Modweb...no more desk phone?

So, we got briefed earlier today about the rollout of Modweb here in the West Mids next March to replace DII. The key highlight point appears to be the fact that the normal desk phones will be almost completely removed and replaced by a web-based Skype types system where everyone will have their own 'phone number'. The key point appears to be that in order to talk to someone in another section two things need to happen:
-You need to know the name of the person you are calling so as to find their number and..
-They need to be online at the time in order to receive the call.

Wait, what? That has been miscommunicated or misunderstood surely? In order to ring, say, Tmech or C4I I need to know the actual name of someone in the section so I can find their number AND hope they are on their computer when I call? This can't work in workplaces with shared PCs surely? We have 4 between 15 or so of us, I'd imaging there are sections/squadrons where the ratio is even bigger. This can't be happening surely?

 

[El_Boomo]

There will also be 'soft phones' which are exactly the same as current phones, but run through DII or Mod net or whatever. C4i, tmec etc will (should) still have there own number attached to this.

This is how it was explained to me anyway.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[E E E E E E E E AR]

So, we got briefed earlier today about the rollout of Modweb here in the West Mids next March to replace DII. The key highlight point appears to be the fact that the normal desk phones will be almost completely removed and replaced by a web-based Skype types system where everyone will have their own 'phone number'. The key point appears to be that in order to talk to someone in another section two things need to happen:
-You need to know the name of the person you are calling so as to find their number and..
-They need to be online at the time in order to receive the call.

Wait, what? That has been miscommunicated or misunderstood surely? In order to ring, say, Tmech or C4I I need to know the actual name of someone in the section so I can find their number AND hope they are on their computer when I call? This can't work in workplaces with shared PCs surely? We have 4 between 15 or so of us, I'd imaging there are sections/squadrons where the ratio is even bigger. This can't be happening surely?

It's MODnet.
It is Skype, which isn't web-based, the software is on your machine.

A percentage will retain 'proper' phones and then, as Boomo says, a percentage will retain actual IP desk phones. It looks like everyone will get headsets and a Skype number as well though.

Bit worried that people are only finding this out now. I'm feck all to do with any of it, but I've known this was coming for about 18 months now.


For those that have no clue what we're banging on about;
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolo...switches-to-the-cloud-as-microsoft-opens-fir/

 

[propersplitbrainme]

Skype running through the internet/intranet is what I meant, whatever its amounts to the same thing, in that its not a conventional phone.

Having desk phones makes much more sense now, albeit 'soft' phones or whatever.

Yes, we've literally only just found out about this. There's probably been something on the scrolling news on MOSS somewhere but its not something I automatically check when I get onto a PC, I'm normally just looking at emails and such like. And our hierarchy here are utterly hopeless at passing stuff like this down to use mere proles.

 

[StickyFingers]

I love it.

We have shared computers in our office too.

Guess I'll never be contactable by phone again.

No way am I putting someone else's headset on, germs or something.

I'll be a Modnet ninja

 

[Stevienics]

Fine. If you're talking to someone else on mod net. But what about real people outside?

 

[E E E E E E E E AR]

Fine. If you're talking to someone else on mod net. But what about real people outside?

You can dial outside, just as you can now, if you have level 0 access. They'll be able to dial in to either your Skype # or the soft phone. No different.

 

[busby1971]

These kind of systems can be great, either plug your own laptop in, if you've not lost it, or log onto a terminal and the phone becomes yours and people can find you, messages can normally be left and I'm assuming there'll be some form of messaging system built in to for quick comes (nobody treats emails as important these days).

Of course this type of thing is better for mobile workers, home workers or within a hot desk environment so someone working in a technical spanner turning environment won't really see the benefits.

Sent from my SM-T715 using Tapatalk

 

[ady eflog]

From our unit they are removing 98% of landlines and only leaving the odd emergency phone to phone the fire brigade because we dont even have one of them on camp either! Carnage will ensue. What about those who work in a Bay etc. laughable, even in my office as i type this, of 12 desks i'm the only one sat at a computer. I'm sure someone has just got a massive pat on the back for this or a seat on a board of directors. progress.....

 

[Tin basher]

Bit worried that people are only finding this out now.

I am only finding out about this "improvement to comms" from this thread. Like PSBM I have never ever been briefed by my local management on the system, implementation dates, access protocols, nothing, zip, zero dripped downwards to the proles comms what comms.

 

[Digzster]

I am only finding out about this "improvement to comms" from this thread. Like PSBM I have never ever been briefed by my local management on the system, implementation dates, access protocols, nothing, zip, zero dripped downwards to the proles comms what comms.

TB, you are an experienced military person, so the mushroom concept should surely not be new to you.

