Case Study I-3 VoIP Adoption at Butler University
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Teaching Note on Case Study I-3
VoIP Adoption at Butler University
Objectives
This case is intended to help students gain an understanding of the complexities involved in choosing and
implementing new technologies, with a focus on a VoIP communication technology investment.
Students will be able to:
Discuss the potential benefits of the trend toward convergence of voice and data.
Identify the key criteria used for selecting the new IT solution.
Overview
Butler University is a private liberal arts college, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. More than half of its
4400 students live on the 290 acre campus, which is comprised of 5 colleges and 20 buildings.
Prior to 2005, Butler University had utilized an outsourced voice and data solution A Centrex system
with call switching provided by SBC, and a Centigram 640 system, which provided voice mail service.
Case Study I-3 VoIP Adoption at Butler University
The Dietrich Lockard Group was contracted to help determine how a new system could be beneficial. A
needs analysis was conducted using surveys, interviews, and focus groups, and a list of key criteria was
developed, which included the following:
Improve communications with the students and within the student community, including the
allotment of private voice mails.
Questions for Discussion
1. What were the primary reasons for changing the current system?
while
2.
r of roles during the decision-making and implementation process,
though they were assisted by various consulting partners and key business users throughout the entire
project. IR would also be responsible for choosing these strategic partners and ensuring that key users
were participating in the project.
Case Study I-3 VoIP Adoption at Butler University
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3. What were the roles of the vendors?
above. First, Dietrich Lockard Group was called upon for assistance in researching and conducting a
4. List objectives of the pilot. Were any problems encountered?
The following were the primary objectives for the pilot program:
Test the new technology
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5. Do you think Butler made the right decision to utilize this new technology? What implications
does this -run?
IR made the right choice to hire a strategic partner (Dietrich) to help with the implementation decision.
any