Oct. 1, 2002

Telecommunications Upgrade

Enhanced Phone Services Will Expand University Office Capabilities

By Greg Licamele

Alexander Graham Bell would be proud of GW.

Information Systems and Services (ISS) will continue to unveil the University’s new phone system hub by hub, telephone by telephone, extension by extension, during a comprehensive project that began this summer. Jennifer Bevacqua delaConcepcion, director of telecommunications, says this change to a new system represents a fundamental shift in GW’s telecommunications capabilities. Many users will not only receive new phones, but they will have full service for repairs, as well as many new options, including wireless capabilities.

The University’s telephone system was installed in 1986 and since then the technology has changed from analog to digital, and AT&T (now Avaya) no longer produces parts or provides support. Under this $8 million project (with five years of support), delaConcepcion says Avaya will provide the appropriate support and parts.

The first phase, installing the new system, was completed over the summer. The second phase, upgrading telephones that use the Support Building hub in the F Street area, also has recently been finished. The final three phases will continue this month through February, delaConcepcion says. Phase three includes the Ross Hall area; phase four includes Gelman Library, Funger Hall, and the Smith Center; and phase five revolves around the Academic and Marvin centers, Rice Hall and Burns Law Library.

Users with multiline black phones will receive new charcoal gray phones, already used in newer facilities like the Media and Public Affairs Building. These new gray phones will provide on-campus caller ID, as well as enhanced business features. After all 9,000 campus extensions move to the new system, delaConcepcion says off-campus caller ID most likely will be available, as will wireless capabilities.

“You could have a cell phone with your work number and when someone calls you at work, your phones will ring in both places,” she says, adding that this feature most likely will be offered to employees on a subscription basis.

A training room has been established in Room B208 of the Academic Center. Prior to each phase, training classes will be scheduled for employees. Though delaConcepcion predicts people might say, “It’s just a phone, so there’s no need to go,” she strongly recommends users take the time to attend a class.

 

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu

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