We offer a full range of design, analysis, and management of your voice and data communications needs.
Since the days before the breakup of Ma-Bell, business locations utilized line sharing
devices known as key sets, so multiple users could share a few local lines. As technology
progressed, larger Private Branch Exchanges were introduced, putting the initial
switching, prior to interface to the Public Switched network, on a business’s site.
Since then, both technological advances in microprocessors, enhanced features, and yes,
even legislation has changed the way PBX operators must run their piece of the network
puzzle.
Features such as voicemail, abbreviated dialing, accounting codes, high-speed network
access, headsets, automatic call distributors, least cost route guides, IP telephony
extensions via router interface, OPX extensions, and more are commonly available on
today’s PBX. Should you upgrade a 5+ year old PBX or keep what you have? The answer
is, it depends. An analysis of current functionality needs to be performed, relating
current capability with current needs and wants. If ACD functionality is needed, and the
PBX simply can’t be upgraded with software, chances are you’re in for a
“forklift upgrade”, meaning, replacement is required, likely the station wiring
as well if it doesn’t meet current standards.
New legislation: PS/ALI support is quickly becoming a requirement, and
will be come mandatory in all states. PS/ALI really comes into play where the PBX serves
more than one physical building. In short, if I dialed 9-1-1 from building A, then fainted
due to a heart attack, and the PBX is in building B, then the emergency dispatch location
would go to building B. (I don’t think it was the PBX that had the heart attack) The
FCC has established rules and regulations concerning PS/ALI support over the past few
years, and until recently, mainly due to a few states requiring compliance in 2001, few
have made the effort to comply. There is standing legislation in Illinois, Mississippi,
Washington, Texas, and Tennessee.
The Problem: Specific PBX and Centrex extension location information
is not part of the normal Automatic Location Information (ALI) database update process.
Special location information such as Room number, floor, etc. is not available for E911
call takers. PS/ALI provides a way to setup a web-based record that is tied to each
extension’s location, both in DID (Direct Inward Dial) locations and those without
DID service. The key is that each extension number, whether DID or not, has a unique
record in the PS/ALI database that describes the precise location of the caller.
Action required: Whether you act today or not, the decision is yours, but
as a PBX operator, you will eventually have to comply. As a public service, and as a
service to your employees or guests, this capability should be made common knowledge, and
touted as an “extra” service provided at no additional cost. Costs truly are
minimal, and can PS/ALI setup and ongoing maintenance can be handled in house, or
sub-contracted to a 3rd party, however, the PBX operator is the “owner” of the
switch, and is the “responsible party” when it comes to valid information.
In the business environment, people may move from this office to that, or just down the
hall, and as they move, they typically want their phone moved with them. As an additional
step in the Moves/Adds/Changes procedure document you likely have in-house, PS/ALI records
update needs to be made concurrent with the move.
Related information:
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Notices/1994/ntcc4002.txt
Copyright: Competitive Network Solutions, Inc. 2001. All rights reserved.
Click HERE for a second article on PS/ALI for businesses,written by David Parker 7/02
Click HERE for a PS/ALI questionaire if you would like us to research support for your site.
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