Transition to Zoom Phone
Unifying telephone service
The university’s telephone service is being upgraded and transitioned to Zoom Phone, a cloud-based voice platform that combines traditional telephone service with the Zoom platform used for meetings. This change does not impact the phone service currently provided in UIHealth.
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Zoom Phone enables individuals to make and receive calls to their UIC number without needing to access their physical phone and creates a more efficient, flexible, and integrated communications infrastructure on campus.
Project Goal Heading link
Unify telephone service to Zoom Phone with as little disruption to business operations as possible.
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Benefits
- Unifies Communications
Consolidates the university’s telephone infrastructure and simplifies the telephone experience for students, instructors, and staff. - Mobility & Flexibility
Individuals can make and receive calls from anywhere using a mobile device or a computer - Scalability
Zoom Phone is highly scalable, enabling UIC to add or remove phone lines easily as needs evolve
- Consolidation of resources
Centralizes support and administration - Sustainable & Eco-friendly
Supports university sustainability and conservation goals
Risks
- Inefficient use of resources
Maintaining and integrating multiple telephone services is an inefficient use of staff and financial resources. - Poor user experience
Offering multiple phone services can lead to fragmented or disruptive user experience
Timeline Heading link
Technology Solutions began work in summer 2023 and the transition is expected to take place in phases over a 1 to 2-year period.
Cloud Voice Timeline:
- Kickoff project March 2023 – Finished
- Develop Plan, building out service Summer 2023 -Ongoing
- Build infrastructure Summer 2023 – Ongoing
- Transition pilot groups Fall 2023 – Ongoing
- Transition the remaining campus Spring 2024 (Estimated Start)
- Completion of Project April 2025 (Estimated End)
This timeline will reflect dates and status as new details emerge.
Recent News Heading link
Zoom Phone Overview Video Heading link
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
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Why is this happening?
Migrating to Zoom Phone supports the university’s mission to modernize campus infrastructure and enhance services. It will create a more efficient, flexible, and integrated communications experience on campus along with the following benefits:
- Unified Communications
Consolidates the university’s telephone infrastructure and simplifies the telephone experience for students, instructors, and staff. Individuals can easily switch between voice calls, video calls, and messaging within the same platform, streamlining communication and enhancing collaboration. - Mobility & Flexibility
Having access to a physical phone is no longer required. With Zoom Phone, individuals can make and receive calls from anywhere using a mobile device or a computer. In cases where a more traditional handset may be required, Zoom phone also supports a range of handsets. - Scalability
Zoom Phone is highly scalable, enabling staff to add or remove phone lines easily as needs evolve.
- Fiscal Responsibility
Preserves financial resources by eliminating the need for separate phone systems and centralizing support and administration. - Integrates Seamlessly
Zoom ingrates with a variety of applications and tools seamlessly such as Blackboard, Outlook, Teams and more.
- Unified Communications
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When is this happening?
Technology Solutions began work in June of 2023 and the transition is expected to take place in phases over a 1 to 2-year period. Technology Solutions is planning stages for the transition plan and will be sending detailed communications as the transition progresses. We will also be working closely with colleges and departments to identify any specific needs or requirements that may arise during the transition.
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What do I need to do?
At this time, no action is required. As the Zoom Phone service goes live and units begin to transition, our project management team and technical staff will contact units to create a timeline and provide support.
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How can I get telephone support now?
You may request phone support including adding a telephone, removing a telephone, requesting voicemail support, and more at the Telephone and Voicemail service page at the UIC Help Center.
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Where can I find more answers to frequently asked questions about the Zoom Phone transition?
Visit What are Zoom Phone Transition Frequently Asked Questions?