[May 24, 2004]

The Next Revolution in Classroom Studies
IP PBX 101: TMC University's First Online Seminar

BY MICHELLE PASQUERELLO

On May 19th, TMC hosted its first online IP PBX 101course. The course was offered over two days, covering all the areas of IP PBX and was presented in real time. TMC University and Arel Spotlight made it possible for students to learn interactively with the instructor by offering video, voice, and data simultaneously. Attendees were able to access the class by installing a client on their computers. Moments later, desktops were transformed into a fully functional learning center.

Contributing instructors presented specific topics in IP PBX technology, ranging from the basics to deployment and migration strategies. Michael Robinson, CEO of Citel Technologies opened the seminar with �Reaping the Benefits of an IP PBX.� Mr. Robinson�s expertise contributed to the success of the first hour as students were introduced to terminology, acronyms, and the set up of an IP PBX.

One of the major highlights of IP PBX 101 was the presentation on cost justification and effective deployment strategies. Alfredo Rizzo, CTO of Adapt Telephony Services cited the necessary steps for changing the landscape of the network, outlining the costs of switching to an IP PBX, and detailing specific examples of what to consider when implementing the migration. While many of us in the telecom industry may utilize an IP PBX system, not all of us have a clear understanding of how it works. An IP PBX may be the answer to increasing revenue by offering new services to customers and lending itself to a more productive work environment. If there was one aspect that Mr. Rizzo wanted students to walk away with, it was that real gain is in productivity.

TMC University hires instructors that have legitimate third-party neutral certification. In conjunction with the academic know-how, the instructors provided first-hand experience from working with the industry�s leading companies. This allowed students to appreciate both the technical and valid circumstances when dealing with an IP PBX so that they may further delegate their training to coworkers and customers alike. Students aren�t just taking notes from a slideshow. If the attendees needed to ask questions, they could immediately alert the instructors by �raising their hand� in the chat applet. Like classroom instruction, the student-teacher relationship is one on one. Jeff Dworkin of TMC University hosted the two-day event, ensuring students� accessibility to the class and was readily available to address any technical issues.

According to Rich Tehrani, TMC President, �Overall, I feel the first IP PBX seminar was a tremendous success. The presenters were exceptional in their delivery and the quality of Arel�s picture and sound was amazing. Unlike live presentations, students were able to ask questions and indicate to the instructor to go faster or slower. This all happened in real-time through chat without having to interrupt the instructor in the traditional sense. I hope that many more will join us in our future online classes to partake in our professional certification programs to further their careers. We are lucky to be able to provide such a service and are looking forward to watching TMC University grow.�

Other IP PBX 101 instructors included Jeff Ford, Division President and CTO of Inter-Tel Inc, Steve Ervolino, VP of Information Services at Dupaco Community Credit Union, and Patrick Ferriter, VP of Product Marketing at Zultys. Each had demonstrated their proficiency in IP PBX 101 and were more than willing to share their knowledge with the class. TMC University is very fortunate to have had them on board.

Since 1986, TMC has successfully hosted educational conferences in telecom, providing quality instruction and certification to individuals in the industry. The TMC brand is recognized in the technology trade, making the latest and up-to-the-minute information available for growing businesses. TMC offers an alternative for those wishing to receive IP PBX and other industry standard certifications. Combined with the universal conferencing software, Arel Spotlight, TMC University brings the classroom to your PC.

TMC University will offer SIP Development 101 on June 16th-17th. For more information on TMC University and upcoming online certification courses, please visit http://www.tmcnet.com/university

Michelle Pasquerello is the Assistant Online Content Director for TMCnet.