Thomas College Installs New Campus-wide Phone System

WATERVILLE, June 24 - Thomas College has recently initiated changes in its campus phone system. The College has removed all analog phone lines from residence hall rooms due to limited demand by students, since so many use cell phones rather than a land line. This follows a national trend where colleges and universities are implementing similar systems. In May, the traditional PBX system was replaced by a newer technology system using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or more commonly known as an Internet phone, where voice and data are carried over the same network. Like many colleges and companies nationwide, Thomas has installed this system because it lowers costs and increases services.

The Thomas Information Technology Services Department chose the ShoreTel system for use by faculty, staff and students. This system provides improved communications on a single network offering faster service, integrating with the user's desktop through Microsoft® Outlook and affording the option of being notified of incoming calls via email, cell phone, or routing to another desired number such as home. The system also allows for an automated call attendant that properly distributes calls eliminating the need for a single call administrator. The Internet phone system will save the College a considerable amount of money as it uses the existing computer data network rather than relying on a separate analog phone wiring. With the improved communications network in place it will also enhance customer responsiveness and service.

The new system will allow for flexibility and continued expansion based on office and dormitory needs. According to Christopher Rhoda, vice president for Information Services, "Once the installation is completed, we will have caller-ID for all phone extensions and the ability to easily add or move extensions from one location to another. The security integrated with our new IP-based phones also provides better privacy than traditional analog lines." Lower costs will continue to be a benefit to Thomas throughout future campus growth. "As we continue to build new buildings we will no longer need to run telephone lines, lowering our costs even further," Rhoda says.

For more information, please contact Fran Day at 207-859-1318 or e-mail dayf@thomas.edu.

Founded in 1894, Thomas College is a private college that offers baccalaureate and master's degrees, and provides higher education to many who might not otherwise attend college. The College prepares students for careers in business, technology and education. Thomas is the only college in the nation that guarantees its graduates employment within six months of graduation. For more information about Thomas College, visit www.thomas.edu.