Unified Communications
School district staff can stay connected with easy to use collaboration tools for real-time communications. The WNYRIC based service includes Instant Messaging (Chat) and Presence Awareness to allow use of the most effective tool for the task at hand, quick text chats can answer simple questions or can be escalated to group chats, or an online meeting. Instant Messaging:< Full function instant messaging (chat) and presence awareness including file transfers, screen capture, group chat, and mobile device use. Gateway:alternate way to connect your own online communications system to collaborate with colleagues participating in the WNYRIC Unified Communications service.
To promote collaboration and communication, districts in the Lotus Notes service may utilize the WNYRIC Unified Communications server with their Lotus Notes embedded Sametime entitlement for administrative staff at no additional cost for text chat and presence awareness only. This entitlement does not include mobile device use or multiple communities.Additional features require participation in the Unified Communications service and vendor licensing. Instant Messaging/Chat and Presence Awareness: Great for a quick response to a short, simple question. Messages are time stamped and automatic spell checking is available. You can invite another person to the conversation, send a screenshot or file, or add emoticons.See the online availability of contacts using status icons, indicating whether someone is in a meeting, offline or available for communications from web pages, emails, contact lists, etc. You can even determine whether the person is on a mobile device by the icon displayed.Set and view online presence indicators and use enterprise instant messaging from your desktop, laptop, Apple, and mobile devices.See the online availability of contacts using status icons, indicating whether someone is in a meeting, offline or available for communications.Communicate with WNYRIC staff and staff from other districts that are members of the service.
- A customizable template will be provided for end-user documentation.
- Additional training is available if needed.
- The Gateway service will allow instant messaging and presence awareness with the WNYRIC and the districts participating in the Unified Communications service from unified communication systems (major vendors such as Cisco’s Jabber, Microsoft’s Lync, IBM Sametime) gateway devices.
Vendor license for entitlement is required as a separate service or districts in the Lotus Notes service may utilize the WNYRIC Unified Communications server with their Lotus Notes embedded Sametime entitlement for administrative staff at no additional cost for text chat and presence awareness only.
The district must designate a Unified Communications Administrator and technical contact for implementation planning and communications between the WNYRIC and the school district. Any change in contact person should be provided to the WNYRIC.
The district must provide identities of users to be included or removed. Automated user updates from District network directory will be used whenever possible.Districts using Lotus Notes embedded client must notify the WNYRIC of any changes to the software version used.Districts may be required to update end user client software for problem resolution or new features.
The WNYRIC will maintain server at RIC location, including system software, security and back up.
The WNYRIC will provide a customizable documentation template for end users.The WNYRIC will provide the client software and installation assistance.
The Unified Communications server equipment is located in a secure data center equipped with 24x7 monitoring and backup power supplies.Staff follow best practices in order to provide necessary security as it relates to the most recent student data security and privacy regulations.
The WNYRIC utilizes cost effective best practices determined by research that allows our experienced and trained technical staff to perform robust testing and support of the WNYRIC network in the areas of security, infrastructure, energy management, virtualization strategies, disaster recovery and business continuity. Therefore, we are able to be a district advocate for vendor contract issues and aggressively negotiate contract pricing and performance terms.
Staff follows best practices in order to provide necessary security as it relates to the most recent student, teacher and principal data security and privacy regulations.
Service Desk can be reached Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by calling (716) 821-7171, 1-800-872-0780, by email at servicedesk@e1b.org, or via live chat by clicking here. A representative will be available from 4:30 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. to assist you with calls regarding emergency situations. During all other hours and holidays, a caller will receive important information regarding coverage.