Communications Options and Ideas

Microsoft Teams Calls

Microsoft Teams Calls has all the functionality you expect from a traditional desk phone including hold and transfer, call forwarding, voicemail, and blocking unwanted callers.Ìý

Click the links below for video tutorials that will teach you how to make the most of Teams Calls.

Zoom

You can make ‘Audio Calls’ from Zoom – just turn off your camera.Ìý The software is free and ubiquitous.ÌýÌýSimply start a new meeting and send the link to your attendee(s).

Notes:

  • This is a great choice for communicating with just about anyone.Ìý
  • See the general notes below about using Zoom with Controlled Unclassified Information (¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵI).
  • Not for use when discussing ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵI or Export Controls.Ìý See below.

Personal Cell Phone Tips

The below are not recommendations, but options if you choose to use your personal cell phone for OCG business.

  • Forward your work number to your cell phone.Ìý
  • Hide your cell phone number when calling (dial *67 and then the number).
  • Other ideas can be found here:Ìý

General Notes and Caveats

Use a land line, cell phoneÌýor in-person meetings for:

  • Conversations concerning details related to controlled unclassified information (e.g. the actual data, anything marked ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵI by government, whatever is controlled).Ìý Do not use Teams or Zoom.
  • Conversations concerning details related to export control issues (what, who, technology).Ìý Do not use Teams or Zoom.
  • Google Voice should not be used for any work communication because of security concerns, per Scott Maize in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder’s Research Cybersecurity.