The district Cisco VoIP telephone system gives employees two main ways to make and receive calls on their district phone number: a physical desk phone or a software-based phone (the Cisco Jabber application running on your computer). A third option, the Jabber mobile app, lets you use your district number on your personal cell phone. This article explains the differences so you can pick the one that fits how you work.
The short version
- Choose a desk phone if you sit at one desk, manage more than one phone line, need speed-dial buttons, need to see whether a colleague's line is busy, or you use a personally owned computer.
- Choose the Jabber soft phone if you move between locations with a district laptop, want your phone to travel with your computer, or prefer a headset over a handset.
- Add the Jabber mobile app if you need to call students or the public from your cell phone without revealing your personal cell number.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Desk phone | Jabber soft phone (computer) | Jabber mobile app (cell phone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone numbers supported | 8841: up to 4 lines. 8851: up to 5 lines, or up to 37 with a side-car module. | More than one number, which lets ACD staff use both their personal and ACD numbers. | One number only. |
| Make and receive calls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hold, transfer, conference | Yes (conference up to 17 participants) | Yes | Basic calling only — place and accept calls |
| Speed-dial buttons | Yes — physical buttons plus up to 99 numbered speed dials | No — use the Jabber contacts list instead | No — use the Jabber contacts list instead |
| Busy Lamp Field (see if a colleague is on a call) | Yes | No | No |
| Instant messaging and presence | Available through the Jabber app on your computer | Yes | Not covered by district documentation |
| One-to-one video | Available through the Jabber app on your computer | Yes | Not covered by district documentation |
| Works away from your office | No — forward the line instead | Yes, with an internet connection | Yes, with a cellular or Wi-Fi signal |
| Audio device | Built-in handset and speakerphone | Computer speaker and microphone, or a USB headset/handset | Your cell phone |
Important things to know before you choose
Everyone gets Jabber, even desk phone users
The Cisco Jabber application is available on district and college owned computers regardless of which phone type you use. If you have a desk phone, Jabber still gives you instant messaging, presence and one-to-one video, and it can dial a number for you while you hold the conversation on your desk phone.
One phone type per employee
The district standard is one phone type per full-time employee. You do not normally receive both a desk phone and a soft phone.
Part-time faculty
Your office will have a phone. If you have a college-assigned computer you may choose between a desk phone and a software-based phone. If you use a personally owned computer, you will be provided a desk phone. Whether the office phone is assigned to you personally — which determines whether voicemail also arrives in your email inbox — is up to your college. Contact your Dean.
Wireless network quality
The Jabber soft phone works over Wi-Fi, but you may hear drops in the conversation. The district wireless network prioritizes instructional data traffic over voice. A wired connection gives better call quality.
Headsets and speakerphones
Departments are responsible for purchasing headsets and handsets for use with the soft phone. ETS recommends choosing from the Poly headset range. Most other USB headsets will work, but ETS cannot test every option. USB Bluetooth adapters are not recommended.
If a purchase exceeds the current technology/peripheral threshold for Procard purchase or reimbursement, pre-approval from the Vice Chancellor of Technology is required. An email to the Vice Chancellor requesting permission before purchase satisfies this requirement.
For conference calls with several people in your office, a USB speakerphone gives much better results than a computer's built-in speaker. The recommended device is the Poly (Plantronics) Calisto 600 series.
ETS has a limited number of USB speaker devices available in addition to headsets and handsets — submit an ETS Request for Help to ask.
Accessibility options
- Hard of hearing: Jabber provides instant messaging and chat on your district computer, no matter which phone type you use. Volume is adjustable on the desk phone, the soft phone, and USB headsets and handsets.
- Visually impaired: ETS will work with you directly on options. Submit an ETS Request for Help to start that conversation.
- Distinct ring tones: If you have more than one number on your phone — for example your own line plus a main department line — you can set a different ring tone for each so you can tell them apart.