Upgrading Technology: Ths call's for you!

During Trent's reading break (Feb. 21-25), the university's telephone system was upgraded and new voice mail system introduced to the main campus. The downtown campuses were moved to this Mitel system last fall.

Along with providing an opportunity to offer voice mail to all offices and sophisticated tools for statistical reporting as progress continues with data networking, the new system will utilize fiber optic wiring and not be susceptible to previous damaging lightning strikes.

This is Phase 1 of the introduction of new technology to the university announced at the Beyond Our Walls campaign kick-off last fall in Bell Canada's commitment of more than $1-million in resources, equipment and expertise. Beginning in this phase, all out-going calls will use the preface number "9."

A speech recognition system will be introduced and tested on Trent's main 748-1011 number and in the Physical Resources Department during Phase 2. This will allow callers to say the name of the person, department or service, or dial the extension if known. In Phase 3 this summer, this system will replace the direct-inward-dial (did) numbers to departments who currently have voice mail under the old system. All remaining did numbers will become internal extensions. Phase 4, later this summer, will move the remainder of the university to voice mail and departmental numbers and begin the did number removal.

A complete explanation of the phone system can be found on the Web site at www.trentu.ca/news.

This June, a Bell World/Connections store will open in the corridor outside the new bookstore, offering a full range of telephone and data services to students and members of the public. A full range of Bell connection possibilities will be available to all members of the Peterborough community with Trent having Bell's service commitment.