U-M Campus Voice Mail Update

This is a community update on the status of U-M campus voice mail services. This information pertains to the Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses. ITCS currently has four voice mail systems because we are the midst of transitioning campus voice mail service. Two new services have recently been added and will continue while the two older services are being phased out this summer. ITCS has been working with units on this transition for a number of months now. There is no charge to transition from either of the older campus voice mail services to either of the two new services.

New Campus Voice Mail Options

• U-M Voice Mail
  Currently, about 9,000 U-M people use it. It has the typical feature set of a basic voice mail system.

• Exchange Voice Mail
  This is a feature rich service that is experiencing a rapid growth rate. We expect that growth rate to continue as the transition moves forward. It has the basic voice mail features plus advanced features such as: the ability to manage your mailbox from a phone or computer, the ability to receive fax messages, and a voice (speech) interface or a touchtone interface while on the phone.

If you are currently an ITCS Exchange e-mail user, adding Exchange voice mail to your account allows you to access all your messages through one unified mailbox. Those who do not use Exchange e-mail are able to request Exchange Voice Mail only service. It is important to note that Exchange voice mail service features are of most benefit to those who use Exchange e-mail.

Older Campus Voice Mail Options Being Phased Out This Summer

• Message Center
  This is a feature rich voice mail service. There are about 3,000 people using this service. It is being phased out by September 1, 2008 because cost effective support is no longer available from the vendor.

• Centrex Meridian Voice Mail
  Many of those who receive U-M telephone service off campus are using "Centrex." Centrex phone numbers start with 998. The Meridian voice mail system has been kept running for about 500 people because it was the only technical option to provide voice mail service to persons using Centrex telephone service. Exchange Voice Mail now works with Centrex telephone service. This has enabled us to phase out Meridian Voice Mail which is no longer supported by the manufacturer. U-M faculty and staff who use Centrex telephone service and Meridian Voice Mail service have been contacted and informed that their voice mail service will transition to Exchange Voice Mail. These users have received all needed documentation for this transition including information on when their old voice mailbox will be removed. This transition is scheduled to happen in June 2008.

U-M faculty, staff and students using Message Center will continue to transition to either U-M Voice Mail or Exchange Voice Mail service over the summer. University Housing is in the process of deciding which voice mail service, if any, their 6,000 rooms will use beginning Fall term.

ITCom Project Managers will continue to meet with U-M department representatives to ensure smooth transitions.

For more information on U-M Voice Mail and Exchange Voice Mail, see the Voice Mail Services page.

In addition, please contact ITCom at 763-2000 if you have any questions or contact your unit's Project Manager.