PHONES…Phones…phones…
This week has been all about the phones. We had a visit from Nick Pappin and John D’Aleo, both CAHNRS IT. John was here about 10 years ago when our current phone system was set up, so his background knowledge is quite valuable. They had a few phones to demonstrate how the new system will work and answered questions posed by those who dropped by. As far as the process, we are still gathering the information needed to program each phone. Counting all the office and lab lines, we have just under 60 phones that need to be programmed into the new system. Once programmed on their end, we will set up an informational meeting to explain how everything works. Shortly afterward, Nick will come back to be onsite for the “cutover”. He’ll stay here for a few days finishing up other projects while making sure everything works as planned. In the meantime, they will keep the current system in place in case there are any issues requiring them to switch us back. Once satisfied that all is working, we will pull the plug on our old system.
Several of you had questions regarding long distance charges – like if it’s going over the internet (VOIP) why is there a fee? The explanation I got was that the lines are managed by Charter Cable and there is a fee for that. Also, calls outside the WSU system are subject to additional fees. The good news is that Domestic long distance is charged at a rate of less than 2 cents a minute. Also, any calls within the WSU system are free.
When we get closer to the cutover, I will give you a sheet-sheet of dialing shortcuts for reaching the rest of WSU as well as how you dial long distance. One weird thing of note: calling a Wenatchee number will be like dialing long distance – you have to include the area code. This is because the system thinks we’re in Pullman. Fortunately, the programming knows we aren’t, so it won’t be billed as long distance. I know it sounds silly. But if there are local numbers you call regularly you may want to take advantage of the speed dialing feature.
As we get closer (mid to late September), I get more information out to you.
If you haven’t sent me the information about your office phone or those belonging to your program, please do so as soon as you can.