Worcestershire-based telecommunications firm Armstrong Bell has provided a new telephone system to South Bromsgrove School, improving connectivity across the school and enabling it to exploit new technologies.
Replacing a costly and inflexible ISDN system, Armstrong Bell supplied and installed a hosted VoIP solution complete with a package of features and benefits to support the school's internal and external communications.
With 150 staff and 1,300 students, the school required a local supplier that could provide a system that was easily adaptable, would provide advanced call handling features and one that would exploit the school's existing high-speed broadband connection.
Janet Lines, facilities manager at South Bromsgrove School, said: "Phones are an important service that we have to have, and our old ISDN system was archaic. Every time we wanted to make a change, such as someone's name on the system, we had to have people come in to do it, making maintenance of the system slow and expensive. We needed something that would allow us to make use of our high-speed internet connection, introduce voicemail for all staff and allow us to use headsets - something our previous system didn't support."
The system has put control of the phones back in the school's hands through an online portal. The addition of an auto attendant allows messages to be put onto an automated system, passing information to pupils and parents when they call. Phones can also be moved across the site, allowing for a phone to be set up wherever there is access to a data point. Integration with Microsoft Outlook allows for users to make calls directly from their computers.
William Copley, MD at Armstrong Bell, said: "Being local to the school really gave us an edge. We were able to visit the school, provide training and support, and demonstrate the system to them before they committed.
"Our team worked closely with the school's facilities and network managers to provide a smooth transition to the new system, keeping downtime to a minimum. A team of three Armstrong Bell engineers installed the system out of school time and we provided a full day of training for staff on the first day back."