Unified communications (UC) is the integration of real-time communication services such as telephony, instant messaging (chat), presence information, and audio/video conferencing. UC is not a single product, but a set of products that provides a consistent unified user interface and user experience across multiple devices and media types.

Voice over Internet Protocol (Voice over IP, VoIP) is a family of technologies, methodologies, communication protocols, and transmission techniques for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet. Unlike circuit-switched networks, IP doesn't require a dedicated connection for an entire call.

• Replace end of life legacy voice systems.
• Upgrade the voice environment to a consistent platform with similar functionality on all campuses and remote sites.
• Provide new functionality and features available in a Unified Communications/VOIP solution.
• Improved system reliability & uptime.

Prior to the conversion an IST representative will confirm your current phone number, phone programming, Intercom/paging groups, etc. This will determine how your new phone will be set up. Your cooperation during this Station Review will help ensure a smooth transition to UC/VOIP.

No - even though your new phone and your computer may use the same wall jack, the transmission of your phone calls and network data will be separate.

No.

No - your VOIP phone will plug into a network port and your computer will plug into a connection on the back of your VOIP phone.

Yes - if the entire data network is down, telephone service will also be unavailable.  However, the new Voice infrastructure has been designed with a redundant topology so that if the "primary system" or circuit for a location fails, it will automatically fail-over to a secondary, redundant system.

Yes - as part of the upgrade you will receive a new VOIP phone with features and functions comparable to your current phone.

It will not be possible to move these to the new voice mail system so you should retrieve any critical information in your current Voice Mail prior to the conversion. You will receive notification of cut-over dates in advance to allow you sufficient time to do this. You will be provided with a new voice mailbox on the new voicemail platform. You will be responsible for recording a greeting for your new mailbox prior to the conversion.

Yes – for a limited amount of time based on battery backup capacity and generator power.

• The University plans to convert to UC/VOIP over a 2 year period starting in early 2012.
• The conversion will be done by campus starting with the Newark campus first, Central campus next and then Sothern locations.
• You will receive additional communications prior to your area converting.

No – in general everyone will keep their existing phone number.

In addition to the features you have on your current phone UC/VOIP will provide:

• Extension Mobility –Ability to securely log into any phone in the University's network using your user profile.
• Single Number Reach –User can ring multiple phones (cell, home office) with one number and one voice mail.
• Presence – Ability to See Users Status (availability) for improved productivity; get to the right person the first time.
• Unified Messaging Voice Mail –Access to Voicemail from your phone or PC via Outlook Client.
• Enterprise Paging –Ability to page anywhere in the University's facilities.

No - fax machines will retain their same number. In general fax numbers will not be converted to UC/VOIP.

Yes - you will be able to dial a number from any phone to retrieve voice mail messages.

Dial 9 - 1 - plus the 10 digit telephone number.

Yes – you will continue to use your authorization code for long distance and international calls.

During implementation in your area representatives from IST will be available to answer questions and resolve any issues. You can also get support via the Help Desk at 732-743-3200.

Yes, you will receive a guide for using your new phone prior to the conversion. Web based training will also be available via the UC/VOIP web site.

Yes, you can continue to dial internal numbers as you always have. During the transition this applies to people on the current phone system and on the UC/VOIP system.

Based on Station Reviews all phones will be setup by IST.

You can get support for VOIP phones via the Help Desk at 732-743-3200.