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Harding is getting a new phone system.
We are moving from a phone system hosted on campus to one hosted in the cloud. Harding has selected Cisco Webex Calling for our new phone system. Some of the new features include a new smart phone and computer application (replacing Jabber), voice mail directed to email, and service is available off campus just like it is on campus. If we have issues on campus, then the phone system continues to function.
This will be a slow transition over about a year. We will start with IS&T offices and a few key offices in the Heritage. Once those are done, we will take things one department at a time. Phone deployments will start in the next month.
A few questions we have been asked:
Will I need a new phone?
Some of our existing phones can be reused, and some cannot be. As we get ready to move an area, we will survey the phones and order what is needed.
Will I get a new phone number?
No, you will keep your same phone number.
Do we still have the Jabber client?
No, the Jabber client for smart phones and computers will be replaced with the Webex client. There are many features of Jabber included in the Webex client. Features like chat and phone control are in the Webex client. The webex client can be used in place of a phone like the Jabber client does. Many users of the app report that it is a much more stable connection experience compared to Jabber.
Does my department have to buy a new phone for me?
Your department will only need to buy a phone if you want a phone with more lines than you have now.
- John Exum