After extensive testing by IT Services and Administrative Services, Stanford's telephone services are now available via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP voice services are completely compatible with all existing features and functions currently available on phones across campus.
What Are the VoIP Services
A complete description of the service profile is available at:
http://www.stanford.edu/services/voip/
Because the VoIP telephones are network devices, new telephone sets are required. Currently there are three supported sets, with more on the way. These sets are described and pictured at:
http://www.stanford.edu/services/voip/userguide/
Why VoIP
So, one might ask, if the features and functions are the same with VoIP sets as with existing traditional telephones, why is the University moving to VoIP? Everything is moving to the network! VoIP will position the University to take advantage of both the ubiquity of the network, as well as new enhanced functions that can only be made available via the network.
The VoIP system chosen by the University allows for preservation of the University and departments' investment in equipment and training, while it moves the University forward into the newer technologies and services. VoIP is targeted as a cost effective replacement for traditional Stanford voice services for departments that are moving off campus, as well as for new buildings on campus.
Initial VoIP Services on Campus
Initial VoIP voice service offerings on campus will be offered in conjunction with IT Services' Net-to-Jack/ Net-to-Switch (N2J/N2S) services. N2J/N2S customers will be able to order VoIP services once their network equipment has been refreshed during the normal support cycle.
What's Next for VoIP Services
Going forward, all new buildings and major renovations will have VoIP services as part of the building projects. One such building is the new Electrical Engineering building located between HEPL and the Forsythe parking garage.
A significant future for the VoIP service offering is the connection of the VoIP infrastructure with large departmental networks. The first of such connections will be with the Stanford Hospital to support services at the new North Campus location. The network connection will be made here on campus and the North Campus clients will be the first application of a significant deployment of VoIP within the Hospital on the SHC network. Ultimately, this style of connection will allow easy deployment of VoIP sets and services anywhere within the connected networks.
How to Get VoIP Services for Your Department
If you are interested in VoIP based voice services for your department, please submit a HelpSU ticket for a consultation. By the end of the next business day, a consultant will contact you to discuss and confirm your authorization to start the ordering process.
After that initial contact, an assigned IT Services service consultant will work with you to review and inventory potential voice lines that will need to be converted. This service consultant will continue to be your point-of-contact as a team of IT Services managers, consultants, and technicians work up a comprehensive report/proposal for you that includes audits, findings, costs, and timelines tailored to your department's particular needs. The service consultant will deliver the report/proposal within 30 days of your initial consultation. At that point, the service consultant will obtain a department account number and begin scheduling your VoIP implementation.
