I have a need for a telephone answering device that will greet the caller, play a short generic menu message, and then route calls to specific handsets or to voicemail, depending on what the caller inputs. You've heard the system... "press 1 for sales, press 2 for accounting, etc."
Who are some of the providers of such equipment? I'd do a google search...except I don't even know what to call the dang thing...
I believe your local provider can set you up with that service. It's more of a service than a device.
You can do it with Supervoc on your PC with a modem. Mine came as a freebie from US Robotics with a modem.
Is it a piece of equipment that the user has?
It is a "system" like that which my neighbors use, so calls are routed to their proper location whether it is in the same building or a different city.
I called Granger the other day, and all the lines were busy so the call was automatically routed to a granger office in the next closest city. If the lady hadn't mentioned she was not where I called, I never would of known. OF course, I was calling to find out where they were, and I knew I was in for some fun when she said " right here!"
I do it all via a program on my computer, but almost any of todays phones have built in digital voicemail capability, with multiple malboxes. Check out Ebay.
If you're a do-it-yourself kind, you can set up an asterisk
You need a PC running linux (though I've heard someone has ported it to Windows) and as many cards/modules as you want extensions/incoming lines. If your business is big you can even go to PRI/T1 lines if you want.
For a 1 phone line, 3 extension system you'd need 1 PC running linux $500 or less 1 TDM400P with 1 FXO module and 3 FXS modules $313 1 Acquisition, installation, configuration of asterisk $0/your time
I use mine mostly to talk with relatives who use softphones on their PCs (which are free and free to use) and for those who don't I use a VOIP provider (currently I'm using nuphone.com and iconnecthere.com).
It takes a bit of work, but it's quite versatile and can handle a large number of calls. People use these boxes for calling card systems.
-- John
I believe your local provider can set you up with that service. It's more of a service than a device.>
no - actually you can buy phones with multi-level answering systems
I had one a few years ago - until it died...
Just shop at one of your local electronic stores - and tell them what you are looking for...not a phone - but a multiple "in box" answering machine.... here is one with four boxes
So, because you can buy a phone like that it follows that your local provider cannot set you up with that service? Or were you saying it's as much a device that you can buy as a service you can buy?
What I (as the original poster) was looking for was a system by "Voice Logic" called the Voice Pro 206. It will handle two incoming lines and 6 extensions. Auto Attendant will instruct the caller to dial "10" for the shop, "15" for the residence, "20" to send a fax, or whatever I program. Once the caller dials "10" for the shop, they will hear another recording, with another menu to leave a message, hear some recorded data, or maybe even get me to pick up the call.
I found it on eBay....
Now all I gotta do is re-wire the house and shop for the phones. ;>(
So, because you can buy a phone like that it follows that your local provider cannot set you up with that service? Or were you saying it's as much a device that you can buy as a service you can buy?>
I'm saying it doesn't HAVE to be done with a local phone service (for which they charge dearly around here... for business purposes...) Buying a multiple "in box" answering machine is more efficient... that's all... Cheryl DRAGON BEADS Flameworked beads and glass
Why would you say he needs a pbx (private branch exchange) to do that? Little of an overkill don't you think?
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