"Help Desk"--You Keep Using That Word. I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means

My college has been going through some technological "upgrades" recently.  What follows is from an e-mail that staff received the other morning.  Please note: Previously, to reach the IT Help Desk, one simply had to pick up any phone and dial 1234:

Good morning,

Last night the District Office was successfully converted to the new phone system, therefore, if you are contacting personnel here at the District Office from another site please dial “8” then the new 5-digit extension of the person. . . .

The District IT helpdesk is now at the new extension 16888. As always if you have questions please let me know.

So, the phone number went from 1234 to 16888--well, 816888, to be exact.  This, in California, is what passes for progress these days.