Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Bureau of Communication and Computer Services (BCCS)
Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Bureau of Communication and Computer Services (BCCS)
  Governor Pat Quinn
  
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Illinois Department of Central Management Services
 
 

BCCS Services

 

Voice Communications - Audio and Web Conferencing

Audioconferencing, also known as a teleconference, links participants by telecommunications on a voice conference bridge. Parties are assigned a telephone number to dial in to the conference bridge and, for security purposes, enter an assigned passcode to be joined into the voice conference over the Public Switched Telephone Network. The audio conferencing contract also provides for web conferencing (also know as web-casting) that allows users to collaborate with other participants - online and in real-time - to share documents, and illustrations to participants.

Customers benefit from using audio and web conferencing in the following ways: Large numbers of participants in multiple locations can simultaneously be provided information and hold discussion. Travel time and expense can be greatly reduced. Rapid set-up and availability of stand-by 24 x 7 conference bridges allows for emergency meetings and response to emergency situations. Participants can experience team-building without restriction on time and location.

BCCS telecommunications services are available to all state agencies, boards, commissions, universities, offices of the Illinois House and Senate, and Constitutional Officers.

What is Included? What You Should Expect?
How Can You Help? Need More Information?
Service Order Information Rates [PDF, 46KB] Download PDF Reader

What is Included?

Standard Offering

  • 24 x 7 x 365 Audio conferencing services (for making reservations and hosting calls)
  • Instantaneous bridge availability, per minute rates apply.
  • Toll-Free and Caller-Paid dial-in options.
  • Non-Operator-Assisted bridges
  • Bridge reservations available for Dedicated and One-Time Only use
  • Standard accommodation of 50 participants, unlimited call duration, unless otherwise specified.
  • Accommodation of up to 125 participants may be requested by the Host at the time the bridge is created.
  • Accommodation of 126 to 200 participants requires AT&T Conferencing Center assistance, call duration up to 24 hours.
  • Host touchtone commands to control added touchtone features.
  • Reservation and scheduling for Auto Dial-In conferences can be made via telephone and internet. Operator Assisted conferences can only be made via telephone.
  • Assigned bridge and pass code numbers for secure connections.

Non-Standard Offering

  • Instantaneous bridge availability, additional per-minute rates apply
  • Cassette and/or CD Recording
  • Digital Tape Replay
  • Electronic Polling and Voting
  • Moderator Q&A
  • Operator Facilitated Bridges (operator announces and joins callers)
  • Operator Dial-Out Bridges (operator calls and connects participants)
  • Participant List
  • Transcription
  • Translation
  • Web-EX (web conferencing)
  • Hosting over 200 participants

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What You Should Expect?
  • Telecommunications Service Intervals: Target Timelines [PDF, 29KB] Download PDF Reader
  • Conference Specialist available for troubleshooting during calls.
  • Clear audio quality
  • CSC Communications System Specialists (CSS) are dedicated to providing price quotations and low-cost alternatives, clarifying order information, monitoring order status, and updating billing information. They also help with the analysis and development of the appropriate product and service mix to fulfill specific short and long term customer needs.
  • Integrated ordering, inventory, and billing in a shared database accessible to customer Telecom Coordinators to enable service order tracking, usage reporting and billing review. Customer Telecom Coordinators also receive automatic Service Bulletins announcing changes in equipment offerings, price, and procurement procedures.
  • Automated agency billing - included in monthly call detail provided by CMS Business Services.
  • A single point of contact for reporting and monitoring repair and maintenance issues through successful resolution.
  • Coordination of training in the efficient use of products and services.
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How Can You Help?
  • Advise participants in advance of the date, time, dial-in information, and planned duration.
  • Multiple users in one location should be encouraged to join the conference bridge using a speaker telephone in a shared location to eliminate multiple dial-ins.
  • Ask participants to speak naturally and identify themselves while speaking. Participants should "mute" their phones when not speaking.
  • For six participants or less, Centrex users in Springfield and Chicago are encouraged to take advantage of the basic, no-cost conference calling feature available through the State's Centrex service (please see BCCS Telephone/Voice Service page for more information) to avoid Audioconferencing costs.
  • Perform a routine review of billing errors, underutilized service, special features and equipment.
  • Provide a designated agency contact and related contact information for BCCS to interface with when needed.
  • Perform an annual reconciliation to ensure accurate assignment.
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Need More Information?
Price quotes: Find your CSS 
Repair & Other questions:  Customer Service Center (CSC)
In Springfield: 217-524-4784
Other locations: 800-366-8768 (follow prompt selection)
Or: BCCS web site
Billing Questions:  CRF Billing Help Desk: 217-524-9369

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Service Order Information
  • Reservations for service are made directly with the vendor.
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  • Reservations:
    		• Customer Service Center (CSC)
    In Springfield: 217-524-4784
    Other locations: 800-366-8768 (option 2)
  • The CSC offers a handbook for agency Telecommunications Coordinators:
    		•
  • For additional questions or information on the ordering of telecommunications products and services, visit the BCCS web site.
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State of Illinois
Central Management Services