Be timely informed of changes that will affect you and your work method? You'll be wanting cheap accomm, duty free booze/fags in a nice sunny climate where nobody is shooting at you next! DT_Xtremez_28:

 

[techie_tubby]

From our unit they are removing 98% of landlines and only leaving the odd emergency phone to phone the fire brigade because we dont even have one of them on camp either! Carnage will ensue. What about those who work in a Bay etc. laughable, even in my office as i type this, of 12 desks i'm the only one sat at a computer. I'm sure someone has just got a massive pat on the back for this or a seat on a board of directors. progress.....

You are looking at this from the wrong side. If you are a person that gets phone calls everyday (I.e a clerk, safety cell, C4I) then you will probably also be logged onto MODNET everyday. I very rarely have a need to call SAC Bloggs on the line and if I do I leave a message with the trade desk because they are usually out on the line. Desk phones are an old technology that is no longer req'd. 90%of industry doesn't use them because there are easier and cheaper ways to do it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[propersplitbrainme]

You are looking at this from the wrong side. If you are a person that gets phone calls everyday (I.e a clerk, safety cell, C4I) then you will probably also be logged onto MODNET everyday. I very rarely have a need to call SAC Bloggs on the line and if I do I leave a message with the trade desk because they are usually out on the line. Desk phones are an old technology that is no longer req'd. 90%of industry doesn't use them because there are easier and cheaper ways to do it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Be interesting then to see how it works out for folks who aren't probably logged on to MODNET every day and who do have to call someone to speak to in person. I'm a bit skeptical of the 90% figure, sounds a bit plucked out the air but, well lets see how it pans out because we're getting it anyway

 

[PerArdonAdPollo]

Be interesting then to see how it works out for folks who aren't probably logged on to MODNET every day and who do have to call someone to speak to in person. I'm a bit skeptical of the 90% figure, sounds a bit plucked out the air but, well lets see how it pans out because we're getting it anyway

If you're logged onto the system (which you'll need to be, to call them), you'll be able to see if they're logged on as well. Then you've got the ability to drop them an email or IM, if they're not available.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[Space_Cowby]

The project has the aim move 95% of all phones from the existing copper TDM phones to a IP phone system.

This 95% is then split into

80% soft voice IP - This is users who use MODNet all the time and they will get a headset.

20% hard voice IP - This is a traditional looking phone but is connected to the network in a different manner. This is ideal for those buildings which have DII at present but say 10 staff and 1 DII UAD.

Both systems will be able to receive calls from outside. The soft voice will have the option of 'click to call' , this option is visible in communicator but is not activated.

The site will be asked to provide a proposed solution of TDM, Hard or Soft for every single phone line on site. If it not allocated to anyone it will be ceased.

The number you get on migration will stay with you for your career regardless of location unless the AD on the site raise a catologe order so that OC C4I always has same number regardless of person.

You will be able to find users by name or role in the GAL the same as now.

 

[gray]

If you're logged onto the system (which you'll need to be, to call them), you'll be able to see if they're logged on as well. Then you've got the ability to drop them an email or IM, if they're not available.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

We've been MODNetted on Beta, and it seems to work fairly well - now. Skype is also tied to your Outlook, so If you are in a meeting, it automatically shows you unavailable. The soft phones (headsets) work fine at the moment , and hopefully still will do, once everyone else comes online, we just have nobody else to talk to yet

Roles are appended to the user name, so it is still possible to still search for the role, but in the Department Field, in advanced find options.

 

[Talk Wrench]

We've been MODNetted on Beta, and it seems to work fairly well - now. Skype is also tied to your Outlook, so If you are in a meeting, it automatically shows you unavailable. The soft phones (headsets) work fine at the moment , and hopefully still will do, once everyone else comes online, we just have nobody else to talk to yet

Roles are appended to the user name, so it is still possible to still search for the role, but in the Department Field, in advanced find options.

How secure is Skype in all realities? There are companies out there who won't use Skype because the risk of industrial espionage is too high. Is it really a secure enough system for military use?

Sent from my Cyanogen mod OS phone using Forum Runner

 

[Space_Cowby]

How secure is Skype in all realities? There are companies out there who won't use Skype because the risk of industrial espionage is too high. Is it really a secure enough system for military use?

Sent from my Cyanogen mod OS phone using Forum Runner

Its Skype for buisness and all the apps are hosted in MOD / Atlas Data centres or in the new Microsoft Data centre in UK as reported by BBC a few months agao http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-37285667

 

[Barch]

Is this going to another ?

"We want a dog but will purchase a cat and modify it until it costs more and still doesn't work"

 

[Space_Cowby]

Is this going to another ?

"We want a dog but will purchase a cat and modify it until it costs more and still doesn't work"

Strangely no. The apps are pretty much straight out of the box, there is MOD consideration but not customisation. Its evergreen so when a software vendor releases a update we should get it within 90. Apple recently released IOS10, this is about to be release to the new Iphones in Defence.