Communication is a critical tool for K-12 schools. IP phone systems can provide a robust toolset, easy-to-use features and cloud-based technology to reduce costs and improve security.
Deployment
3CX is a software-based phone system that can run on-premise, via standard server hardware (low-cost Windows or Linux machine – no proprietary box required).
Desk phones and extensions are deployed by ITS with little legwork from school staff. Schools are able to to place staff into user-groups, which allows them to have access to specific features based on group-level permissions.
Installation and Management
3CX installation utilizes your existing network infrastructure. A web-based management console allows you to quickly create new extensions or edit extensions for new or transferred staff.
The 3CX toolset can also positively impact your customer service and communication goals for staff, as well as provide oversight opportunities for administrative staff: standard 3CX tools allow you to Listen in, Barge in, Whisper and Record calls.
How do IP Phones work? IP Phone solutions can be delivered via SIP Trunks, standard phone lines, over the Internet, or a combination of providers. SIP Trunks are becoming more common in Eastern Iowa and the Midwest. Learn more about SIP Trunks
Each classroom or office phone installation requires one ethernet or data port; there is also a data port located within the phone providing internet access for a computer, printer, thin client, etc.
Mobility
Staff shared between buildings can be registered to one PBX (the server that controls the phone information) at their primary location, but have additional desk phones at each building with the same extensions. PBX connections can typically be bridged between buildings, allowing staff at a primary building to directly dial the extension of a teacher at a middle school building as an internal call.
Traveling staff and administrators can also take their school extension everywhere, though the 3CX mobile app for Android and iOS and Softphone for Windows and Mac. Users can access the switchboard, check the availability of coworkers, make conference calls, transfer calls, and work from anywhere!
Safety and Security
Phone buttons and key presses can be programmed to page all classrooms or groups of classrooms, to dial into emergency contact systems, or directly dial security or maintenance staff. These permissions can be available to all phones, or granted to only specific phones to keep secure features out of student hands. 3CX and ITS can often integrate other IP systems with your phones; IP clocks/speakers, for example, can also receive messages and pages from your phone system.
ITS is a 3CX Platinum Partner, offering both hosted and on premise IP Phone system solutions. Contact ITS to request a trial or schedule a 3CX demo!