TOT answering service

[bencottrell]

we have a business line with TOT

we would like to offer callers the option

"for aaa press 1"

"for bbb press 2"

etc

does anyone have any idea if/how this can be set up?

thanks!

Ben

[MJCM]

They are called Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_voice_response

Someone will know everything (RichCor ?) about them and will surely respond

Edited December 4, 2015 by MJCM

[seedy]

Moved to IT and Computers for more chances of a reply

[RichCor]

Why does this always happen to me? says me, the clueless internet junkie

IVR, or Automated Attendant, are usually part of a PBX or Electronic Phone System.

Some 'phone companies' or 'providers' will offer this and other types of add-on services to business lines, or you can rent/lease or outright purchase a system for installation on-location.

How you do this really depends on your current phone system, how many phone lines, how many handsets, and what type of 'service features' you need.

Many companies will purchase a small 'Business Phone System' and subscribe to an 'incoming call rollover' service. All the calls first come into the Business Phone System and are routed to handsets, or voicemail if active, automatically or via the Call Attendant.

A person with only ONE business line might buy a high-end answering machine (or PC with Voice Call handling options) that can be used after hours to answer calls and 'prompt' the user to select a voicemail box to leave a voice message.

So as you may see, there are many variations that can be put into play for any given instance.

Some businesses are moving away from the 'physical' business phone system and moving to 'virtual phone system' (hosted by a company or developed and maintained in-house) that allows business calls to be routed to VoIP and Mobile Phones just as easily as in-building handsets.

When looking at 'Business Phone System' options, many people compare the 'features' to the 'cost' of installing and maintaining them:

Voicemail, Voicemail-to-email (as embedded mp3 link), Voicemail transcription

Call forwarding, Call transfer

Call recording

Call queues (...you call is very important to us, ...next available operator)

The option of both local and toll-free numbers

Interactive Voice Response (usually for automated order taking)

Interoffice instant messaging

Conference calling

Automated attendants (for call redirection, no receptionist)

Extension dialing

Ring groups (incoming call ring many phones so 'someone' can pick up the call)

Directory assistance (can verbally recite a name or department directory)

Internet faxing

Call reports (for monitoring use, or for billing)

Call monitoring

Missed call notifications

Integrations with popular programs, such as Microsoft Outlook, Salesforce and Google.

edit: ...and maybe a link to yet another Wikipedia article: Business Telephone System

...and after reading that, take a look at the future: Ooma Office

Edited December 4, 2015 by RichCor

[bencottrell]

HI RichCor

many thanks!

any companies that you can suggest in Thailand that coudl give further advice and/or installation?

We have only 1 line, and only need to options

1. for aa press 1 (routed to phone number a)

2. for bb press 2 (routed to phone number

thats all

thanks

[RichCor]

Automated Attendant, aka Virtual Receptionist or Automatic Call Distribution refers to answering, routing and holding calls (functions that might be done by human attendants).

Sorry to say there's no 'simple box' that I know of that would just provide you with a pre-recorded voice and then ring only the telephone handset the caller selected.

This 'feature' is usually only included in business-class PBX or Digital Phone Systems.

With only one incoming line and 2-3 users, desiring a phone system with some 'business-class features' like Automated Call Attendent, then your looking at a SMB (Small/Medium Business) Phone System. I don't personally know of any shops in Thailand that deal in this, but I know they have them, but they'll be mostly geared to LARGER businesses, with deeper pockets (or at least larger budgets).

Take a look at this AMAZON.COM website search for Business Phone System (7,625 results) and look for the 'bundled' multi-handset entries. There's a lot of 'systems' and pieces/parts out there, with systems ranging from Analog/Digital Proprietary Extensions (Desksets), IP Phones, VoIP Phones, ... to cloud-subscription phone service.

Companies like AT&T, RCA, Panasonic, and others make "IP PBX Phone Systems" that are inexpensive and easy to install that give you instant 'business phone' features.

They usually involve connecting your existing phone line (or lines) to a box called an an "Analog Gateway", then running CAT 5 Ethernet cable to each location you want a DeskSet (digital phone).

Which 'system' you might go with depends on your 'budget' and what feature sets / options, as well as Pros and Cons your willing to accept.

For instance, while many systems that provide Automated Attendant and VoiceMail run over USD $1000 for even a simple 2 Deskset system, I did found this a couple of AT&T Syn248 'bundles' listed that includes an "Analog Gateway" (the main controller) and 3 Multi-line capable IP-based Desksets for around USD $700 (TH ฿25,037). The description says it's practically a Plug 'n Play system, connect the main box and string a couple of standard Ethernet cables to each desksets, some simple (or not so simple) selecting of system preferences, and supposedly your done.

Take a look at the HelloDirect and Amazon descriptions/entries, and definitely read the Amazon comments!!!

You'll see that all these things have their Pros and Cons. But the Cons might not really affect you, at least not today.

Another 'bundle' might be this SB35010 Analog Gateway, a couple of SB35031 or SB35025 corded Desksets,

These TWO AT&T options, slightly different Deskset telephone handsets:

AT&T SB35010 + (2) SB35031 Full Featured Business Telephone System :: USD $438.32 (TH ฿15,678)

AT&T SB35010 + (2) SB35025 Full Featured Business Telephone System :: USD $411.79 (TH ฿14,729)

You'd probably do better to search "Analog Gateway business phone system" since you want something compatible with an ANALOG incoming phone line (CO).

And look for the words "Automated Attendant" in any description, since that's your main focus.