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Innovative Communication Solution for Teachers College, Columbia University
Technology Category
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Middleware, SDKs & Libraries
Applicable Industries
- Buildings
- Education
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
Use Cases
- Autonomous Transport Systems
- Smart Campus
Services
- Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
Teachers College, Columbia University, the oldest and largest graduate school of education in the United States, was facing challenges with its legacy PBX system. The college was looking for a solution that was agile, lightweight, and cloud-based, eliminating the need for expensive, site-based hardware. The new system needed to provide flexibility and the ability to offer new services faster without worrying about significant capital expenses. A key requirement for the new phone system was compatibility with Google, as the college is a Google Apps for Education customer. The college also needed a solution that would support mobility, given that it runs master’s degree programs in Singapore and China, and its faculty travels globally. Additionally, the college wanted to leverage the new system to improve campus safety.
About The Customer
Teachers College, Columbia University, founded in 1887, is the oldest and largest graduate school of education in the United States. With a student population of 5,300, the college has been at the forefront of education for nearly 130 years. It has leading faculty members in areas such as student engagement, nutritional requirements of learning, gun violence, and cognitive learning. The college runs master’s degree programs in Singapore and China, and its faculty travels all over the world. The college is also a Google Apps for Education customer.
The Solution
The college chose RingCentral as its new phone system due to its cloud-based nature, customizability, mobility, and integration with Google. RingCentral is part of the 'Recommended for G Suite' program, selected for its high security, reliability, and quality of integration with Google business tools. This integration allows for easier collaboration among users, enabling them to click from an email and have a phone conversation or join an online meeting. RingCentral’s support for mobility was another reason for its selection, as it would cater to the college's global operations. To improve campus safety, the college customized RingCentral using its API. RingCentral Professional Services set up the system so that when any phone on the RingCentral account dials 911, a text message is automatically sent to the campus security officer on duty, allowing them to reach the site without delay.
Operational Impact
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