4/30/03:  This past week, ACU’s Computing and Networking Services unit of Information Services resolved the last issue associated with the installation of the Alcatel OmniPCX 4400 that supplies telephone services for the campus.  Resolution required a rewrite of software by the switch vendor and an upgrade to the telephone system’s reporting server to address security vulnerabilities. With this action, ACU has finalized an installation process that began with the release of a Request for Proposal in November of 2000.

In 1998, Computing & Networking Services determined that the construction of the Williams Performing Arts Center required recognition of capacity limitations in the Northern Telecom PBX which provided voice services to the campus.  In preparation for a formal RFP, Telecommunication Analysts evaluated the condition and cost of continuing to operate the 15-year-old telephone switch.  Based on data depicting  software support and hardware maintenance expense, it was determined that the timing was right to replace the telephone system that serviced 3,400 lines for students, faculty, and staff. 

In April of 2001, ACU contracted with Alcatel Internetworking to replace the aging telephone system with an Alcatel OmniPCX 4400 telephone system.  The Alcatel product positioned ACU to take advantage of the emerging IP convergence trend within the telecommunications industry while retaining the look and feel of a traditional time division multiplex (TDM) telephone system.  Alcatel’s desire to achieve market share within the Higher Educational vertical market resulted in a competitively priced product and a host of value added concessions such as discounts on data products and paid training for ACU Telecommunications Analysts.

In one week beginning on July 6, 2001, ACU cut over 3,400 lines.  This feat was made possible by the diligence and support of all employees within the Information Services area.  Following the initial cut, directors, staff members, and student employees worked to replace the 600 digital instruments that sat on desks in almost every building on campus.  With the assistance of ACU employees and Alcatel’s channel partners, ACU was able to completely install and cut over the telephone system in three months.  The subsequent months have been spent addressing typical issues that arise with any major system upgrade and replacement. 

For the last 18 months, ACU has worked closely with Alcatel engineers and developers to address the items that remained outstanding from the initial cutover process.  Although the items were not too numerous, it has taken persistence on ACU’s part to ensure the requirements set forth by the RFP and the subsequent contract were fully met.  In the long view, Computing and Networking Services is confident that the decisions made during this process will provide the campus with a stable and reliable telephone system platform while positioning ACU to take advantage of emerging telephony technologies.