The Customer
Located in the Midwestern United States, Wisconsin has nearly 450 school districts and more than 2200 public schools. Every year, the state’s schools educate millions of students while managing tight budgets and a growing student population.
Located in the Midwestern United States, Wisconsin has nearly 450 school districts and more than 2200 public schools. Every year, the state’s schools educate millions of students while managing tight budgets and a growing student population.
Business Challenges
Security is a top priority in schools across the country. In Wisconsin, the legislature passed a $100 million bill dedicated to school safety, prompting school systems to modernize their technology. Before this bill, many schools used analog phone systems purchased at the turn of the century, with an average lifespan of about 10 years. It was therefore crucial to update communication platforms and install new security measures to protect students and staff. Wisconsin schools therefore needed to find a phone system capable of meeting these requirements.
Sangoma Solutions
Wisconsin school systems turned to the award-winning UC Switchvox platform to modernize their legacy phone systems and implement essential security measures. The Switchvox Unified Communications (UC) system is based on universal network architectures, enabling seamless integration with many technologies. This allowed UniTel, Inc., a Switchvox reseller in Wisconsin, to customize Switchvox features using third-party hardware. For example, UniTel was able to install an IP desk phone equipped with a camera and integrate it seamlessly into a Switchvox system, enabling a receptionist to see the person requesting access and trigger the door lock with one click. This standards compliance also allows Switchvox to integrate with Emergency Notification Systems (ENS), which are standard in schools during incidents. One of the most popular ENS software packages for sending mass notifications in real time to schools and mobile phones is called Quicklert, and it is 100% integrable with Switchvox. Another reason many Wisconsin schools chose Switchvox is its deployment flexibility: it can be installed on a dedicated appliance, in the cloud, or in a virtual environment, allowing each school to choose the method that works best for it. Going forward, schools will be able to switch from one deployment type to another with ease.
Wisconsin school systems turned to the award-winning UC Switchvox platform to modernize their legacy phone systems and implement essential security measures. The Switchvox Unified Communications (UC) system is based on universal network architectures, enabling seamless integration with many technologies. This allowed UniTel, Inc., a Switchvox reseller in Wisconsin, to customize Switchvox features using third-party hardware. For example, UniTel was able to install an IP desk phone equipped with a camera and integrate it seamlessly into a Switchvox system, enabling a receptionist to see the person requesting access and trigger the door lock with one click. This standards compliance also allows Switchvox to integrate with Emergency Notification Systems (ENS), which are standard in schools during incidents. One of the most popular ENS software packages for sending mass notifications in real time to schools and mobile phones is called Quicklert, and it is 100% integrable with Switchvox. Another reason many Wisconsin schools chose Switchvox is its deployment flexibility: it can be installed on a dedicated appliance, in the cloud, or in a virtual environment, allowing each school to choose the method that works best for it. Going forward, schools will be able to switch from one deployment type to another with ease.
Results
Switchvox delivered major technological improvements that reduced costs and met security requirements. “We started by replacing our old Toshiba digital phone system with a virtualized Switchvox system,” says Sadie O’Brien, IT director for the Shiocton School District. “We believe in technology, and the timing could not have been better, as we had just installed a new door access system that we will integrate with Switchvox for security. We will later integrate the Quicklert system and consider purchasing new smart speakers throughout the school.” Switchvox also gives staff and teachers additional flexibility in how they communicate, whether on or off campus. With Switchvox, up to five devices can operate under a single user license. This means teachers and administrators can communicate via Switchvox from their workstations, laptops, desk phones, mobile phones and tablets. They can use the Switchvox mobile app to call parents and others using the school’s number, keeping their personal phone number private. Teachers also appreciate the ability to use the mobile app to change their phone status so others know whether they are in their classroom or away. Switchvox’s voicemail-to-email feature lets staff and teachers receive an email when a message is left on their desk phone. These messages can be viewed on their personal devices, giving them the freedom to listen to voicemails wherever they are. Another useful feature is the ability to record calls and email them for safekeeping or forward them to administrative staff in sensitive situations. Other features appreciated by Wisconsin schools include desktop integration; call accountability, so users can see incoming, outgoing and missed calls; the Automated Attendant (IVR), which automates the process of routing calls to the appropriate person or department; and call center software to help schools manage calls during busy periods. Their reseller, UniTel, Inc., provides schools with a tracking system that O’Brien describes as excellent for determining the savings achieved through their new Switchvox system. “It looks like we’re saving about $400 per month so far, and we’re about to switch more providers, which could unlock even more savings.”
Switchvox delivered major technological improvements that reduced costs and met security requirements. “We started by replacing our old Toshiba digital phone system with a virtualized Switchvox system,” says Sadie O’Brien, IT director for the Shiocton School District. “We believe in technology, and the timing could not have been better, as we had just installed a new door access system that we will integrate with Switchvox for security. We will later integrate the Quicklert system and consider purchasing new smart speakers throughout the school.” Switchvox also gives staff and teachers additional flexibility in how they communicate, whether on or off campus. With Switchvox, up to five devices can operate under a single user license. This means teachers and administrators can communicate via Switchvox from their workstations, laptops, desk phones, mobile phones and tablets. They can use the Switchvox mobile app to call parents and others using the school’s number, keeping their personal phone number private. Teachers also appreciate the ability to use the mobile app to change their phone status so others know whether they are in their classroom or away. Switchvox’s voicemail-to-email feature lets staff and teachers receive an email when a message is left on their desk phone. These messages can be viewed on their personal devices, giving them the freedom to listen to voicemails wherever they are. Another useful feature is the ability to record calls and email them for safekeeping or forward them to administrative staff in sensitive situations. Other features appreciated by Wisconsin schools include desktop integration; call accountability, so users can see incoming, outgoing and missed calls; the Automated Attendant (IVR), which automates the process of routing calls to the appropriate person or department; and call center software to help schools manage calls during busy periods. Their reseller, UniTel, Inc., provides schools with a tracking system that O’Brien describes as excellent for determining the savings achieved through their new Switchvox system. “It looks like we’re saving about $400 per month so far, and we’re about to switch more providers, which could unlock even more savings.”