Information Technology (IT) began installing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phones this week at various locations across campus. The new phones, which digitally convert phone signals and transmit them over the same network used for Internet on campus, will replace Bowdoin's current system, which has been in use since the 1970s.
The new phones have already been installed in IT, the Office of the Treasurer, and the Office of Residential Life. Some offices, such as Security, will continue to maintain both systems in the case of an emergency (like a power outage). Students can expect to have the new phones in their dorm rooms upon returning from winter break.
Chief Information Officer (CIO) Mitch Davis said the decision to purchase the new phones stemmed from problems with the old ones.
"We decided to replace an aging phone...now, in a planned, organized way, rather than just wait for the phone to die and have no service for two weeks," he said.
Administrators who have already received the new phones have generally been positive about the technology.
"I love the phones. Like anything new, it takes some getting used to, but there are a few features that I think once people learn how to use them will be great," said Assistant to the Treasurer Megan Hart.
The old phones had few features besides voicemail and 4411 information system. The new phones include features like personalized rings, access to voicemails through the Bowdoin e-mail system, and call forwarding to cell phones. Though Director of Residential Life Kim Pacelli said she would probably not use the call forwarding, she predicted it would be very useful for students.
"It's something I don't use as an administrator because I'd rather not have my phone calls following me," she said. "But I think students will find it helpful."
Pacelli, from her own experiences with the new phone model, predicts that students will find them useful. "My own sense from ResLife students working in the office seems to be that they are excited about the change," she added.
Pacelli also said she thought the new system would help many offices that need to get in touch with students who may not check their room phones on a regular basis.
"Sometimes, we really need to get a hold of people, but students are unaccustomed to checking their voicemail and it can be difficult," she said.
In addition to new features, VOIP phones also boast better reception.
Hart agreed that the quality on the new phone was better. "In the past we've had to use special speaker phones in the conference room that are of better quality, and I think these are just as good," she said.
Davis said he thought that the phone system users would be divided into what he called "average users" and "super users."
"Like the faculty and staff, some of the students will just use the phone, and some of them will complain about [specific] things, like that they can't hear their e-mail messages on their phone."
Davis also described a virtual application to test the phone's software on IT's Web site.
"The older phone system was based on a hardware system, so you had to buy new parts when you wanted to upgrade," he said. "This is a software solution, so hopefully it will last us as long as the last one did."