For faculty at the University of Idaho, handheld telephone sets are disappearing from their physical desktops and they’re now receiving phone calls through their computer’s digital desktop.
The university is removing most of its handheld telephone sets and moving its phone system onto the Microsoft Teams platform. This means that faculty will now have to use their computer and access the Teams software to make a phone call (hence, known as a “softphone”).
“The pandemic illustrated a change in how people communicate, away from phone calls and more towards scheduled video calls – but there were still clear needs for phone service in some areas,” said Dan Ewart in an email. “Reducing the number of lines and reviewing new products also offered opportunities for cost savings.”
Ewart, who leads the Office of Information Technology, estimates that $50,000 can be saved on phone costs by making this switch. He also believes the new Teams system will make emergency planning much easier when network or power outages occur.
Already-existing phone numbers will remain the same on the new Teams system and Teams can also be installed and operated on a cellphone if need be. Additionally, traditional phone services like voicemail and conference call capabilities will still be available as well.
Though some will stay in a select few offices, the old handheld telephone sets are being donated to other state higher education institutions and non-profit entities.
The implementation of the Teams phone is proceeding smoothly with nearly two-thirds of the phone lines already migrated over to the new system. By May, the transition is expected to be complete.
“Teams Voice has proven highly successful for thousands of organizations across the world, and hundreds of higher education institutions in the United States, and I see no reason it will not be successful for the University of Idaho,” said Ewart.
For more information on the shift to softphones, an FAQ can be found here.
Herman Roberts can be reached at [email protected]