Telecommunications Modernization

The VCU ePhones Project will replace the University’s current telephone system with a modern telecommunications platform that is integrated with the data network. The new technology is known as Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. The $10.9 million project will be funded through reserves and current operating revenues – telephone rates will not increase and most departments will not be charged for the change over.

Why Change?

We currently have separate and costly infrastructures for voice, data, and video services. Some segments of the telephony system rely on outdated and unsupported equipment.
Our current voice technology–Centrex—is an outsourced model. Since VCU Telecommunications Services is the middleman between users and Verizon, we have customer service and responsiveness challenges for additions, changes and billing issues.
The current technology has limited flexibility for new, expanded and integrated services, such as the merging of email, voice mail and instant messaging.
We need a financial model to support all components of communications infrastructure, not just voice services.

Project Summary

Project began in April 2006. University and Health System departments are covered.
VCU will operate its own phone system using a combination of VoIP and a traditional phone switch.
90% of VCU’s 17,000 Centrex lines will be replaced with the new system. Some of the current technology will remain for fax lines, alarms, elevator calls, etc.
This is a “turn key” project with the majority of work being completed by the vendor. IBM is the prime contractor and Avaya equipment will be installed. E911 services will be provided through Red Sky Technologies.
The VCU network is being re-engineered in preparation for this project. The redesign will result in greater security, better manageability of the network and the segmentation of traffic to provide higher quality of services for priority uses such as voice services.
Conversions will occur building-by-building. The schedule will be established after detailed project planning is completed.

Benefits to Users

A modern, state-of-the-art telecommunications system. Integration with other technologies and applications.
Improved phone services for all faculty and staff (e.g., everyone with separate lines and voice mail).
Quicker and more responsive action on new and change service requests and troubleshooting.
Simplified billing.
No increase in telephone rates or installation cost to users for new system.
A more dependable, robust and secure network.