VOICE MAIL FOR IP PHONE SYSTEMS
Most IP PBX telephone systems have built-in voice mail systems, negating the need for a separate system to install and maintain. However, there are a few IP PBX manufacturers that still rely on the old-fashioned separate voice mail server. This negates one of the main advantages of the new technology - consolidating the number of servers to buy and maintain. Plus, most of them use a Windows server - probably the single worst single telecom operating system available.

VOICE MAIL FOR TRADITIONAL PHONE SYSTEMS
The majority of traditional telephone systems come without built-in voice messaging capability. To add voice mail or attendant features to these systems, it's necessary to add a separate unit that provides these capabilities.  

VOICE MAIL SYSTEM FEATURES

AUTOMATED ATTENDANT
The automated attendant answers incoming phone calls and directs callers to dial an extension, access a directory or dial "0" for the operator.

VOICE MAIL
Voice mail records a digitized message and allows users to listen, save and forward a message.

AUDIOTEXT
This capability allows for informational mailboxes that can be played back by the caller. Businesses frequently use them for information on the business such as location, hours, etc.

* FAX MAIL
Fax mail allows each mailbox user to have an individual fax number, utilizing DID service. Users can retrieve fax messages by calling into the system and directing the fax to a local fax machine. This is great for people who are out of the office frequently. Sold on a "per user" or "per port" basis.

* UNIFIED MESSAGING
This enables users to see their voice mail messages on the computer screen, along with email messages and faxes. The idea is to have all forms of messaging concentrated in a single "inbox". You can then listen to voice mail through your sound-equipped PC. Typically sold on a "per client" basis.

* VOICE MAIL NETWORKING
This allows voice mail systems to be networked together so that one message can be recorded and distributed to users on different systems in geographical diverse areas. Typically sold on a "per client" basis.

* SPEECH RECOGNTION
This is a relatively new capability of voice mail systems, allowing callers to speak the name of the party they wish to reach rather than enter their extension number on the keypad of their phone. Typically sold on a "per port or per system" basis.