UB campus telephone upgrades in progress

A student works outside on a laptop.

Published May 30, 2018 This content is archived.

by Benjamin Blanchet

As of May 2018, UBIT is starting a two-year project to replace most campus phones, which are nearing end of their support from Cisco.

Which models are being replaced?

See the schedule for phone replacements
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Benjamin Blanchett.

Benjamin Blanchet (UB student, Class of 2018) is an English major with an interest in journalism. After graduating from UB, he hopes to attend grad school and pursue a career writing about music and the arts. An Albany, NY native, Benjamin enjoys biking and reading in his spare time.

The following telephone models are scheduled to be replaced between May 2018 and January 2020:

  • 7940G
  • 7960G
  • 7941G
  • 7961G
  • 7941G-GE
  • 7961G-GE
  • 7942G
  • 7962G

A liaison from UBIT’s Network and Classroom Services team will work directly with distributed IT support staff to determine the right replacement option based on the needs of the department.

One option for replacements is Cisco Jabber, a software option for voice calls and more from a desktop, laptop or smartphone, recently introduced to UB employees. Cisco’s new 88X1 model desk phones are also available.

All previous phone configurations will be preserved during the upgrade, and disruption to business should be minimal.

Jabber: better communication from any device

Cisco Jabber turns your Windows or Mac machine into a full-featured alternative to your phone. It’s available now, and offers more flexibility than the traditional desk phone:

  • Voice calling
  • Video calling
  • Voicemail access
  • Instant message and text chat
  • Custom status updates
  • Conference calling
  • Desktop and file sharing
  • Location sharing

Jabber is also available as an app for iOS and Android devices, so UB employees can answer their work phone through their mobile device, whether they're working on and off campus.

"I like to see the calls pop up on my monitor vs my phone, because I am always on the computer and it makes things easier," said Laura Smith, Supervisor for IT Customer Service, who recently switched to Jabber. "I really like having my hands free during a call to look things up on my computer while I am talking."

"The quality and stability of the calls has been great," said Thomas Yearke, Programmer-Analyst for Network and Classroom Services. "I've gone ahead and unplugged my dedicated phone just because I don't use it anymore."

There will be close integration between Jabber and Webex, UB’s upcoming conferencing software for UB employees.

New phone options, same world class support

For help anytime with problems relating to your work phone, contact the UBIT Help Center online at buffalo.edu/ubit/help, or by phone at 716-645-3542.