The Office of IT has notified LSIT that the College of Life Sciences will be switched over to RingCentral (RC) in about the first or second week of June 2022. When this happens, LSIT will help install software and ensure that RC works on your desktops and/or laptops. LSIT may even guide those who want to install the software on their personal smartphones too.
Included below is a list of pros and cons of this "new" technology. Please be aware that your Cisco IP phones are Internet phones as well but tethered to the network cable in your office. However, with RC, you can work from any location so long as you have Internet connectivity and a device with the RC application installed, and you are signed in to your BYU account/number.
Pros
Cons
Sending/receiving texts is now an option
Free up desk space without the Cisco phone
Compatible with multiple devices and on most platform
Hands-free, with wired or wireless setup (no more neck-aches—holding phone handset between ear and neck)
Makes multi-tasking is easier on the computer
Can record a live call anytime during a conversation
Mobility - switch between devices during the same call
Maintains a call history making it easy to call back
Create a personal phone directory
Easy access speed dialing
Save favorite numbers from incoming calls
Block unwanted numbers from incoming calls
Robocall numbers are screened
Recorded voicemail messages are downloadable (in mp3 format)
If you are in a shared group with multiple lines, you can call from a different number
Phone operations (transfer, conference call, etc.) are easy
Every call regardless of device or location shows that it is made from your campus number. Great for cellphones!
Not stuck in the office or tied to your desk anymore to make calls
Doesn't break easily, but if a device is broken, a backup device (cellphone, tablet, etc.) could be available
Future proof. You can use this anywhere, with many device options, and under different circumstances
Optionally, you can choose your preferred headsets
Possibly more productivity with the accompanied use of your device
International coverage with no long-distance/international charge (only RC coverage area)
"New" system and new way to make/receive phone calls
Learning curve although not steep at all
No handset/button without the physical phone option
Must purchase your own accessories (speaker, microphone, headset, etc.)
Please prepare for this change in your phone system by ordering whatever accessories you need to make and receive calls (e.g. speakers, microphones, headsets with mics, etc.).
Please note that if you are already set up with Zoom conferencing, then the microphones and speakers that you currently have should work with RC. If you work in an open area and need privacy during your phone conversations, then a headset with a microphone would work better. Attached is a list of headsets that LSIT had tested and is still using in their office.
