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Transitioning Voice Mail from Octel to Exchange

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Contact Information

If you have questions about the transition from Octel Voice Mail to Exchange Voice Mail please contact CSU Telecom.

Transition Timeline

The transition from Octel voice mail to Exchange voice mail (also called Exchange Unified Messaging) will take place during the first half of calendar year 2011. Automated migration processes should be finalized by early February.

  • Present - Central Exchange Users Transition to Exchange Voice Mail Individually: Octel users with Central Exchange accounts may transition to Exchange voice mail by submitting the Telecommunications Service Order Form.
  • Spring 2011 - Departmental and Unit Migrations: CSU Telecommunications will be contacting departments to assist with the migration process during the spring semester.
  • Summer 2011 - Complete the transition from Octel voice mail to Exchange voice mail

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Transition Overview

The transition from Octel to Exchange voice mail will vary depending upon the type of a voice mail mailbox being transitioned (user voice mail vs menu mailbox) and whether or not the user already has a Central Exchange account. The following information illustrates how Octel voice mail features relate to Exchange voice mail.

For Users with a Central Exchange Mailbox: Users with an existing Exchange account for e-mail and/or calendaring will have their Octel voice mail transitioned to their Exchange account. When a new voice message is created, an e-mail with an audio file attachment will be sent to the Exchange user. Optionally, users may dial 491-5500 to access their voice mail.

For Users without an Existing Central Exchange Mailbox: Users without Central Exchange accounts will have a voice mail only account created. Voice mail only mailboxes will allow people to access their voice mail either by dialing 491-5500 or via Outlook Web App (OWA). When using OWA, the 10-digit phone number (ex: 9704911234) is the username. The password is sent to the user when the account is created.

Migrating Octel Menu or Extension Mailboxes to Exchange Voicemail: Menu and extension mailboxes are available as Voice Mail Only mailboxes. Outlook Web App is used to configure menu options and greetings, and to access messages.

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FAQs

  1. Why is CSU transitioning from Octel to Exchange Voice Mail?
  2. Is there a charge for transitioning from Octel to Exchange Voice Mail?
  3. Will the transition to Exchange Voice Mail affect the Monthly Recurring Charge for voice mail?
  4. Will the messages and greetings I have saved in Octel automatically be moved to Exchange when my voice mail is transitioned?
  5. I have a Calendar Only Exchange account. Why aren't there any unheard voice mail messages when I call into Exchange even though I know that a voice mail message was left for me?
  6. My department uses a "menu mailbox" that answers calls with a recorded greeting which prompts users to press 1 to talk to John, 2 to Talk to Jane, etc. How will menu mailboxes be transitioned to Exchange Voice Mail?
  7. Can my Exchange Voice Mail account be configured to forward calls to a long distance phone number?

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Why is CSU transitioning from Octel to Exchange Voice Mail?

The Octel voice mail system will no longer be supported by the manufacturer after July 1, 2011. Most of the Octel functionality, including user voice mail and "menu" mailboxes, is available using Microsoft Exchange Unified Messaging services. Exchange voice mail has the added benefit of delivering voice mail messages via e-mail. The infrastructure to use and support Exchange voice mail is already in place and in use by a growing number of users.

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Is there a charge for transitioning from Octel to Exchange Voice Mail?

No. The activation fee is waived for those transitioning from the Octel system to Exchange Voice Mail.

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Will the transition to Exchange Voice Mail affect the Monthly Recurring Charge for voice mail?

No. Both Octel and Exchange voice mail are billed at $3.00/month.

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Will the messages and greetings I have saved in Octel automatically be moved to Exchange when my voice mail is transitioned?

No. Saved voice mail messages and recorded greetings will not be migrated from Octel to Exchange. Additionally, Octel voice mail messages cannot be forwarded to Exchange voicemail mailboxes.

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I have a Calendar Only Exchange account. Why aren't there any unheard voice mail messages when I call into Exchange even though I know that a voice mail message was left for me?

The most likely cause is that you had previously uploaded the rule named "outlook_calendar_only_rules.rwz", which automatically deletes non-calendar items (including voice mail) after they are forwarded to your first.last@colostate.edu e-mail address. If you want voice mail items and calendar items to remain in your inbox so that you can access voice mail over the phone, delete the existing rule and follow the steps at Import Exchange rule for Calendar-Only Account to Leave Calendar and Voice Mail Items in your Inbox to import a new rule.

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My department uses a "menu mailbox" that answers calls with a recorded greeting which prompts users to press 1 to talk to John, 2 to Talk to Jane, etc. How will menu mailboxes be transitioned to Exchange Voice Mail?

Menu mailboxes will be transitioned to Exchange Voice Mail using a Voice Mail Only account that has rules associated with to create the menu options. CSU Telecommunications will assist users with transitioning menu mailboxes to Exchange Voice Mail. If you have questions about a menu mailbox used by your department, please contact Telecom at (970)491-2140 or voicemailhelp@colostate.edu.

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Can my Exchange Voice Mail account be configured to forward calls to a long distance phone number?

No. A person with an Exchange Voice Mail account can use Outlook Web App to configure rules to automatically forward calls to a specified number but the system won't forward a call to a long distance number, if one is entered.

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