In order to assist you with the Microsoft Teams Calling transition, we have addressed several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below.
Why are softphones being favored over traditional desk phones?
Video Conferencing:
Softphones allow for video calls and conferences, making it easier for remote teams to connect and collaborate.
Presence Status:
Users can see the availability of others, enabling quicker and more efficient communication along with click to call without dialing a number.
Mobility:
Softphones can be used on various devices, including laptops and smartphones, allowing for on-the-go communications
When would someone be assigned a softphone instead of a traditional desk phone?
Individuals will be assigned softphones. Traditional desk phones will be assigned to locations where multiple users would use the device and the phone would never change locations, such as common area phones, or classrooms.
Why has Purdue elected to change PFW’s phones to Microsoft Teams calling?
PFW’s current phone system is Avaya, which is an older platform that has caused significant issues in the past. Moving to a cloud-based calling platform provides reliability and new functionality for users.
How does the upcoming Ft Wayne Microsoft Teams Tenant migration into West Lafayette’s tenant impact Microsoft Teams calling?
Calling functionality will be rolled out to the West Lafayette tenant, with the Ft Wayne tenant slated to migrate to the West Lafayette tenant in October. Until the migration is complete, users may need to log into both tenants to access other areas of Microsoft Teams.
Will my phone number change?
No. Your Ft Wayne number will remain the same.
What happens with my current Avaya desk phone?
Your current phone will continue to work until your number has been moved to Microsoft Teams. After the migration, your desk phone will no longer function. Instructions will follow on how to properly dispose of your old Avaya phone.
If you have a current headset that you use for video calls on your computer, that same headset will work with Microsoft Teams calling. If you require a new headset, please talk with your manager.
What is the timeline for implementing Microsoft Teams calling?
We are targeting full rollout of Microsoft Teams calling for the Purdue Ft Wayne campus by the start of the Fall 2025 semester. Our target is the end of July 2025.
Is Faxing supported via Microsoft Teams?
No. Alternative solutions for faxing are being investigated.
Will “short number” dialing, aka 5-digit dialing, be supported?
No. Users will have to dial the full 10-digit number in Microsoft Teams. Purdue staff can be called from the Teams directory without traditional dialing.
I make international calls as part of my job. Can Teams support international calling?
If your position requires international calling, an international calling license must be assigned to your account. Create a service ticket at service.purdue.edu to make the request. Only users that need international calling as part of their position will get international calling licensed to their account.
Does Microsoft Teams calling support 911 dialing and location detection?
Yes. Microsoft teams will attempt to detect your physical location to your floor and list the address within the app. If the detected address is incorrect, you may overwrite the location manually.
What about the Northwest and West Lafayette locations? Will they be migrating?
Yes. Timelines for these locations have not yet been determined, but we will be migrating these locations to Microsoft Teams calling as well, likely Summer 2026.
