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**Common Features & Terms**
Control Unit or KSU (Key Service Unit): In smaller business systems the control unit is commonly referred to as the "Brain" or "Main Box" of the system. The size of the control unit determines the maximum configuration. Most systems have a number in the name such as "StarPlus 616" or "Panasonic 308". These numbers usually refer to the maximum configuration size of the system although not always. The "616" would mean 6 incoming lines and 16 telephones. The "308" would mean 3 incoming lines and 8 telephones.

CTI: Computer Telephony Integration provides communication and coordination or operation between computers and the telephone system. One of the most significant standards in CTI is TSAPI or "Telephony Server Application Programming Interface". This was developed by Novell and AT&T. TAPI or "Telephone Application Programming Interface" is a desktop computer to telephone interface developed by Microsoft and Intel. Voice Mail Integration is another example of CTI.

DISA: Direct Inward System Access is a feature that allows outside callers to access all or some of the called systems features without the assistance of another person. This may include internal paging, making a call, or calling another extension. DISA is different than auto attendant.

DSS/BLF: A Direct Station Selector / Busy Lamp Field is usually connected to the receptionist telephone. It provides one touch calling to specific extensions and a visual indication of others using telephones within the telephone system. Some telephone systems only allow 1 of these.

Port: The term port means circuit. For instance, a 2 "Port" voice mail system has 2 circuits to handle call traffic. The number of ports on a voice mail system is directly related to the number of users that can be in voice mail at the same time. When the term "port" is used when describing a phone system it refers to the combined number of lines and extensions. An example of this would be the "Panasonic DBS 72". This system supports up to 72 total system ports.

Single Line Device: A single line device (also referred to as POTS - Plain Old Telephone Set) can be a fax, modem, cordless telephone, or an answering machine. If it can be plugged into a phone jack at your home, it is more than likely a single line device. Some telephone systems require specific hardware to support single line devices. Many voice mail systems connect to and communicate with a telephone system via the single line devices.

SMDR: Station Message Detail Recording is available as a standard feature on many phone systems. A connector on the system provides an output for system call traffic. SMDR may report inbound and / or outbound call information to include: station number, line / trunk number, time, date and length of calls. Call accounting systems utilize SMDR and add pricing based on the variables reported to allow for cost justification and disbursement of telecommunications expenses throughout the company. This information is provided as detailed, easily readable reports. Basic call traffic information can be read from raw or unprocessed SMDR output of the telephone system.

UCD: Uniform Call Distribution is a feature that allows incoming calls to be routed to a group of phones such as a sales or service department. It assures that calls sent to the group are dispersed evenly into the group. There is normally a log in / log out button on the sets within the group to allow a user to leave or re-enter the group. Some systems allow multiple UCD groups.

HF: Hands Free (Not to be confused with Speaker Phone). HF allows the calling party to go off hook, without lifting the handset, and then to dial the telephone number of the called party who answers the call. The calling party MUST pick up the handset on the telephone to talk with the called party. HF is sometimes used when calling Voice Mail Systems, Bank Systems and other Touch Tone accepting systems which requires the calling party to enter numerous numbers VIA the telephone key pad.