VoIP enables you to make voice calls via a digital signal over the data network rather than over traditional phone lines.  The industry is overwhelmingly moving to VoIP because it reduces operational costs, introduces contemporary capabilities such as integration with online communication tools, and greatly simplifies handset relocations.  The technology that we have historically used to deliver voice services, a traditional Private Branch Exchange (PBX) phone system, is at the end of its usable life, and our provider can no longer fully support this legacy device.  The next generation of voice services at the University will be VoIP.

We have been deploying VoIP in selected locations for quite some time.  New construction, built with up-to-date networking cable and equipment, is well situated for VoIP, and occupants at these locations have been generally provided this technology.  The refresh of the wired access layer also enables the University to adopt VoIP because it increases data network capacity and performance.  Pervasive upgrades on our regional campuses allow us to strategically align voice services there.  We will migrate Stamford and Waterbury to VoIP starting this month and Avery Point in the coming fiscal year.  ITS will continue to pursue this technology shift in other locations where opportunity and infrastructure combine to make this both possible and practical.

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