VoIP transition saves money while continuing to support legacy analog phones, fax machines and a variety of modem-based systems

 

Like most school systems, Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) in Phoenix, Arizona, must weigh costs against value and benefits when creating budgets. One way the system decided to spend money in order to later collect on that investment was to upgrade its traditional phone system to VoIP. In doing so, it deployed Nortel’s Communications Server (CS) 1000 with Tenor VoIP switches from Quintum Technologies.

 

DVUSD, which encompasses 37 schools over come 400 square miles, deployed Nortel (News - Alert)’s CS1000 to support IP telephony deployment throughout the district.  The CS 1000 allows for shared data and voice network resources and centralized administration and management, among other advantages.  With a single CS 1000 system, VoIP service can be provided to all facilities throughout the district.

 

One of DVUSD’s requirements in transitioning to VoIP was integration of a variety of analog systems into their new VoIP-based network. Quintum Tenor switches have earned the Nortel Compatible Product designation through interoperability testing with Nortel’s CS 1000, making them a viable option for the project. 

 

“DVUSD is an excellent example of the need to efficiently integrate existing systems with new VoIP technology, allowing them to experience the benefits of VoIP while minimizing the disruption to the systems they depend upon,” said Chuck Rutledge, Vice President of Marketing for Quintum Technologies.

 

The Tenor VoIP switches provide branch support for legacy analog systems and local connectivity to the PSTN.  In the two weeks following initial deployment, Tenor VoIP switches were deployed in all remote locations — more than 33 in all — to support fax machines, analog phones, and modem-based devices, such as postage meters requiring funds transactions by modem, security alarm systems access, and control of irrigation timing and support systems.  Each of the legacy analog devices and services continue to be supported on the new VoIP network.

 

Nortel’s Communication Server 1000 is a server-based, full-featured IP PBX, providing the benefits of a converged network plus advanced applications and an abundance of telephony features. CS 1000 supports business-critical applications, including unified messaging, customer contact center, IVR, wireless VoIP and IP phones

 

“We were thrilled at how easily the Tenors integrated into our network,” said Dave Hatfield, District Manager of Technical Services for DVUSD.  “We’ve been impressed by the cost-savings and efficiencies recognized by moving to Voice over IP. The relationship between Nortel and Quintum simplified our migration and gave us confidence around interoperability of the total solution.”