WPI Unified Communications Phone System Transition to Zoom - October Update

Department(s):

Information Technology Services

This email about the transition to Zoom phone was sent on October 11, 2023 to employees by Vijay Menta.

 

Good afternoon,

The implementation of unified communications for voice, video, SMS text, and chat, using Zoom Phone continues moving along successfully. As of next week, 75% of phone extensions will be using Zoom Phone, and Information Technology (IT) is on track to complete the transition by the end of 2023.  We thank our campus key contacts for their partnership and community members for their cooperation; this has been essential to progressing this far! Here are the latest project updates and some reminders:

 

  1. Transitions: The next cutover is scheduled during the term break to minimize disruption as 800+ numbers are transitioning. On October 17 the move to Zoom Phone includes Enrollment Management, the Provost’s Office, many areas within Student Affairs, The Business School, faculty in Arts & Sciences and Engineering, Mass Academy, and University Advancement.
  2. Emergency Calls: 5555 should be used in emergency situations to reach WPI Police directly. All campus phones, regardless of their transition status, only need to dial 5555, the 4-digit extension, to call WPI Police.
  3. SMS Texting: We continue working with Zoom to enable this feature. Stay tuned for further updates on when we are able to turn this feature on.
  4. Service Changes: WPI will no longer use Verizon as a telephone service provider as of January 1, 2024.  As a result, any Verizon telephone number not transitioned to Zoom Phone will no longer work. This includes WPI telephone numbers assigned to employees, labs, common areas, and FAX numbers.  Please immediately notify your key contact if there are additional Verizon phone numbers to transition to Zoom Phone. 
  5. Training and Resources: WPI-specific training sessions are scheduled each month, and online recordings, job aids, and FAQs can be accessed on the WPI Hub at your convenience. If you can’t find the topic or training you need, you are welcome to make requests through the IT Service Desk. If you are new to WPI, or returning after time away, you can catch up with the project timeline and past communications.
  6. Benefits: We are receiving positive feedback on new features in Zoom Phone!
    • “It’s great to have my own extension; I only used the department number before.”
    • “Voicemail transcriptions are great in Zoom Phone app; I know right away if it’s a telemarketer!”
    • “Changing message recordings, even from off-campus, is easier!”

 

We appreciate your continued efforts to improve WPI unified communications together with IT! Please be sure to distribute this message to student workers in your area as appropriate.  

Best, 

Vijay on behalf of the entire Zoom Team

 

Vijay Menta (he/him/his)  

Vice President and Chief Information Officer 

Information Technology Services 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute