Originally published on April 18, 2022.
The IT Division’s Telephone Services Center (TSC) is rolling out a program to modernize communications at the Lab and increase flexibility by offering a soft phone application and new desk phones.
IT supports a collaborative hybrid work model by enabling individuals to access their Lab phone number and voicemail using the Avaya Workplace Soft Phone client across multiple devices, including their computers and smartphones.
The soft phone is available now. To request soft phone service or learn more, visit the Soft Phone page for details.
Chris Rosenstock, Computer Systems Engineer, and part of the TSC team launching these upgrades, expects many Lab staff to appreciate the added flexibility. “Your new soft phone application called Avaya Workplace complements your smartphone, enhances how you work, and supports greater remote office flexibility and function.”
Individuals can choose to only have a software version (soft phone) of their Lab phone number and make their desk phone optional. If you are accustomed to forwarding your calls to your cell phone or using your cell phone for your outgoing calls, the soft phone benefit could reduce your overall cellular costs, depending on your cellular plan and the number of minutes you use. Your cell number is private when placing calls on the soft phone since your callers will see your Lab phone number and not your cell number. Individuals will also have the option to access their calendar and meetings on the soft phone.
TSC will replace existing Mitel desk phones with new Avaya phones that will be deployed in phases across the Lab’s Hill site. As these new services become available in your building, you will receive direct communication from Telephone Services to help you prepare for installation and set up your service to meet your specific needs.
The Avaya desk phone upgrade for Mitel phone model users provides a crisp color display and easy to use buttons. Voice mail and your Call History will be accessed through a single button and your Contacts can be synced with the soft phone application.
Key Points
Release Date: Soft phone service is available now. New desk phones to be deployed in phases across the Lab in 2022. When new desk phones become available in a building, those phone users and their Telephone Coordinators will receive direct communication to help them prepare for the phone installation.
Updates: Announcements will be published in the IT Newsletter and Elements.
Systems: Soft Phone available for Chromebook, Mac, PC computers, iOS and Android smartphones. View the Soft Phone page for details.
Costs: No usage costs are incurred for domestic calls made or received using a Lab phone number from your desk, smartphone or computer.
Questions or comments? Contact the Telephone Services Center at TSC@lbl.gov or call x7997.
Learn More
The IT Telephone Services Center is a communications service organization staffed with experienced computer systems engineers and telephone specialists who provide timely installation, maintenance, facilities, and business management resources supporting Berkeley Lab’s telephone, data, and networking needs in a highly competent, cost-effective and professional manner.
Visit Telephone Services for more information or send email to TSC@lbl.gov.
View related article: Soft Phone Capability Increases Flexibility
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