Over the past six years Stellenbosch University had to reconsider alternatives for the existing phone system due to the unrealistically high cost of existing lines.
The main objectives were a significant and sustainable decrease in phone costs and improving the manageability of phone costs and usage. At the same time the university had to invest in technology compatible with the existing infrastructure and with a longer lifespan.
Since 2008 a new system has implemented where one network hosts all communication – data and speech. This new technological platform required more sophisticated and therefore also more expensive instruments. However, IT purchased the devices and users are only required to pay a monthly rental fee per instrument, along with actual call costs. Costs recovered will be used entirely to supply, maintain and upgrade the technology and keep it up to date with developments in the technological market.
We can now also announced that, from 1 February 2015, the overall costs of phone services will be decreased. The new tariffs are as follows:
Phone installation or moving a phone:*: R350
* Where infrastructure is available. In cases where the infrastructure in inadequate, a quotation will be provided.
New applications per month:
Siemens 40: R 260 (new installations)
R224 (existing installations)
Siemens 40 + 1 key module: R 310 (existing installations remain R224)
Siemens 40 + 2 key modules: R 360 (existing installations remain R224)
Siemens 15 and 20: R 150
All existing analogue lines from the internal PABX, for example fax machines and alarms: R1200 per month.
Rightfax: R150-00 per month for the service.
A new, additional service staff can make use of, is Lync. In order to use Lync as a telephone endpoint you will require one of the following:
- a Lync compatible telephone
- the Lync desktop client installed on your pc along with a Lync-certified headset
- the Lync mobile app on your smartphone
Just keep in mind that the Lync Desktop Client is not a like-for-like replacement for a desktop telephone. There are trade-offs when opting for the Lync client as a telephone endpoint. These trade-offs include severely reduced call quality at times. For this reason the Lync client along with headset is not advised for use by personnel who rely on good audio quality at all times
Telephone calls from your Lync client using your university extension can be made from anywhere where the internet is accessible. This may lead to extremely high telephone usage.
Lync Softclient: R150 per month
When using Lync, users are required to purchase their own headsets at a cost of approximately R290-00.
Lync met Polycom 600: R200 per month
Costs stated above do not include any call costs. All costs of external outgoing calls are debited against the extension making the call. Managing private and non-work related calls still remain the responsibility of the particular environment. The phone managing system will in time will be configured to technologically enable heads of departments to monitor and manage these costs in a fair way.
For more information, send an e-mail to telecom@sun.ac.za or contact the IT Service Desk at x4367 of helpinfo@sun.ac.za.
