VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is not only a telephone system that runs over the campus data network, it also provides enhanced communication options. Once fully implemented, VoIP will allow Stony Brook to maintain one campus infrastructure instead of separate networks for voice and data.

Unified communications (UC) is the integration of real-time communication services. As VoIP devices are installed, Stony Brook can start to take advantage of the Unified Communications (UC) features, including instant messaging (IM), presence, conferencing, unified messaging, and data sharing. For example, UC allows accessing your voicemail via email, a cell phone, or land line. In addition, you can check someone's availability (presence) to see if you can still chat with them even if they are temporarily not taking calls. UC is not a single product, but a set of products to provide a consistent unified connection across multiple devices and applications. If you need to pull together a conference call with a Web or document shared screen with a group of colleagues at a moment's notice, UC allows you to combine various applications into one seamless stream.

The University is faced with a large number of challenges in regards to its current telecommunications environment:

• SB is currently maintaining 20-year old legacy equipment which is operating at 85% capacity.
• The current support model is expensive and increasingly difficult to manage as equipment is rapidly approaching end-of-life.
• The existing copper infrastructure is failing and must be replaced. Copper wiring does not embrace campus or hospital best practices and offerings. The existing fiber network needs enhancements.
• We are now living in a mobile world. Our students, faculty, and staff have their own mobile devices and bring them to campus. They expect services to keep pace.

As the new system is rolled out across campus, all existing desktop devices will change to the new chosen vendor's offering for hard desktop phones, PC/laptop/tablet softphones, or primary cell phone.

Prior to your department making the change, a member of the design team will meet with you and/or your department management team to determine device preferences.

Yes, prior to your department rolling out new devices, formal training classes will be offered, in addition to online and printed documentation. At the time of your department's installation, there will be trainers on-site to answer any questions you may have. 

Each department's leadership team will be able to choose a desk phone, cell phone, or softphone application for PC, laptop, desktop or cell phone. Desktop choices will be discussed during the initial department kick-off meetings.

Yes, you can use your own cellphone as your primary device, however the device must be a smartphone, as an application must be installed to initiate communication to the Stony Brook system and to integrate in the e-mail environment.

No, not on the new system. If you wish to save any stored messages, you will need to record onto a separate device or create a wave file.

No, the procedure for reporting problems or to request changes will remain the same.