Telephone System Feature Glossary

• Call Forwarding: A feature that allows users to redirect incoming calls to another number, such as a mobile phone or voicemail, ensuring important calls are not missed.
• Voicemail: A system that records and stores audio messages from callers when the recipient is unavailable or unable to answer the phone.
• Conference Calling: Enables multiple parties to participate in a phone call simultaneously, facilitating group discussions and collaboration.
• Caller ID: Displays the caller’s phone number or name (if available) on the recipient’s phone before answering the call.
• Call Waiting: Notifies users of an incoming call while they are already engaged in a phone conversation, allowing them to switch between calls.
• Speed Dial: Allows users to assign a specific number to a single key or a short combination of keys for quick and easy dialing.
• Do Not Disturb (DND): Temporarily suspends call notifications and forwarding to provide uninterrupted time or privacy.
• Call Recording: Permits users to record phone conversations for later review or documentation purposes.
• Interactive Voice Response (IVR): An automated system that interacts with callers through pre-recorded voice prompts and touch-tone keypad responses, directing them to appropriate services or departments.
• Auto Attendant: A virtual receptionist that automatically answers incoming calls, provides menu options, and transfers callers to the appropriate extension or department.
• Call Queuing: Manages incoming calls during high call volumes by placing them in a queue until an agent becomes available to handle the call.
• Call Transfer: Enables users to transfer a call to another extension or outside number without interrupting the conversation.
• Call Blocking: Allows users to prevent specific numbers from reaching them, commonly used to block unwanted or spam calls.
• Call Monitoring: Permits authorized personnel, such as supervisors or managers, to listen in on ongoing calls for quality assurance or training purposes.
• Call Analytics: Provides detailed statistics and data about call volume, call duration, and other metrics to help businesses evaluate their phone system’s performance.
• Unified Messaging: Integrates voicemail, email, and other messaging platforms, allowing users to access all messages from a single interface.
• Call Screening: Gives users the ability to listen to incoming callers’ names or recorded messages before deciding to answer the call.
• Music on Hold: Plays recorded music or messages for callers placed on hold, reducing perceived wait times and enhancing the caller’s experience.
• Intercom: Enables direct communication between internal extensions or devices within the same phone system.
• Remote Access: Allows users to access and manage their phone system features and voicemail from external locations or mobile devices.

  

Remember, the specific features available in a telephone system may vary depending on the provider and the type of system being used. This glossary provides a general overview of commonly found features in modern telephone systems.