Communications and Productivity Service Project

Progress update - November 2025

Join the townhalls to learn about upcoming changes to Telephony Services  

Audience: Telecom and IT Professionals, CIOs, CISOs
Date: Thursday, Nov. 6
Time: 4:05-5 p.m.

The project officially kicked off Sept. 23, 2025.  Since the launch, the project team has been assembled, and work is underway to finalize the project charter. The team is focused on establishing a clear foundation for success through collaborative planning with our internal teams and customers. This initial phase will set the stage for detailed planning and execution.

Overview

Background

The Communications and Productivity Service consolidates multiple essential tools into a single, predictable offering. This initiative is designed to simplify agency operations, reduce costs, and align with statewide modernization priorities.

Starting July 1, 2026, Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) is introducing the new Communication & Productivity Service that will combine Microsoft 365 Enterprise Shared Tenant, Teams Telephony, and eFax into one streamlined monthly service per Microsoft 365 G5 license.

By transitioning away from the legacy Avaya PBX system, the project will establish a modern platform that improves flexibility, scalability, and service delivery across Washington state government. Implementing a future-ready platform will support statewide modernization and cost savings initiatives. This project will utilize OCM principles, communications and engagements to help staff and external customers prepare for and adapt to the implementation of project objectives with minimal disruption.

Vision

To modernize the organization’s communication infrastructure by transitioning to a modern platform that improves flexibility, scalability, and service delivery across Washington state government.

Project goals

Watch this space for future updates.

Key services

• Microsoft Enterprise Shared Tenant 
• Microsoft Teams Telephony 
• eFax 
• Long Distance 
• Workforce Identity and Access 
• Life-Safety PBX for $18.00 per license 
• WaTech Connect Contact Center (AWS service)

Specific service offerings and benefits

Watch this space for future updates.

Rate for Communications and Productivity Service