About Unity Voice Mail

• Why is Duke moving to a new voicemail system?
• When will my department begin using the new voice mail system?
• Are the basic menu options similar to the old system?
• Can I use the same password on the new system that I used on the old voice mail system?
• Will the voicemail access number be the same?
• Can I transfer a message from the old voice mail system to the new system?
• Can I transfer messages to individuals who are not currently using the Unity system?
• Will I be able to access messages on my old system?
• Is training on the new system available?
• What happens if I do not set up my mailbox?
• If I delete a message by mistake, is there any way to retrieve it?

Why is Duke moving to a new voicemail system?

After many years of service, our Octel and Audix voicemail systems need to be replaced.  We chose Cisco's Unity system because it offers what we had with the old system plus many new VoIP options for the future. In addition, everyone at Duke will now be on the same voice mail system.

When will my department begin using the new voice mail system?

A schedule of the migration to Unity voice mail for June 2008 is available online. We are in the process of contacting departments to schedule future migrations.

Are the basic menu options similar to the old system?

The basic menu options on the new system are not the same as the old system, but they are very similar.

Can I use the same password on the new system that I used on the old voice mail system?

Yes, when you setup your new mailbox, you will be prompted to change your password.  You can assign your old password if you like but it must be at least three digits long.

Will the voicemail access number be the same?

No.  The new access number is 613-MAIL( 613-6245). You can access voice mail from your office phone by pressing the message key or dialing 613-MAIL.

Can I transfer a message from the old voice mail system to the new system?

Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to transfer/forward messages between the systems.

Can I transfer messages to individuals who are not currently using the Unity system?

No.

Will I be able to access messages on my old system?

You will be able to access messages stored in your old voice mailbox for 30 days after you switch to the new voice mail system.

Is training on the new system available?

OIT will offer Q&A training sessions for each building during the rollout.  The training sessions will be posted online. You will also receive an announcment of the dates and times for your building as your cut-over  date approaches. 

Online training is available: Unity voicemail online tutorial (Requires iTunes U).  You may also request an OnDemand training for your department or small group. A request form is located online at: http://www.oit.duke.edu/help/training/ondemand_training.html

What happens if I do not set up my mailbox?

On the Unity system, you can receive messages in a mailbox that has not yet been set up.  When you access the Unity system the first time you will be prompted through the enrollment process. Messages received before you set up your mailbox have been stored and will be ready for your review.

If I delete a message by mistake, is there any way to retrieve it?

Yes. You may listen to deleted messages under the "Review Old Messages" option.  Deleted messages remain for 7 days before they are permanently deleted.