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NEXT GENERATION TELEPHONY SERVICE (NGTS)

A Next Generation Telephony Service (NGTS) is replacing the state’s legacy Centrex phone system. The NGTS introduces many new features that will help reduce costs and enable state employees to serve constituents more efficiently, such as Voice over IP, audio conferencing, and video conferencing.

Phone User Resources

End User Documents

Accessibility Resources

Quick Start User Guides

Training Materials

Audio Conference Resources

Reference Materials

Video Conferencing

End User Documentation

Video Conferencing Resources

New Hosted Video Service

Application Download

Telecom Coordinator Resources

State of Ohio Employee Emergency Notification Program

The state of Ohio Employees Emergency Notification Program is a multi-modal system for alerting employees, visitors and guests working or visiting state facilities of an emergency.  The wide array of notification options affords the state the flexibility to convey emergency information in the most appropriate manner.    Not all emergencies require all of the notification components to be engaged simultaneously.  Notification components may include:

 

Sirens, emergency lighting or public address systems via building speakers and/or state phone speakers

Text messages to your cell phone

Calls to your desk phone, cell phone or home phone

Email

Digital signage and/or banner messages

Desktop notification

VoIP Phone Display notification

Use of Informacast Mobile App

Social media

 

How can I receive notice?

By default, all employees will be entered in to the system with information regarding state owned devices only, including desk phone number, work email and desktop notification.  Public address systems and digital signage where apprriate will also be connected.  Employees can access the Informacast end user self-care portal by logging in to manage their information.  For non-state owned devices and addresses this is at the end users’ discretion and election, but is recommended to ensure that these important notices are received.  This data will only be used for emergency notification purposes.  Be sure to update your information if you change email, address or other information. 

 

What if I am not an employee?

State of Ohio facilities that use the Informacast Emergency Notification System may optionally provide an opt-in code for events, facilities or occasions that can be used by sending a text message an opting in per instructions provided at these events or facilities.  Optionally state entities with a social media presence may connect this system to their Facebook or Twitter account at their discretion to convey emergency messages, tests and awareness messages to reach external parties. 

 

Testing

Agencies should at a minimum conduct an annual test of these systems to ensure their operation and reach is aligned with their needs in this area.  Some may require a response so please participate in these very important tests to ensure you can receive notices when necessary.

 

What should I do if I receive a notice?

Be aware of your surroundings and take action to provide for your safety.  Follow the instructions provided in the message and/or additional information provided by your agency regarding emergency preparedness, and always follow instructions provided by emergency responders.  Share the information with others around you who may not have received the message.  Watch for additional notices.

 

Contacts

Questions? If you have additional questions, contact state.itstandards.manager@oit.ohio.gov.

NGTS Service? To discuss acquiring NGTS service, contact CBTS at IncidentsNGTS@cbts.com.