TXST Transition to Teams Phones

Introducing Microsoft Teams Phones at TXST

FAQs

• Why is TXST adopting the Microsoft Teams phone system?

  The Microsoft Teams phone system:

  • Provides a cost-effective, cloud-based solution compatible with other Microsoft applications.
  • Allows users to receive, transfer, and transcribe calls, among other features.
  • Offers access from computers, tablets, mobile devices, and desk phones.
    
     

• Is the transition to Microsoft Teams phones required?

  Yes, all TXST departments, faculty, and staff are required to transition to the Teams phone system.

• How long does the transition to Teams phones take?

  The transition per phone only takes a few minutes and is usually done on a Friday (after 5 p.m.) to ensure there are no missed calls. Address books will sync within 24 hours. 

• Are physical handsets required for my personal desk space?

  No. Teams phone calls prompt a notification in Teams which you can answer directly from your desktop or laptop using your computer's built-in speaker and microphone and does not require a physical handset. However, calls can be answered via any Bluetooth compatible device such as headsets, ear buds, or handset phone receivers.

• Multiple people in our area answer our office's main line. What do I need to do?

  If you have a shared space where multiple people may be answering your phone, you must purchase a handset. To guarantee IT support of your handset, you must purchase one of the following devices from TSUS Marketplace: 

  • HP Poly CCX 600 Phone
    • Enter the TSUS Marketplace.
    • Enter 41701226 in the search bar to display the correct phone.
  • CCX350 Phone:
    • Enter the TSUS Marketplace.
    • Enter 41701227 in the search bar to display the correct phone.
       

• Are physical handsets provided?

  Physical handsets are not provided, but are required for shared spaces (e.g. front offices, reception areas, and areas where more than one person may answer a phone). Support for phones in shared spaces is provided by IT for the following devices: 

  • HP Poly CCX 600 Phone
    • Enter the TSUS Marketplace.
    • Enter 41701226 in the search bar to display the correct phone.
  • CCX350 Phone:
    • Enter the TSUS Marketplace.
    • Enter 41701227 in the search bar to display the correct phone.
      
       

• I would like to have a physical device to answer Teams phone calls. What are my options?

  You have multiple options availalbe to you if you would like to have a physical device to answer Teams phone calls. The below list of Teams compatible devices has been vetted by ITAC. Visit the TSUS Marketplace  and select “Connection” as your vendor from the Technology category.

  Wired Headsets:

  Description	Item Number
  Logitech Logi Zone Wired Earbuds	41300818
  HP Poly Blackwire 3310	41760690
  HP Poly Blackwire 3320	41756968
  HP Poly Blackwire 3325	41761635
  P Poly Blackwire 8225	41774359

  Wireless/Bluetooth Headsets:

  Description	Item Number
  HP Poly Voyager Focus 2	41792571

  Wireless Bluetooth Handsets Avaliable From Amazon:

  • Wireless Retro Telephone Handset

• When will my department undergo the upgrade?

  When your area has been scheduled for the transition to Teams phones, you’ll receive an email with a timeline and additional information.

• Will phone numbers change?

  Department main offices will keep their current phone numbers. Faculty and staff who have had the same phone number for at least six (6) months prior to their scheduled migration date may choose to keep their current number.

• Can student employees still answer incoming calls and transfer them?

  Yes, transfers will work similarly to how they do now. Students can use the directory lookup feature on the Poly CCX 600 Teams phones to transfer calls. 

• Our main office phone rings a few times, then automatically rolls over and rings on another line. Will this still be possible using Teams phones?

  Call Queue can manage main line calls. Here's how it works:

  • We'll add all staff members who should receive main line calls to the Call Queue.
  • When a call comes in, the Call Queue will ring the next designated person on the list.
  • If that person is unavailable, the call will automatically ring the next person on the list.
  • Staff members can control their availability by setting their Teams status to Available or Do Not Disturb (DND).

  Important Notes:

  • If you're in a Teams meeting, your status will automatically change to DND and revert to Available when the meeting ends.
  • Staff members can also set their status to DND on their Poly CCX 600 physical Teams Phone handset.
  • Alternatively, users can have all staff members' Teams Phones ring simultaneously, allowing anyone to answer the call.

• How will voicemail work?

  All faculty, staff, and departments will receive voicemail in the same way they do now. You can upload a personalized recording or type out a message and an AI voice will read it.

• How do Teams Phones handle emergency calls?

  If you dial 911 from a Teams phone, the call automatically routes the University Police Department to your location within approximately 500 feet.