Information Technology Case Studies
Northeast Wisconsin School District VoIP Centralization Solution
Challenges
A Wisconsin school district needed to replace an obsolete, non-upgradeable telephone system used throughout their six schools which were connected via fiber optic cable. Administration had an interest in implementing Voice over IP for their 560 telephones and to utilize their existing data infrastructure. Other necessities included creating a centralized telephone management system and integrating an existing paging system.
Solution
The Alcatel-Lucent OmniPCX Enterprise Voice system was installed with system architecture allowing for a centrally managed system, centralized voice mail and configuration and remote survivability. The main site housed the core of the system including the VoIP network intelligence for all locations. Fail over redundancy was included meaning if the main system fails that each location controls their own call processing.
The OmniPCX Enterprise VoIP system was configured as a hybrid system to accommodate both digital attendant consoles and analog telephones. In the event of a network outage, operators are still able to make telephone calls which provided Administration with peace of mind. The existing paging system was also implemented as well as an Alcatel MyTeamwork solution allowing the District to host interactive training sessions or to auto-call individuals in the event of a snow day.
Benefits
- Centralized voice system management
- VoIP technology reduces future maintenance costs
- One network supports both voice & data
- Flexible hybrid system allows for greater flexibility & security
- Fail-safe redundancy between schools
- VoIP allows for a converged network of voice, data & video
- Ability to host collaborative WebEx like events with MyTeamwork
- 4 digit dialing between schools
- All inbound & outbound calls through central site eliminates additional connection line cost
