Case Study: Clark Atlanta University achieves a 50% reduction in support costs and modernized communications with Unify

Clark Atlanta University Improves Organizational Communications And Cuts Support Costs By 50 Percent.

Clark Atlanta University (CAU), a historic Atlanta institution serving undergraduate through doctoral students, faced an end-of-life legacy PBX that couldn’t handle surges in call volume (notably during federal financial aid inquiries) or support modern collaboration needs. With costly service contracts, constrained budgets, and a need for integrated voice, SMS and messaging across campus, CAU required a flexible, future-proof communications solution that improved call management and reduced operating costs.

CAU implemented Unify’s OpenScape suite (OpenScape UC Server, OpenScape Voice, OpenScape UC Application and Contact Center) with Black Box Network Services, migrating to IP phones and a phased deployment that preserved existing analog endpoints as needed and enabled integration with Microsoft services. The project delivered enhanced caller ID and call-center responsiveness, projected a 50% reduction in annual support costs and a projected 10% boost in call-center satisfaction, while providing a scalable, standards-based platform for future needs.

Clark Atlanta University