Teams Voice Devices

To streamline the process for departments and colleges to deploy Teams handset devices where needed, the Division of IT (DoIT) is adopting a strategy to allow CSU departments and colleges to purchase Teams handsets directly from vendors, if they’d like to. Doing so involves a cooperative approach for deployment and support of handset devices. Note that using a softphone, e.g., Teams on a computer, is the recommended platform for most Teams Voice use cases. 

If departments and colleges prefer to place an order for a device through the Division of IT, rather than going through the vendor directly, they can submit a Help Desk ticket to get started.

Responsibility of the purchasing Department/College

  • The device must be a Microsoft Teams Certified Device at the time of purchase and be a supported model (i.e, actively receiving updates) by the vendor while it is in use. DoIT recommends considering mid-range or better AudioCodes and Yealink devices. 
  • When the device arrives, the purchasing department will be responsible for updating the device to a current firmware/software version if needed. DoIT can assist with logging onto devices with a licensed Teams account if the device is at firmware version that supports authenticating with Teams.  
  • Teams handsets require a POE-enabled network port – note that you may need to initiate a Telecom service request to have POE enabled on a port.  
  • Devices that have reached their end of life and are no longer able to be updated must be taken out of service and/or replaced. 

Roles and Responsibility of the Division of IT

  • Telecom/DoIT will use Teams Admin center to push updates to handset devices quarterly (approximate). 
  • Endpoint Manager will be used to ensure devices meet minimum qualifications for accessing CSU resources i.e., minimum OS version, devices are not rooted, etc., via conditional access and compliance policies. 
  • DoIT will assist with issues related to a licensed person/account logging onto Teams handset devices. 

Device/Handset FAQ

  • Is a device/handset required to use Teams Voice?

    No, using a softphone, e.g., Teams on a computer, is the recommended platform for most Teams Voice use cases. Users can use the computer’s built-in microphone or purchase a headset to use Teams Voice without the need for a physical phone/handset.

  • Can I purchase devices for my department/college or do I still need to go through the Division of IT (DoIT)?

    You can now place orders directly with a vendor for desk phones that are native Teams devices. DoIT will continue to purchase and install Common Area Phones.

  • Can we still purchase a Teams handset from Telecom if we’re not interested in purchasing directly from an outside vendor?

    Yes, Telecom will do their best to provide interested departments with a device (pending availability) and assist in getting users up and running. Tier 1 support (after initial device deployment) will still be the responsibility of the department in question.

    Telecom offers the following handset models:

    • AudioCodes C435HD-R a native Microsoft Teams entry level/common area phone for $241
    • AudioCodes C455HD a native Microsoft Teams high-end executive business phone with a large color touch screen for $296
      • This device is also available as the C455HD‑DBW for $346, complete with a 5” color touch expansion module as well as dual band Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth for wireless headsets.
    • AudioCodes 450HD with Expansion Module a feature-rich, high-end executive phone for Microsoft Teams users with a high-res 5” color touch screen, expansion module and stunning sound for $196
    • AudioCodes C470HD a native Microsoft Teams Total Touch high-end business phone with a large color touch screen and full UC integration for $346

     

    To place an order for a device through Telecom, submit a Help Desk ticket.  A new workflow has been set up within the ticketing software to make the process easier.  Please note, if you would like the phone to be installed, there will be a charge of $72 per hour for Telecom staff to set up the device.

  • What support will DoIT provide for devices?

    DoIT will assist with logging into Teams handsets and issue firmware updates after the device checks into Teams Voice (via a successful login from a Teams user, room, shared mailbox, etc.) for the first time.

  • How often will firmware updates be issued?

    DoIT is targeting quarterly updates to device firmware, but an exact cadence is still being determined.

  • Are USB-jack phones considered a handset or a headset?

    USB phones are considered a headset peripheral device and as such they do not fall under the guidelines listed above for handset devices.

  • Who is responsible for ensuring the device has a sufficient, supported lifecycle?

    Local college/dept. administrators and subnet managers are responsible, just as they are for laptops and other hardware they purchase and maintain. DoIT will monitor the network for non-compliant phones. In the future, a policy may be implemented to prevent out-of-date, non-compliant phones from accessing the network. Formal notification will be sent prior to the implementation of such a policy.