Michigan Community College Modernizes Campus Communications with Microsoft Teams Voice
Michael Emdy • March 18, 2024
Michigan Community College Modernizes Campus Communications with Microsoft Teams Voice
Client Overview
A Michigan-based community college serving thousands of students and faculty across multiple campuses. The institution was looking for a modern, cost-effective, and integrated voice solution to replace aging infrastructure.
Quick Stats
- Industry: Higher Education
- Legacy System: Microsoft Lync with PRI via AudioCodes SBC
- New System: Microsoft Teams Voice with PSTN Calling Plans
- Timeline: Completed within weeks
- Key Outcomes: Cost savings, improved reliability, integrated Microsoft 365 collaboration, mobile flexibility
The Challenge
The college relied on a legacy Microsoft Lync server connected via a PRI and AudioCodes SBC. This system was:
- Expensive to maintain due to PRI circuits and vendor support contracts
- A single point of failure for campus communications
- Limited in features and integration with the Microsoft 365 platform already in use
- Lacking mobile flexibility to support hybrid learning and remote staff
The Solution
Our team executed a migration from Microsoft Lync to Microsoft Teams Voice with PSTN calling plans. The project included:
- Decommissioning the on-premises Lync server
- Migrating phone numbers to Microsoft PSTN calling plans
- Leveraging the AudioCodes SBC during the transition for seamless cutover
- Training faculty, staff, and IT administrators on Teams Voice features
The Outcomes
- Cost Savings – Eliminated PRI circuits and legacy telecom maintenance contracts, lowering monthly expenses
- Improved Reliability – Cloud-hosted Teams Voice removed on-premises single points of failure
- Enhanced Productivity – Faculty and staff gained integrated calling, chat, and collaboration tools within Microsoft Teams
- Mobility & Flexibility – Staff and faculty can now make and receive calls from desktops, laptops, and mobile devices
- Streamlined Management – IT administrators manage all voice services within the Microsoft 365 admin center, reducing complexity
The Results
Within weeks, the community college fully transitioned to a modern cloud telephony platform. The migration reduced costs, improved reliability, and gave the institution a communications platform aligned with their Microsoft 365 environment.
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