IT Network and Infrastructure (ITNI) is piloting a project to modernize the University’s outdated telephone system by improving performance and reducing security vulnerabilities.  Our plan is to achieve a Unified Communications System by leveraging our existing Zoom platform.

Unified Communications (UC) is a term used to describe the integration of multiple communication tools -- such as voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging (IM) and content sharing into a single, streamlined connection, with the goal of improving user experience and productivity. UC supports a user's ability to switch seamlessly from one mode of communication to another within a single session, whether on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Why Zoom Phone? 

Zoom is familiar to the campus community and is a logical solution to pilot, because the University currently uses Zoom for audio and video conference meetings.  It can be expanded to include a telephone solution.  Additional benefits of Zoom Phone include:

• No need for a desk phone
• Make and receive calls from your existing Zoom app on your desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile phone (optional)
  Use your cell phone for business calls without having to use your personal cell number (this will use your data plan)
• Voicemail messages will automatically be transcribed
• Seamless transition from chat to voice call to Zoom Meeting
• Intelligent call routing and auto attendants available 
• Desk phone can be purchase by department or college
• Accessibility features
• Supports 911 calling

What is Zoom Phone?

Click on this link for an overview of the Zoom Phone App.  Some features in the video may not be available at San Diego State University.

Zoom Phone uses a softphone client to receive and make calls from a computer or a mobile device.  You can purchase a handset for each of your offices if you choose to.  Please visit this site for telephone device information.

When will this change happen?

ITNI has been piloting Zoom Phone within the IT Division (approximately 120 users) since March 2022.  In September 2022, ITNI will expand the pilot to specific groups.  This expanded pilot will have approximately 800 users and evaluate if Zoom Phone is a solution for the entire campus.  In early 2023, a decision will be made if Zoom Phone will be deployed campus-wide.  If SDSU does a full campus deployment it would likely begin in the Summer of 2023 and the project would take approximately 8 months.

How will the migration happen?

The users that will increase the current pilot user base to 800 will be migrated to Zoom Phone during September and October of 2022.  The user base will include the migration of all current Google Voice users followed by designated or specific groups.

A campus-wide project plan is being developed for the Unified Communications (Zoom Phone) project.  The core project team will work closely with college and department leaders prior to a full campus deployment.

Communication updates, open forums and training sessions will be provided for the campus community as we move along in the process.