IT News

Cisco WebEx Calling to Replace Current Avaya Phone System


During the Fall of 2021, Information Technology will begin replacing the existing legacy Avaya phone system with a modern alternative.  The new phone system, called Cisco WebEx Calling, will include many features included in modern voice systems. Some highlights of those features include: 

  • Softphone (WebEx) – A multi-platform (PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, etc.) calling software, which gives individuals the flexibility of placing and receiving calls on any device that has the WebEx software or smartphone app installed. This will allow a remote user to securely work from home while having full access to their WP phone number and voicemail. 
  • Remote office site capability – WebEx calling allows individuals to extend their office capabilities beyond the physical campus. As long as an individual has internet access at a location, they can then extend the WP phone system to that location with the WebEx software or app – or a regular phone set - with no need to utilize any WP VPN technologies. 
  • Video Conferencing (WebEx) – The same WebEx application used for calling can also be used for video conferencing needs regardless of the individual's location. This is fully integrated with the phone system.  

Individuals who are currently using an Avaya phone will be migrated to the new Cisco phone system and a Cisco 8851 phone set, which features an 800 x 450 color display, over the coming months. 

This migration began during fall 2021, with priority given to departments with immediate needs for the new features, and then will proceed to transition the other campus departments or groups until completed.

November 23, 2021