP phones to administrative staff in 3rd and 6th floor locations.

PHASE III     Once we have finished the first two phases, we will start migration of other interested parties in the Physics community by small sections divided up by building, floor or groups of users.