Voice over IP Spring LNA Meeting April 1, 2002

What is Voice over IP? n A technology for transporting integrated digital voice, video and data over IP networks. n VoIP is considered by some as the next evolutionary step in the digital transmission of data n The technology that turns voice conversations into data packets and sends them out over a packet switched IP network.

VoIP Charter n To determine the feasibility and validate the business benefits to Stanford of implementing VoIP. n Evaluate features and benefits of IP telephony while exposing the potential risks. n Assess potential operational savings from a converged voice and data network. n Answer the question; “Can IP Telephony be the primary telecommunications solution for Stanford University?”

VoIP Objectives n Establish a hardened end to end network utility n Provide a converged voice and data network n Move communication and network equipment out of Forsythe n Increase network functionality and mean time to deploy services  Simplify network in closets and office with the shared use of the data network  Immediate activation when moving a phone  Desktop enhancements and mobility

VoIP Objectives n Ensure redundancy across the University with no single point of failure n Retire the current voice switch n Position Stanford at the forefront of integrated voice, video and data that could enhance our partnerships and corporate relationships n A major advantage of VoIP and internet telephony is that it avoids the tolls charged by ordinary telephone service.

VoIP Pilot Scope n Evaluate vendor’s proposals and decide technology for pilots n Pilot sites will be Gates/Computer Science and five sites within ITSS n Perform a physical inventory of the closets for each pilot site n Evaluate and upgrade the network backbone and core infrastructure n Provide tools and training for voice and data engineers

VoIP Pilot Scope n Evaluate, design and test voice features and functions based on voice requirements and regulations n Resolve the policy and technical issues that will impact the expansion across campus n Create end-user documentation and training n Implement approximately 650 IP phones n Define the ROI n Evaluate cost model options

VoIP Pilot Scope n Partner with Campus IT Directors n Survey the client community n Make go/no go decision n Decide on vendor n Define future deliverables in a phased approach

VoIP Constraints and Risks n Consider the current University budget constraints when considering a project of this magnitude n Campus acceptance of the utility model for a converged voice and data network n Removal of the voice switch will be based on resolution of all the technology challenges associated with the voice features n There is no like environment that has implemented VoIP, so there are no best practices

VoIP Considerations and Assumptions n The project team will be managed by ITSS with active participation from campus IT units n The focus and direction will be closely aligned with the TMIS project n The project funding will be identified and approved n The project will be implemented based on a phased approach

VoIP Considerations and Assumptions n ITSS will merge the current expertise to support a converged network n The network must provide the same reliability as the traditional PBX n For the implementation outside contractor resources will be required

Suggestions?? n How would you like to be kept in the loop? n What else can I provide about this project that would be helpful?