Overview
University IT now offers Converged Communication: bundled VoIP telephone service, voice messaging, and network access. This new model offers University and hospital departments one-stop-shopping for managed network support and advanced phone service. At the same time, a consolidated billing model streamlines ordering and billing, translating to even more savings for our clients.
Converged Communication differs from Stanford's standalone telephone service in fundamental ways:
- Bundles telephone and network services
- Offers a consolidated billing model based upon the amount of service used; no more a la carte ordering and billing
- A network port that supports telephone and data services
- Professionally managed, 24x7 network support and all network devices (voice and data switches) needed to support the local network
The Converged Communication service is available for schools and administrative units and may also be available to small groups moving into new facilities.
Benefits
Converged Communication provides substantial benefits, including:
- Savings for network and phone services
- Opportunity to clean up telephone records and reduce telephone expenses
- Predictability for budget planning and billing, with an annually established rate, billed on a monthly basis
- Simplified administration
- Robust, flexible, and feature-rich phone service
- A dedicated service team to help you plan, audit, and deploy your department's service
The Converged Communication model offers these additional benefits:
- A network port that supports telephone and data services
- Professionally managed, 24x7 network support and all network devices (voice and data switches) needed to support the local network
Note: Stanford Hospital and Clinics should refer to their service description for a listing of the feature set available in their environment.
Scope of service
What is included in the service:
- Telephone service with Stanford University identity (phone number)
- Local and domestic long distance dialing
- Voice Messaging
- Optional SoftPhone — place and receive calls from your desktop or laptop computer
Requires local desktop support; headset recommended - A network port that supports both telephone and network services
- 24x7 network and phone support
- Installation and routine maintenance (management of software revisions, including upgrades)
- Analog lines for fax machines and emergency phones
What is not included in the service:
- Desk handsets (available through a special lease program — see below)
- International dialing
- eACD
- Auto Attendant menu
- Headsets for your desk phone or SoftPhone
- New TSOs (Telecommunication Service Outlets) and wiring (if required)
Desk phones
A set of preselected, volume-discounted handsets is available through a lease program. Installation and maintenance are included in the lease rates.
Who is eligible for the service
Converged Communication service is designed for Stanford University and hospital departments and is contracted at the enterprise level. It is not intended for individuals or small groups.
Cost of service
The service cost is set annually, based on the volume of telephone numbers and network ports used. There is no additional cost for service volume increases of up to 5 percent, with the exception of a new switch: if a new switch is required, the service cost will be recalculated and applied if there is a change to the annual rate. Similarly, service volume increases of greater than 5 percent may result in an adjustment of the annual rate.
To learn more about service pricing, contact your University IT Business Partner or submit a HelpSU request.
